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* VINCEET'S 

UNITED STATES REGISTER: 



a work ix Trnicn 



THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS OF EVERY HALF-YEAR OCCURRING- 
IN THE UNITED STATES 

ARE RECORDED, EACH ARRANGED UNDER THE DAY OF ITS DATE. 



THIS VOLUME CONTAINS THE 

EVENTS TRANSPIRING BETWEEN THE 1ST OF JANUARY AND 
1ST OF JULY, 1860. 



EDITED AND PUBLISHED BY 

fraxcis Vincent. 



: Tlie Story of our Lives from Year to Year." 



PHILADELPHIA: 
PUBLISHED BY FRANCIS VINCENT, 

No. 50 NORTH FIFTH STREET. 



• 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1SC0, by 

FRANCIS VINCENT, 

in the Clerk's Office of Jhe District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of 
Pennsylvania. 



PREFACE. 



The author of this has long thought that there was a necessity for a work 
which should preserve the incidents of the day (" the story of our lives from year 
to year") in a form in which they could he conveniently used for reference. 
There is now nothing save the newspapers in which they are recorded. These 
are merely intended for the day, and, in nearly all cases, are destroyed soon after 
they are perused. But, even when preserved, their inconvenient form, the absence 
of an index, and the general arrangement of their matter, preclude their use for 
the purposes for which this book is intended. 

To supply this want, the author will issue, every six months, the following 
work, which he has denominated Vincent's Semi-Annual United States 
Register, — the present volume of- which commences with the 1st of January, 
1860, and contains a notice of the events occurring in the Union between that 
date and the 30th of June. The next volume will commence with the 1st of 
July, and end with the 81st of December; and so on, — each book commencing, 
in its proper rotation, with either the first day of July or of January, and ending 
with the last day of June or of December. 

This work is designed to be what its title imports, — an historical record of the 
events occurring every half-year in this country, each event being placed under 
the day of its occurrence : so that the reader, by reference to the index, can 
readily find any event occurring during the half-year. 

The plan of the work is as follows. In it will be recorded, arranged as be- 
fore stated, losses of life by accident or violence ; deaths of men of mark, with 
biographical sketches detailing the principal events of their lives, — " so that a 
good man's name may outlive him half a year;" the deaths and sketches of the 
lives of Revolutionary heroes, who are dropping away one by one; also of all 
centenarians and of those who have become prominent for good or evil before the 
public; meetings and adjournments of State Legislatures, and laws passed by 
them of interesting or singular nature; proceedings of State conventions, results 
of State and city elections, and all matters of interest appertaining to State 
Governments; important decisions of courts of law; bequests for public pur- 
poses ; failures of banks and individuals, where the amount involved or the cir- 
cumstances attending them render them of public interest; defalcations, forgeries, 
and robberies of a similar character ; all duels ; all affrays of men of such high 
position as to render their occurrence strange and startling to the community; 
all wrecks of vessels and loss of life at sea ; all losses of steamboats on our rivers ; 
all fires where property is destroyed to the value of over eight thousand dollars ; 
all offences against morals, attended with crime, where they have become of 
world-wide notoriety by publication in the press, and which, from the position of 



4 PRETACE. 

the parties, are of such an aggravated and strange nature as to require recording 
to show the manners of the times ; together with every other incident of any 
description that is of national interest and necessary to show the complexion of 
the age, — the design being to give a separate history of every important trans- 
action occurring in the Union. The proceedings of Congress are not given, since 
they are inserted at length in the " Congressional Globe;" but the principal bills 
are noticed under the date of their passage. In future volumes, however, a 
synopsis of Congressional events will be inserted. 

The arrangement of these matters is as follows. All events, when the clay of 
their occurrence was known, are inserted under that date. When the day was 
not known, the day of its first public announcement is given, and the name of the 
paper (if any particular one) as authority. When the date of such announce- 
ment could not be ascertained, the event is placed under the general heading of 
" Events transpiring in the Month, the date of which could not be ascertained." 
Events occurring abroad, in which American citizens were the actors, but which 
were not known in the United States until after the expiration of the year in 
which they transpired, are also placed under the day on which they were first 
announced here, as are also the events occurring in another year, provided they 
were not made known until this. 

The author believes that this collection of incidents will prove of great benefit 
to all classes of citizens. From the transactions of the past we judge of the events 
of the future. Upon this history of our lives is based the greater part of our legis- 
lation. From these follies, accidents, and crimes, which our laws are intended to 
prevent, we can judge whether our enactments have met with good or ill success, 
by the greater or less number of these acts registered. Here the events of a 
great country are brought together in a focus where they can be compared one 
with another. They will show that the incidents of real life are stranger than 
fiction, that the wildest imaginations of the novelist are equalled, — nay, surpassed, 
— in strange and startling incident, by the events occurring daily around us. 
Through every page, by the mere simple relation of fact, there is warning to 
every one, — a lesson to all who are criminal or careless. 

The author has taken particular pains to be correct ; yet he cannot flatter him- 
self that his work is free from error. There may also be crudeness in the forma- 
tion of some of the sentences relating the circumstances ; for he has not felt him- 
self at liberty — unless the rules of the language were too notoriously violated — to 
alter the expressions of the sources from which he obtained his information. 
His great aim has been to set forth truly the events of the day without reference 
to elegance of language. 

In succeeding volumes he intends to give an epitome of foreign as well as of 
domestic events, so as to make the book a complete history of the half-year. The 
author hopes in every succeeding number to make some improvement, and to 
render each succeeding volume more acceptable to the reader. 



VINCENT'S 
SEMI-aMUAL UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, I860. 

Fife in Cincinnati. — This day, in that 
city, the warehouses on Walnut Street, occu- 
pied respectively by James Bradford & Co., 
McGowan & Sharp, and Hawks & Berkshire, 
grocers, ami Daniel Mills, liquor-dealer, were 
destroyed by fire. Loss, $30,000, which was 
partially insured. 

Death op a Revolutionary Soldier. — 
This day John Hewson, a soldier of the Revo- 
lutionary War, died in Philadelphia. Mr. 
Hewson was an Englishman by birth, having 
been born in London in 17-3G. He emigrated 
to the United States when very young, and 
joined the American army, serving through 
the entire struggle. He was in the battles 
of Princeton, Trenton, Germantown, and 
Monmouth. He was in the American camp 
at Valley Forge, under General Washington. 
At one time he was captured by the British, 
but was subsequently released. Mr. Hewson 
was a oalico-printer, and was the first who 
came to this country, where he established 
himself after the war in the calico-printing 
business. We believe that he received the 
first gold medal for manufacturing calico ever 
given in this country. In the course of his 
business career he amassed a considerable 
sum of money, but lost it during the financial 
panic of 1837. 

A New-Year's Gift. — This day a wealthy 
citizen of Buffalo performed the ceremony of 
giving New-Year's presents in a peculiarly 
handsome manner. Each of his four chil- 
dren received five thousand dollars, and seve- 
ral other friends began the new year with 
significant pieces of blank paper in their 
respective wallets. 

Dreadful Death on the Prairies. — Lost 
and Frozen. — A Mr. Mackenzie this day met 
his death on the prairies of Minnesota under 
the following distressing circumstances, the 



account of which is extracted from "The 
North- Wester," published at the Red River 
settlement : — 

A party, including Mr. Mackenzie, started 
from Georgetown, at the mouth of the Buffalo 
River, to cross the prairie to Fort Larry. 
They started December 23d, taking mules. 
The latter gave out in three days, distance 
only half done, and provisions getting short. 
Here they were helpless, in the heart of a 
vast, dreary, unknown prairie, in a cold, 
bleak month, far beyond the reach of all 
sympathy and aid, with starvation staring 
them in the face. 

On Thursday, the 29th, Mr. Mackenzie 
resolved to reach Pembina, and send back 
succor. The engineer accompanied him. 
The day was cold and stormy, and a bitter 
blast from the north drove them back. They 
all camped together that night near Pine 
River, about fifty miles from Pembina. In 
the morning Mackenzie started again alone. 
He had a presentiment that he would not get 
through. He wore but one thin coat, and 
was lightly clad throughout, wishing to be as 
little burdened with clothes as possible, as he 
intended to run most of the way. A bit of 
pemicam, the size of his fist, was all his food. 
On Monday morning David Tait pushed ahead, 
and reached Pembina the same evening. Mr. 
M. had not been there. 

Two men were sent, and they fell in with 
the remnant of the party shortly after mid- 
night on Tuesday, and, after supplying their 
urgent needs, went off in search of Mac- 
kenzie. AVednesday they came upon traces 
which brought them to his corpse. After 
leaving his companions, he seemed to have 
followed the trail for a considerable distance, 
and then to have lost his way. Night came 
upon him, and, bewildered by the growing 
darkness and the drifting snow, he made to- 
wards a clump of trees, with the intention, 
probably, of kindling a fire. If such was 
his object, he seemed to be unable to accom- 
plish it ; and his beaten track showed that, 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



to keep himself from freezing, lie had spent 
the hours of that lonesome night in running 
round in a circle. 

With the break of day, he again started 
across the trackless waste, every step that he 
took carrying him farther and farther from 
the spot -which he was straining every nerve 
to reach. Another weary day of fruitless 
travel was followed by a second night even 
more dreary than the first. Again he had 
managed to stave off what he must have felt 
to have been the hour of his dissolution, by 
long hours of ceaseless activity. A third 
day's journey brought him towards Lac des 
Roseaux. Here he attempted to run round 
as before ; but the strength and courage 
which had heretofore sustained him now for- 
sook him. 

He dragged his tired footsteps through the 
loose suow towards a tree, from which he 
plucked a branch and hung thereon a shred 
of his tattered coat, as a signal to mark his 
dismal resting-place; he next tore off an- 
other branch of the same tree, which he 
placed as a pillow for his cold bed, and then 
laid upon it his weary head and died. His 
right hand was on his heart, and his left 
hung by his side, firmly holding a compass. 
The body gave indications of having under- 
gone great suffering. Some portions of it 
had been frozen and thawed many times in 
succession, before death intervened and re- 
leased it from further anguish. 



MONDAY, JANUARY 2. 

Murder in Georgia. — This day John W. 
Walker, overseer, shot John Owens, merchant, 
dead at Waynesborough. The sheriff', with 
a posse, in attempting to arrest him, met 
resistance. He shot Walker dead, and also 
fatally wounded his wife and child. 

Fire. — This day the large flouring-mill at 
Jerseyville, Illinois, was destroyed by fire. 
Loss, §18,000 ; insurance, §3000. 

Female College Burned. — At Hernando, 
(Miss.,) the Female College this day was 
burned to the gi-ound. The fire originated 
in the apartments occupied by a young lady 
boarder as a bedroom, about eleven o'clock at 
night, and made such rapid progress that a 
portion of the scientific apparatus and part 
of a very valuable library were consumed. 
Several of the young lady pupils — so fierce 
was the conflagration — were somewhat in- 
jured by the flames; and the Principal had 
his hands severely burned in endeavoring to 
remove the furniture, &c. from the building. 
A large quantity of clothing belonging to the 
pupils, the furniture, &c, was burned ; and 
the loss cannot fall short of $15,000 or 
§20,000. 



The Kansas Legislature met at Lecomp- 
ton this day, and immediately adjourned to 
Lawrence, notwithstanding that Governor 
Medary asserted in his message that they 
were required to meet at Lecompton. 

Arrival of a Slaver. — A rakish, full- 
rigged brig arrived at Charleston (S.C.) this . 
day, from the coast of Lower Guinea, after 
a passage of forty davs, in charge of Lieut. '< 
11. M. McArann, Midshipman N. H. Farqu- 
har, and ten marines and ten seamen of the 
United States Navy. She was taken on the 
21st of December last, after a twelve hours' 
chase, by the United States ship Constel- 
lation, Commodore Inman, the brig then 
being on the coast of Guinea, about sixty 
miles northwest from Kabenda. She dis- 
played no colors, and no papers have been 
discovered on her. It is thought, from in- 
formation obtained from the sailing-master, 
who had command of her when taken, that 
her name is the Delicia, a Spanish vessel 
built in Barcelona some twenty-five years 
ago, and at present rather old, but a fast 
sailer. She sailed from Sagua-la-Grande, in 
the island of Cuba, in September last, and 
in crossing the ocean for the African coast 
stood well to the north. She had been hove 
in near the land for several weeks previous 
to her capture, and, it is believed, was in- 
momentary expectation of embarking a cargo 
of six hundred negroes when she was taken. 
No money was found on board. A slave- 
deck, boiler for cooking, and all the neces- 
sary appliances were found ready for imme- 
diate use. The captain or supercargo was 
on shore when the brig was taken ; and he 
was consequently not captured. She had a 
crew of thirteen men, in addition to her 
officers, all of whom appeared to be Span- 
iards. The men were put on board the Con- 
stellation, but the first and second officers 
have been brought to Charleston in the brig. 

Terrible Case. — A Woman Burned and 
Eaten by Rats. — In the basement of a 
tenant-house in New York, a woman who 
had, on the 1st of January, sent for a pint 
of gin and locked herself in her room, not 
having made her appearance, the room was 
this day broken open by the landlord, and 
she was found lying where she had died that 
night in her debauch. But the vermin had 
devoured her eyes and nose; her arm and 
side were burned to a crisp by the stove ; 
her body was a mass of corruption. 

Frozen to Death while Intoxicated. — 
This day David Basset, of Calais, (Me.,) 
started from Squirrel Point for home while 
intoxicated, and was frozen to death on the 
way. 

Fell Overboard and Drowned. — This 
day, from the ship Mountaineer, on her 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



voyage from New Orleans to Liverpool, 
Samuel Russell, a seaman, aged about 
twenty-eight years, said to belong to New 
Haven, (Conn.,) fell overboard and was 
drowned. 

Meeting of the Ohio Legislature. — 
This day the Ohio Legislature organized. R. 
C. Parsons was elected Speaker of the House. 

The Governor's Message was mainly con- 
fined to State affairs. He recommended the 
re-enactment of the laws repealed at the last 
session, prohibiting slaveholders kidnapping. 
He condemns all inroads into other : 
and attempts to excite servile insurrection, 
but thinks the whole blame should not fall 
on the free States. Ohio has been frequently 
entered for the purpose of kidnapping, and 
the fugitive-slave law executed uuder circum- 
stances of great aggravation. Her citizens, 
travelling in slave States, on mere- suspicion, 
have been subjected to espionnage, indignity 
of arrest, and imprisonment. Still the peo- 
ple of Ohio hold fast to the Union, and will 
neither dissolve it herself, nor consent to its 
dissolution by others. 

The California Legislature this Dat 
Met. — Philip Moore (of the Weller and Gwin 
interest) was chosen Speaker of the House ; 
• and that branch of the Legislature had 
agreed to the Senate's resolution to meet in 
joint convention. The political complexion 
of the Legislature was as follows: Demo- 
crats, Ho; anti-Lecomptonites, 8; Republic- 
ans, 3 ; and old-line Whig, 1. 

Suicide in Philadelphia. — This clay, in 
that city, Anna Rebecca Harrington, aged 
twenty-one years, who resided, it is alleged, 
in a house of ill-fame in Pine Alley, commit- 
ted suicide by swallowing an ounce of lauda- 
num. The deceased procured the poison at 
a neighboring drug-store, and when she re- 
turned to her residence, where several of 
her degraded associates were in waiting, she 
deliberately poured it into a tumbler, and 
with the remark, "Hei'e's luck, girls," she 
swallowed the whole at once, and sat down 
to die. Her companions tried to persuade her 
to takp salt as an antidote, but she refused. 
Medical aid was summoned, but the woman 
resisted as long as she could an attempt to 
remove the laudanum, and she died at three 
o'clock. Deceased was a witness in the case 
of Gorman, charged with the murder of the 
sailor Anderson, which took place in Ball 
Alley on Christmas Eve ; and it is said that 
threats had been made to kill her if she re- 
mained and testified against the accused. 
Some of her friends suppose that the fear of 
the threat being carried into execution in- 
duced her to put an end to her life ; but it 
was, no doubt, mainly due to her degraded 
condition. Alderman Moore, acting for the 
coroner, held an inquest on the body, and 



the jury rendered a verdict of suicide by 
taking laudanum. 

Desperate Affray in San Felipe, Texas. 
— Two Men Killed. — A letter in the "Galves- 
ton News," describing the following desperate 
affray which took place this day, says, "A 
desperate fight occurred at the school-house 
in this town. The aldermen and Mayor met 
for the purpose of transacting business, and 
a dispute arose about selling a tract of land 
which was claimed by John Bollinger. Some 
words passed, when the parties drew their 
pistols and commenced shooting, and John 
Bollinger and Thomas Penice were shot dead 
by W. Cook, who had one of Colt's revolvers. 
Cook was also dangerously wounded himself. 

"This is the first murder which has oc- 
curred in our town for ten years; and it is to 
be hoped the like may never happen again. 

" Cook has long been known as a desperate 
man; and it is to be hoped that, if he reco- 
vers, he will be brought to justice. John 
Bollinger leaves a wife and several children 
to mourn his loss. Mr. Penice leaves a wife 
and many warm friends." 



TUESDAY, JANUARY 3. 

Dreadful Calamity in New York. — Six 
Lives Lost by Fire or Suffocation. — Nar- 
row Escapes. — This day, about half-past five 
o'clock, a fire broke out in a small grocery- 
store on the first floor of the building No. 
203 Division Street, owned by Christiana 
Schlosser. The New York papers say it 
appears that Mrs. Schlosser lighted a cam- 
phene lamp and placed it upon the counter in 
the store, and that during her absence in the 
basement the store took fire, it is supposed, 
by the bursting of the lamp. The building 
is a four-story brick double tenement-house, 
containing two families on each floor. 
When the alarm of fire was given, the occu- 
pants of the house were all in bed. The 
smoke soon penetrated to the hall- way, and 
became so dense that all chance of escape by 
the street-door was cut off. Mrs. Schlosser 
and her three children escaped uninjured. 
Her stock and furniture are totally destroyed. 
Loss, about $600 : insured for $800 on the 
furniture and groceries, in the Rutgers Insu- 
rance Company. 

The following is a correct list of the occu- 
pants of the buildings, and the number in 
each family, and the names of those whose 
lives have been thus suddenly taken from 
them by this sad and heart-rending acci- 
dent : — 

Building No. 203. — First floor, grocery 
and dwelling of Mrs. Schlosser; herself and 
three children escaped. Loss on furniture 
and stock, $600 : insured for $800. 

Second floor, family of Charles Feidler, 
four persons: all escaped by jumping out of 
the window. Mr. Feidler badly hurt on leg. 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jah. 



TMrd floor, family of Robert Burns, self, 
ife, and five children. They all escaped to 
e roof except Emily, a child of five years 
' age, who was suffocated. Her body was 
ken to the station-house. 
Fourth tloor, Mrs. Nolan and son: escaped 
the roof. 

Building No. 203J. — First floor, occupied 

a meat-market by J. 0. Smith. Loss, 

: no insurance. 

Second floor, family of Marcus Nathan, 

insisting of self, wife, and live children. 

■ of his children to the 

of and told them to remain there. He 

en returned for his wife and other children, 

it on entering the room, he found that they 

id jumped from the window to the sidewalk. 

moment he heard the two children 

s had taken to the roof calling for him. 

ley had followed him back into the building 

id were suffocating with the smoke. He 

ent in search of the children, and was not 

in until his lifeless body and th se 

Idren were taken from the ruins by 
e firemen. 

Third floor, family of Moses Gr 
insisting of six persons. They all escaped 

f except the boy Leab, agt 
or years, who in the darkness and confu- 
[>n was lost. He was suffocated. 
Fourth floor, family of Andrew Cosgrove, 
x persons in all. They made their escape 
. An old woman aged about fifty 

aed Mary Dwire, who was stopping 
ith the family, was sufi'ocated. Her body 
is taken to the station-house. 
The building is owned by L. B. Eeed. It 
damaged about $2000, and is not insured. 
The deceased were taken to the Seventh 
recinct station-house, where Coroner Schir- 
er held au inquest upon the bodies, and the 
uy rendered a verdict of " accidental death." 

Union Meeting. — This day a very large 
trion meeting of the friends and lovers of 
itution and the UnioD, of the cui- 
us of Mason and the adjoining counties in 
entucky, as well as those of Brown and the 
Ijacent counties in Ohio, irrespective of 
irty politics, was held at the court-house 
- • ■ express, in a pro- 
;r manner, devotion to the Union as it now 
lists, and a determination to stand by and 
istain it at all hazards and under all cir- 
imstances. 

Death from Suffocation. — This day, 
[urray and his wife, two respect- 
ive colored persons, aged about sixty years, 
ere found dead in their bed in the colored 
■ttlement of Small Gloucester, near Swedes- 
wro', N.J. They had retired to bed the 
ight before, which was very cold, and had, 
} doubt, lighted the charcoal to warm the 
)om. They appeared to have died without 
struggle. 



Buried. — This day General J. B. Blanche 
was buried in New Orleans. He was a dis- 
tinguished citizen of that city, and was con- 
spicuous at the battle of New Orleans. The 
survivors of the War of 1812 followed him tc 
the grave. 

Abolishing Slavery. — The Legislature 
of Nebraska this day passed the bill to abo- 
lish slavery in that Territory. It was vetoed 
by Governor Black. 

The Pennsylvania Legislature met this 
day, and organized in the Seuate by the elec- 
tion of officers by the following vote: — 

For Speaker — Wm. M. Francis (Opp.) 20 

Jacob Turnev (Deni.) 11 

For Clerk— Russell Errett (Opp.) 20 

Wm. H. Miller (Dem.) 11 

In the House, 98 members of the 100 
answered at roll-call. For Speaker, Messrs. 
W. C. A. Lawrence, (Opp.,) of Dauphin, and 
Henry Dunlap, (Dem.,) of Philadelphia, were 
placed in nomination, and a ballot, being had, 
resulted as follows : — 

W. C. A. Lawrence (Opp.) 

Henry Dunlap (Bern.) 

Governor Packer sent in his message, which 
presented a comprehensive view of the Com- 
monwealth, financially and otherwise. The 
receipts into the State Treasury were 

: the expenditures, § 
the available balance, $839,323. Part of the 
expenditures was the payment oi 
of the public debt. The funded and un- 
funded debt of the State was .t 
Deducting the bonds received for the sale of 
the public works, and the debt of the Com- 
monwealth was $27,397,961, on which inte- 
rest was paid from the ordinary sourc 
revenue. The public debt was decreasing at 
the rate of a million of dollars a year ; and 
the Governor looked forward to the time 
when the State Government could be provided 
for without a tax on real or personal estate. 
To do this, however, economy in the admi- 
nistration and the maintenance of the pre- 
sent sources of revenue were necessary. The 
Sunbury and Erie Railroad, having complied 
with the conditions of the law, had two mil- 
lions of the canal bonds issued to it and one 
million of the mortgage bonds ; 147 miles of 
the road were in practical operation, 
miles were graded, and 4-1?, were to be graded. 
Attention was called to the fact that the 
Pennsylvania Railroad withheld $350,405 due 
the Commonwealth on the tonnage tax, the 
company contesting the constitutional right 
to impose it. The Governor thought that, as 
the contract was one voluntarily entered into 
by the company under the charter granted, 
it cannot now turn around and deny the right 
of the State to impose the tax while the com- 
pany was enjoying the benefits of the char- 
.1 that the Commonwealth will not 
willingly yield her demand for revenue from 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



that source, until fully indemnified for the 
pecuniary injury sustained to her own pro- 
perty by her liberality to the company. The 
public . the State contain 

pupils, and 11.485 schools with 14.071 teach- 
ers. The entire cost of tuition, including 
PbiUdelphi • |2 47,661, and the entire 
cost to the State of the system for the year 
An increase of the annual 
school appropriation to each count 
thought worthy of the consideration of the 
•;. ?. The Farmers' High School was 
also faTorably spoken of. The State Library 
confab __ • . . - - £ 

library in the Union, except New York. The 
Governor renewed his suggestions in regard 
-tern, — his opinions remain- 
ing n -ince his former message. 
He e . Us i r laws to protect the 
public moi.ey from loss by the adoption of a 
safer : eeiving, keepin. 
bursing the public money, the main reliance 
now ag being the integrity of the 
State The commissioners to re- 
the penal code made their first report. 
The t _ from class legislation are 
again referred to, and omnibus bil - 
nounced vei nable. The Governor 
also 1 if the Federal tariff was 
revised, incidental protection w 
forded the mining and manufacturing inte- 

Murder. — In New York, this day, John 
Howe stabbed Thomas Clare, at 143 Leonard 
Street, so that he died six days afterwards. 

GrRi ? hsonbb by Her Lover. — This day 

- . e was a beautiful 

girl, of Wey luced 

and i - is supposed, by her lover, 

G. F. Herse 

Sexte>: ■:td to be Hanged. — In Bo 
ton. N.J.. Philip Linch, the man who killed 
Coulton. at Bordentown, about three months 
since. and found guilty, and was 

sentenced to be hung at Mount Holly on the 
23d day of March. 

Death ero:>i Exposure and Want. — In 
Philadelphia, this bert Glenn, col- 

ored, ag?d forty years, was found dead in a 
shed, in WhiteDread Street, Third Ward, in 
which he and another colored man I 
The place afforded a very poor shelter, and 
Glenn. I been sick for some time, 

had no medical or other attention. Hi3 
death was attributed to exposure and want 
by the coroner's jury. 

Mcbder in Philadelphia. — This day An- 
drew Johnson, a deputy constable atta 
to Alderman McMullin's office, in the Fourth 
Ward, in that city, was stabbed in Currant 
Alley, below Locust Street, between one and 



two o'clock in the morning. Speaking of this 
matter, the Philadelphia "L 

•• It appears from the testimony, that the 
deceased met a woman, named Anna John- 
son, about half-past twelve o'clock yesterday 
morning, at Eighth and Walnut S 
accompanied her to a house occupied by her, 

1 226 Currant Alley, and that a diffi 
occurred between them soon after getting 
into the house, during which, according to 
the statement of Anna Johnson, the dec 
struck her over the head with a billy two or 
three times, with such force that she re- 
mained insensible for some time, and 
awaking found the deceased and a man 
named William Burke fighting. AJ 
gling for some time, they got into the street, 
where the noise attracted the attention of 
Officers Wood and Hunter, and as they ap- 
Lied the house, saw three men fighting 
in the street : but before reaching them, one 
of the combatants fled up an alley between 
two houses in Currant Alley. The oth 
continued to fight, and remained clinched 
until they reach-: Street, when the 

_ - came up and separated them. C 

took charge of the deceased, and 
Hunter the man who was fighting with him, 

bo proved to be a young man n 
Bishop Butter. Both were taken to the 

ion-House : and on th 
thither deceased told Officer Wood that he 
had been stabbed by William Burke, and had 
him. The wounded 
man reach ion-house in a 

in consequence of a great 
of blood, and Dr. Hooper was sent for. and 
on his arriving he found Johnson in a 

:he lieutenant was sed 

to take him to the hospital : before doing 
which, an ef 

man to take the dying deposition of John- 
son. While waiting, officers were sent to 
the house of Anna Johnson, and she and 
William Burke were taken into custody, the 
latter having been found in a bed in the 
third story of the house, and conveyed to 
the station*. The lieutenant, failing ; 
the services of an alderman, administered 
the oath to the wounded man. in the pre- 
sence of the two male prisoners, several offi- 

nd the doctor, who had informed 
Johnson that he could not Eve. 
stated, after the oath was administered, that 
Burke was the man who stabbed him. and 
that Bishop Butter was the man that helped 
to beat him. Johnson then pointed c 
two prisoners as Burke and Butter. I 
then said. ' Do you say I stabt e 
which Job 

cease 1 med the Eeuten 

. while in Ann; 1 , 
house, of tw 

be for two dollars was found i 

j upon the floor. 
..ken to the h. 



10 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



about three o'clock, -where he died in fifteen 
minutes, and while Dr. Reed was dressing 
his wounds. Johnson was stabbed in the 
left arm and in the back ; two of the 
wounds, near each shoulder-blade, were 
very deep, and in one a blade of a pocket- 
knife, about I!. 1 , inches in length, was found 
imbedded in the flesh and entirely con- 
cealed by blood and the skin. In removing 
the blade such force was required that the 
doctor was of the opinion that the point had 
been forced into the vertebrae. Upon search- 
ing the house of Anna Johnson, yesterday, 
a knife was found in the fireplace in the 
second story, in which there was but one 
small blade, — the large one having been 
forced from the handle by the breaking of 
the rivet. The blade and handle were ex- 
hibited to the coroner's jury, and there 
seemed to be no doubt upon the minds of 
any but that the blade had once belonged to 
the handle found in the house. A pistol, 
without any handle, but in such a condition 
that it. could be used, was found in a lied in 
the same room ; but there was no appear- 
ance about it to indicate that, it had been 
fired. The wash-bowl in this room, and 
also in the room on the first floor, were 
found to contain a good deal of blood ; there 
was also blood on the floor, and on the 
blinds, wall, &c. This blood, Anna John- 
son stated in her testimony, came from the 
wounds on her head which had been in- 
flicted with a billy in the hands of the de- 
ceased. No blood was found on Burke 
when arrested, and when discovered in the 
bed he was fully dressed, witli the excep- 
tion of one boot. Butter, the other pri- 
soner, had blood on his hands and clothes, 
which lie said he got while struggling witli 
the deceased. Anna Johnson, who keeps 
the house, is a stout woman, of Irish ex- 
traction, about forty years of age, and not 
very good looking. She stated before the 
coroner that Butter boarded with her, and 
that he had a key so that he could get into 
the house at any time. As to Burke, she 
knew nothing about him, and did not know 
how he got into her house that night, as he 
was not there when she left, nor did she see 
either him or Butter until she had reco- 
vered from the effects of the blows upon her 
head with the ' billy,' the supposed one 
having been found under the stove. Her 
testimony was rather contradictory through- 
out, and threw no light upon the cause of 
the difficulty between herself and deceased, 
or the fight with the other men, as she did 
not see the commencement or ending of it. 
The testimony of the witnesses before the 
coroner corroborated the statement as given 
above in every particular. 

"Anna Johnson's residence has long been 
under the eye of the police as a panel house, 
and on several occasions warrants have been 
issued for arrest of Anna Johnson, at the 



instance of parties who complained of being 
robbed while in the house and afterwards 
kicked out by a man who always managed 
to get in immediately after the robbery. 
William Burke, one of the accused, is about 
28 years of age, unmarried, and is locked 
upon as a fancy man, living without, any 
apparent means or performing any labor. 
Bishop Butter, the other, is about 30 'ears 
of age, also unmarried, and well known to 
the police in the First Ward, where Le for- 
merly resided. He has often been before 
the court, and, about two years ago, was 
convicted of stealing cattle. The deceased 
was about 30 years of age, and unmarried. 
He was rather stout, and very muscular." 

The Pittsburg (Pa.) Municipal Elec- 
tion took place this day. The Republicans 
elected George Wilson Mayor, by 680 ma- 
jority ; Bussell Erretl, Controller, by 400 
majority ; and William Eichbaum, Treasurer, 
by 1000 majority. They also elected '■'•'J, 
members of Council, anel the Democrats 9. 

The Oswego (N.Y.) Municipal Election 
took place this day. The Republican ticket 
was elected by 250 majority over the Citi- 
zens' ticket. 

The New Hampshire BErur.LieAx Con- 
vention met at Concord this day. It was 
largely attended, anel the proceedings were 
harmonious. Governor Goodwin was re- 
nominated. 

The New York Legislature met at Al- 
bany this day. The Senate elected Bepub- 
lican officers by a vote of 23 to 7. Mr. 
Littlejohn was elected Speaker of the House 
on the first ballot. 

The message of Goveimor Morgan was 
read in both Houses of the Legislature. 

On referring to the slavery question, he 
says New York still maintains the opinions 
she always helel in reference to this evil. 
She yields to none of her sister States in 
devotion to the Union. She emphatically 
disavows all sympathy or co-operation with 
those misguided men who have sought, un- 
lawfully, to interfere with the institutions of 
any of her sister States. 

He concludes by referring to slavery in 
the States and Territories as follows : — 
Yielding cheerful obedience to the doctrines 
of State sovereignty, having no disposition 
(o interfere with the local institutions of the 
States, prepared at all times to aid those 
States in the preservation of their sovereign 
power, the people of New York, while al- 
ways enforcing their views in a legal, peace- 
ful, and constitutional manner, will not 
surrender the right to participate in the 
reformation of this or any other evil in 
the administration of the General Govern- 
ment. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



11 



The Florida Legislature. — Sanded Cot- 
ton. — This day the Select Committee ap- 
pointed by the Florida House of representa- 
tives to consider the circular of the New 
York Chamber of Commerce, calling the at- 
tention of planters to the great increase of 
sanded cottons, report that they believe the 
complaints this year have been without 
foundation, and recommend to the Chamber 
a thorough investigation as to the mode of 
selling cotton in New York, and that steps 
be taken to compel the commission mer- 
chants there to sell each planter's crop on 
its own merits, as the surest remedy not only 
for sanded cottons, but to prevent one 
planter defrauding at the expense of another. 

Returning to Slavery. — A short time 
since a worthy colored man, of Lynchburg, 
Va., known as John Christian, was set free 
by his master, Rev. William H. Kinkle, but, 
becoming dissatisfied with his extended lib- 
erties, he this day, in the Hustings Court, 
returned himself to his master, the deed of 
freedom being annulled on his motion. 

Fire in Baltimore. — This day the store 
of Trust, Sickle & Co., dealers in fancy goods, 
•was burnt. Loss $10,000. It was insured. 

Schooner cut through by the Ice and 
Iunk. — This day the schooner Magnolia, 
tritli an assorted cargo, from Boston, bound 
Lo Richmond, was cut through by the ice 
and sunk iu James River. 

Defalcation of the Maine State Trea- 
BURER. — This day it was discovered that B. 
D. Peck, the Treasurer of Maine, was a de- 
faulter to the amount of $115,000. The 
Governor and Council notified the banks 
having the State deposits to pay no checks 
drawn by him. Before filling that office he 
had been a clergyman, and editor of a tem- 
perance paper. Neal Dow is one of his 
bondsmen. It seems that Peck, with other 
persons belonging to Maine, has been en- 
gaged in land and timber speculations in 
Canada. To meet engagements there he 
found it necessary to use the public money, 
which he did with the greatest freedom. 

George R. Smith, the defaulting cashier 
of the Norombega Bank of Bangor, was libe- 
rated on bail. 



WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4. 

Indicted for Rescuing Fugitive Slaves. 
— This day eight citizens of Ottawa, Illinois, 
were indicted, under the fugitive-slave law, 
for the rescue of an alleged fugitive slave 
in October last. 

The Massachusetts Legislature con- 
vened this day. In the Senate Charles A. 



Phelps was re-elected President, receiving 
32 out of 36 votes. In the House John A. 
Goodwin, of Lowell, was chosen Speaker, 
receiving IT'.' votes, against 51 for other 
parties. The Governor and Legislature t hen 
proceeded under military escort to the South 
Church, where the election sermon was 
preached by Rev. T. Anderson, of lloxbury. 

The Maryland Legislature convened 
this day, but adjourned without organizing. 

Narrow Escape from Death. — This day 
the Hon. Neal Dow, of Portland, Me., had 
a nai'row escape from a terrible death. 
While walking across a rafter in his steam 
tannery, he fell a distance of sixteen feet, 
and struck upon a boiler, narrowly escaping 
a vat of scalding hot water. He was picked 
up insensible, but is now in a fair way of 
recovery. 

Railroad Meeting. — This day the peo- 
ple of Augusta (Ga.) held a meeting to take 
into cousideration the propriety of building 
a railroad from that place to Macon, anil to 
provide the means required. 

Senator Mason in Homespun. — This day 
Senator Mason appeared in his seat in the 
Senate clad in Virginia homespun, while a 
Southern member of the other House sported 
a suit of " direct importation." 

Death of John Frost. — John Frost, Esq., 
well known as the writer of manj^ popular 
historical and other books, died at his resi- 
dence in Miladelphia this day, in the six- 
tieth year of his age, after a short but severe 
illness. Mr. Frost was a native of Kenne- 
bunk, Maine. He graduated from Harvard 
University in 1822. In 1828 he went to that 
city and opened a school for young ladies, 
which he conducted well for ten years, giving 
it up to accept the Professorship of Belles- 
Lettres in the Central High School, which 
he resigned after seven years of faithful ser- 
vice. Since then his time has been occupied 
in the preparation of many useful books, 
which have had an extensive sale. He was 
a gentleman highly esteemed by all who 
knew him. 

Dreadful Exposure. — A young woman 
named Christiana Hook, who is insane, dis- 
appeared from her home in the upper part 
of Philadelphia the night of this day, during 
the extreme cold. The missing girl was found 
in the vicinity of Bustleton, entirely naked, 
and almost perished from exposure to the 
weather. It is supposed, from circumstances, 
that she had wandered about two miles after 
having stripped herself of her clothing. 
The wanderer was taken care of, and finally 
restored to her friends. She was badly 
frost-bitten. 



12 



■VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



Destruction of the Bark Z. D. by Fire. 
— The Bark Z. D., bound for New York, took 
fire in the harbor of Buenos Ayres this 
day, and was with her cargo destroyed. 
Loss, $100,000. She was bound for Phila- 
delphia. 

The Rhode Island Republican State 
Convention met this day and nominated 
Seth Padelford, of Providence, for Governor, 
over Mr. Turner, the present Governor, and 
Stephen N. Mason, of Smithfield, for Lieu- 
tenant-Governor, over Mr. Sanders, the pre- 
sent incumbent. John R. Bartlett was re- 
nominated for Secretary of State; Samuel 
C. Parker, Treasurer ; and Thomas F. King, 
Attorney-General. The more radical por- 
tion of the party ruled the Convention. The 
resolutions adopted oppose the strongest 
opposition to the extension of slavery ; 
charge the existing excitements on the 
Democrats ; condemn all measures of vio- 
lence, whether for the establishment of 
slavery in Kansas or its abolition in Vir- 
ginia ; look with indignation on the persist- 
ent misrepresentations of public opinion in 
the South; regard the threats of resisting 
the inauguration of a Republican President 
as empty threats to subserve the interests 
of political parties. The delegates appointed 
to the Chicago Republican Convention are 
as follows : James F. Simmons, Benjamin 
T. Evans, Henry Staples, Benedict Sapham, 
Rowland F. Hazard, Jr., Simon H. Green, 
N. B. Durfee, and R. G. Hazard. 

The Illinois Democratic State Con- 
vention met this day at Springfield. The 
Hon. John Moore acted as Chairman. Dele- 
gates to the Charleston Convention were 
elected. Resolutions were adopted re- 
affirming the Cincinnati platform — in the 
words and the spirit in which it was adopted ; 
utterly repudiating any such new test as 
the revival of the slave-trade, or a Con- 
gressional slave code for the Territories ; 
denying that slavery derives its validity from 
the Constitution of the United States ; de- 
claring the position of the Democracy of 
Illinois to be that of President Buchanan in 
his letter of acceptance ; denying-the inter- 
pretation which the Republicans gave to the 
Dred Scott decision, that it denies the right 
of the people to regulate the slavery ques- 
tion to suit themselves ; deprecating the 
foray of John Brown into Virginia, and attri- 
buting such invasions to the teachings of 
the Republican party ; instructing the dele- 
gates to vote for the readoption of the 
Cincinnati platform, and declaring their 
determination to abide by the decision of 
the Charleston Convention. 

The Convention also instructs its delegates 
to use all honorable means to secure the 
nomination of Hon. Stephen A. Douglas for 
the Presidency. 



The Maine State Treasurer. — Fraud- 
ulent OvER-fssuES of Bank-Bills. — This 
day it was announced that it had been as- 
certained, on application to the engraver, 
that there is a fraudulent over-issue of the 
bills of the Norombega Bank. The circulation 
is placed at $75,000. 

Benjamin D. Peck, the State Treasurer, 
was ai-rested on a civil suit instituted by the 
Receiver, and lodged in jail, on the charge 
of conspiring with the cashier of the bank for 
the embezzlement of its funds. The amount 
taken from the bank was about $30,000 — 
a part of which the cashier held as security 
on certain mill property in Canada. 

Forged Check on a Boston Bank. — This 
day it was announced that a few days since 
a young man obtained $5000 from the Ex- 
change Bank, on a check purporting to be 
drawn by Messrs. Ames & Co. It has since 
been ascertained that the check was a 
forgery. 

Sudden Death of a Physician. — In 
Philadelphia, this day, Dr. Thomas H. Yard- 
ley, who resided in Arch Street, near Tenth, 
was called out early to visit a patient, and 
while from home was taken ill, and had to 
be carried back. He died in about fifteen 
minutes after he reached his residence. 
Deceased was in his sixtieth year. His 
death was attributed to disease of the heart. 

Verdict of the Jury in the Case of the 
Johnson Murder. — In the case of the mur- 
der of Andrew Johnson, this day, coroner's 
jury, after a few moments' deliberation, 
rendered a verdict "that the deceased came 
to his death from stabs inflicted by William 
Burke, on the morning of the 3d instant, 
Bishop Rutter being accessary to the act." 
Anna Johnson, the keeper of the house in 
Currant Alley, was hold in $500 bail, by 
Alderman Moore, to testify in the case. 

Tremendous Fire in Hickman, (Ky.) — 
The night of this day, a dreadful fire broke 
out, which, before it was extinguished, de- 
stroyed one-half the town of Hickman, Ken- 
tucky. All the business houses on Front 
Street (the principal business street) were 
reduced to ashes. The loss was immense. 



THURSDAY, JANUARY 5. 

Cut his Wife's Throat. — In Kentucky, 
this day, a man by the name of James Hart, 
residing in Fayette county, cut his wife's 
throat with a bowie-knife, killing her in- 
stantly, and then turned upon his little son, 
who had run to his mother's rescue, and 
also very severely cut one of his arms. Ha 
is said to be a bad, dissipated man. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



13 



Crushed to Death. — In Philadelphia, 
this day, Mr. Samuel Wisdom, aged twenty- 
two years, residing in Washington Avenue, 
below Sixth Street, was crushed to death 
between two burden-cars on the Washington 
Street railroad. 

Suicide by Poison. — In Philadelphia, this 
day, George W. Young, aged twenty-five 
years, committed suicide at his residence, 
Moore Street, below Front, First Ward, by 
taking laudanum. The poison was swallowed 
in the presence of his wife, who was unable 
to restrain him. The only cause assigned 
for the act was the excessive use of ardent 
spirits. 

Destructive Fire at La Salle, III. — A 
fire commenced this day in the cigar-store 
of James Thatcher, on First Street, La Salle, 
consuming eight adjoining buildings. The 
loss amounted to $30,000. 

Reprieved. — Patrick Maude, whose exe- 
cution for the murder of his sister was fixed 
for this day, at Newark, N.J., was reprieved 
for one week, by Governor Newell. 

Frozen to Death while Intoxicated. — 
A piano-player attached to a theatrical com- 
pany in Pittsburg, Pa., said to be named 
Cunbock and to belong to Philadelphia, was 
out sleighing near Pittsburg, this day, with 
several others, and returned very much in- 
toxicated. After the party had returned, 
Mr. Cunbock lay down in the sleigh and 
went to sleep; and when his companions 
found him, some hours afterwards, he was 
so badly frozen that he died in a few hours. 

The Ohio Democratic Convention met 
this day. The principal business done was 
the passage of the following resolutions : — 

Resolved, That the organized Territories 
of the United States are only held in the 
territorial condition until they attain a suffi- 
cient population to authorize their admission 
into the Union of States, and are therefore 
justly entitled to the right of self-govern- 
ment and the undisturbed regulation of their 
domestic or local affairs, subject only to such 
restrictions and disabilities as are imposed 
by the Federal Constitution ; and in this 
way only, "in accordance with principles as 
ancient as free government itself," can " the 
people of a Territory, like those of a State, 
decide whether slavery shall or shall not 
exist within their limits ;" nevertheless, we 
concede that the 'measure of constitutional 
restriction, in respect to slavery, in any de- 
gree resting upon the Territorial Legislature, 
is a judicial question, and whenever it shall 
hereafter be properly presented for adjudi- 
cation, and finally determined by that tri- 
bunal, its decision will be obligatory on the 
people of the United States. 



Resolved, That Stephen A. Douglas is the 
choice of the Ohio Democracy for President 
of the United States. His eminent public 
services rendered the Government and the 
country, his signal triumphs in the Senate 
and before the people, his admitted ability, 
his sound and just views of public policy, 
his devotion to the Constitution and the 
Union, render his name a tower of strength, 
and give assurance to the conviction that if 
nominated at Charleston he will most cer- 
tainly receive the electoral vote of Ohio : 
therefore, as in union there is strength, 

Resolved, As the sense of this Convention, 
that the entire vote of Ohio be cast for him 
at Charleston. 

Resolved, That upon all other questions 
arising in the Convention at Charleston, the 
vote of Ohio be cast as a unit and as a ma- 
jority of the delegates may direct. 

The vote on the second of these resolutions 
was 242J for and 94J against them. 

Girl Burnt to Death in Presence of her 
Lover. — The night of this day, Miss Mary 
Schwartz, aged sixteen years, was burnt 
to death at the residence of her parents, No. 
63 President Street, Baltimore. She and 
her betrothed, to whom she was to have been 
married the next week, were sitting near a, 
stove, when they both fell asleep. She was 
awakened by the flames which enveloped 
her person. Her lover endeavored to ex- 
tinguish them, but in vain, although he 
was himself severely burned in the attempt. 
She died shortly afterwards, in intense agony. 

Dreadful Shipwreck. — Loss of the 
Steamship Northerner. — Thirty-Eight 
Lives Lost. — This day, was lost on the 
Pacific coast, near San Francisco, at Cape 
Mendocino, the steamship Northerner, whilst 
on her way from San Francisco to Victoria 
and Olympia, with the mails. Four miles 
from Cape Mendocino, a solitary little group 
of rocks, known as Blunt's Reef, rises in the 
ocean. The steamers were in the habit of 
passing between this reef and the cape, 
though it was known that midway between 
them, and about ten feet below the surface, 
lay a rock, the position of which was scarcely 
discoverable in calm weather, though the 
sea breaks over it furiously in storms. The 
remark had been made by the first mate of 
the Northerner, that they would strike that 
rock some day; and his very reasonable pre- 
diction proved true at last. The vessel was 
going along finely at five o'clock in the after- 
noon, with a smooth sea and a brisk south 
wind, when a slight scraping at her bottom 
was heard and felt. She had struck that 
rock, and scraped off several of the planks 
from her bottom. The captain, finding that 
she was filling rapidly and that it would be 
impossible to save her, turned her head to 
land, where she arrived in an hour, and 



14 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



struck just in time to prevent her sinking. 
Between the time when she scraped the rock 
and Btruck the shore, the wind had increased 
to a storm, and a terrible surf was raging 
along the beach, — a surf so fierce that it was 
almost impossible for a boat to live in it. 
There were 108 persons on board : of these 
88 were drowned, of whom 17 were passen- 
gers, and 21 crew; while 38 passengers and 
32 crew were saved. There were six ladies 
and four, children on board, all of whom were 
saved save one lady, who refused to leave the 
vessel unless her brother could go with her. 

As soon as the steamer reached the shore 
a boat was launched, and all the ladies ex- 
cept two got into it. Mr. Birch, the second 
officer, then got in a boat and succeeded in 
getting one of the ladies off, the other, Miss 
Gregg, positively refusing to leave, the wreck 
unless her brother, in whose charge she was, 
could go with her. Captain Dall then tried 
to swing her into the boat with a line, which 
he could not do. Mr. French, seeing the 
young lady still on the wreck, got his boat 
off from shore, and, in going under the stern 
of the vessel, the boat capsized, and he, it 
is supposed, was crushed between his boat 
and the stern of the ship. Miss Gregg and 
her brother were drowned. It is Captain 
Ball's opinion that both could have been 
saved if she had gone into Mr. French's first 
boat. 

Captain Ball had a favorite cabin-boy, to 
whom he handed five hundred dollars in coin 
after the steamer struck, but when he low- 
ered him to the line he told him to drop his 
money. The boy, however, hung on to the 
money, was washed from the line to the 
stern of the wreck, and was supposed to be 
lost. Very much to the captain's surprise, 
however, when he reached the shore his boy 
was there, all right, with his five hundred 
dollars. 

Captain Ball, Mr. Barry, and the purser, 
were the last to leave the ship. Mr. Barry 
was positive he could not reach the shore, and 
was carried away by the first sea that struck 
him, and was seen no more. The purser 
reached the shore by the line. He lowered 
himself, and, being washed over by several 
seas, was thrown from the line, when he 
swam ashore. There were six passengers 
who refused to take the line, and, as it hap- 
pened, the piece on which they stood broke 
loose, and they came ashore in safety. 

The following are the names of the lost : — 

PASSENGERS. 

Mr.Bloomfield, England. Mr. Daly. 
Mr.Hass, Portland. Mr. Delschneider, Portland. 

Mr. Perkins. St'-ilacoom. Mr. Sweitzer, Oregon City. 
Mr. Barry. W., P. & Co.'s Mr. Meeker, Steilacooni. 

Messenger. E. Rainey. 

Samuel Gregg and sister. A. Hunter. 
C. Thomas. Mr. Trepsy. 

Mr. Taylor. Mr. Greenshield. 

Mr. Hissim. 

Mr. Kelley, Portland, missing. 

Mr. Parrel, Portland, missing. 



A. Prench. 1st officer. Jos. Webster, porter. 

II. Mayhood, 3d officer. J. D. Turner, waiter. 
R.A. Nation, 1st assist, eng. Thomas Connelly, waiter. 
H.Doyle, fireman, Manuel Suarez, waiter. 

L.Howes, coal-passer. John Hedden, waiter. 

Jno. Desnoyer, carpenter. Louis Volstadt, 1st cook. 
Mike Dorney, seaman. Herman Renkin. 2d cook. 
Thomas Leonard, seaman. H.Wellington, 3d cook. 
W. G. Clark, seaman. The barl er. colored man. 

Fred. Maass, seaman. Thomas Gladwell, pilot. 

Mr.Barry, Wells. Fargo & Co.'s messenger. 
John Grant, mess-room boy. 
Total — 17 passengers, and 21 crew. 

The following is a list of her officers and 
crew saved:— 

Win. L. Dall, captain, aged 36, native of England. 
Wm.E. Birch, 2d officer, aged 29, Washington, 

John M. Breck, purser, aged 40, New York. 

ENGINEER'S CREW. 

John O'Neill, chief engineer, aged 31. native of New York. 
James Bryan, 2d assist, eng., aged 24. Massachusetts. 
Edward McAnney, water-tender, aged 28. New York. 
D. T. Coughlin. water-tender, aged 28. New York. 
Richard Lnnes, fireman, aged 27, Chile. 
Jeremiah Barrett, fireman, aged 30, New Y r ork. 
Wm. Whitley, fireman, aged 28, New York. 
Harrison Norton, coal-passer, aged 22, Massachusetts. 
Robert Boyd, coal-passer, aged 20, New York. 
Lewis Howes, coal-passer, aged 39, Austria. 
Frank Callaghau. coal-passer, aged 22. New York. 
J as. Lannaghan, engineer's storekeeper, aged 20, N. Y. 

SEAMEN. 

Henry Otto, seaman, aged 23, Philadelphia. 
Henry Gardner, seaman, aged 24. New fork, 
James Silva, seaman, aged 30, Baltimore. 
James Wrightman, seaman, aged 2s, New York. 
Win. King, seaman, aged 28, New Y'ork. 

STEWARD'S CREW. 

John Denning, steward, aged 30, native of Connecticut. 

John Poulson, head waiter, aged 29. Denmark. 

Samuel Lewis, steerage steward. :r_r,l 30, Philadelphia. 

Jose Alameda, pantryman, aged 20, Chile. 

Win. M. Lennan, baker, aged 31, New York. 

M. Morau, cabin waiter, aged 36, Chile. 

John Powers, cabin waiter, aged 21. New Y'ork. 

S. Siege, waiter, aged 20, New York. 

M. McLellan, steerage waiter, aged 3S, New Y'ork. 

Mr. French, first mate, was the hero of 
the affair. Captain Dall did all that a man 
in his position ought to have done. He 
preserved excellent order, did every thing to 
keep up the spirits of those on board, gave 
his commands prudently and coolly, and did 
not leave the ship until the last. 

The ship struck the beach twenty miles 
below the mouth of Humboldt Bay, near the 
village of Centervillc, where the wrecked 
were cared for until the next day, when the 
steamer Columbia, also the property of the 
Pacific Mail Steamship Company, on her 
way to the Umpqua, having heard at Hum- 
boldt Bay that minute-guns of distress had 
been heard the previous day, went down to 
the scene of the disaster, and took off most 
of the survivors, and carried them with hei" 
noi'thward. Of fifty-eight bags of mail- 
matter on the Northerner, forty-five were 
recovered. The Government had $14,000 in 
specie, which was lost. 

The Northerner was an open-bottom boat ; 
that is, the cross-timbers upon which the 



1800. J 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



15 



planking was nailed were not close and 
caulked, and therefore when one of her 
planks was torn fairly off she had to sink. 
If the Columbia, a close-bottomed boat, had 
struck in the same manner on this rock, she 
would not hare been in danger. The North- 
erner was built in New York in 1847, came 
round Cape Horn in 1850, and has been in 
active service almost continuously. She 
measured 1350 tons, and was valued at 
$150,000. She was partly insured. 

The " San Francisco Bulletin," in giving a 
further account of this melancholy affair, 
says, "At low tide, the body of the unfor- 
tunate young lady, Miss Gregg, was taken 
from the wreck. She had been lashed to 
the wheel-house by her brother with her 
over-clothing. There is no doubt they died 
together. The body of young Gregg had not 
been recovered. 

"All the passengers accord to Captain 
Dall all the bravery and coolness that it is 
possible for a man to be master of. The 
officers, men, and passengers obeyed his 
orders cheerfully and promptly. Mr. O'Neill, 
chief engineer, was the man who succeeded 
in getting the line ashore. Captain Dall asked 
him if he thought he could land a boat. He 
replied, 'I will try.' He took the quarter 
boat, and, with two of his firemen, landed the 
line. He used his best endeavors to procure 
a crew to return to the wreck, but was unable 
to do so. 

"All the passengers say that they had 
never seen a braver man than Barry. He 
stood on the wreck alongside of Captain 
Dall, with certain death staring him in the 
face; for he could not swim a stroke. When 
told by Captain Dall to take the line, he re- 
plied that he should never reach the shore; 
which was true. One of the sailors cut a 
horse loose from the wreck, and held on to 
him till they both came ashore. There were 
fourteen dead bodies lying on the beach 
yesterday morning. It is the opinion of 
Captain Dall that the point of the rock the 
ship struck could not have been larger than 
a man's head. So slight was the jar that but 
few of the passengers had any idea of what 
it was." 

Mr. John Denning, the steward, gives the 
most graphic and detailed description of this 
catastrophe. He says: — 

It was about five o'clock that the disaster 
occurred. The rock upon which the North- 
erner struck was about midway between 
Blunt's Reef and the mainland, and perhaps 
two miles from the latter. It is always 
covered, and is not, as "The Humboldt 
Times" states, "a point no bigger than a 
man's hand," but rather a shelf. The weather 
had been fine all day. The water was smooth, 
and the ship was going along at a speed of 
perhaps twelve miles an hour. Captain 
Dall was on deck. I was attending to the 
setting of the table with my force, and I re- 



member that the water was so smooth that 
no rack was required on the table, as is 
the case in a heavy sea. Suddenly I felt 
the ship touch lightly and grate for some dis- 
tance over a hard substance. There was 
but little jar — so little, in fact, that many 
persons did not know that any thing had 
happened. 

My first impression was that the ship had 
touched Blunt's Reef, and I went on deck to 
see if such was the case. I saw the reef well 
on the starboard beam. Then I nfn aft to 
see if, in going over the rock, she had torn 
off any of her bottom, which might be float- 
ing in her wake ; but nothing was to be seen. 
The impression then was that she had not 
hurt herself much. The ship did not stop 
and then "swing off" from the rock, as has 
been represented, but continued on her 
course, straight as an arrow, and without 
any sensible diminution of speed. In fact, 
she just grated over the rock and passed on ; 
but in that act she must cither have torn off 
some portion of the planking or have split 
open her bottom. 

There was no confusion or noise after the 
accident, for reasons already given. The 
pumps were sounded, by order of Captain 
Dall, when it was found that the ship was 
leaking fast. Captain Dall then ordered me 
to inform the ladies in the cabin, most of 
whom were in their berths at the time, that 
they might have to take to the boats, and to 
have their clothes on ready for any emer- 
gency, but not to alarm them. At the same 
time the ship's head was turned towards the 
shore and run for the land at full speed. I 
went into the cabin and told the ladies that 
they had better dress. Some of them said, 
" Oh, no: we don't want any dinner," think- 
ing that I wanted them to get ready for dinner. 
I told them that the ship was leaking some, 
and that perhaps they might have to take 
to the boats. They thought I was joking, 
and it took some time for me to convince 
them of the truth. They then dressed, and 
all went into the captain's state-room, on the 
starboard side. 

I then went on deck, and Mr. French 
directed me to take my men (waiters, cooks, 
&c.) and get up a quantity of ship-bread 
from below, in case we should have to take 
to the boats. While 1 was doing this, the 
water appeared above the lower deck, and 
was evidently gaining fast. I reported this 
to the captain, who then ordered us to get 
the mails up on the hurricane deck, and then 
to come up, — which we did. 

Meantime the engineers and firemen stuck 
to their work below like tigers, and con- 
tinued to do so long after the increasing 
water had put out one of the fires, and the 
ship had struck. Not a man showed the 
white feather. I never saw more coolness 
in my life in any time of danger. Even the 
ladies were calm and collected, though show- 



16 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[.Tax. 



ing in their faces the anxiety -which reigned 
in their hearts. Two of the men -were set 
to firing signals of distress with the guns : 
and, at the captain's orders. I sent up all 
the rockets in the ship as fast as poss 
The pumps were rigged at once, and worked 
"well, -while the passengers and all the avail- 
able force in the ship -were put to baling 
■water out of the hold with beef-barrels slung 
in ropes and hoisted -with tackles and the 
donkey-engine. All worked systematically, 
and vr'u\ a will. The utmost order and sub- 
ordination prevailed. 

Gradually we neared the shore, toward the 
mouth of Bear Kiver. It was growing dark 
rapidly. The weather had suddenly changed. 
and it had commenced blowing from the 
southwest, with fine rain. We saw that we 
were running into a heavy surf. One of the 
fires had gone out, and by this time the en- 
gines and firemen had been driven from 
below by the water. The paddle-wheels, 
however, continued to make very slow revo- 
lutions. As we drew near, we could only 
discern the dim outline of the which 

seemed to be a rocky blutf: but the darkness 
prevented our seeing any thins distinctly, 
and very soon the shore was entirely shut 
out from view. There were over four hun- 
dred life-preservers on board, and the pas- 
sengers provided themselves with the 
they pleased. — Captain Ball, Mr. French, 
Mr. O'Neill, and, in fact, all the officers, en- 
couraging them, with the hope that all would 
be saved by keeping calm and obeying orders 
strictly. 

It was about six o'clock when the ship first 
struck. I should judge she went stem on, 
and, being in the surf, a roller came after 
her the moment she stopped, washing fore 
and aft the ship, and taking several off their 
feet ; but none were washed overboard. This 
was. however, but a small specimen of the 
surf, which afterward made up as the wind 
increased. The ship took on a sand-spit, 
and remained there but a moment, when she 
went over into deeper water and worked up 
a hundred yards farther. An anchor was not 
let go untii after it was evident that she a mid 
not get any nearer the shore. It now grew 
quite dark, and commenced raining and 
ing hard. In a short time, the most awful 
surf I ever saw made up, and began to break 
over the ship. She heeled out from the shore, 
and the long walls of water, appalling in their 
appearance, would strike upon the face of the 
deck. A few of these served to break the 
hurricane-deck in pieces, which, with the 
state-rooms, and finally all the light work 
about the ship, was swept away. Nobody 
was washed off at this time. It was very chilly, 
and the darkness intense. 

The first thing that was done was to lower 
a boat on the larboard side, — all the star- 
board boats having been got inboard and 
taken over to that side of the ship for that 



purpose. The ship lay with her head to the 
southward, and her larbo ird side was conse- 
quently in-shore. Mr. French, the first of- 
ficer, was directed by Captain Dall to lower 
his boat and try and save the ladies No 
attempt had been made yet to run a line to 
the shore. The boat was got overboard 
safely, and four ladies — viz., Mrs. Tew. Miss 
Hartney. Mrs. Sweitzer, and Mrs. Thompson 
and child, with three children of Mrs. Tew— 
were placed safely on board. No one could 
see fifty yards in-shore from the wreck, and 
none knew whether the boat could live in 
such an awful surf; but it was the only 
chance. The ladies behaved nobly. There 
was no whimpering, no crying or screaming. 
Miss Gregg refused to go in the boat unless 
her brother, in whose charge she was, could 
be allowed to go also : but this could not be; 
and, after vainly expostulating with her, the 
boat went off without her and reached the 
shore in safety. 

The next boat that started ashore was com- 
manded by Mr. Brrck, the second officer, which 
was capsized in the surf and two of her crew 
drowned. Miss Jordan was in this boat ; .-he 
was dashed violently ashore after being nearly 
drowned, and was rescued from the surf by 
the exertions of those on the beach. She 
lay apparently lifeless for more than an hour; 
and it took the utmost efforts of her friends, 
by rubbing and other means, to restore her 
to consciousness. Mr. Birch, the second 
officer, narrowly escaped with his life. 

All of this passed unseen by those who 
remained on board, the darkness being in- 
tense and the booming of the breakers deaf- 
ening. The passengers, such as remained, 
clung to the wreck with the momentary ex- 
pectation that she would break to pieces 
under the fearful assaults of the surf. As 
yet, she formed a sort of lee, beneath which 
the boats had been launched. Another boat 
was now got overboard and sent ashore, 
under the command of Mr. Thomas Gladwell, 
the Columbia River pilot. This, too, was 
capsized in the surf, and Mr. Gladwell and 
three others drowned. The ship lay about 
four hundred yards from the beach. 

Mr. French, who had landed his boat with 
the ladies in safety, was now about starting 
off again to the ship, and attempted several 
times to launch her through the surf, but was 
unable to do so until after repeated trials. 
The party on shore clustered around him and 
begged him not to risk his life again. They 
pointed out that he had got ashore this time 
almost by a miracle, and that the fate of the 
other two boats should be a warning to him; 
but he replied, with his characteristic spirit, 
"I have got as much to live for as any of 
you, but I am going off to that steamer and » 
to stand by Captain Dall. My life belongs to 
the passengers in her." And he succeeded 
at last in launching her. I was standing 
near amidships when Mr. French came to- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



17 



■ward the ship the second time. When the 
surf broke, the water would recoil with 
fearful violence against the ship, and create 
a whirlpool or eddy, like a mill-race, from 
forward, aft, alongside, and under the stern. 

Mr. French seemed to manage the boat 
well, and was approaching cautiously, when 
Captain Dall sang out to him, "Be careful, 
Mr. French : don't get into that eddy, or it 
will take you down !" The crew then began 
to back water, but it was too late: the boat 
was taken by the current, darted swiftly aft, 
capsized under the counter, and the gallant 
French and two or three of his crew were 
drowned. They were sucked out of sight in 
an instant, and carried out in the under- 
tow. 

About this time a tremendous sea struck 
the ship, carrying away the stern : but fortu- 
nately no person was aft at the moment. We 
did not know at this time that the other two 
boats were lost ; and we waited for some time 
for them to return. Seeing that something 
. must have happened to prevent their return, 
Captain Dall asked Mr. O'Neill, the chief en- 
gineer, whether he could carry a line to the 
shore with a boat: he answered, "I will 
try," taking the last boat ; and all our 
hopes seemed centred upon it. with the 
belief that we might save ourselves by the 
line. Fortunately the boat reached the shore 
in safety with that means. A larger one was 
bent on from the ship and hauled to the 
beach. Mi^s Gregg was still on board, as 
was also her brother. 

Numbers of the passengers now commenced 
to try the line. In almost every instance they 
were washed away from the rope before they 
had left the ship twenty yards. The force of 
the surf was tremendous. It came in from 
the ocean in toppling walls of water, and 
kept the rope almost constantly buried. 
Seeing the inevitable fate of those who had 
gone before, the nest few made a running 
noose to prevent being washed away: but 
this proved a fatal expedient, for they got 
entangled in the line, and were quickly 
drowned, being unable to get above water 
for even a moment. • 

Mr. Rogers, the bar pilot, attempted to ee: 
on shore by the rope, and, when about thirty 
yards from the ship, came upon an unknown 
man, who was clinging and afraid to move. ; 
"Go on! go on!" shouted Mr. Rogers. "I 
shall drown !" screamed the other. ,- Go on," 
replied Mr. Rogers: "you can't get back' 
now!" At this moment a huge roller burst 
over them, and the man, letting go his hold, 
clasped his companion around the waist. ; 
They were now far under water. Rogers 
struggled, freed himself from the death- 
gripe, dived, and finding he had been washed 
clear of the rope, buffeted with the surf, and 
at last was tossed on the beach nearly dead. : 
The surf was full of pieces of the wreck, 
which must have killed several who were not i 



drowned. Meantime, Mr. O'Neill tried several 
times to launch his boat, but was unable to 
do so. 

Mr. Nation, the first assistant engineer, 
attempted the line, and made himself fast to 
it with a running bowline; but, as in every 
other instance of this kind, he was drowned 
before reaching the shore. By being made 
fast to the line, death was certain, as it 
proved, for the rope bellied so into the water 
that there was no slipping a noose along it. 

The four Chinamen were washed from the 
line, but reached the shore nearly dead. Mr. 
T. \ . Smith, one of the passengers, is a re- 
markably corpulent, heavy man. He did not 
take the line, but drifted ashore on a piece 
of the wreck, and was not materially injured. 

Mr. Perkins, a passenger, spoke to me 
about eleven o'clock, and handed me a pistol 
to keep for him. I did not see him from that 
time. He told me he did not believe the 
wreck would break up before the gale abated. 
He was among the lost. 

Mr. Sweitzer and wife, of Oregon City, had 
come down to San Francisco shortly before 
to get the corpse of their child, with which 
they were on their way home. The lady was 
save 1 in Mr. French's lifeboat. The sea 
broke entirely over this boat ; but she lived 
it out. and reached the shore in safety. 

After several passengers had been drowned, 
the others decided not to attempt that way, 
and refused to leave the ship. Captain Dall 
told them repeatedly that it was their only 
chance to cling to the rope as far as they 
could until washed off, and then take the 
chances for reaching the shore. 

The gale was now at its height, and the 
ship threatened to break to pieces at every 
sea which burst against her. I told the 
captain that I should try the line, — which he 
advised me to do. I stripped, let myself 
down, and commenced shifting along hands 
and feet. AVhen about ten yards from the 
ship the surf rolled over me, and, though I 
clung to the rope with my utmost strength, 
I lost my hold, and felt that I was adrift. 
At this moment the thought came over me 
that no one had got ashore safely, and that I 
was only about to share the fate of the others. 
I was nearly strangled before reaching the 
beach, up which I struggled, and was drawn 
out of the surf by the group on shore. 

We could not see the ship from the beach. 
It was raining and blowing, and the surf 
rolling in tremendously. There were then 
several dead bodies along the beach. The 
place where we landed was near a village 
with but two houses, called Centreville. The 
people had already gathered to the beach, 
and lent all the succor possible. The women 
were taken to a house and cared for. It was 
piteous to witness their distress, — especially 
that of Mrs. Sweitzer, whose husbanl had 
already been drowned. The people had seen 
our rockets, and heard the firing when it first 



18 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



commence \nd some of them collected on 
the beach before the ship struck. * * * 

Speaking of the appearance of the scene 
the next morning, Mr. Denning says: — 

But the most sorrowful spectacle was that 
of the body of Miss Gregg, which, after her 
death, during the horrors of that dreadful 
night, the force of the surf hud not been 
able to wash away from the iron to which 
she had been securely lashed. The other 
two bodies were gone, — only the lashings 
remaining. The surf, at times, ran clear 
over the body of the unfortunate young 
woman, and had washed away every vestige 
of apparel; The head hung down with the 
long hair floating over the face. When the 
surf broke, the body would swing out, and 
with the recoil fall back again against the 
iron. This was witnessed from the beach, 
there being no means of removing the corpse 
until the tide fell, when a line was formed by 
men joining hands and thus extending them- 
selves out into the surf. The water was not 
then more than four feet deep, — a large sand- 
bar having formed inside of where the wreck 
had been. The last one climbed up upon 
the wheel and cut the corpse down, when 
it was taken ashore and placed with the 
rest. 

The statement that Mr. French had re- 
turned to save this young lady in particular 
is erroneous. He went back to the ship, as 
he said, for all on board. Nor can his death 
be attributed to her refusal to go in the boat, 
as under any circumstances a boat could not 
have lived alongside in the eddy. 

In the morning fourteen bodies were found 
on the beach. Some of them bore marks of 
bruises about the head and face, received, 
doubtless, from the pieces of the wreck float- 
ing in the sui-f. These were all buried be- 
hind a small hillock a few hundred yards 
from the beach. The day I left the place, I 
heard that two more bodies had been found 
by the Indians, several miles up the coast; 
but 1 was unable to get there. 

Two of us went along the beach as far as 
Eel River, and hunted faithfully for any 
bodies up to the day of my departure for 
Humboldt; but, although we found innume- 
rable fragments of the wreck, not a body 
could be discovered. It is probable that the 
bodies of Mr. French, Mr. Gladwell, and 
Mr. Nation were carried out to sea by the 
undertow. They may prove to be among the 
two above mentioned. 



FKIDAY, JANUARY 6. 

Shocking Death. — In Philadelphia, this 
day, a colored man, named James Battis, re- 
siding in Little Fine Street, above Seventh, 
Was tound frozen to death in an outhouse 
of a building at Seventh and Bradford's 
Alley. He went there whilst sick, and, 



being unable to move, perished from the 
cold, being too weak to call for assist- 
ance. 

Infanticide in Dayton, Ohio. — In Day- 
ton, Ohio, this day, Hannah Gill, a servant- 
girl in the employ of the Rev. Mr. Willard, 
was arrested upon a charge of infanticide. 
It appears that two boys, sons of Mr. Willard, 
heard something like the wail of an infant in 
the privy on their premises. They searched 
for the cause of it at the time, but found 
nothing. They said nothing to any one about 
it, thinking that they might probably be mis- 
taken. But when the attention of the older 
members of the family was called to the ap- 
pearance of the girl, they stated their sus- 
picions of the day previous. The Marshal 
was then called upon to arrest the girl, who 
confessed that she had been accidentally 
delivered while in the privy. The vault was 
then examined, and under a pile of straw and 
rubbish the body of a full-grown male child 
was discovered, whose features closely re- 
sembled those of the mother. The girl is 
about twenty-two years old, and not very 
intelligent. 

Devoured by Rats. — In New York, this 
day, an unknown man, of genteel appear- 
ance, was committed to one of the cells of 
the Jefferson Market Police Court during the 
night, and the next morning he was found 
dead. The poor man's body had been nearly 
half devoured by rats ! and the spectacle pre- 
sented to the coroner was one easier imagined 
than described. He was afterwards recog- 
nised by his son as a German, named Jacob 
Steubenford, aged fifty-three years. 

Child Killed. — In Philadelphia, this day, 
in Durham Place, running north from Race 
Street, east of Sixth, as a carter who had 
hauled a slaughtered hog, weighing 316 
pounds, was carrying it on his shoulder to a 
house at the far end of the Place, he slipped, 
and the hog fell upon a child, two years old, 
killing it instantly. It was crushed in a 
shucking manner. The coroner held an in- 
quest, and a verdict of accidentally killed was 
rendered. 

Death of an Aged Couple. — In Iowa, in 
St. Clair township, this day, Abram Stone, 
Sr., died, aged UO years, and on the 22d, 
Eunice Stone, his relict, aged 87. They 
were born in Connecticut, lived forty years 
in Moriah, Essex county, New York, and 
removed to Iowa in 1850. They died sur- 
rounded by their children and their chil- 
dren's children, down even to the fifth gene- 
ration. Mr. Stone gave his first vote for 
General Washington, — probably the only 
man in Iowa who had that pleasure, although 
a citizen of Davenport saw Washington and 
heard him speak. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES KEGISTER. 



19 



JFire in Ohio.' — This day the Prentiss 
House and store of Prentiss & Topkins, at 
Ravenna, Ohio, were destroyed by tire. Loss, 
$25,000: insurance, $18,000. 

Shooting a Seducer. — In Chicngo, this 
day, a German, named August Williams, shot 
a countryman of his own, Charles Kaufolz, 
with whom the former's wife had arranged 
to elope. A criminal intercourse had existed 
for some months between them, which was 
confessed by Mrs. W. The enraged husband 
procured a pistol and sought his victim, 
whom he found about midnight, shot him on 
the spot, clubbing him with the butt end 
after shooting him in the breast. No words 
passed between them. Williams surrendered 
himself next day. 

Attempted Murder and Suicide. — In 
Boston, this day, Henry Merchain, of Dickin- 
son, Mass., shot his wife, in the presence of 
her parents, and then shot himself dead. 
The motive of the rash act was his jealousy 
of his wife. 

Death of Joseph Barker. — Judge Joseph 
Barker, the oldest white native of Ohio, died 
at his residence at Newport, above Marietta, 
this day. 

Death of Bishop Neumann. — Died, sud- 
denly, in Philadelphia, this day, the Right 
Rev. John N. Neumann, D.D., Catholic Bishop 
of Philadelphia. About three o'clock in the 
afternoon the bishop complained of feeling 
strangely. Soon after he left the Episcopal 
residence on Logan Square, and was walking 
along Vine Street near Thirteenth, when he 
fell suddenly dead. The remains of the de- 
ceased were removed to his late home, and 
the physicians who were called in expressed 
the opinion that death had resulted from 
apoplexy. 

Bishop Neumann was born in Bohemia, on 
the 28th of March, 1811, and he was, conse- 
quently, not yet forty-nine years of age. He 
came to America about the year 1834, and 
was ordained a priest by Bishop Dubois, in 
New York, on the 25th of June, 1836. He 
officiated as a missionary in the western part 
of New York, near Buffalo, for several years, 
with marked success. On the 16th of Janu- 
ary, 1842, he made his profession in the Con- 
gregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, and 
officiated as the Superior of the congregation 
at different times in Baltimore and Pittsburg, 
in which latter city he brought about the 
building of the church of St. Philomena. 
He was appointed, by the present Pope, 
Bishop of Philadelphia, and was consecrated 
such on the 28th of March, 1852, succeeding 
the present Reverend Archbishop of Balti- 
more. He was the fourth Bishop of Phila- 
delphia. 

Bishop Neumann was a profound scholar. 



He spoke not only all the dialects of the Aus- 
trian Empire, but was master of the various 
tongues of modern Europe, in addition to the 
dead languages studied in the course of his 
professional career. The deceased was much 
beloved by the members of his own church, 
and he enjoyed the respect and esteem of all 
others who knew him. 

Great Fire in New York. — In New York, 
this day, about a quarter before five o'clock, 
a tire broke out in the extensive looking-glass 
and picture-frame manufactory of Black, 
Gramm & Co., on Beekman Street, between 
William and Gold. The insurance patrol 
were promptly on the spot ; but the flames 
had then made such headway that their 
efforts to check them were unavailing. The 
fire spread with great rapidity, and the 
whole building was soon enveloped inflames. 
The alarm was sounded for the Seventh and 
Eighth Districts, and an army of firemen 
were soon upon the ground. The cold was 
intense, about 4° above zero; but fortunately 
the hydrants were not frozen, and a dozen 
streams were playing on the fire in a few 
minutes. 

The flames spread from the starting-point 
to the buildings on the right and left, and, 
before they could be checked, had destroyed 
the large stores occupied by Cyrus W. Field 
& Co., paper-dealers ; Buckley & Brothers, 
paper-dealers; and Haydock, druggist; be- 
sides the establishment of Black, Gramm & 
Co. These buildings ran through to Ann 
Street, and were stored with goods from cel- 
lar to attic. Little or nothing was saved. 

The store of Mr. Edrehi, perfumer, was 
destroyed, and the iron-pipe manufactory of 
Nason & Dodge, on Ann Street, was greatly 
damaged. The Second District Station-House, 
and other buildings in the neighborhood, 
were saved with difficulty. 

The fire, crossing Ann Street, caught .upon 
the rear of the building (fronting on Fulton 
Street) occupied by G. A. Prince & Co., 
melodeon manufacturers, and A. Weingart- 
ner, lithographer, and others, and nearly de- 
stroyed the premises. Other buildings on 
the right and left were slightly injured. At 
this point, the fire was checked. 

The entire loss is not far from $500,000, a 
large part of which is covered by insurance 
in various companies. 

At an early stage of the fire, a rear wall on 
Ann Street fell with a tremendous crash, and 
buried No. 5's engine in the ruins. The men 
who were working the machine saw the wall 
tottering, and barely escaped with their lives. 

Sad Accident. — This day evening, Mr. M. 
C. Pendleton, of Darlington, S. C, was in- 
stantly killed by the accidental discharge of 
a pistol which he was loading. 

Death from a Hog-Bite. — James Murphy, 



20 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



I"Jan 



a laborer in St. Louis, Mo., in attempting to 
extract a bone from the throat of a hog, was 
slightly bitten by the animal. In less than a 
week he was attacked with all the symptoms 
of hydrophobia, and died in horrible agony 
on this day. 

Hartford (Ct.) Municipal Election. — 
This day, in Hartford, the whole Democratic 
city ticket was elected by an average ma- 
jority of 466. The Republicans have one- 
half the councilmen and all the aldermen. 

Attempted Suicide. — R.ev. Mr. Alberton, 
who was arrested near Montgomery, Ala- 
bama, a few days since, on suspicion of 
peddling treasonable books, reached his home 
at Glastonbury, Conn., this day. He had 
paid a fine of $60, and after his release, and 
while on his way home, he, in a fit of de- 
rangement, jumped from the cars and was 
badly injured. 

Departure of John C. Heenan for Eng- 
land. — This day John C. Heenan left New 
York for England, for the purpose of en- 
gaging in a fight with Thomas Sayers for the 
championship of that country. 



SATURDAY, JANUARY 7. 

Horse-Thieves Lynched in Iowa. — At 
Perry, Tarra county, Iowa, this day, the J 
bodies of two men were found hanging from ; 
trees in a grove not far from the village, j 
The snow around was much trampled, giviug 
evidence of a desperate struggle. The men i 
were hung one upon the limb of a fallen | 
tree, which was but six feet from the ground ; 
the other not much higher. The one farthest 
west was evidently hung first. His hands | 
were tied behind him, crossed at his wrists. 
The knot in the rope round his neck was 
behind his right ear. His legs were turned 
back, the feet resting on the ground. There 
was no rope around his legs ; but evidently 
there had been, for the purpose of pulling 
them from under him ; otherwise he would 
have rested on the ground, and the rope 
around his neck would have had no effect. 
His cap and shawl were lying near him. 
The other was secured like the first; the 
knot was at the back of his head; a rope 
was around his legs, used for the purpose of 
pulling them out from under him until he 
died. His cap and shawl were lying beside 
him. Blood was, or had been, issuing from 
one nostril. A coroner's inquest was imme- 
diately held, by which it was shown that the 
deceased persons were two brothers, named 
Bunker, who had been seized and put to 
death by three men named Small, Seamans, 
and Klingaman, who arrested them for horse- 
stealing. While in their charge the prison- 
ers had unsuccessfully attempted to escape, 



and were thus summarily dealt with to save 
further trouble. 

Suicide in Rochfster, N Y.— This day 
Mrs. Margaret Haley committed suicide by 
hanging, at Rochester. She was about forty- 
two years of age, and subject to occasional 
fits of despondency. Leaves five children, 
mostly helpless. 

Sentenced. — In Philadelphia, Wm. Kraft, 
who was convicted of arson in firing his fac- 
tory, No. 916 Filbert Street, on the morning 
of the 8th of December, was this day sen- 
tenced by Judge Allison to ten years' impri- 
sonment at hard labor (solitary confinement) 
in the Eastern Penitentiary. The prisoner 
was unmoved at the passage of this terri- 
ble sentence, and he preserved the same 
stolid countenance that has been observable 
throughout his trial. 

Horrid Crime. — In Chenango county, N. 
Y., this day, Julia Ann Cady attempted to 
murder a bastard child, four years old, by 
putting it head foremost iuto a stove and 
then leaving the house, which took fire. The 
child escaped, but was badly burned. The 
unnatural mother has been lodged in jail. 

Death of a Revolutionary Soldier. — 
This day the Rev. John Strait, a soldier of 
the Revolution, died near Gallipolis, Ohio, 
aged 101 years, four months and seven days. 
He was born in Rhode Island, August 31, 
1758, and enlisted at Brookline in the Massa- 
chusetts service in 1775 ; was at the battle 
of Long Island, and served in the Continen- 
tal service about three years. He went West 
in 1815, and settled near Marietta, in Wash- 
ington county, afterwards removed to Butler 
county, and from thence to Gallia, which was 
in the year 1820. He was among the oldest 
Revolutionary pensioners, and a minister of 
the gospel for over seventy-five years. He 
was three times married, and was the father 
of eighteen children. Up to the last two 
years Mr. Strait retained his mental and 
physical faculties to a remarkable degree, and 
was in the habit of visiting Gallipolis fre- 
quently. He has since March, 1831, been 
semi-yearly in the receipt of the pension due 
Revolutionary soldiers. 

Fatal Railroad Accident. — Jas. Kenne- 
dy, a brakesman on the Pennsylvania Railroad, 
was fatally injured this day about twenty-five 
miles from Philadelphia. The deceased was 
on the top of the car, and was knocked off 
by a bridge. He fell in front of the car, 
which passed over both legs, nearly severing 
th,em from his body. He died in a few hours. 
Deceased was married and a resident of Phi- 
ladelphia. 

Death of Peter A. Browne. — This day, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



.21 



Col. Peter A. Browne died at his residence, 
in Philadelphia, in his 78th year. Colonel 
Browne was a gentleman of much energy of 
character and highly-cultivated intellect. 
In his profession as a lawyer he stood very 
high, and, in defence of the interests he had 
in charge, could bring not only legal learn- 
ing, but the resources of a well-stored mind 
and of an acute intellect. The success which 
in those murder trials attended his defence 
of Wood and of Singleton Mercer, on the 
ground of insanity, shows how ready and how 
subtle were his powers, and how strongly he 
could lay hold of the sympathies of the pub- 
lic to aid him when the law was against the 
conclusions which he wished to reach. In 
his earlier life, Colonel Browne was an active 
and enterprising citizen, who took particular 
pride in projects to advance the interests or 
promote the growth of Philadelphia. The 
Arcade building was one of his projects. A 
Chinese pagoda near Fairmount was another. 
Latterly he was deeply interested in promo- 
ting among agriculturalists a greater atten- 
tion to the growth of wool ; and the finest and 
best collection of specimens of the various 
growths of this article in this country and 
Europe is now in his cabinet. In his scien- 
tific investigations into this subject, he made 
several important discoveries respecting the 
physiological differences between wool and 
hair, which were announced to the public at 
the time, and elicited much discussion from 
the practical bearing which he proposed to 
give them. Colonel Browne was an earnest 
debater and a vigorous writer. He took an 
interest in all public matters, social, political, 
and scientific. In the Oregon dispute, he 
presented the subject popularly to the public 
through a series of papers, exhibiting great 
research and legal acumen, tracing the ex- 
tent of the various discoveries upon which 
England founded her claims, and debating 
them with the earnestness and force which 
distinguished all his public efforts. In prac- 
tical matters he was sometimes deemed vision- 
ary, the result of a warm imagination and an 
active brain ; but his closet studies have no 
doubt contributed to give a direction of 
greater utility to the speculations of others 
than he could command for himself. — Phila- 
delphia Ledger. 

New England Forger. — This day, Oliver 
Howe, of Lynn, N.H., absconded, leaving be- 
hind him forged paper amounting to $8000 or 
$10,000, on which he realized the cash. Seve- 
ral business men in Groton, Mass., and the 
Lancaster and Townsend banks, as well as a 
Fitchburg bank and the Brautford(Vt.) Bank, 
are among the sufferers. It is supposed that 
Howe left in the last steamer for California. 

Tragical Love-Affair in Michigan. — A 
young man residing near Olivet, Eaton 
county, Michigan, by the name of Oiville 



Wood, had been paying his addresses to a 
Miss Mack, whose family reside near the 
village of Marshall ; and they were engaged ; 
the marriage to take place soon. The young 
man, with his intended, went to a party, 
where he indulged so freely in liquor as to 
raise objections on the part of the young 
lady's parents to the contemplated union. 
She informed her affianced that she had 
rather die than disobey her parents, and 
preferred death to living without him; and 
on Friday, the 6th, they mutually agreed 
that the next Saturday evening they would 
meet at his brother-in-law's, and on Sunday 
evening terminate their lives at one and the 
same time by fire-arms. The same day he 
repaired to Marshall and purchased two pis- 
tols, which he loaded, each with a ball and 
seven buckshot. 

At the time appointed for their meeting, 
this day evening, he was at his brother-in- 
law's, and soon after the young lady, accom- 
panied by her sister, drove up. Wood saw 
his intended leap from the cutter and ap- 
proach the house, when he stepped into the 
parlor, placed the muzzle to his head and 
fired, dropping lifeless at her feet as she 
came in. Without a moment's delay, she 
stepped out of doors, passed round the cor- 
ner of the house, took a pistol from her 
pocket, and was raising it to her head, when 
her sister, who had perceived that something 
was wrong, rushed forward and caught the 
weapon from her grasp. On examining it, it 
was found loaded with ball and shot, as be- 
fore stated. It seems that a misapprehension 
existed between the lovers as to the time 
when the tragedy was to take place, — she 
understanding him to name Sunday instead 
of Saturday evening; but when she saw that 
he had anticipated her, she was, as her action 
proved, ready for the sacrifice. — Paw Paw 
Free Press. 

Dreadful Accident on the Pittsburg, 
Fort Wayne, and Chicago Railroad. — A 
correspondent of the "Pittsburg Chronicle," of 
this date, gives the following graphic descrip- 
tion of the late railroad accident near Enon 
Valley, on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne, and 
Chicago Railroad. After stating that the 
accident was occasioned by a broken rail, 
and that the locomotive and baggage-car 
passed over safely, he says, "The passen- 
ger-car first meets the obstruction, and is 
thrown off the track. With its load of human 
life, it is hurled over and over down a steep 
embankment on an adjacent fence. Its in- 
mates scramble out; the fallen stoves set it 
on fire, and, abandoned to its fate, it is a 
beacon-light to what follows. Its flames 
throw over the ice and snow a lurid glare. 
That car is consumed, and the fence itself is 
in flames ; but, in God's Providence, not a sin- 
gle life was lost, and, save with a few bruises 
only, the passengers escaped uninjured. 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



"The sleeping-car, last on the train, was, 
by a severe wrench, severed from the passen- 
ger-car. Carried on with terrible velocity, 
it struck the sleepers on which the track was 
laid. It wavered a moment or two, and sud- 
denly, leaning over, its impulse carried it 
forward and onward, and over the precipice. 
Down the precipice it turned; leap after leap 
it took ; crash after crasb came broken glass, 
falling like rain, among its occupants, until, 
jumping over the fence, the car stopped, with 
all its inmates, sixty feet fioni the fence, 
within a field. Crash was only succeeded by 
tenor. ' Help !' was cried ; but who was there 
to help ? Those who had escaped the burn- 
ing car a short distance in front had gone to 
the shelter on the baggage-car, still on the 
track, with a very few exceptions. One of 
them — not to be invidious — was Mr. George 
George, of Cincinnati. He, and some others 
not known, returned to assist the terrified 
passengers. 

"Picture to your mind's eye that sleeping- 
car, — fallen on its side, at that moment, — all 
prostrate ! The lamps extinguished ! the 
smoke of the overthrown stoves filling and 
stifling the car, adding to its gloom distrac- 
tion and danger. The cry of fire was raised, 
and followed by the most terrible confusion, 
in the midst of which a lady was heard to 
cry, 'Help! my mother will be burned!' 
The car was now filled with smoke, while all 
around was so dark that nothing whatever 
could be distinguished. The passengers 
knew not where they were, nor the extent of 
their danger. At length the door was found, 
and a general rush for the open air was made. 
Some few, however, remained behind, and 
assisted in rescuing the lady before referred 
to, and her noble and courageous daughter, 
from their perilous position. 

"In the mean time other cries for assist- 
ance were heard. A young lad, named 
Eugene Service, only twelve years old, tra- 
velling with his widowed mother, finds her 
under the heated stove, badly injured and 
threatened with immediate death. Calmly, 
but promptly, he drew his coat-sleeve over 
his hand, and, raising the fallen stove, res- 
cued his frightened parent from death. 
Well may she be proud of that boy. She 
was helped out of the car, badly burned, and 
her teeth knocked out. Another young lady 
was carried out with her collar-bone broken. 
A mattress was spread upon the snow, on 
which she was laid, and she was protected 
from the then extreme cold by coverlets 
hastily thrown out of the car. A gentleman 
of Springfield, 111., S. S. Whitehurst, Esq., 
was among the most active in doing good. He 
was everywhere, helping every one. When the 
excitement subsided, he found himself with a 
dislocated shoulder, and otherwise severely 
injured; and other passengers also suffered 
much. The writer of this article is personally 
indebted to the kind assistance of Mr. Nelson 



Rumsey, of Alleghany City, whose active ex- 
ertions contributed greatly to the safety of 
all. 

"To Mr. Hall, the conductor, and all the 
officers under him. thanks were justly and 
gratefully tendered by the sufferers. But to 
continue the scene. The burning car and 
fence lighted us all to the baggage-car on the 
track. Cold, shivering, and trembling, all 
gathered together there. Seats were found on 
trunks and packages, — even, also, on a fine 
deer killed the day before. Now each began 
to feel their pains intensely. A little bad 
rifle whiskey, warranted to kill at a hundred 
paces, was then obtained, and it was con- 
sidered so desperate an enemy that, under 
the circumstances, every one helped to 'put 
it down.' The exigencies of the case opened 
every heart one to another. Each sad expe- 
rience was narrated; and many an earnest 
' thank God!' went up from the baggage-car 
that night. The lady whose collar-bone was 
broken was a Miss Lonsdale, an actress. 
No one was killed. I need only add that the 
injured lady first spoken of was the re- 
spected widow of Senator Linn, of Missouri, 
and that noble-hearted girl, her daughter, 
Mary L. Barr." 

Eoul Murdek. — The "New Orleans Pica- 
yune" gives the following particulars of a 
wicked murder committed this day. It 
sa\ s : — 

From a gentleman arrived yesterday from 
Covington we learn of a murder committed 
there, on Saturday evening last, of a most 
outrageous character. 

Benton Penn, son of the late Judge Penn, 
and his cousin, Martin Penn, son of t lie former 
postmaster of this city, both young men, and 
residing at Covington, where they have a 
large circle of relatives and friends, went 
over from the city on the regular Saturday 
packet. On the way an altercation took 
place between them and the clerk, in which, 
it appears, the engineer of the boat took part. 
The matter was, however, considered as set- 
tled before the boat landed. 

It was dusk when the boat landed at Co- 
vington. The passengers went ashore, and 
the two young cousins were met, a short dis- 
tance from the boat, by a number of the 
members of their family, among whom were 
several ladies. 

A moment after, some one called out to 
Martin that the engineer was armed and was 
coming to attack him. Benton immediately 
pushed his younger cousin aside, and received 
the assault, which was entirely unexpected. 
Neither of the young men was armed. 

The engineer, knife in hand, threw himself 
on Benton : they clinched, and the next in- 
stant the engineer ran back to the boat as 
rapidly as he had left it. while Benton ex- 
claimed that he was stabbed. 

The alarm, confusion, and surprise of the 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



23 



family group and the other promenaders may 
be imagined. 

The voung man was at once attended to, 
and it was found that he was severely cut. 
He kept up his courage, and would not let 
himself be taken to his mother's house or to 
his married brother's, for fear of alarming 
them ti o suddenly. He lingered in much 
pain, and died on Sunday evening. 

The murderer was speedily sought after ; 
and had he been caught, so intense was the 
feeling, he would probably have had justice 
and punishment meted out to him at once. 
In the dusk and confusion, he managed to 
evade the search for him on the boat, dis- 
guised himself as a negress, and so got 
ashore undiscovered. 

The next day he was discovered, and is now 
in the sheriff's custody at Covington. 

The unfortunate young man whose career 
was thus so suddenly and traitorously termi- 
nated was about twenty-two years of age. 
His cousin, to protect whom he lost his own 
life, is a year or so younger. 

Killed on the Railroad. — This day a 
terrible accident occurred on the New Jersey 
Railroad, at Newark. Two men, Darned 
James Taylor and Edward Duffy, who were 
returning from Elizabeth in a sleigh, at- 
tempted to cress the track in front of the 
"Owl Train," but, miscalculating its distance 
and speed, were struck by it. Taylor was 
instantly killed, and Duffy was knocked in- 
sensible and considerably hurt, but his in- 
juries will probably not prove fatal. 

Fire in Tcskegee, Alabama. — A fire this 
day in Tuskegee, Ala., destroyed the exten- 
sive stables of Jesse Adams, with eighteen 
horses and other property. The lire is 
attributed to incendiarism. 

Emancipation of Slaves. — The Covington 
(Ky.) correspondent of the "Cincinnati (Ohio) 
Enquirer" says that, this day, Col. MeGinnis, 
cf Bourbon county, Ky., crossed from Co- 
vington in the ferry-boat to Cincinnati with 
fourteen of his slaves, — men, women, and 
children, — for the purpose of emancipating 
them. The colonel is a widower with three 
or four children, who, he thinks, at his demise 
will not need the aforesaid property. 

Message of the Governor of Virginia. 
— This day the Message of Governor Letcher 
was delivered to the Legislature. He begins 
by alluding to the happy tranquillity that 
prevailed during the earlier period of the 
Republic, which has been interrupted by the 
interference of the citizens of the Northern 
States with the rights and institutions of the 
South. In Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Ver- 
mont, and perhaps other States, legislation 
has been employed to defeat the execution 
of the fugitive-slave law within their limits. 



It is cheerfully conceded that a large por- 
tion of the citizens of the North are lojal to 
the Constitution and the Union; but it is not 
to be disguised that a large number are indif- 
ferent to both, and prefer a dissolution to 
the extension of slave territory and the 
increase of slave States. This lamentable 
state of things originated in the construction 
by the Northern people of the Constitution. 
He suggests that a convention of all the 
States be summoned, in order that a full and 
free conference may be had, to ascertain if 
the questions in controversy cannot be settled 
on some basis mutually satisfactory to both 
sections. If the differences prove to be irre- 
concilable, then let the question of a peace- 
able separation be discussed. He recom- 
mends that the Legislature adopt resolutions 
in favor of a call lor such a conventiun as is 
provided for in the fifth article of the Consti- 
tution, and appeal to the Legislatures of the 
several States to unite in the application 
proposed to be made to Congress in pursu- 
ance of the provisions of this article. If the 
free States lail or refuse to unite in the appli- 
cation, it will furnish conclusive evidence of 
a determination on their part to keep up the 
present agitation. If the convention meets, 
and the question cannot be satisfactorily ad- 
justed, it will furnish evidence equally con- 
clusive. 

He also suggests the appointment of a com- 
mission, consisting of two of our most expe- 
rienced statesmen, to visit the Legislatures 
of those States which have passed laws to 
obstruct the execution of the fugitive-slave 
act, and to insist, in the name of Virginia, 
upon their unconditional repeal. The con- 
troversy has now reached a point which 
demands a speedy settlement. If the Union 
is to be preserved, he is prepared to do all 
that honor, patriotism, and duty enjoin to- 
wards its preservation. Nevertheless, it is 
the duty of the State to be prepared ; and he 
recommends the revision of the militia-laws, 
that munitions of war be procured, that 
brigades of minute-men be organized, and 
the Military Institute be enlarged. He also 
recommends the fostering of direct trade, 
manufactures, and the mechanic arts, and 
the early completion of the internal improve- 
ments now projected or in progress. 

Remarkable Proceedings. — Married to 
the Wrong Man.— The "Port Clinton (0.) 
Democrat" of this date reports the following 
extraordinary case : — 

As we have been informed, quite an excite- 
ment prevails at Plaster Bed, in this town- 
ship, owing to the fact that a young German 
girl of that place was unconsciously married 
to a young German of the same place, on 
Wednesday evening last, without her know- 
ledge or consent. The facts are these. The 
young lady was engaged to be married to a 
young man whom we will call B,, and the 



24 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



evening set. for the event was Wednesday last. 
Accordingly, B. made the necessary prepara- 
tions, such as procuring license, &c, and 
was to come to this place to have the matter 
solemnized. But the sequel shows that B. 
had a rival in the affair, whom we will call 
C. C, getting wind of what was about to 
transpire, came to this place and procured a 
license to marry the same girl. At early 
evening, and before B. had made his appear- 
ance, some friends of C, who were concerned 
in the plot, repaired to the residence of the 
lady, who was attired and waiting for her 
expectant husband, and informed her that 
they were sent to convey her to Port Clinton, 
where her husband in expectation was await- 
ing her arrival. 

She immediately complied with the re- 
quest, and was conducted to the "Island 
House," where she was induced by the 
friends of C. to take some refreshments in 
the shape of wine, — when she soon became 
unconscious of where she was or what she 
did. About this time C. made his appearance 
with a justice, and but a few moments elapsed 
ere the ceremony was performed between C. 
and the drugged female ; after which he con- 
veyed her to his own house, where they spent 
the night, (B. in the mean time being unable 
to find her whereabouts.) The girl in the 
morning acknowledged the marriage, but 
declared that she had married B. instead of 
C. But the latter remonstrated with her, 
declaring that she had married him, and was 
then in his house ; whereupon she left in- 
stantly, and took refuge in a neighboring 
house, where she stated her case, saying she 
had been drugged and made to marry the 
wrong man, and that she would not live with 
him. Her affianced, B., soon came to her 
relief, and took her in charge. He came to 
this place with her on Saturday last, when she 
commenced suit for divorce against the said C. 
These are the facts as near as ascertained. 

Arrest of a Gang of Counterfeiters. — 
In Jackson, Miss., this day, eight persons, 
including several old residents of that town, 
were arrested on Saturday, charged with 
making and circulating counterfeit money. 
A large quantity of bogus money, tools, 
presses, dies, &c, was found in their posses- 
sion. They were undoubtedly large operators 
and belonged to an extensive gang of counter- 
feiters. 

Bare on a Little Girl. — In Natchez, 
Miss., the people were this day intensely 
excited in consequence of the perpetration 
of a most beastly outrage on the person of a 
young girl, about eleven years old, by a 
fellow named Smelzer. 

The Society of the Daughter of God. — 
Singular Case in a Court of Justice. — 
This day, in the Philadelphia Court of Quarter 



Sessions, in a habeas corpus case, in which 
Mr. John Budman claimed the custody of his 
boy, a child of five years of age, from its 
mother, whose affections were weaned from 
him by a religious impostor, named Anna 
Meister, the following testimony was given : — 

On the part of Mr. Budman, witnesses 
were called as to his good character and his 
ability to support his child. A lady was 
produced, who testified her willingness to 
take charge of the child for Mr. Rudman. 
She was a married woman, with one child, 
and she declared that she would take the 
same care of the boy as though he were her 
own son. This witness, when questioned in 
regard to her knowledge of the belief of the 
followers of Anna Meister, stated that she 
understood that they held that if they be- 
lieved in her they would never die. She was 
not a member of the Society. 

Mrs. Rudman, a pale and delicately-built 
woman, with but little expression in her 
face, when called upon to produce witnesses, 
handed to the District Attorney a paper con- 
taining a list of the persons she desired ex- 
amined. The first witness called was Mrs. 
Andress, a resident of West Philadelphia, 
who testified that she had known Mrs. R. 
four years ; she took good care of her child ; 
the child is much attached to its mother, and 
the mother to the child; Mrs. Rudman has 
no aberration of the mind ; Mrs. R. is a poor 
woman. 

Mr. 3Iann. — When the child is ill, does the 
mother attend to it properly? 

Witness. — We belong to a Society; and 
when there is any thing the matter with us 
or our children, we ask Anna Meister, and 
she tells us what to do; she gives us herbs, 
and we always get well after using them ; 
Anna Meister knows what is proper for us. 

Judge Allison. — What does she know about 
medicine ? 

Witness. — She never practised medicine ; 
but she knows what is good for us. 

Judge Allison. — How does she know? 

Witness. — "We do believe she is the last 
Witness, sent from the Almighty, and that 
we shall obey her commands and live a pure 
and just life. God gave his commands 
through Moses first, and afterwards through 
Jesus Christ, and he tells us ' to love thy 
neighbor and be pure and just,' and then 
God shall call us for the first-fruits of his 
flock." The witness continued in this strain 
at considerable length and with great, volu- 
bility. Her earnest manner and evident sin- 
cere belief in the doctrines as taught by Anna 
Meister were painful to behold. The witness, 
after she had been allowed to run on in this 
way for some time, was interrupted by the 
judge asking, "You believe Anna Meister 
as though God were speaking?" 

Witness. — "She speaks the pure doctrine 
to love our neighbors and to act just," The 
examination continued as follows : The child 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



25 



is taught to pray; I did belong to a Presby- 
terian church ; when Mr. Rudman was a 
member of the Society, he ate of the krout- 
salad the same as the child ; he never found 
fault with it then ; he never complained that 
;it injured his health ; the child is treated now 
as when he lived with his wife ; I meet her 
with the child every Sunday at our meeting ; 
have seen her ten times at her house during 
the year ; I have belonged to this society 
four years ; Mrs. Rudman joined first; my 
husband belongs ; we take spring-water be- 
cause it is pure ; we boil the hydrant-water 
to take the impurities off; I believe in eating 
salad. 

•Mr. Remak. — What is the object of that? 

Witness. — Anna Meister told me I should 
give it to my husband and child at ten o'clock 
every night, and it would take the impure 
Stuff from their stomachs. 

Mr. Mann. (Aside.) — We take it in the 
form of celery! 

Witness. — I give it to my child at ten o'clock 
at night; if he is asleep I wake him up and 
make him take his salad; we take three forks 
full at a time ; we put on it a little salt, a 
little vinegar, and a little sweet oil. 

Mr. Remak. — How about onions? 

Witness. — It is- said it injures us ; it is un- 
wholesome. 

Mr. Remak. — What else is there in regard 
to your regulations about eating or drinking? 

Witness. — There's beer. If we want spi- 
rituous drinks, we take wine ; beer is not 
wholesome, but the wine is pure, because 
there is nothing mixed in with it ; (?) no 
quantity is fixed for us to take ; I teach my 
child that what Anna Meister says must be 
believed ; my child is ten years old ; there 
are twenty-two or twenty-five who belong to 
the Society: we give a tip, or a levy, or a 
quarter, a week, and sometimes a dollar is 
brought, and this is given for Anna Meister's 
board ; we meet at Mr. Munser*s house ; he 
took her in when she commenced preaching ; 
we have preaching on Sunday afternoon and 
prayer-meetings on Wednesday evenings ; 
some of us have commenced to preach, be- 
cause it is our duty to be servants of the 
Almighty, and must give the testimony; I 
preach sometimes. 



SUNDAY, JANUARY 8. 

Death of the Rev. Charles Renshaw. — 
This day died, at Richmond, Mass., the Rev. 
Charles Renshaw. At fourteen years of age 
he entered the navy, and had become a lieu- 
tenant, when he entered a house of worship 
in Philadelphia one evening, for the first time 
in several years. He soon after tendered his 
resignation in the navy. After a course of 
study, he went on a mission to Jamaica, and 
labored seven years. He then preached in 
Philadelphia; but, the climate not agreeing 



with him, he came North, and was settled 
in Richmond. He had labored there un- 
ceasingly for six years, when he was seized 
with illness on the morning of November 1, 
1859. 

Murdered. — In Winsted, Conn., this day, 
Edward Coffee, a young man twenty-two 
years of age, was murdered by a man named 
Michael Connel. The parties had been in 
altercation some days before, and the matter 
was seemingly settled. Connel called at a 
place where Coffee was stopping, and invited 
him out, when he stabbed him in the neck 
and the abdomen, making fatal wounds. 
Coffee lived about two hours. His body was 
taken to Hartford, where he had friends, and 
was buried. He was unmarried. Connel 
was arrested the same evening. 

Fires in Kansas. — This day two destruc- 
tive fires occurred at Leavenworth. A planing- 
mill, a warehouse, a wholesale grocery, the 
banking-house of J. C. Hemmingway, and 
several law-offices, were destroyed. Loss, 
$55,000, of which only $15,000 to $25,0U0 
is insured. 

Suicide. — In Massachusetts, this day, Jos. 
W. Shaw, foreman of a steam-boiler esta- 
blishment in Worcester, committed suicide by 
hanging himself at his residence. He had 
been of intemperate habits for some time. 
He left a large family. 

Lay in State. — This day the body of 
Bishop Neumann lay in state in the Cathe- 
dral chapel. 

Died, in Alexandria, Va., this day, Wm. 
Fowle, one of the oldest and most respected 
merchants of that city. 

A Hebrew Orphan-Asylum was formally 
opened this day at Charleston, S.C. 

A Duel was this day fought in New Or- 
leans between two young gentlemen, named 
respectively Bouligny and Lallande, which, 
it is feared, may result seriously. The 
weapons were small-swords, and Bouligny 
was run through the lung. Personal pique 
is assigned as the origin of the difficulty. 



MONDAY, JANUARY 9. 

Found Dead. — In Philadelphia, this day, 
at eleven o'clock in the evening, officer Allen, 
while passing the n.e. corner of Second and 
Vine Streets, had his attention called to a man 
lying in the cellar-way of the building at the 
corner. On making an examination, he dis- 
covered the body of a man apparently about 
seventy years of age. As the body was still 
warm, it is supposed the deceased had fallen 



26 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



down but, a short time before, 
was a beggar. 



The deceased 



Murder in Arkansas. — This day Alfred 
Kimber, a man said to have been singularly 
moral and exemplary in his conduct, was 
called out of his house on the Washington 
road, near Little Rock, in the night, and 
shot dead. It was not known that he had an 
enemy, says the "State Gazette." The mur- 
derer escaped. 

Death of Major Fitzgerald. — Died, at 
Los Angeles, Cal., this day, Brevet-Major 
Edward Harold Fitzgerald. U.S. Army, Cap- 
tain in the First Regiment of Dragoons, aged 
forty-one years. Major Fitzgerald was born 
in Norristown, Pa., in 1819. 

In 1839 he was appointed a second lieu- 
tenant in the Sixth Regiment U.S. Infantry 
from the State of Virginia. He served in the 
Seminole War from the date of his appoint- 
ment until the year 1841, when he was se- 
lected as one of the officers to conduct, from 
Florida to the western frontier of Arkansas 
the formidable band of Seminoles which had 
been led and was surrendered by Coa-coo- 
chee. From 1841 till 1846, he served in the 
Cherokee Nation. At the opening of the war 
with Mexico, he marched with a battalion of 
his regiment to San Antonio, Texas, where 
he joined the column under General Wool. 
He accompanied this column, in all its ar- 
duous marches, to Agua Nueva, in the in- 
terior of Mexico. Here the battalion to 
which he belonged was transferred to Gene- 
ral Worth's brigade, then occupying the city 
of Saltillo. In January, 1847, he marched 
with this brigade to the mouth of the Rio 
Grande, where it became a part of the army 
under General Scott. In the landing at 
Vera Cruz, Major Fitzgerald was the first of 
the invading army who leaped upon the shore. 
He was in every battle on General Scott's 
line, from the surrender of Vera Cruz to the 
fall of the city of Mexico. In all of these, 
whether in the line or on the staff, he served 
with distinction. For conspicuous gallantry 
at the storming of Chapultepec, he received 
his commission as brevet-major in the army. 
After the clo>e of the war he came into the 
First Dragoons by transfer as a captain, and 
served in that capacity on the Pacific coast 
and in the Territory of New Mexico. During 
the last few years of his life the health of 
Major Fitzgerald gradually declined; and he 
recently sought the climate of Southern Cali- 
fornia, indulging the vain hope that it might 
become restored. In his profession he was 
a chivalrous soldier, and in the relations of 
private life a Christian gentleman. 

The Kentucky Democratic State Con- 
vention met this day. Delegates to the 
Charleston Convention were elected, reso- 
lutions favoring the Dred Scott decision were 



adopted, and James Guthrie declared to be 
the choice of that State for the Presidency. 

Execution in California. — Jacob Elyea, 
for the murder of James McQuade, on the 
27th of January, 1858, was executed at Stock- 
ton this day, protesting his innocence to the 
last. Twice he had been tried, and twice 
respited. His imprisonment has lasted over 
two years. The last effort to acquit him was 
grounded on the fact that the chief witness 
against him was a Turk, — hence a negro, — 
and hence incapable of testifying against a 
white man. Just as he was going to die, he 
gave the sheritf a package of the heads of 
phosphorus matches. He had saved them 
during the two years of his confinement, to 
swallow in a last emergency and so commit 
suicide ; but, thinking better of it, he bad 
refrained from taking his own life. 

Burned to Death. — This day a child of 
Mr. Frederick Hise, of Neshanie, Somerset 
county, N.J., in the absence of the mother 
for a few minutes, was burned to death sit- 
ting in its cradle. While playing with an. 
open newspaper, one corner of it reached the 
fire, which was thus communicated to the 
clothing of the cradle, and so burned the 
child that it died instantly. 

Funeral of a Suicide for Love. — This 
day the funeral of Orville Wood, who shot 
himself for love of Miss Mack, took place in 
Marshall, Mich. 

The Funeral of Bishop Neumann took 
place this day. The body was removed from 
the Cathedral chapel to St. John's Church, 
whither it was followed by a vast throng 
of the male friends of the deceased. The 
body was clad in the full official robes of a 
bishop. Upon the head was a snow-white 
mitre, and at the side lay a richly-gilt 
crosier. The hearse used was enclosed with 
glass, and the firm features of the deceased 
bishop could be distinctly seen by the people 
as the cortege moved slowly through the 
streets. At St. John's Church high mass 
was performed; and after a sermon by Arch- 
bishop Kenrick, the body was removed in the 
same state to St. Peter's Church, where the 
interment took place on Tuesday morning, 
after appropriate services. 

A Person Charged with Poisoning ap- 
plies for a Discharge. — In the New York 
Court of Oyer and Terminer, counsel for 
Margaret Burke, charged with the crime of 
poisoning her mistress, Mrs. Beetham, an i 
Mr. Fayette Robinson, a boarder, in Four- 
teenth Street, in the spring of 1859, applied 
for her discharge, on the ground that she 
had been confined in the city prison more 
than ten months, awaiting her trial, in con- 
travention of the statute. The District At- 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



27 



torney opposed the motion, and it was denied 
by the court. 

Cost of Philadelphia City Government 
for a Year.— The Controller of that city 
this day reported that the expenditure on 
City Accounts, and on the several Trust and 
» Special Accounts, for the year just closed, 
amounted to $19,021,521.06. 

iNAUGrRATION OF THE GOVERNOR OF CALI- 
FORNIA. —Milton S. Latham took the oath and 
entered upon the duties of the office of Go- 
vernor of California this day. He is a native 
of Ohio, thirty-three years of age. He studied 
law in the office of Vice-President W. R. King; 
came to California ten years ago; was Clerk 
of the Recorder's Court in Sacramento in 
1852; was nominated and elected to Congress 
in 1853, when barely old enough to hold the 
office; was appointed Collector of the port 
of San Francisco in 1855; was candidate for 
Governor before the Democratic State Con- 
vention in the same year, but defeated, be- 
cause the Know-Nothings carried every thing 
before them at that election ; was nominated 
and elected Governor in 1859. A corre- 
spondent of the " New York Tribune" says of 
him : — 

" He is a good lawyer, a fluent and forcible 
public speaker, of grave and prepossessing 
appearance and address, very careful and 
moral in his private life, an excellent man- 
ager in political tactics, very discreet, 
stingy of his promises and faithful to them, 
and skilled in the art of making friends of 
everybody. When in Congress in 1854 and 
1855 he did only two acts, — vote for the Ne- 
braska bill, and deliver a eulogy of Vice- 
President King. While Collector of the Port 
he kept his accounts in the most careful 
manner ; and Secretary Guthrie, a most con- 
scientious and competent officer, expressed 
his high satisfaction at the manner in which 
Latham performed his duties. Mr. Latham 
is an Administration man ; but he has very 
little to say about the quarrels between the 
Northern and Southern wings of the Demo- 
cracy, and each wing supposes that his feel- 
ings accord with theirs. The Anti-Lecomp- 
tonites and Republicans generally prefer him 
to any of his rival candidates." 

A Thrilling Scene. — A Skiff with ten 
Persons swept away by Ice. — This day 
nine men and a female attempted to cross 
the Ohio River, at Cincinnati, in a skiff, not- 
withstanding they were warned of the peril 
on account of the heavy floating ice. The 
"Enquirer" thus describes their venture, 
the rescue of nine of them, and the probable 
death of the other : — 

" When in the neighborhood of the abut- 
ment to the suspension-bridge, the skiff was 
struck by some heavy ice, and in a moment 



more firmly fastened in a gorge. The row- 
locks and oars were covered with ice, which 
prevented them from being used to much 
purpose, and the occupants of the skiff were 
so paralyzed by a sudden fear that they 
could do nothing to relieve themselves from 
their dangerous condition. 

"Meantime the boat, which was not yet far I 
out in the stream, was slowly but surely 
drifting down. A few persons, who had 
watched the perilous adventure from the 
ferry-float below, endeavored to arrest the 
boat as it swept by, and partially succeeded 
in doing so. Seven of the men and the 
woman were rescued with considerable diffi- 
culty. The ninth man, the woman's hus- 
band, in endeavoring to gain the boat, fell 
back in the river and disappeared from 
view, amid the almost heart-rending screams 
of his almost distracted wife. A moment 
after, however, he appeared on the surface, 
struggling manfully for life. The current 
was strong and the ice sharp and cutting ; 
but, being an expert swimmer, he kept him- 
self above water, and succeeded in making 
a landing near the foot of Western Row, 
about four squares farther down. As might 
be supposed, he was almost exhausted on 
reaching the shore, and had he remained in 
the river five minutes longer he would cer- 
tainly have perished. The joy of that wife, 
on seeing her husband, who, a moment be- 
fore, had been struggling in the jaws of 
death, can be more easily imagined than 
described. 

"Before the last man in the skiff could be 
rescued it broke loose from its fastening and 
was rapidly swept away with its solitary oc- 
cupant. The poor fellow uttered no cry — 
gave no signal of distress — made no effort 
to extricate himself from what seemed in- 
evitable death. The sight of his companion 
struggling in the chilly waves— the crashing 
sound of the ice — the biting temperature of 
the atmosphere — the bleak wintry sky over- 
head, studded with stars, which 

' Like the eyes of wolves glared at him,' 
seemed to have on him an overpowering 
effect. Motionless as a statue he stood, 
with folded arms, looking at the dim outline 
of the shore as it slowly receded from view, 
and taking what he believed to be a last 
view of earth. On, on, he was swept by the 
resistless current, his condition every mo- 
ment becoming more and more critical. 
Along he moved down the dark river — to 
him, perhaps, the river of death — which ere 
morning might empty into that unknown 
sea that washes the boundaries of another 
world." 

D IET) . — This day Charles Ellis, President 
of the Harvard Bank, died at Roxbury, 
Massachusetts. 



28 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



Inauguration of Governor Dennison, of 
Ohio. — This day Governor Dennison deli- 
vered his Inaugural, at Columbus. He re- 
commended annual sessions of the Legisla- 
ture, and an amendment to the State Con- 
stitution, to provide for a different system of 
representation. He deprecated the neglect 
of Congress to consider measures of internal 
improvements. In regard to the Slavery 
question, he entered into its discussion at 
some length, from an anti-slavery point of 
view. 

Split in the Kansas Legislature. — Ad- 
vices from Kansas, of this date, state that 
the Territorial Legislature of Kansas passed 
a joint resolution adjourning to Lecompton, 
•which Governor Medary vetoed. The Leg- 
islature passed it over the veto by a two- 
thirds vote of a quorum. A question having 
arisen as to the constitutionality of the vote, 
the majority adjourned to Lawrence, while 
the minority remained at Lecompton. Both 
factions claim to be the legal body, and it 
is apprehended that another series of legis- 
lative difficulties will be created by this dis- 
agreement. 

Fir.E at DtNCANNON Iron-"Works. — Nail- 
Factort Destroyed. — The night of this 
day. the extensive nail-factory connected 
vrith the Duncannon Iron-Works was de- 
stroyed by fire. The main building and 
sixtv machines are a total wreck. Loss, 
$25,000: insured in Philadelphia. The pro- 
perty was owned and conducted by Fisher, 
Morgan & Co., of Philadelphia. The origin 
of the fire is, so far, unknown. It throws 
some three hundred workmen out of employ- 
ment. 

Garroting. — The Memphis papers give 
the particulars of a robbery and garroting 
of a gentleman, in his room, in the Gayoso 
House, in that city, on this day, in broad 
daylight. It seems that a man, named 
Keller Kurtz, travelling agent for C. F. New- 
ton, manufacturer of gold and silver pen 
and pencil cases, in New York, had been 
several days in Memphis, confined to his 
room, most of the time from serious pulmo- 
nary complaint, and was on that morning 
in his room and in bed. The robber walked 
in, locked the door, put the key in his pocket, 
choked the poor fellow senseless, and robbed 
him of all the money he had, a gold watch 
and chain, five dozen Congress pens, with 
silver holders, and three dozen Henry Clay 
pens, also with silver holders. The loss is 
ibout $350. 



TUESDAY, JANUARY lO- 

Death from Hydrophobia. — In Dayton. 
Ohio, Samuel Woodman, an old resident, 
died this day from hydrophobia, having 



been bitten by a dog as long since as Sep- 
tember. He remained perfectly conscious, 
but suffering terribly, until his decease. 

Arrested. — In Detroit, Michigan, this 
day, Ex-Postmaster O'Flynn, says the "De- 
troit Tribune,"' was arrested and taken be- 
fore United States Commissioner Wilkins, 
charged, on the complaint of District Attor- 
ney Miller, with •• feloniously embezzling 
the sum of $6,213.29, received by him." 
This amount is claimed by the Post-Office 
Department at Washington, as a balance due, 
while Mr. O'Flynn claims that by the acts of 
his predecessors in office, and the construc- 
tion of the law hitherto, this sum belonged 
to him, and not to the department. Action 
was commencedagainsthisbondmen, Charles 
Moran and Alexander M. Campau, at the 
same time. Mr. O'Flynn gave bail in the 
sum of $10,000 to appear and answer at the 
special term of the United States Court. 

Death from Drinking. — In New Haven, 
Connecticut, this day, Miles Winn, who is 
said to have been a temperate man, killed 
himself by drinking wine on a Avager. He 
laid a bet of ten dollars that he could drink 
two quarts of port wine. Alter tinishing 
seven tumblers, he fell back insensible, and 
expired shortly afterwards. 

Amnesty. — This day the Legislature of 
Virginia passed an act of amnesty to all 
engaged in duels previous to this date. This 
was done mainly for the benefit of Messrs. 
Pryor, Clemens. O. Jennings Wise, and some 
other Virginia duellists, to remove their in- 
ability to hold office. 

Vetoed the Bill to Abolish Slavery. — 
" The Omaha Nebraskian," of this date, 
states that the bill abolishing slavery in 
Nebraska Territory, which had passed both 
Houses of the Legislature, had been vetoed 
by Governor Black. 

Valedictory of the Governor of Cali- 
fornia. — In California, this day. the vale- 
dictory message of Governor Weller was 
received by the Legislature, and the cere- 
monies attending the inauguration of Gover- 
nor Latham were enacted. The same night 
lie was nominated in the Democratic caucus 
for United States Senator. The vote in cau- 
cus stood : — Latham, 51 ; Weller, 43; Wash- 
ington, 2. Mr. Latham's nomination in 
caucus was on the first ballot after his name 
was introduced as a candidate. The use 
of it took Weller'e adherents by surprise, 
and was quite unexpected to the public at 
large. 

Burned to Death. — A lady named Miss 
Ann McAllister, sixty years of age, was 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



burned to death by accident, at her resi- 
dence, in Amissville. Rappahannock county. 
Virginia, on this day. 

Killed by being Caught eh the Machi- 
nery. — In New Jersey, this day, John Kirk, 
a native of Scotland, and about forty years 
of age, was killed at the Passaic Zinc-Works. 
South Bergen, by being caught upon a belt 
and carried into a crushing-machine. He 
survived onlv about ten minutes. 

Ilrxr; bt LrxcH Law. — This day a party 
of men in Natchez. Mississippi, seized on 
the jailer, bound him, and, taking away his 
keys, opened the jail, and seizing on Charles 
Smelzer. accused of committing an indecent 
outrage on a little girl, on the 7th instant. 
hanged him to a tree, in front of the jail- 
yard, until he was dead. An inquest was 
held on the body. The testimony of Jailer 
McDowell was to the effect that he had 
locked up the prisoners, Smelzer among 
them, looking well, or. at least, not sick, 
previous to seven o'clock on Tuesday night, 
a little earlier than usual, and that, appre- 
hensive of an outburst from the excited 
populace, he had hid the keys. He was in 
his office about seven o'clock, when some 
eight or ten persons, masked and unknown 
to him, quietly entered his room, bound him. 
and locked him up. He was powerless from 
fright. That in the course of fifteen or 
twenty minutes he was released by a lady 
who was with his family at the jail, and that 
he looked for his keys, and found them in 
his room, though not where he had concealed 
them; that he examined the cells, ^ce.. and 
all the prisoners were safe, except Smelzer. 
who was gone : that he went over to the 
court-house yard, attracted by a crowd 
there gathered, and found Smelzer hanging 
to a tree, and dead. 

The verdict of the jury ithere being no 
further witnesses to be found or he;:: 
was : — 

••The said deceased was found dead, be- 
tween seven and eight o'clock, p.m., Tues- 
day. January 10th. hung with a rope by 
the neck to a tree in the court-house yard, 
by whom or in what manner is unknown to 
the jury." 

The •• Free Trader" says. '-Smelzer. it 
is stated, poisoned his wife, several years 
ago, at Bayou Sara, set fire to that town, 
and had murderously assaulted man - g 
citizens here ant elsewhere. He was a bad 
man and a dangerous character." 

Speech or Cassics M. Clay. — In Frank- 
fort. (Kyi,) this day, Cassias M. Clay spoke 
to a vast audience, from the portico of the 
State-House, the doors of which had been 
closed against him. He avowed himself an 
emancipationist, and vindicated the patriot- 



ism of Senator Seward, 
turbance. 



There was no dis- 



New Jep.sey Legislature. — This body 

met at the State-House in Trenton, N.J., 

this day. The political complexion is as 
follows : — 

Dem. Opp. Amer. 

Senate 12 8 1 

House 30 28 2 

42 36 3 

They organized by the election of C. L. C. 
Gifford, of Essex county, as President, and 
Colonel Rafferty. of Huntingdon, as Secre- 
tary of the Senate : and A. H. Patterson, of 
Monmouth, as Speaker, and D. D. Blanwell, 
of Essex, as Clerk of the House. All of 
these officers are Democrats. The Americans 
voted with the Democrats, and received in 
return the minor offices of the House. A 
motion was made to exclude Mr. Johnson, 
of Passaic, from being sworn, on the ground 
of having been convicted of conspiracy : but 
the clerk refused to allow it, .and Mr. John- 
son was sworn in under protest. Governor 
Newell soon afterwards sent in his message. 
It opens with a flattering compliment to the 
State for its natural resources, position, and 
progress. The receipts of last year amounted 
-_ 740, and the disbursements to 
$201,498, to which should be add. I - " 
of appropriations unpaid, less a balance on 
hand of $19,288. The total liabilities are 
$133,098, besid:- - • tax on capital 

stock paid in advance by railroad-compa- 
nies. The labilities had been steadily de- 
creasing for some time. He recommended 
a law obliging each county to pay the en- 
tire expenses for prosecution of State prison- 
ers, and the support of its beneficiaries at 
the Lunatic-Asylum : also lessening the 
costs for public printing, on which immense 
sums are annually lavished. He thought 
the joint companies require looking after, as 
they make out their own statements without 
any supervision on the part of the State. A 
thorough investigation of their affairs is 
needed, and the State Directors should be 
instructed to make it. The State prison 
had yielded a small profit : but it should be 
made to pay the expense of supervision, as 
well as other outlays. The banks are said 
to be in a sound condition. Public education 
is making steady progress. The State may 
justly pride itself on the Normal School in- 
stitution, which is second to no other. From 
the State Treasury $30,000, and from the 
School Fund $50,000, were paid for educa- 
tional purposes. The fund now amounts to 
S441.7»>9. an increase of S10.474 during the 
year. The Lunatic-Asylum is also favorably 
noticed. The number of patients received 
and treated last year was four hundred and 
seventy-six, of whom seventy-six have been 



30 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



cured. The Governor makes some good 
suggestions about the militia, the Geological 
Survey, and the State Library ; favors a 
better observance of the Sabbath ; recom- 
mends measures for the suppression of in- 
temperance, the writing of medical prescrip- 
tions in English, and a registry law. The 
soncluding portion is devoted to national 
affairs, in which armed invasions, like 
Brown's, are strongly denounced, while 
strong opposition is expressed to the at- 
tempts to plant slavery in free Territory 
and re-open the African slave-trade. 

Fall of the Pemberton Mills in Law- 
rence, Mass. — Loss of Two Hundred and 
Six Lives, and Wounding Two Hundred 
and Seven More. — This dny, about five in 
the afternoon, the Pemberton Mills, in the 
city of Lawrence, Mass., fell to the ground, 
burying between six and seven hundred peo- 
ple in the ruins, killing two hundred and six 
and wounding two hundred and seven people, 
of whom many were burned alive. The fall- 
ing of the walls of the building commenced 
at the southeast* corner, where a portion of 
the brick-work, fifteen feet high, was seen by 
bystanders to force itself outwardly. In less 
than a minute thereafter, the walls of the 
mills, with the exception of the chief wing, 
were precipitated into a hideous mass of 
ruins. The noise produced by the awful 
event was said by some to resemble that of a 
terrible snow-slide, — a sharp, quick rattle, 
giving premonition of the occurrence of an 
awful catastrophe. The sound was heard 
quite a distance, and was regarded by many 
individuals as the shock of an earthquake. 
There was no warning of danger; and the 
whole force, males and females, adults and 
children, were overwhelmed in the ruins. 
The wreck of the building was complete. 
Some persons contrived to work their way 
out; but many were immediately killed, others 
were wounded to helplessness, and others 
were so involved in the mass of rubbish that 
they could not extricate themselves. 

The firemen and citizens hurried to the 
scene of the disaster, and every means was 
resorted to to get out the dead and wounded. 
The inhabitants, many of whom had relatives 
and friends in the establishment, were thrown 
into consternation, and the confusion and 
horror of the scene were indescribable. 
Temporary hospitals were hastily arranged. 
Ropes and ladders were employed in re- 
moving the rubbish ; physicians and sur- 
geons were overwhelmed with work ; bon- 
fires were lighted in the streets to assist 
in the work of rescue, and every few mo- 
ments some poor suffering creature would be 
brought out, often in a dying state. Num- 
bers of the dead and wounded were carried 
in carts and other vehicles to the City Hall, 
to await recognition. 

The work of removing the ruins and the 



dead and wounded went on briskly, but there 
were still several hundred unextricated, when 
the appalling cry of " Fire!" was heard. A 
man named John Crawford, who was hunting 
for his daughter with a lantern among the 
ruins, struck it against some of the ma- 
chinery, which set fire to the loose cotton, 
and the flames, spreading, soon put the whole 
of the ruins in a blaze, driving back the 
rescuers, and subjecting the imprisoned suf- 
ferers to a still more frightful death than 
that which was first apprehended. The 
screams and groans, while the flames were 
progressing, were frightful to hear. The 
utmost efforts of the firemen were unavailing, 
and by twelve o'clock the ruins were a mass 
of flame. By one o'clock all was a heap of 
glowing cinders and ashes. Several parties 
who were burned to death had aid nearly 
extended to them. In one case one of these 
persons was helped to a glass of water, by 
parties who were endeavoring ta extricate 
her. She said that near her, seporated only 
by a single beam, were six men uninjured. 
Alas! they were all consumed in the flames, 
which spread with great rapidity. How 
many were thus burned there is no data for 
estimating. A person who was at the fire 
from its beginning became cognizant of three 
parties of individuals — from four to six in 
number — who thus perished. It was about 
half-past nine o'clock when the fire was dis- 
covered. This additional horror, although 
somewhat apprehended, struck terror to the 
hearts that had before been hopeful of saving 
more lives. Still the work of removal went 
briskly on. The force-pumps and all the 
engines which were on the ground at once 
got streams of water on, but all in vain, and, 
as stated above, the debris were soon one 
mass of flames. 

Those near at the breaking out of the fire 
were almost on the point of extricating a 
woman not badly hurt, but the flames drove 
them back, and the woman is supposed to 
have perished when delivery seemed so near. 
The scene was at this time most horrible. 
The ruins lay in one confused heap, covering 
an area of about two acres, and piled up to 
a height of about thirty feet. From nearly 
every hole and crevice in this vast pile, from 
the top, from the sides, and in fact from 
every fissure from whence a voice from the 
inside could make its way, came shrieks for 
help, groans of anguish, prayers, and moan- 
ings; and in many, very many cases the poor 
sufferers could be distinctly seen, talked to, 
and even reached by the hand from the out- 
side. Many thus imprisoned were encou- 
raged and sustained by assurances of safety, 
and in many cases cups of coffee could be, 
and were, passed down to those below, who, 
alas! after all this near approach to safety, 
saw hour after hour pass away, until, at last, 
the frightful cry of "Fire!" and the greedy 
licking of the flames as they approached 



18(50.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



31 



■with fearful rapidity, crackling and hissing 
all over the remains on the ground, told 
them too plainly that all hope of life was 
gone. 

An eye-witness, writing the account of this 
disaster, says : — 

This time — six o'clock — fifteen hundred 
persons gathered about the spot, and by the 
light of the fires the more daring were on 
top, crawling under the ruins, fixing ropes, 
and doing all in their power to extricate 
those within. At the outset, their efforts 
were quite successful. About seventy-five 
persons, men, women, and children, more or 
less wounded, were taken out, and, if re- 
cognised, carried home, and if not, taken to 
the City Hall, which had been converted into 
a temporary hospital. After the first hour, 
however, the work becomes much more dan- 
gerous, by reason of the fall of timbers as dis- 
placements are made, and often the rescued 
and the rescuer are again in danger of a fresh 
entombment. We do not learn, however, that 
any serious accident has befallen any of those 
who rendered assistance from outside ; but 
still the danger of the attempt deterred many 
from rendering any help except by standing 
at a distance and screaming themselves hoarse 
in giving advice or directions to the more 
daring spirits who were hot at work. 

At one point, when a rope had been fixed 
to a projecting timber, a call was made to the 
crowd to take hold and pull with a will, but, 
for a few minutes, such was the danger of the 
attempt, — for the beam in falling might en- 
gulf all near it, — for a few minutes the call 
was unheeded. Men shuddered and drew 
back: they would risk much to aid those 
below, but life was sweet, and the danger 
great. At this critical juncture, a woman 
rushed from among the crowd, and, daring 
the spectators to follow, seized the rope and 
attempted to mount the pile of smouldering 
ruins, to clear a way with her hands. The 
example was enough. Not a word was said, 
but strong hands at once drew her back, and 
then there was no lack of hands to the rope; 
the beam was drawn out, and at least two 
sufferers released from the opening thus 
made. 

Besides those thus saved, a large number 
of operatives, mostly males, who were in the 
weaving-room, which is in the lower story, 
managed to escape by crawling up from that 
room through a couple of low windows which 
were not obstructed. The weaving-room was 
partially saved by the heavy stone floor of the 
story above ; and many in this department 
were thus saved. 

One poor girl, alive and fully conscious, 
was dragged from the east end of the fallen 
mass, wit.ii her left arm torn from the socket, 
and her body and legs awfully mangled. 
She was taken by her friends, but could not 
have survived long. In one place the bodies 
of three girls were found locked in each 



others' arms, but quite dead. They could 
not be removed without mangling the bodies, 
and, being abandoned for a time, the flames 
broke out before another attempt was made, 
and all three were consumed. 

One Irishman was taken out quite unhurt ; 
and his first act was to feel in his pocket, 
from whence he drew forth a sooty " dudeen," 
and, seizing a brand from the fire, he lit his 
pipe and went his way. 

Next from the ruins was taken the dead 
body of a lad, and following him was borne 
a girl with one of her ankles burnt to a crisp. 
She had been confined by one foot between 
two beams, and only by the utmost exertion 
was she recovered. She was, also, taken 
home by her friends. 

A young girl was released just before the 
flames burst forth, and, in answer to a ques- 
tion, stated that she was unhurt. It after- 
wards appeared that her right arm was badly 
broken near the wrist; but in the excitement 
of the moment, and in the joy of deliverance 
from a dreadful death, she had not noticed 
the hurt. 

One woman was found with her head jammed 
between two heavy beams, and pressed so that 
it was not thicker than the thickness of a hand. 
It was a sickening sight. 

One young girl was confined in a narrow hole, 
surrounded by broken machinery and ragged 
timber and boards, and succeeded in crushing 
out into the open air; but when she emerged 
from the ruins she had scarcely an article of 
clothing on her person. 

Perhaps one of the saddest episodes of the 
whole calamity was the fate of Mr. Maurice 
Palmer, who was an overseer in the mill. In 
the fall, he was so embedded in the ruins that 
he could not be extricated before the fire ; and, 
seeing the dreadful element approaching him, 
he, in his agony and despair, determined not 
to be roasted to death, and so drew his pocket- 
knife and cut his throat. He was, however, 
taken out alive, and would have survived but 
for the self-inflicted injury. "Who, however, 
can judge the anguish and agony which in- 
duced the fearful deed '! 

The reporter of a newspaper was told, by a 
gentleman who was early on the spot, that at 
one point of the ruins he distinguished a fe- 
male voice crying in distress, and soon an- 
other voice answered, "Is that you, Lizzie? 
Are you hurt?" The reply was a smothered 
groan, and an appeal to God's mercy in her 
behalf. Both these girls were afterwards 
rescued. 

A Lawrence paper states that Mr. N. F. H. 
Melviu, an alderman of that city, was at work 
in the repair-shop, which is still unharmed. 
The first intimation he had of the approach- 
ing calamity was the rattling of particles 
against the window, and the appearance of a 
cloud of dust and lime coming in through the 
broken panes. His first impression was that 
the boiler had burst ; and he started for the 



32 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



door. When lie got out, he could see nothing 
at first for the cloud of smoke, but soon ob- 
served men, women, and children crawling out 
from the ruins, covered with blood. He saw 
two women issuing from the basement, and 
ran down to them; but one of them said, "Do 
not help me: there are others in here." He 
went in under the ruins beneath the project- 
ing roof, about two rods, on his hands and 
knees, and found a man wedged between two 
looms, and a large shaft lying on his back. 
lie saw that he could not be got out without 
tools. He procured a monkey-wrench, and, 
by taking the loom apart, extricated the man, 
who went on his way rejoicing. He proceeded 
to the next loft, and saw one Perkins trying 
to get out, but he was unable to do so, being 
wedged between two plank frames laid across 
his hips. Mr. Melviu could not find an axe 
nearer than at his home, but ran thither 
quickly, and on returning released the man 
by cutting the plank. He continued working 
in the ruins, although suffering from an in- 
jured e}e. 

Mr. A. B. Vftnne was in the fifth story when 
he felt the shaking of the building. He ex- 
pected to be instantly killed, but went down 
with the fading mass to the first floor, and 
walked out of the ruins unharmed. He was 
obliged to tear away some timbers to get out, 
which he was enabled to do by his powerful 
exertions, — the wounded and imprisoned in 
the vicinity beseeching him not to move any 
thing, for fear the rubbish would crush them. 

Mr. Burredge, of Engine Company No. 4, 
took out a young girl from the ruins in a per- 
fectly nude state, yet, strange to say, with 
hardly a scratch on her person. He wrapped 
her in his overcoat and carried her home, — 
when, with great presence of mind, she be- 
sought him to return to the sufferers in the 
ruins. 

The city is ringing with the praises of Miss 
Olive Bridges, who at the first alarm slid 
down the elevator-rope, and, when she found 
she was safe, nobly assisted in helping her 
wounded comrades in suffering at the City Hall. 

Mr. J. II. Dana says the first intimation 
most of the operatives had was the swaying 
of the walls of the whole building. Then the 
falling commenced at one end, and the whole 
mass gradually settled, — the majority of the 
operatives running toward the safer end of 
the edifice. The wall fell outward, but the 
roof fell in the shape of a V, allowing an al- 
most unobstructed passage on each side of the 
mill along the basement, through which many 
escaped. This passage was open two or three 
hours afterward, and many persons walked 
through it. The work of getting out the 
bodies had been continued until the basement 
was being cleared, when the fire drove the 
rescuers away. 

Mr. Adams, the overseer, being in the base- 
ment, was overtaken by the falling fragments 
while attempting to escape, and was wedged 



between the timbers. A saw was passed tc 
him through the ruins, and he sawed untii 
the nails j)revented his going any further 
An axe was then handed to him, and he got 
himself out, not very seriously injured. 

A boy in the factory was in the upper story 
when the crash came. He went to the bottom 
of the ruins with the falling mass, and walked 
out unhurt. 

A girl working in the upper room felt the 
giving way of the walls, and held to her loom. 
She was also carried to the basement, hev 
clothes nearly all torn off, and yet she es 
caped unhurt. The instances of these mira* 
culous escapes are numerous and almost in- 
credible. 

One young woman, twenty years of age, who 
was at work in the second story, heard the 
crash of a portion of the building, and saw 
portions of it tumbl-ug down. She imme- 
diately started in an opposite direction, but 
before she reached this point the walls wero 
crumbling and threatened instant death. Al- 
most panic-stricken, she rushed to a side door, 
and was just emerging to the entry, when that 
was crushed in. She recollected nothing more 
than getting through a window and leaping 
to the ground, where she was unconscious. 

Another young woman, also about twenty, 
escaped an awful death. Unapprised of the 
fall of the building until the terrible catas- 
trophe itself came upon her, she was at work 
in the third story. She only knows that the 
whole flooring above her was precipitated 
upon that on which she stood, accompanied 
by a terrific noise. She was crushed beneath 
some machinery near which she was at work, 
her head being pressed against a beam, seem- 
ing, as she described it, as if her head would 
"split in two at every moment." Her legs 
were forced in one direction, her arms in an- 
other. But one arm could be used at all. 
Every second the heavy weight appeared to 
be settling closer and closer upon her. She 
saw nothing but death awaiting her. Her 
feelings were those of the most agonizing 
kind. She said that she prayed God that she 
might be delivered from impending death. 
Hardly had she ceased uttering this prayer, 
when the falling of a wall in a distant portion 
of the mill released her from the imminent 
peril about her. With a presence of mind 
that exhibited genuine heroism, she struggled 
amid danger and death, and in time reached 
a point of safety This was after being in 

I the ruins for upwards of an hour. She was, 
however, more injured than was at first sup- 

I posed, as is evident from her inability not 
merely to leave her bed, but hardly to turn 

I her body. Her physician apprehends some 

| internal injuries of a serious nature. She 

I conversed with difficulty. 

A young man who was taken from the ruins 
after a confinement of some five hours says 
his feelings were of the most painful and in- 

1 describable nature. The groans of the wounded 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



and dying met his ear at every moment. The 
shouts of the people without mingled with 
the terrible sounds within. When released, 
such had been the pressure upon his person 
that he was nearly unconscious. He never 
expected to get out alive. 

A maiden lady, about thirty-eight, who 
worked in the upper (dressing) room, was 
precipitated to the ruins (or with them) be- 
low, and sustained no particular injury. Her 
escape is most extraordinary. She came 
among timbers, portions of the roof, bricks, 
machinery, &c, but was unharmed. It was 
one of the most wonderful of »U the escapes 
of this terrible tragedy. 

A citizen, who risked his own life in an at- 
tempt to save the operatives from the burning 
pile, worked his way into an inner apartment, 
and, looking through a hole in the wall, saw 
two men and a woman walking to and fro, 
apparently entirely unhurt. He reached 
through and took them by the hand, and pro- 
ceeded with vigorous blows to make a hole 
in the partition. A moment too soon the 
flames sprung up where he stood. A flood of 
water poured in upon it and blinded him, and 
he rushed from the place, warned by the en- 
gineer, and narrowly escaped with his life. 

Shortly before the fire broke out, and while 
there were thousands of persons exerting 
themselves to their utmost to save human 
life and extricate the dead, a little girl was 
discovered by a party at work in one part of 
the ruins. She lay upon her back; a large 
bar of iron — one of the iron columns — was so 
thrown over her that it was impossible for 
her to move ; besides, she had her arms pin- 
ioned by some of the machinery-wiring that 
had got wound around them. Her face was 
badly lacerated; and the humane individuals, 
saddened by the sight around them, proceeded 
to extricate the supposed corpse. After re- 
peated trials at the bar of iron, without being 
able to move it off, a stalwart man, in passing 
by, stooped, and, easily lifting the bar, laid it 
aside. The surprise of the party on finding 
the little girl alive and not fatally injured 
may be imagined but not described. She had 
lain between some of the bricks and rubbish, 
so that but little of the floor and falling iron 
had come upon her. 

A husband was seen anxiously searching 
the promiscuous wreck for his wife. The 
search was long and untiring. Every little 
nook was carefully examined ; and finally the 
lost one was found. In turning over some of 
the roofing, in a pile of rubbish, she was dis- 
covered closely embedded among brick, iron, 
splinters of wood, &c. It required some time 
to clear it away, and, when once it was found, 
the husband took the supposed lifeless body 
away. Before he reached home the lady re- 
covered consciousness, and, with the excej>- 
tion of a few slight injuries, is probably as 
well as ever. 

Of the five overseers of the different de- 



partments of the mill, but one — Mr. Branch — 
was killed. The other four — Messrs. Tatter- 
son, Nevins, Glover, and Shove — were fortu- 
nate in escaping uninjured. But a few mo- 
ments before the falling of the building, Mr. 
Chase, the agent of the company, Mr. Clark, 
the clerk, an I several of the overseers, were 
together in the weave-room. Mr. Chase all 
at once noticed something unusual, and heard 
a cracking sound, when, almost instinctively, 
he started for the door, the only available 
mode of egress. This door, which it had been 
the practice to keep fastened, was opened by 
a buy just as Mr. Chase and his companions 
reached it, and the party had just time to get 
half a dozen feet from the wall when it fell. 

Shortly after this, a little girl appeared in 
the window of the northwest corner of the 
building, which was standing, and jumped 
out. She was caught by some gentlemen, 
and sustained no injury. 

A brother and sister — Robert and Mary 
Moore — employed in the weave-room, were 
buried in the falling mass. They say the 
whole affair passed off so quickly that they 
hardly knew what had happened. The first 
intimation that they had of it was a crash 
overhead, and then a trembling of the build- 
ing. Instinctively they both lay flat upon 
the floor, and both came out of the ruins 
safe and sound. 

Many of the persons who were rescued 
from the ruins alive owe their escape from 
instant death to the arches of the looms, 
which resisted the immense weight of tim- 
bers and machinery, and left a space between 
the floors, in which the sufferers could move 
about. 

A marvellous escape from death is related 
of a little girl about ten or twelve years old. 
She was tound with her feet spread wide 
apart by a huge mass of iron that would 
probably weigh a thousand pounds. Close 
on either side were heavy pieces of machi- 
nery, and over her back a large timber; while 
one of her arms was thrust through an iron 
ring. All these heavy articles were in close 
contact with her body, so that she could not 
move; and yet, strange to say, she was res- 
cued with only slight injuries. How she 
could have got into such a position is a mar 
vel. 

An affecting scene occurred during the 
early part of the evening, which melted the 
hearts of all who witnessed it. A little boy, 
whose only friend on earth was his mother, 
and that mother employed in the mill, wan- 
dered about among the crowd, sobbing as if 
his little heart would break, and begging the 
bystanders to save his mother. The prayers 
of the little fellow were answered: his mo- 
ther was saved, and, clasping her son in her 
arms, his joy knew no bounds, one extreme 
succeeding another. 

Another young girl was buried ten feet 
deep under rubbish, but, her screams being 



3 



34 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



heard, parties set to work to extricate her. 

.Viler toiling long and Lard, they succeeded 
in removing the superincumbent mass, when, 
to their astonishment, the girl jumped nimbly 
up, and ran skipping away, greatly pleased 
at her liberation, and not in the least hurt! 

A boy at work in one of the upper rooms, 
hearing the crash, had the presence of mind 
to jump into a waste-box, which, with its 
occupant, was buried several feet beneath 
the ruins. When the rescuers raised the 
pile of rubbish from the box, the young hero 
sprang from his narrow prison and walked 
away as coolly as if nothing had happened. 

Two men in the basement threw them- 
selves under a loom, and were finally saved. 

The following is a list of the killed, wounded, 
and missing, whose names have been ob- 
tained: — 



THE MAD AND MISSING. 



John McDonnell, 
Mary McDonnell, 

John Dearborn, 
Bridget Ryan, 
Margaret Sullivan, 
Morris Palmer, overseer. 
i lien Colbert, 
Ellen Roach, 
Hannah Shay, 
Bridget Loughley, 
Margaret Foley, 
Bernard Hallfield, 
Bridge) Sullivan, 
Catharine Callaghan, 
Annie Shay, 
Eliza Orr, 
Michael O'Brien, 
Peti r i allaghan, 
Mrs. Job Jewett, 
Dennis Leonard, 
Margaret Hamilton, 
Hannah Mullcnax, 
Joanna Cronan, 
Martha Hughes, 
Ann .Manning, 
Win. Keith, 
Patrick Callaghan, 
Mary McCann, 
Margaret Fosley, 
Richard Miedgly, 
Hannah McKee, 
Michael .Sweeney, 
Margaret Ealland, 
Julia Roberts, 
Owen .Nash. 
Matthew C. Ryan,' 
Bridget Ronder, 
Bridget Riley, 
Kitty Clark,' 
Alice Murphy, 
William Metcalf, 
Thomas IS'ieel, 



Samuel Rolff, 
Jeremiah O'llerni, 
John McNabb, 
Martin Hughes, 
John Hughes, 
Garret Sweem j . 
Catharine Connors, 
Ellen Hackett, 
Dora Ryan, 
A. P. Martin, 
Mary Jewett. 
Kate Maroney, 
Mary Smith, 
Bridget Dougherty, 
Augusta Agh worth, 

Sampson, 

Abby Pottle, 
Harry York, 
Margaret Fearlass, 
Wm. Jordan, 
Margaret Coleman, 
Mary Ryan, 
Mary Griffin, 
Bridget Rutin, 
Katy Hickey, 
Ellen A. Ham, 
Lizzie Town, 
Alice Cutting. 
L. E. Brough, 
Elizabeth Kimball, 
Patrick Connor, 
Ellen Connor, 
AVm. Cram, 
Ira G. Locke, 
John H. Allen, 
Bridget Kelly. 
Lorinda Gimson 
Mr. Packard, 
John Huse, 
Martin Huse, 
Catharine Conors, 
Cora llickes. 



THE WOL'NUKIi. 



1. Eliza Ryan, 

2. Jeremiah Sullivan, 

3. William Child, 

4. Catharine Vane, 

5. James Davis, 

6. Catharine Dolan, 

7. Robert Hayes, 

8. N. D. Robinson, 

9. Hannah Hayes, 

10. Henry Ilaller, 

11. Patrick Riley, 

12. Rosanna Lynch, 

13. Mary Armstrong, 

14. Ellen McKenna, 

15. Ellen Murphy, 

16. Kate O'Brien, 

17. Ryan McClean, 



Ellen Kane, 

Bridget Simpson, 
Thomas Moran, 
Samuel Martin, 
Ira Mather, 
Robert Seavey, 
Thomas H. Watson, 
Patrick O'Donnell, 
Richard Sumney, 
Augusta Sampson, spine 

badly injured, 
Abby Pottle, contusion 

of hip, 
J. H. Jewett. 
Prudence Spread, face 

injured, 
Mrs. Kearney, 



Mrs. Doyle, 
H. Hickey, 

Mrs. Wcliiven, 
Owen Brannon, 
John Welch (.a boy), 
Ellen Carty, 

Daly, 

Mary Callahan, 
Margaret 11 ay den, 
Catharine Carragan, 
Jesse Leach, 
James Kenney, 
Michael McCormick, 
Sarah Doyle, 
Ellen Mahoney, thigh 

badly fractured, 
Elizabeth Wared, hip 

dislocated. 
Elizabeth Burn, arm 
fracture, 1. 

■ Luney (since dead), 

.b\v. tt, contusion, 
Bcynton, scalp-wound, 
Mary Hurly, five scalp- 
wounds, but doing 
well. 
Ira B. Locke, burned, 



[Jan. 

Mary Kennedy, 

Mary York, 

Margaret. Hamilton, 

Henry Kull, 

Henry Peakham, 

Kate Kearney, 

Bridget Bradley, 

'J nomas Conn, 

John Ward, 

Mary A. Coleman, 

Damon ¥. Ham, 

Celia Stevens, 

Mary Slavin, 

Eliza orr (since dead), 

Hannah Henncsey. frac- 
ture of femur, 

Ellen Mahoney, severe 
flesh-wounds, 

Margaret Mahoney, 

Ellen Hannon, 

Catharine Landers, 

Rosa Kenney. fracture 
of elbow, 

Mary Ann Hickey, cla- 
vicle fractured, 

Ellen Hickey, wrist dis- 
located. 



The factory employed nine hundred and 
ten operatives, of whom all, with the excep- 
tion of about three hundred, were in the 
main building. The edifice destroyed was 
an immense brick building, five stories high, 
two hundred and eighty feet long and 
seventy-five feet wide, with a wing forty-five 
feet square. It contained two thousand 
seven hundred spindles. The building ran 
along two stujeets, the wings forming an 
angle somewhat like the letter L. On the 
inner space, between the wings, were de- 
tached buildings connected with the works. 
Surrounding the Pemberton Mills, and along 
the banks of the river, were quite a number 
of other mills, the principal ones being the 
Washington Mills, the Duck Mills, and the 
Pacific Mills. 

The Pemberton Mills cost originally be- 
tween $700,000 and $800,000, and were 
owned by a stock company. Several years 
ago the company failed, and the mills were 
bought at auction by their present owners, 
three or four persons, who carried it on as a 
partnership concern. 

The firm has been quite prosperous, and 
has done a very large business, haying con- 
nections with all sections of the country. At 
the time of the disaster they had over seven 
hundred looms at work, running full time. 
The principal fabrics of their manufacture 
were cottouades, shirting stripes, ticking, 
Canton flannels, &c. 

They produced over $1,000,000 worth of 
goods — perhaps $1,500,000 — per annum, a 
considerable proportion of which was sold at 
their agencies in the principal Northern 
cities, on commission. The goods manufac- 
tured were principally of cotton. 

A large majority of the operatives em- 
ployed in the mill were foreigners, principally 
Scotch and Irish. Most of the American 
girls engaged were employed in the dressing- 
room, and but few of them were killed. 

The architect employed by the old Pern- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



35 



berton Mill Company to superintend the con- 
struction of the building was one Captain 
Bigelow, formerly a resident of Lawrence, 
but now superintendent of the Government 
works at New Bedford. 

The estimated value of the mill and ma- 
chinery was between $600,000 and $700,000. 
The picker and dye houses, the machine- 
shop and store-house, are still standing. In 
the latter was stored some two thousand 
bales of cotton, worth about $100,000, which 
is uninjured. 

Immediately after the accident, collections 
to aid the suiferers were made in the princi- 
pal cities of the Union, and assistance poured 
in from the surrounding country. The Mayor 
of Lowell, Daniel Saunders, proved himself an 
active and efficient magistrate, in making 
efficient regulations and affording informa- 
tion where assistance would be useful. An 
inquest was held on the bodies, and a 
thorough examination held as to the causes 
of the accident. The testimony of Mr. Jesse 
Glover, the overseer of repairs, was to the 
effect that he had always considered the 
building weak, but had not supposed it to be 
dangerously so. Mr. John B. Tuttle, who 
superintended the brickwork at the erection 
of the building, testified that he had always 
thought the walls insufficient, and that he had 
told Mr. Bigelow so while it was being built. 
A verdict was returned censuring the archi- 
tect of the building, Captain Bigelow, for cul- 
pable neglect in its erection. 

In reply he published a card, in which he 
claims that he was not responsible for the 
use of pintles in the structure, nor for the 
weakness of those which were used. He 
thinks that he tested the castings as tho- 
roughly as is customary. He believes that 
the walls were firm, and that the floors were 
rigid and unyielding. He says that the 
owners of the mill made the contract for the 
pillars. He attributes the calamity to the 
"most unlooked-for carelessness or dishon- 
esty of a subordinate agent." 



WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11. 

Vessel Sunk. — This day the propeller 
Ellen E. Terry, from Wilmington, Del., having 
twelve thousand bushels of corn on board, 
while lying at one of the Brooklyn docks, 
was cut through and carried away by a large 
floe of ice. She was observed to commence 
sinking, but by the aid of a ferry-boat was 
conveyed to the foot of North Eighth Street, 
where she soon after sunk. The damage 
will amount to about $12,000 : no insurance. 

Wisconsin Ice-Boat. — In Wisconsin, this 
day, the ice-boat for winter navigation on the 
Upper Mississippi was put into successful 
operation at Prairie du Chien, and made a 
trial trip to La Fayette — thirty-two miles — in 



two hours and ten minutes, returning in two 
hours, and carrying twenty passengers. 

Horrible Conspiracy against a Hus- 
band and Father. — In the "Providence 
(R.I.) Journal" of this date, an extraordinary 
case of conspiracy is given. It seems the 
wife of a watchman, named Butterfield, and 
a Mrs. Church, whose husband passes for a 
physician, wished to get possession of But- 
terfield's property ; when the former suddenly 
discovered that her husband had been guilty 
of a revolting crime. It was alleged that the 
object was his own child, Lydia Ann, thirteen 
years old. The doctor and she entered into 
correspondence upon the subject. The girl 
was at first persuaded by flattering promises, 
and coerced by threats, to swear to the guilt 
of her father, but afterwards declared the 
story was a fabrication. The guilty parties 
were arrested and held to bail for trial. 

Destructive Fire in Albany. — On this 
day the extensive coffee and spice manufac- 
tory of John Thomas, on the corner of Dean 
and Exchange Streets, was discovered to be 
on fire. The building adjoining this, No. 12 
Exchange Street, was partially injured by 
fire, a portion of the roof having been burned ; 
but the loss on the stock is mainly attributed 
to the deluge of water which was thrown into 
the building. Mr. Thomas's loss by this dis- 
aster is not less than $20,000, upon which 
there is an insurance of $9000 on stock and 
merchandise. 

Sleigh-Ride to the Children. — This day 
Col. Colt, of Hartford, gave a great sleigh- 
ride to the children of the Colt Armory 
Sunday-School. They were over a hundred 
in number, and all piled into a mammoth 
sleigh, built for the purpose, decked with 
evergreens and banners, and drawn by fifteen 
mules, tandem. The rate of speed was not 
rapid: but the children enjoyed it vastly, and 
were the observed of all observers. Alter 
the ride, they partook of an entertainment at 
the colonel's residence. 

Death of the Rev. O. C. Comstock. — 
This day the Rev. O. C. Comstock died at 
the residence of his son, in Marshall, Mich., 
at the age of seventy-six years. Dr. C. com- 
menced his career in Tompkins county, N. 
Y., where he practised medicine. He was 
elected to Congress from the district of which 
Tompkins formed a part in 1813, and served 
about six years, when he left his seat in 
Congress, and the practice of medicine, to 
preach the gospel. He was ordained while 
at Washington, and acted as Chaplain to the 
House during the remainder of his term. 

Political. — This day the Alabama Demo- 
cratic State Convention met. Mr. Lyons, a 
strong Southern-Rights man, was chosen 



3G 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



President, and Mr. Van Hoose, and others, 
Secretaries. Mr. Yancey made a " tremen- 
dous" speech, declaring his belief that the 
Southern-Rights wing would control the 
National Convention. The Yancey delega- 
tion from Montgomery county was received. 
The delegates to Charleston were instructed 
to insist on Congressional protection to 
slavery in the Territories: failing in this, 
they were to withdraw, and call the Conven- 
tion again. 

The Indiana Republican State Central 
Committee met at Indianapolis this day, and 
issued a call for a mass State Convention of 
all opposed to the present Administration, to 
nominate a State ticket, on the 22d of Feb- 
ruary. 

In Missouri this day, the bill banishing 
free negroes from the State, under the alter- 
native of becoming slaves, which had already 
passed the State Senate, passed the House 
with some amendment. 

In New Jersey this day, the House, by a 
vote of thirty-one to twenty-seven, declared 
the seat of Joel M. Johnson, member elect 
from the second district of Passaic county, 
vacant, on the ground that he had been con- 
victed of conspiracy, which crime, it is said, 
makes him ineligible. 

The California Legislature this day elected 
Milton S. Latham United States Senator. 
The vote was as follows, viz. : — Milton S. 
Latham, 97 ; Edmund Randolph, (Anti-Le- 
eompton Democrat,) 15; 0. L. Shaft, (Repub- 
lican,) 3. 

The Illinois (Administration) Demo- 
cratic Convention this day met at Spring- 
field and elected delegates to the Charleston 
Convention. 

The resolutions adopted affirm the Demo- 
cratic doctrine that neither Congress nor the 
Territorial Legislature has the power to 
exclude slavery, but that the people, when 
forming State Governments, have the right to 
permit or exclude slavery. Also, that the 
principle of squatter sovereignty is calcu- 
lated to promote discord, disunion, treason, 
and murder, as practically illustrated at 
Harper's Ferry. The resolutions express 
full confidence in the national Adminisl ra- 
tion, including its policy on the Slavery 
question. 

The Indiana Democratic State Conven- 
tion met at Indianapolis. Seven counties 
had double delegations. Robert Lowry was 
elected permanent President. 

Commencement of the Griffin & North 
Alabama Railroad. — This day the grading 
ou the Griffin & North Alabama Railroad 



commenced. Messrs. Brown and Holman 
have taken the first contract, beginning at 
Griffin. 

Burning: of the Ship Merilla. — This 
day the ship Merilla, together with her cargo, 
was destroyed by fire, at Melbourne, New 
South Wales. 

Negro Killed. — A negro belonging to 
Major John H. Howard, of Columbus, was 
killed near his master's plantation, on Flint 
River, Ga., ,by the cars running over him. 
The negro, a boy some twenty-two years old, 
was asleep upon the track, and awoke when 
the cars were too near to stop their speed and 
observe his signs. The cow-catcher attached 
to the front of the engine severed his head 
from his body. 

Killed on the Railroad. — A German, 
named Caspar Straub, was this day killed at 
Newark, N. J., by the Philadelphia train. The 
eight a.m. train from Rahway was coming 
towards the Market Street Depot, the Phila- 
delphia train going the other way, when 
Straub, endeavoring to avoid the Rahway 
train, stepped in front of the Philadelphia 
train, and, being struck by it, was instantly 
killed. 



THURSDAY, JANUARY 12. 

Strange Occurrence at a Funeral. — 
One of the strangest occurrences happened 
at the funeral of Michael Guthrie, who was 
accidentally killed the day previous on the 
Northwestern Railway, which we have ever 
been called upon to chronicle. The family 
of Mr. Guthrie, consisting of a wife and 
three children, had made extensive arrange- 
ments for the accommodation of the friends 
of the deceased at the funeral. A large 
number of carriages and a numerous assem- 
bly of mourners were present when the under- 
taker, Mr. Berry, arrived with the hearse. 
About the same time another carriage, con- 
taining a woman richly and fashionably 
dressed, was driven to the door. The 
woman alighted, and entered the house. To 
the astonishment of the assembly, to all of 
whom she was a total stranger, she greeted 
the children of Guthrie as her own, and they 
in turn addressed her as their mother, mani- 
festing the greatest joy, mingled with sur- 
prise, at seeing her. The wife, on the other 
hand, was confounded. She knew not what 
to say or what to think of this sudden and 
strange appearance of one who claimed also 
to be the wife of the deceased and who was 
addressed by his children as their mother. 
She knew herself to be their stepmother, 
having been married to their father in due 
legal form and in the full confidence that his 
first wife was dead. This supposition being 
now overthrown by the sudden appearance 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



37 



of one claiming to be that deceased wife, the 
other wife began to upbraid the children for 
not telling her that their mother was living. 
The real mother (for such the stranger was) 
assured her that the children were not to 
blame, as they, as well as their father, had 
reason to believe her dead. She had deserted 
her husband in the city of St. Louis, where 
the}' lived, and shortly afterwards caused an 
announcement of her death to be published 
in the newspapers of that city. But she was 
not dead. Leaving St. Louis, she had lived 
in Chicago, not knowing that her husband 
was here until she saw the account of his 
death published in the papers yesterday 
morning. She had come to reclaim her chil- 
dren, and to behold for the last time on earth 
the form of their father. — Chicago Times. 

Shocking Murder in New Orleans. — 
This day Auguste Droz was most inhumanly 
butchered by Hermogene Perry. Droz lived 
with his young wife next door to Mrs. Perry 
and son ; and some few days before the tra- 
gedy, Droz was in his back yard, engaged in 
splitting w r ood, when he made use of a vulgar 
word, thoughtlessly, to the wood, which he 
found difficult to manage, when he was over- 
heard by Perry and his mother, who were in 
the adjoining yard, which they thought was 
applied to them. Young Droz, learning that 
Perry was laboring under a wrong impres- 
sion, went to him to explain the matter; but 
Perry, in his fury, refused to talk with Droz, 
and applied a cowhide to his back with vigor, 
which D. resented by striking back with a 
slight cane. At this juncture Perry's mother 
cried out to him to kill Droz, when he drew a 
bowie-knife and cut Droz to the heart; and, 
as he fell bleeding, his young wife ran to his 
assistance and raised him up, and, while so 
doing, Perry was still being urged on to "kill 
him," <• finish him," by his mother. He kept 
on stabbing at (he helpless victim, in spite 
of the efforts of Mrs. Droz to prevent it, and 
reached over her shoulder to inflict more 
wounds ; and when he was satisfied that he 
had mortally wounded his victim, he walked 
off at his leisure in company with his mother. 
Those that witnessed the scene say that it was 
heart-rending in the extreme. While the young 
and fond wife of the butchered victim was 
bending over his body and supporting him 
with one hand, as she fought to protect it 
from the further assaults of the demon with 
the other, like a true and faithful wife that 
she was, it was enough to melt the most, 
obdurate heart, and bring tears to the eyes 
of a Mark Antony. Mrs. Perry has been 
arrested as an accessory. 

Railroad-Accident. — A collision occurred 
on the Mobile & Ohio Railroad between a 
passenger and a freight train, this day, by 
which a brakesman was killed, several per- 
sons injured, and damages to cars and track 



sustained to the amount of $50,000. The 
accident occurred near Red Bluff. 

Fatal Affray in New York. — This day 
an affray occurred in a disreputable den in 
Thomas Street, which resulted in the death 
of Mary Stewart, a Scotchwoman, aged 
thirty-five years. The house was resorted 
to by both blacks and whites, and males and 
females of the lowest class of thieves. A 
dispute arose between the woman Stewart 
and Euos Foulkes, a negro, he declaring that 
he had not received his percentage of the 
money she had earned. AVords terminated 
in blows, and in the scuffle Foulkes knocked 
deceased down, who fell heavily on the floor, 
rendering her insensible. Foulkes, thinking 
that she would soon recover, told two other 
negroes, named Huso and Williams, to doctor 
her and she would soon get round again. 
She, however, never recovered her sensi- 
bility; and the fatal fight only leaked out 
with her death. An inquest was held by the 
coroner, who held Foulkes to await the action 
of the grand jury. 

Tried for Murder. — In Philadelphia, this 
da}', John Sweeny was tried for the murder of 
Charles Carten, on the 30th of November last, 
by stabbing him with a pair of tailor's shears. 
The whole difficulty grew out of the fact that 
a woman, who called herself Mary Sweeny, 
had rented a room of the deceased, and had 
prohibited the prisoner from visiting her. 
In fact, she had beaten him on several occa- 
sions. Being completely infatuated with the 
woman, he took to drinking, and in one of 
his sprees, on the 6th of October, had met 
the deceased and inflicted a slight stab. After 
being in prison a short time, he was released : 
and on the Sunday preceding the night of the 
murder he visited the neighborhood where 
Mr. Carten lived, and was heard to exclaim 
that he would have a "life out of the house; 
all he had to lose was his own." On the 
night in question he came to the house, and 
by his noisy conduct drew the deceased out ; 
and, as he stepped to the pavement, he made 
a thrust at him with the shears, saying, 
" Take that: it will do you," and then walked 
away ; and, when arrested, he thi-ew the 
shears from him. One witness for the de- 
fence testified that the deceased first struck 
the prisoner a blow on the head and knocked 
his hat off. The jury returned a verdict of 
guilty of murder in the second degree. 

Political.— This day the Governor of Wis- 
consin delivered his annual message to the 
Legislature of that State. The finances of 
the State are shown to be in a prosperous 
condition. The Slavery question is discussed 
at considerable length, the Governor taking 
the Republican view of the various questions 
involved in that subject. He favors no com- 
£>romise, denouncing the disunion sentiments 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



-which are allowed to be expressed in the 
halls of the National Legislature, as unpa- 
triotic, undignified, and disgraceful, and de- 
clares that every attempt at disunion should 
be rewarded with the halter. 

The Indiana Democratic State Conven- 
tion assembled at Indianapolis this day. 
Many of the counties had sent double dele- 
gations, representing the Administration and 
Douglas wings ; but in a number of cases a 
compromise was effected. Much discussion 
took place on a motion that the chair appoint 
a committee to nominate delegates to Charles- 
ton. Finally a resolution was adopted, by 
2G5 to 129, "that, while we pledge our sup- 
port to the nominee of the Charleston Con- 
vention, the delegates are instructed to vote 
for Mr. Douglas." After the choice of these, 
Thomas A. Hendricks was nominated for 
Governor. 

Legislative Fracas. — In Jefferson City, 
Mo., this day, a fight occurred on the floor 
of the House of Representatives. The parties 
were two members named Minor and Davis. 
The former called the latter an idiot, when a 
rough-and-tumble fight took place, the parties 
fighting until separated. 

Linsey-Woolsey at a Ball. — This day, at 
a ball given in Warrenton, Va., in compli- 
ment to the Fauquier Black-Horse Company, 
"A marked incident of the occasion," says 
the "Alexandria Sentinel/' "was the appear- 
ance of a number of the fairest belles of the 
evening in linsey dresses, adding thus the 
charms of patriotism to the greatest adorn- 
ments, beauty unadorned." 

Indian Outrages. — In California, this day, 
a messenger arrived at Sacramento from Men- 
docino county with reports of Indian outrages. 
Dwellings had been burned, and four hundred 
head of stock killed. 

A Dangerous Leap. — This day Mr. James 
W. Augers, of Elizabeth, N.J., in crossing 
the track of the Central Railroad at Eliza- 
bethtown, was caught by the locomotive in 
such a manner that he had to jump on the 
cow-catcher, and from thence on to the loco- 
motive, in order to save his life. 

Burned to Death. — This day Miss Bige- 
low, the daughter of a hotel-keeper at Valley 
Flats, Columbia county, N.Y., was burned 
to death, by her clothes catching fire at the 
stove. She was about twenty-two years of 
age. 

Outrage on an American Vessel. — This 
day the brig Jehossee, Captain Vincent, of 
Charleston, S.C., on a legitimate trading- 
voyage, was captured off Adaffa, west coast 
of Africa, by the British sloop-of-war Falcon, 



Commodore Fitzroy, who, having brought the 
Jehossee to, sent a boat, manned by two lieu- 
tenants and sixteen seamen, to take posses- 
sion of her. This party was commanded by 
Lieutenant Hunt, who at once demanded from 
Captain Vincent his papers. 

The latter, not recognising the right of any 
British officer to make such a demand, posi- 
tively refused to show any thing but the 
register of the Jehossee. Captain Vincent, 
with his officers and crew, were then trans- 
ferred to the Falcon, and, while on board 
that vessel, were treated with the grossest 
indignity. They were all stripped entirely 
naked upon the deck of that vessel, and dis- 
courteous epithets applied to them. The 
commander of the Falcon informed Captain 
Vincent that he had been looking for him for 
a month, and that there was a price fixed 
upon his head. 

The next day the demand for the papers 
of the Jehossee was renewed, and a request 
made to Captain Vincent that he deliver up 
the keys of the box which contained them. 
This was again promptly refused, accom- 
panied Avith a denial of the right of a British 
officer to examine the papers of a vessel sail- 
ing under the American flag. Captain Fitz- 
roy then had the box brought on board the 
Falcon and forcibly broken open and the 
papers taken therefrom. After their exa- 
mination, Captain Vincent, with his super- 
cargo, Mr. F. N. Bonneau, were again placed 
on board the Jehossee and confined in her 
cabin, an armed guard being placed over 
them. 

On their return, they found their private 
stores and clothes had been taken out of the 
cabin, — every thing indicating a thorough 
search and an extensive appropriation of 
their effects. A portion of the articles stolen 
from the cabin consisted of different kinds of 
liquors. The free use of them soon rendered 
the prize-crew unfit for duty ; and the officer 
in charge of the Jehossee had to beg the 
assistance of Captain Vincent and Mr. Bon- 
neau in navigating the vessel during the 
night. 

At daylight the Falcon was hailed, and a 
fresh crew sent on board, the others having 
been returned to her in a state unfit for duty. 
Both vessels then sailed for Whydah, at which 
port they arrived on the 14th of January, at 
sunset. 

A day or two after their arrival at the 
latter port, Captain Fitzroy, of the Falcon, 
evidently feeling that he had committed an 
illegal and unjustifiable act, offered to return 
the Jehossee to Captain Vincent ; but this 
the latter refused most positively. His crew, 
however, were sent on board, and the Falcon 
sailed from Whydah. Previous to her sailing, 
Captain Vincent entered his protest against 
the whole affair as illegal, unjust, and a 
deliberate outrage upon the American flag. 
He also wrote full details of the affair to the 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



39 



commander of the American squadron nn (he 
African coast, which he despatched to dif- 
ferent points, and, at the date of the letters 
from which we glean the above facts, (Febru- 
ary 3,) was daily expecting the arrival of an 
American vessel-of-war. — Charleston Courier. 

Death of Rev. Dr. Ryder. — Died, this 
day, in Philadelphia, the Rev. James Ryder, 
D.D., one of the most eloquent and able cler- 
gymen in the Catholic Church in the United 
States, at the parsonage of St. Joseph's 
Church, Willing's Alley, of inflammation of 
the bowels. 

Dr. Ryder was born in Ireland, in October, 
1800. and came to this country in his youth. 
In 1815 he entered the Jesuits, as a novice 
of the order, and during the ensuing five 
years prosecuted his philosophical studies 
in Georgetown College. In 1820 he went to 
Rome, where for five years he was occupied 
in the study of theology. It was during this 
period that he made his defence of theology in 
the Roman College. After his ordination, in 
1825, he was appointed a teacher of Theology 
and Sacred Scripture in the College of Spo- 
leto, where the present Pope was then Arch- 
bishop. At the close of three years he 
resigned this position and returned to Ame- 
rica. The ripened attainments which ho had 
acquired during his absence rendered his 
presence at Georgetown desirable, and he 
accordingly entered the college a second 
time, not as a pupil, but as a teacher of the- 
ology and philosophy. He was soon after 
appointed to the Vice-Presidency of the col- 
lege, which position he held for several years, 
having twice visited Philadelphia during the 
interval and spent some time here in a pas- 
toral relation. It was upon one of these 
occasions that he attended the laying of the 
corner-stone of St. John's (Catholic) Church, 
Thirteenth Street, above Chestnut. 

In 1839, during the erection of St. Joseph's 
Church, in Willing's Alley, Dr. Ryder was 
pastor of that congregation, as he had, in 
fact, been for a short period while they yet 
worshipped in the old building on the site of 
their present edifice. The corner-stone of 
this church was laid by Dr. Ryder, who 
preached in St. Mary's on the occasion. 
The procession to the church on that day, 
and the solemnities attending it, are well re- 
membered by many of our citizens. Toward 
the close of 1839 he assumed the pastoral 
charge of St. John's Church, in Frederick, 
Maryland. In 1840 he was elected President 
of Georgetown College. Subsequently he 
was elected President of the College of Wor- 
cester, Mass. He was also Superior of the 
Order of Jesuits in the Province of North 
America. As a lecturer and pulpit-orator, 
Dr. Piyder was exceedingly popular in the 
Roman Catholic community. He was an 
eloquent and graceful speaker, and enjoyed 
a wide reputation. 



Death of Gen. R. C. Butler. — General 
Robert C. Butler, Assistant Adjutant-General 
to General Jackson at the battle of New Or- 
leans, died, at his residence at Lake Jackson, 
near Tallahassee, Florida, on the afternoon 
of this day. Only three of General Jackson's 
prominent officers at that battle now survive: 
viz.: General William 0. Butler, of Ken- 
tucky; Major Shotard, of Mississippi; and 
Col. A. P. Hayne, of South Carolina. 

Dreadful Death. — In New York, on the 
morning of this day, just before daybreak, 
an Italian, named Florian Cartella, residing 
at 74 Duane Street, got out of his bed, while 
laboring under a fit of delirium tremens, and 
leaped out of the wiudow, falling on the 
pickets of an iron fence, which pierced and 
almost passed through his body. The poor 
man, of course, was instantly killed. 

The Minnesota Democratic State Con- 
vention met at St. Paul, to elect delegates to 
the Charleston Convention, this day. 

Resolutions were passed endorsing the 
Cincinnati platform and the Dred Scott, deci- 
sion; opposing the reopeniug of the slave- 
trade; denouncing the Harper's Ferry raid; 
declaring Stephen A. Douglas to be the first 
choice for the Presidency, and instructing 
the delegates to the Charleston Convention 
from Minnesota to vote for him as long as 
such support will prove available, and de- 
claring that the Minnesota Democracy will 
support the Charleston nominee, whoever he 
may be. 

A resolution instructing the delegates to 
vote for Douglas until the majority instructed 
otherwise, was voted down by 38 majority. 

Attempted Escape of a Murderer. — 
This day, Lynch, tried for murder in Bor- 
dentown, N.J., attempted to escape from the 
court-room where his trial was going on. 
At the time the court adjourned, about seven 
o'clock, the number in attendance was un- 
usually large. Lynch started from his seat, 
as the people began to move out, and, in the 
crowd and confusion, he had got half-way to 
the door before the discovery was made. He 
was proceeding towards the door as fast as 
possible, when he was seized and secured, 
though not without a hard struggle. During 
the remainder of his trial two or three con- 
stables were constantly by his side. 

After the verdict of the jury, and he was 
taken back to his cell, it was deemed neces- 
sary to put him in irons ; and to accomplish 
this it required the full strength of five men. 
He begged of the sheriff to shoot him, cut 
him into pieces, or kill him in any way, and, 
if he would not do it, go and ask the judge to 
do it, rather than to chain him to the floor. 

Execution of Patrick Maude. — In New- 
ark, N.J., this day, Patrick Maude was hung 



40 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



for the murder of his sister, in the presence 
of about three hundred spectators. 



FEIDAY, JANUARY 13. 

Woman Tried for Murder of her Hus- 
band. — In Philadelphia, this day, Mary- 
McLaughlin was placed on trial, charged 
with manslaughter, in having caused the 
death of her husband by cutting him with a 
knife on the back of the left wrist. The 
•wound was inflicted on the 26th of August; 
but the deceased died at the hospital on the 
6th of September. The parties resided in 
the neighborhood of Twenty-first and Locust 
Streets. The defence alleged that the de- 
ceased had become addicted to habits of in- 
toxication, and time and time again he 
abused his wife in the most cruel manner. 
On this particular occasion, when he was 
cut, he came in and demanded supper, and 
when she told him there was nothing in the 
house, he insisted upon her setting out the 
meal, and to enforce his demand he took her 
by the throat; and she, knowing his despe- 
rate character, in order to release herself, 
took up the knife, that was lying near by, 
and cut him in the wrist. Afterwards she 
was the first to bring a physician to his aid. 
Mr. Mann, in a few feeling remarks, asked 
the jury to return a verdict of not guilty. 
He could not ask twelve men to do what, in 
his own conscience, he could not do himself. 
From the evidence, she appeared to have 
suffered severely from the brutality of her 
husband, and yet had endeavored to conceal 
the fact from her friends and relatives. She 
seemed to have acted on the defensive in this 
assault. The jury immediately returned a 
verdict of not guilty, to the evident satisfac- 
tion of all who heard the case, as there were 
manifestations of applause upon the rendi- 
tion of the verdict. Daniel Dougherty and 
Charles W. Brooke, Esqs., appeared for the 
defence. 

Policeman Tried for Murder. — In Phi- 
ladelphia, this day, the case of John F. lioan, 
a policeman, charged with manslaughter, in 
causing the death of an unknown colored 
man on the 2d of November last, was taken 
up. In this case it was alleged that the de- 
fendant was stationed at the road leading to 
the Gray's Ferry Bridge. On the morning 
in question, about daylight, he saw a colored 
man coming up the road with a bag under 
his arm. The officer, believing him to be a 
suspicious character, stopped him and ex- 
amined the contents of the bag, and found a 
number of dead chickens. In a short time 
the deceased and the prisoner got into an 
altercation, and the colored man broke away 
and commenced stoning the defendant. Mr. 
Roan, being thus resisted in his attempts to 
make the arrest, fired his pistol and shot the 



deceased. It. was in evidence that, after the 
ball had taken effect, the deceased continued 
to throw stones at the officer. The District 
Attorney, in opening the case, said that if 
the deceased had committed a felony the 
officer had the right to arrest him, resorting 
to extreme measures only when extreme 
measures became necessary. If the deceased 
had not committed a felony, and the officer 
had shot him, it would be manslaughter. 
The jury, after the evidence, rendered a ver- 
dict of not guilty. 

Death in a Station-House in Philadel- 
phia — This day, Officer Allen, of the Sixth 
District, at night, about half-past eleven 
o'clock, found an old man dying in the area 
in front of an iron-store, at Second and Vine 
Streets. Hn had him conveyed to the Sixth 
Ward Station-House, where he died shortly 
afterward, lie was dressed in a light gray 
coat, gray pants, and five vests. A rosary 
and four cents were found on him. Name 
unknown. He was about sixty years old. 
His death was probably caused by exposure. 

Double Catastrophe. — This dny, the 
negro-mart of Forest Jones & Co., in Mem- 
phis, Tenn., fell to the ground, burying in 
its ruins six valuable negro men. The ruins 
took fire, a la Lawrence, and two of the 
negroes, valued at $1800 each, were taken 
out dead ; the other four were rescued. Loss 
on building, $4000. On the same day. a 
new building, erecting for the "Appeal" 
newspaper, fell, burying one of the carpen- 
ters, who was severely injured. The loss to 
the proprietors is about §4000. — Southern 
paper. 

Death of the Hon. Cyrus Blood. — Died, 
this day, at Marion, Forest county, Pa., 
Hon. Cyrus Blood, one of the Associate 
Judges of Forest county, in the sixty-fifth 
year of his age. 



SATURDAY, JANUARY 14. 

Mysterious Suicide of a Printer. — This 
day a man was seen to jump from the dock 
at Sing Sing, N.Y., and was drowned. The 
particulars are as follows. He arrived at that 
village some time previous (that day) from 
the North. After walking to and fro along 
the dock, he deliberately placed a carpet-bag, 
which he carried in his hand, upon the dock, 
and jumped into the river. This was seen 
by a gentleman who was near at the time, 
when the alarm was given, and four or five 
persons instantly rushed to the spot ; but he 
had sunk. The body was recovered a short 
time afterward; but life was extinct. Nothing 
was found about his person which gave any 
clew to his name, residence, or business ; but 
a note found in the carpet-bag stated that 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



11 



he was a printer, without giving any thing 
further. An inquest was held upon the 
body, and a verdict, of •• Suicide" rendered. 
It. appears that the day previous he was at, 
I'eekskill, seeking employment, but was un- 
able to procure any. He was a large, 
powerfully-built man, apparently from forty 
to fifty years of age, and was very respect- 
ably dressed. 

Mam Murdered by a Woman. — This day 
a bloody tragedy was enacted in Chester 
county, Pa. Mary Poulson, a colored wo- 
man, killed Alfred Miller, also colored, with 
an axe. The latter was trying to force his 
way into her apartment for the purpose of 
stealing wood. In the affray she plunged the 
Bharp end of the axe into his head, killing 
him instantly. The woman is a widow, about 
fifty years of age, and had for some lime been 
regarded as insane. 

MuBDERED. — In South Carolina, this day, 
Sanf'ord Evans, a young man, was murdered 
some eight or ten miles south of Greenville, 
by Iliram Cogbum. The murderer had given 
himself up. 

Charitable. — This day the citizens of 
Vicksburg, Miss., held a meeting for the 
purpo-e of taking action and adopting mea- 
sures for the relief of the unfortunate suf- 
ferers at Lawrence, Mass. 

Inauguration of the Governor of Cali- 
fornia.. — Lieutenant-Governor J. (J. Downey 
was this day inaugurated Governor of Cali- 
fornia, in place of Milton S. Latham, who 
resigned, having been elected United States 
Senator. His inaugural address was as fol- 
lows:— 

(I* nilemcn of the Senate and Assembly: — In 
entering upon the discharge of the respon- 
sible duties of the office of Chief Magistrate 
of the State, which have devolved upon me, 
under the provision of the Constitution, in 
consequence of the resignation of the Go- 
vernor, 1 am painfully conscious of the want 
of that experience which is so necessary to a 
proper administration of the affairs of the 
executive department of the Government. 1 
should, indeed, hesitate to take upon myself 
the discharge of those duties, did I not rely 
witli confidence upon your appreciation of 
the difficulties of my position, and your 
indulgent judgment, upon my acts. 1 can 
only give to you, gentlemen, and through 
you to the people of the State, the assurance 
that the affairs of Government shall be ad- 
ministered with a rigid and just economy, 
and, to the best of my abilities, with a due 
regard to the varied interests of the State. 
The general poliey which I propose to pursue 
is plainly and admirably indicated in the in- 
augural of Governor Latham; and I hope 
that I shall be able so to discharge the trusts 



which I have this day assumed, as to merit 
and receive your approbation and that of our 
common constituency. 

A eorrespondenf of the " Tribune says : — 
Mr. Downey, styled "Dr. Downey," by 
courtesy, is a druggist of Los Angelos, 
where he has been residing about ten years. 
He is an Irishman by birth, but has been in 
the United States since he was a boy, and is 
now about thirty-three years of .age. lie has 
not much education, nor much experience in 
public life; but he was a member of the 
Legislature in 180(1: so he does not come to 
the office entirely ignorant of the course of 
political affairs. He was not wealthy when 
he came to the State; but he married a 
native woman, got a considerable amount of 
property with her, loaned money at high 
rates of compound interest among the rich 
and ignorant Spaniards, and is now a wealthy 
man. 

Burning of a Cotton-Ship. — This day the 
ship Charlotte, loaded with cotton, from New 
Orleans, bound to Liverpool, was burned at 
sea. She had a cargo valued at nearly 
$200,000. The vessel was of nearly one 
thousand tons, and owned at Lath, Maine. 

Failure in Boston. — This day the "Tra- 
veller" announced the failure of Messrs. 
Phillips & Moseley, hardware-dealers, with 
large liabilities. 

Charge of Attemptf.d Rape on a Small 
Child — In Philadelphia, the ease of William 
Mehaffey, charged with assaulting Martha 
Jane Yolmer with criminal intent, was heard, 
on a writ of habeas corpus, by Judge Allison, 
in the Court of Quarter Sessions. The prose- 
cutrix is a small girl; and, according to the 
testimony, she was sent in the evening to a 
store near her father's residence. On the 
way home the defendant met and behaved in 
a very improper manner to her. She resisted, 
and a struggle ensued, during which two of 
her teeth were knocked out and she was 
scratched and bruised badly. The defendant 
was remanded to answer. 

Died. — Mr. Jas. Dana, aged eighty years, 
died at Utica, N.Y., this day. Mr. Dana was 
born in Ashburnham, Mass., May 29, 1780. 
His father was one of two Huguenot brothers 
who fled from France to England and subse- 
quently came to America. He resided at the 
place of his birth until he was about twelve 
years old, and afterwards at Windsor, Vt., 
for about ten years. Soon after attaining 
his majority, he started for what was then 
the West; and, after tarrying a year at 
Schenectady, lie arrived in Utica in 1803, 
and there he has since lived. Mr. Dana 
leaves several daughters and two sons, one 
of them the distinguished Professor of Na- 
tural History in Yale College. 



42 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



Fall op a Bridge. — Iti Philadelphia, the 
night of this day, the centre span of the 
wooden toll-bridge across the Schuylkill at 
the Falls fell to the water, thereby cutting 
oil' all communication between the two shores 
at this point. This span began to settle and 
get out of shape about a year ago, and the 
bridge-company had props placed under it; 
but early last week the ice knocked the p>rops 
away, and the bridge was then closed to tra- 
vellers. Shortly after it fell, Dr. Server 
came near falling into the river while at- 
tempting to cross from the west side. This 
bridge was erected in 1848 by a stock com- 
pany, at a cost of about $33,000; and for 
several years the citizens in the vicinity of 
the Falls have been petitioning Councils to 
purchase the bridge and make it free. Several 
years ago a jury was appointed to value the 
structure; and their award was $22,000, 
which sum the company were willing to 
take, but Councils never made the appro- 
priation. During the past year the company 
offered to sell the bridge to the city for 
$17,000 ; and, as there was a prospect of the 
sale being effected, the bridge was not re- 
paired. 

Emancipation of Slaves. — Colonel Mc- 
Ginnes, of Bourbon county, passed through 
Covington, Ky., en route for Cincinnati, with 
fourteen slaves, intending to emancipate them 
there. 

Message of the Governor of Massa- 
chusetts. — This day the Governor of Massa- 
chusetts sent his message to the Legislature. 
In it he says: — 

The repeal of the Missouri Compromise 
was the most stupendous wrong ever com- 
mitted iu this country or that men will ever 
live to commit again ; not because of its 
effects on Kansas, but that it instituted a 
policy of violence inconsistent with liberty or 
just government, freedom of opinion, the 
interests of labor, the lights of States, the 
equality of the people, the observance of the 
constitutional limitations, or the perpetuation 
of free institutions. A violent policy must 
be sustained by violent measures. History 
proves it, and our experience, as well as that 
of other nations, will verify it. 

The people of Massachusetts, under all 
circumstances, are inflexibly opposed to, and 
will resist by every constitutional right, the 
extension of slavery, the reopening of the 
foreign slave-trade, the consolidation of des- 
potic power in the Federal Government, or 
restrictions upon the freedom of speech, or 
of the press, or of opiuion. She asks of the 
Government the neglect of no interest, State 
or national, but claims protection for all, and 
is as ready to concede the rights of others as 
to maintain her own. She will support the 
Constitution and the Union, — not because 
they arc respected elsewhere, but because 



she knows their cost and appreciates their 
value. * * * * 

We require no instruction upon the subject 
of our duties, and will submit to no infringe- 
ment of our rights. The Union must be 
preserved, and so must the State of Massa- 
chusetts. 



SUNDAY, JANUARY 15. 

Dreadful Murder in Baltimore. — This 
clay, in the night, between ten and eleven 
o'clock, one of the most foul and horrid mur- 
ders which has yet disgraced this city was 
committed upon the body of a poor but 
respectable woman, in her own house. From 
the evidence adduced at the coroner's in- 
quest I gather the following facts : About 
that hour on Sunday night last, the woman, 
Mrs. Dunn, living in Walnut Street, left the 
lower part of her house to look after her 
children, who were sleeping in the attic-story 
of the same ; and, whilst there, hearing a 
noise in the street, she raised the window to 
ascertain what was the matter, and was 
heard to exchange a word or two (supposed 
to be in English) with a man in front of the 
house. In an instant after a loud report from 
a pistol followed, and the poor woman sunk 
a murdered corpse, with her body resting 
upon the sill of the window, and torrents of 
blood flowing from her neck over the roof 
and down upon the stoop of her door. Her 
cruel murderer immediately fled. Her hus- 
band, whom she had left sitting by the stove 
in the room below, — which she had left but a 
moment before, — upon hearing the loud re- 
port of the pistol hastened involuntarily up- 
stairs, when he was horror-struck at the sight 
of his wife hanging out of the window a life- 
less corpse. He drew the body in and gave 
the alarm to his neighbors. It was further 
shown, by the evidence of several policemen 
and others, that immediately after the firing 
of the pistol two men were seen running from 
the spot, and one of them was recognised to 
be the notorious Dave Houck. It was shown 
that a woman of bad character was living 
next door to the murdered woman, who was 
the intimate of Houck, and who had beeu a 
boarder in his mother's house. * * * * 

Mr. and Mrs. Dunn were Irish peojffe : he 
was an industrious laboring-man, and a 
street-paver. She has left six children. The 
ball was a large one, and cut in two the jugu- 
lar vein of the neck and penetrated the brain, 
killing her instantaneously. — Correspondence 
New York Police Gazette. 

Bloody Affray in Utah. — This day a des- 
perate affray occurred in Salt Lake between 
two bands of desperadoes, headed respectively 
by Lot Huntington and Bill Hickman, in which 
Hickman wasmortally and Huntington slightly 
wounded ; and several others received trifling 
injuries. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



43 



Fire in Cincinnati. — This day the candle- 
factory of J. H. Rogers & Co., with its con- 
tents, was entirely destroyed by fire. Loss, 
§25,000 to $30,000. 

In Austin, Texas, this day, twenty-one 
hundred bales of cotton, one hundred and 
'fifty hogsheads of sugar, together with a 
large lot of merchandise, and several build- 
ings, — the whole valued at $138,000, — were 
destroyed by fire. 

Robbing the Mail. — In Warsaw, Mo., 
this day, John Aymerson, a very respectable 
citizen of that place, was arrested, charged 
with purloining letters from the mail-bags. 
Aymerson was deputy-postmaster; and it 
seems he has been stealing for some time. 
Several packages were found under a desk 
in the court-house, where he had deposited 
them to open. It is clearly demonstrated 
that he would take letters from the mail 
while distributing them in the office, open 
the same, take the contents, then place new 
envelopes on the letters, direct them, and 
send them on their route. Aymerson was a 
county school-commissioner, and also deputy 
circuit and county clerk, and has enjoyed tbe 
confidence of the entire community. The 
prisoner started for Jefferson City, in custody 
of W. D. Gilman, special mail-agent, who 
brought about the arrest. 

Counterfeiter Delivered up. — This day 
Joseph Bocarde, arrested at Paris, C.W., for 
passing at St. Louis counterfeit bills on the 
Philadelphia Bank of Philadelphia, had his 
trial at Brantford, before Justice Matthews, 
and was ordered to be delivered up to the 
United States authorities, under the Ashbur- 
ton Treaty. 

A Cold-Blooded Murder was perpetrated 
in Lys, N.Y., this day. A young man named 
James Henry, in company with a younger 
brother, went out fox-hunting on this day, 
and after travelling a distance of about three 
miles they were joined by a man named Enos 
Sprague, Jr., a neighbor, and remained to- 
gether until about two o'clock, when the 
younger brother returned, leaving the two to- 
gether. The deceased not returning at night 
was the cause of much apprehension, and the 
next day a search was instituted; and late in 
the evening his body was found concealed un- 
der a brush-heap and covered with snow. The 
appearance of Sprague, with other corrobo- 
rative evidence, gave satisfactory proof to 
those present to fix the crime upon him. He 
was therefore arrested, and after a partial 
examination committed to jail. 

Colored Emigrants. — This day eighty- 
one free colored persons sailed from New 
Orleans for Hayti. They all came from Ope- 
lousas parish, and are farmers, mechanics, 



and weavers of the stuff called Attaknpas 
cottonade. They take with them the neces- 
sary implements for the pursuit of their 
respective trades. One of the fourteen fami- 
lies included in this emigration is worth 
$50,000, and they all intend investing what 
property they possess in Hayti. 

Joseph Smith, Jr. — Efforts to place 
him at the Head of Mormonism. — A corre- 
spondent of the "St. Louis Republican," 
writing from Nauvoo, under this date, 
says : — 

Joseph Smith, son of the late prophet, is 
here, as also the other members of the family. 
Joseph is understood among the Saints to be 
the successor of his father in his prophetic 
office; and it is hinted among the would-be 
wise ones that he is about to assume the 
robes of his sacred office. Be that as it may, 
it is true that he is now entertaining a dele- 
gation from Salt Lake, who are using every 
persuasion in their power to satisfy the young 
prophet that he is called of God forthwith to 
assume the office, and proceed to Salt Lake 
and take the head of the Mormon Council. 

Joseph is a man of good, strong sense, and, 
should he undertake the station, I have no 
doubt, would endeavor to make a reform 
among his people. He is decidedly against 
polygamy, in favor of obedience to law, and 
opposed, in any form, to "milking the Gen- 
tiles." It is to be hoped that he will under- 
take the task, and succeed in making Salt 
Lake the home of upright, law-abiding citi- 
zens, instead of a den of thieves. 

Joseph, however, is beset on the other side 
by an organization of Mormons in this State, 
who are to meet in council at Amboy on the 
Gth of April next, to become their head, and 
to call around him all the faithful. 

Destructive Floods. — A great deal of 
damage has been done by the floods in West- 
ern Pennsylvania. This day several boats 
were torn away and carried down the Monon- 
gabela, causing a loss of fully fifty thousand 
dollars. Oue man is supposed to have lost 
his life in a boat. In Southern Ohio and 
Indiana the rivers have also swollen greatly, 
and fears are entertained. 

Death of a Centenarian. — This day 
Rachel Stewart, a colored woman, supposed 
to be over one hundred and ten years of 
age, died in Kent county, Md. She was the 
mother of thirteen children: the youngest 
(now living) is over seventy-five years old. 

Death of Dr. Palmer. — This day Dr. 
Palmer, the man who was arrested at Mem- 
phis, several weeks ago, on suspicion of being 
a confederate of Old Brown in the attempt to 
excite a servile insurrection in the Southern 
States, died at the Planters' House, in Mem- 
phis, of consumption. 



44 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



Destruction at Pittsburg (Pa.) by 
Breaking tip of the Ice. — This morning 
the ice in the Monongahela gave way. The 
"Pittsburg Press" says: — 

The river rose rapidly; the ice came down 
in large fields, carrying all before it. The 
destruction of property from the first dam to 
the Point was heavy. On the Birmingham 
side there was scarcely a craft that was not 
swept away. Thirty bottoms of boats were 
counted by one person. The total number 
of every description that floated off could not 
have been less than fifty. Among them we 
note the following. Messrs. Fawcett, of 
Birmingham, had fifteen empty boats swept 
away. A pair of barges fastened to one of 
the piers of the Monongahela bridge broke 
loose and floated off. A pair of model 
barges, owned by Captain Mason and Mr. II. 
Murphy, also disappeared. They may be 
recovered between here and Wheeling, if 
they remain on the surface. Mr. D. Bush- 
nell lost six loaded coal-barges. The tow- 
boat Lioness lost one loaded boat. Messrs. 
Riddle, Coleman & Co. had a pair of one- 
lmndred-and-sixty-feet loaded boats carried 
off. The ferry-boat Black Hawk was swept 
away from the foot of Liberty Street. Messrs. 
O'Connor & Co. had a number of boats 
carried off. The hulls of the steamers En- 
deavor and Gazelle took French leave, and 
disappeared from Birmingham. Besides what 
we have enumerated, many other persons 
have experienced a good deal of loss by the 
sudden rise. It is barely possible that those 
places could have escaped. Some of the 
boats that have been carried off may be re- 
covered ; but the largest portion will be torn 
to pieces and sunk. 



MONDAY, JANUARY 16. 

In the Supreme Court of Georgia, the 
lottery case of Swan & Co. was decided this 
day, by sustaining the points of Swan's 
counsel, and reversing the decision of the 
lower court against Swan. 

Homicide Cases. — In Philadelphia, this 
day, Daniel Price, James Geegan, George 
Alexander, William Hatz, and John Carr, were 
placed on trial, charged with the murder of 
John Eichele, in April last. It was alleged 
that the defendants entered the lager-beer 
saloon of the deceased, and, after creating 
considerable confusion by their riotous con- 
duct, they fired a number of pistols, and Mr. 
Eichele was shot in the stomach. Before 
dying, he identified Price, who was brought 
to his bedside, as the man who fired the shot. 
His dying declaration contained the same 
allegation. On the part of the defence, it 
was argued that the deceased was shot by 
one of his own friends, who was endeavoring 
to drive the defendants away. Price was 



convicted of murder in the second degree. 
The other defendants were acquitted. 

A Faithful Servant. — Attempt to Steal 
Him. — A slave named Peter, belonging to 
Wm. G. Smith, of Campbell county, disclosed 
to his master a few days since an attempt 
that was made by a fellow named Crawford. 
An arrangement was made by which Peter 
was to feign a desire to go with Crawford to 
a free State, — his master and a couple of 
friends being concealed near the place of 
conference. When enough testimony had 
been elicited by the conversation between 
the negro and Crawford, Mr. Smith and his 
friends sprang out of their concealment and 
arrested Crawford, who is now in Campbell 
county jail. — Atlanta Intelligencer, Jan. 16. 

Sudden Death. — In New York, this day, a 
man named Gottschalk, a native of Hanover, 
while walking in Greenwich Street about 
noon, suddenly fell to the pavement, and 
expired almost instantly. Coroner Jackman 
held an inquest upon the body, — when it was 
ascertained that death was the result of apo- 
plexy. The deceased was about thirty years 
of age, and is said to have been connected 
with one of the noble families of Hanover. 

Death of the Rev. Elijah Ward. — This 
day the Rev. Elijah Ward died in Willoughby, 
Ohio, at the age of ninety-four years. He 
joined the New York Conference in 1801, 
and for more than half a century was a 
Methodist preacher of no common order of 
talent. He was familiarly known as "Old 
Father Ward." 

Death of Rev. John McDermott. — The 
Rev. John McDermott, formerly of Mechan- 
icsville, N.Y., died at St. Joseph's Hospital, 
in Philadelphia, from disease of the liver. 
Mr. McDermott was a student in the college 
of St. Charles Borromeo. He was ordained 
a priest by Archbishop Hughes, in 1854, and 
was removed to Mechanicsville by Bishop 
McClaskey, of Albany, where he remained 
until within a few months past, when he 
came to Philadelphia, owing to a rapid decline 
of health. 

Died. — In Jackson, (Miss.,) this day, Hon. 
E. R. Webb, Secretary of State, after a lin- 
gering illness, brought on by consumption. 

Political. — The Missouri Legislature ad- 
journed sine die. Governor Stewart imme- 
diately issued a proclamation, calling an 
extra session on the 27th of Februaiy, 
to take action upon the railroad-bills and 
other unfinished business. Governor Stewart 
has refused to sign the bill lately passed for 
the exclusion of free negroes from the State. 

The National Democratic Hall Associa- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



45 



tion met and organized at the Everett House, 
in New York. After adopting a constitution 
under the General Law, they fixed the amount 
of capital to be raised at $100,000, with a 
provision for its increase to $300,000, in 
shares of twenty-five dollars each. 

Vessel Ashore. — This day the bark 
Wessacumcon, of Boston, Capt. Whelden, 
from Montevideo, Nov. 10, with a cargo of 
hides, went ashore on the West Bank. She 
lies on her beam-ends, high and dry. 

Pennsylvania State Treasurer Elect- 
ed. — This day the two Houses of the Penn- 
sylvania Legislature met in convention to 
elect a State Treasurer. Eli Slifer received 
81 votes, John W. Maynard 41 votes. Mr. 
Slifer was declared elected. 

Attack on a California Stage by High- 
waymen. — This day, at four o'clock a.m., 
three highwaymen made an attack, near 
Angel's Camp, Calaveras county, on the stage 
bound from Murphy's Camp to Stockton, with 
passengers and treasure. The "Stockton 
Argus" gives the following account of the 
affair : — 

By some means, of which we are not 
informed, Messrs. Wells, Fargo & Co. were 
advised that the stage would be robbed on 
its way to this city yesterday, and it was 
prearranged that Officers O'Neil and Gay, of 
Sacramento, should accompany it. These 
gentlemen secreted themselves in the "boot," 
and the passengers were informed that an 
attempt to rob the stage would undoubtedly 
take place. They were following the stage 
from Angel's on foot, about one hundred 
yards in the rear, when the stage was 
attacked by three men who made their ap- 
pearance from the chapparal, one of whom, 
with pistol aimed, demanded the driver to 
stop. At this moment the officers sprang 
from the boot and fired upon the man that 
was apparently the leader, and "brought 
him" at the first shot. They then pursued 
the others, who fled on seeing their leader 
shot clown, one of whom they followed into a 
deep ravine, the passengers also, coming up 
at the time, firing upon him. It is not 
known that either of the other two robbers 
was killed ; but, if not, they must have made 
a narrow escape with their lives. The stage 
proceeded on to Hawkeye, where the pass- 
engers shortly after joined it, and arrived 
in this city yesterday at the usual hour, the 
officers being left behind. A Chinaman, who 
was one of the passengers, manifested great 
trepidation on discovering the true condition 
of affairs, and gave vent to his opinion on 
finding himself in a position, to say the least, 
not actually conducive to his good health, as 
follows: — " Melican no good; too muchee 
shoot!" 

We are informed, since the above was 



placed in type, that the man killed is the 
notorious "Cherokee Bob," and that he, to- 
gether with his companions, after remaining 
in this city several days, on Friday took 
passage on the same stage, and with the 
same driver he attempted to rob yesterday. 
While here, his movements were carefully 
watched by Officer O'Neil and his plans re- 
vealed by the interception of a letter. The 
officers were armed, while on the stage, with 
double-barrelled guns, loaded with buck shot. 
The first discharge killed "Cherokee Bob," 
and one of his accomplices fell wounded on 
the other side by a shot from Gay; while the 
third made his escape, being fired upon by 
the officers. There was a considerable 
amount of treasure on the stage, notwith- 
standing which, every inducement was held 
out to the robbers to make an attack, — the 
passengers being some distance behind, and 
the driver apparently being the only person 
on the stage. 

Accident on the Ohio & Mississippi 
Railroad — A Sleeping-Car Precipitated 
down an Embankment. — This day a sleep- 
ing-car, attached to the night express traiu 
on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, three 
miles east of Osgood, lad., was precipitated 
down an embankment ten feet high. The 
car was full of passengers, three or four of 
whom were women, and, strange to say, not- 
withstanding it made a complete somerset, 
no one was seriously injured. 

The cause of the accident is not certainly 
known. The track at the place seemed to 
be in. good condition, and, as the car did not 
capsize until it had gone forward about 
twenty feet, after leaving the rails, it could 
not have resulted from a slight curve in the 
road at that point. The forward trucks were 
found disconnected from the car, after it had 
turned over. 

Every berth in the car was occupied at the 
time; and it is almost miraculous that the 
passengers should have escaped with such 
trifling injuries. Stoves, baggage, bedding, 
and people were tumbled in one confused 
mass, and the car left a complete wreck. 

Great Fire in Houston, Texas. — This 
day, a disastrous fire occurred in Houston, 
Texas, of which the " Houston Telegraph" 
gives the following account. It says : — 

At about three o'clock this morning, the 
alarm of fire was given, and in a few mo- 
ments it was known all over town that the 
cotton-press of T. W. Whitmarsh, the largest 
cotton-warehouse in the city, was on fire. 
Our citizens and fire-companies at once 
rushed to the scene of the conflagration. 
The engine-house of Protection, No. 1, was so 
far away that full twenty minutes elapsed 
before it could be dragged there through the 
mud. All it could do was to save the loco- 
motive-house of the Brazoria Railway, and 



46 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



dampen the fire in the cotton at that end 
enough to save one or two hundred bales. 
But it proved itself a powerful machine, 
throwing two large streams at the same time. 
* ****** 

The warehouse had last week over twen- 
ty-six hundred bales, of which about two 
thousand were stored inside, all of which 
is lost, as well as some tiers outside. Not 
less than twenty-one hundred bales, as 
near as we can learn to-day, have been de- 
stroyed. Besides this, there were some one 
hundred and fifty hogsheads of sugar, a lot 
of molasses, thirteen carriages, some stage- 
coaches, and a large lot of merchandise, not 
any thing of which was saved. We learn that 
there was some insurance on a few lots of 
cotton ; but the amount altogether is insignifi- 
cant, compared with the whole. We have 
had no opportunity to confer with the pro- 
prietor, but presume his loss must be at least 
twelve or fifteen thousand dollars. Mr. Hil- 
lard had about three hundred bales of cotton, 
on which the loss is nearly $10,000. The 
total loss, as near as we can make it up to- 
day, is as follows : — 

Building $10,000 

2100 bales cotton 95,000 

150 hhds. sugar 10,000 

Molasses 3,000 

Carriages 5,000 

Merchandise 15,000 

Total $138,000 

The loss falls heaviest on planters, and 
will seriously affect our trade, as they were 
depending on sales for payment of 1st of 
January balances. 

We learn that when the fire was first dis- 
covered from the office, the warehouse clerk, 
Isaac Stafford, ran down and found the fire 
at the end of the buildings, near the engine- 
house. He immediately set the laborers at 
work to put it out, and ran back to save the 
merchandise which was stored near the cen- 
tre. Arriving, he found the back side was on 
fire, at a distance of nearly one hundred feet 
from the flames. Persons outside, who were 
first at the fire, say that it broke out all along 
the roof almost at the same time. It is the 
general impression that it must have been set 
on fire in several ]ilaces. 

The Kansas Legislature. — Advices from 
Kansas, of this date, say the two wings of 
the Kansas Legislature are still separated, 
one at Lawrence and the other at Lecompton. 
An attempt to reconcile the difference will be 
made to-morrow, by the introduction, in both 
bodies, of a resolution favoring an adjourn- 
ment to Leavenworth. 

Election of U.S. Senator in Iowa. — This 
clay the Iowa Legislature re-elected James 
Harlan, Republican, U.S. Senator, by a vote of 
73 to 52. The latter vote was for A. C. Dodge. 



The Annual Meeting of the American 
Colonization Society was held at the Smith- 
sonian Institution. There was a large at- 
tendance. Addresses were made by Hon. 
Wm. Taylor, of Tennessee, Dr. Styles, of 
Georgia, and Rev. Mr. Pinney, of New York. 
The report shows the receipts of the year at 
nearly $101,000; the expenditures, $84,000. 
About three hundred emigrants were sent to 
Africa during the same period. 



TUESDAY, JANUARY 17. 

Statue to Franklin. — This day, the an- 
niversary of Franklin's birthday, a colossal 
statue of the philosopher was erected in Phi- 
ladelphia, in front of the market-house which 
bears his name. The statue is cut from Pictou 
stone, weighs about six tons, and is much 
admired for design and execution. 

New Jersey Governor Inaugurated. — In 
Trenton, N.J., this day, Governor Olden was 
inaugurated. There was a large crowd pre- 
sent. The official oath was administered by 
Mr. Perry, President of the Senate, after 
which the great seal was delivered to him by 
Governor Newell. This was followed by an 
address by the new chief magistrate, strongly 
conservative in its character, commending 
public education, increased economy, and 
mutual concessions between the States. 

Death of Thomas F. Gordon. — This day, 
Mr. Thos. F. Gordon, formerly a member of 
the Philadelphia bar, and author of a number 
of valuable legal and historical works, died 
at Beverly, N.J., aged seventy-three. Among 
his published works were, "A Digest of the 
Laws of the United States;" " History of 
Pennsylvania, from its Discovery to 1776;" 
" History of New Jersey, from its Discovery 
to 1789;" "History of America;" "Cabinet 
of American History;" "History of Ancient 
Mexico;" "Gazetteer of New Jersey," and 
the "Gazetteer of New York." 

Drowned. — This day eight persons were 
drowned near Rhinebeck, N.Y. A party of 
over twenty persons were crossing the river 
in a sleigh, when the ice gave way and the 
sleigh went down, carrying with it eight of 
the passengers. The others escaped. 

Breach of Promise. — In New York, this 
day, a verdict of $5000 damages was rendered 
for breach of promise in the case of Elizabeth 
Hildebrand against Nicholas Matthewson. 
She was a servant girl, and is now a mother; 
he is a keeper of a grog-shop. 

Destructive Fire in Philadelphia. — In 
the morning of this day, about three o'clock, 
smoke was discovered issuing from the per- 
fumery and soap manufactory of T. H. Pe- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



47 



ters & Co., a five-story building, in the rear 
of the store of the firm, No. 716 Chestnut 
Street. The building was found to be closed, 
and the door on Bennett Street was forced 
open, by which time the three lower stories 
were in flames. Being filled with inflammable 
material, the fire spread very rapidly, and in 
a short time extended throughout the struc- 
ture, and thence to the store, with which the 
factory was connected. Information of the 
fire was soon conveyed to Mr. Peters, and he 
reached the store with the key before it was 
entered ; but in turning the key it was broken, 
and the door had to be forced in. By this 
time the fire had made such progress in the 
store that but little of its valuable contents 
could be saved. A few cases of fancy goods 
were carried out, while all the rest was 
totally destroyed. The neighboring fire-com- 
panies were early on the ground, and did 
most effective service — especially the steam- 
engines — in preventing the spread of the 
flames to the adjoining properties. Water 
was easily forced into the upper story of the 
factory, in large streams, .also into the 
upper stories of the front building. The 
fire, however, had obtained some headway 
before it was discovered ; and that, with the 
inflammable material in both, rendered it 
impossible to check the flames before the 
factory was totally destroyed and the Chest- 
nut Street property much damaged. The 
loss of Messrs. Peters & Co. is almost a 
total one, as the store and factory were both 
burned out. To the second and third stories 
of the front building there was considerable 
damage, and the tenants are all sufferers. 
Robert J. Parke kept a billiard-saloon in the 
second story ; and much of his furniture was 
either destroyed or damaged. There were 
four tables in the room, none of which was 
touched by the fire. Mr. Parke's loss is fully 
covered by insurance. Wm. F. Jones, por- 
trait-painter, had his studio in the third 
story, and lost every thing, a number of por- 
traits and other valuables. In the fourth 
story, Edward Christman had $1200 worth 
of furniture stored, all of which was de- 
stroyed. There was no insurance upon it. 
Messrs. Peters & Co. are heavy sufferers, 
though they are said to be nearly covered 
by insurance, amounting to $58,500. Be- 
sides a large stock of perfumery and mate- 
rials used in its manufacture, they had a 
valuable stock of fancy goods, their store 
being one of the most attractive on Chestnut 
Street. The real estate belongs to Joseph 
Natt, whose loss is covered by insurance. 
The tenants in the building adjoining on the 
east suffered by water. E. W. Carry 1 & Co., 
on the first floor, dealers in house-furnishing 
articles, had their stock damaged, as had the 
occupant of the upper portion of the build- 
ing, Charles Desilver, book-publisher ; but 
the extent of their loss is not known. War- 
ner, Miskey & Merrill, lamp and chandelier 



manufacturers, occupants of the building on 
the west of the fire, estimate their loss by 
water at from $1600 to $2000. The fire 
caught to the skylight in the rear of their 
store, but was extinguished before much 
damage was done. The western wall of the 
burnt factory overhangs the store of this firm 
in a way to do considerable damage if it 
should fall, as there is reason to fear it will. 
Messrs. Peters & Co. estimate their loss at 
$60,000. They are insured in the following- 
named companies for the amounts stated: 
Royal, of Liverpool, and Commonwealth, 
$7500 each ; in the Jefferson, Franklin, Re- 
liance, Equitable, Spring Garden, and North- 
ern, of London, $5000 each ; in the Fame, 
Enterprise, JEtna, of Hartford, and Hum- 
boldt, of New York, $2500 each; and in the 
Arctic, of New York, $3500; making a total 
of $58,500. The loss of Mr. Natt will pro- 
bably reach $15,000; that of the other suf- 
ferers, exclusive of Peters & Co., about 
$6000 ; making a total of $84,000. Some of 
the fire-companies were in service till after 
daylight ; and one of the steamers was on the 
ground the greater portion of yesterday. 
Several firemen fell through the burnt floors 
after the fire was extinguished, but none of 
them were seriously injured. The basement 
of the store of Cornelius & Baker, as well as 
those of other firms in the neighborhood, 
were partially filled with Avater. 

Fire at the Western Female College, 
Oxford, Ohio.— The "Cincinnati Commer- 
cial" of this date gives an account of the 
burning of the Female College at Oxford. 
The institution was totally consumed, the fire 
breaking out at twelve o'clock at night. 
There were one hundred and seventy-five 
young ladies in the college, and only one man 
on the premises. The ladies gave the alarm, 
formed a line, and passed water in buckets 
until there was no hope of saving the pro- 
perty. The escape of one of them is thus 
mentioned : — 

The escape of Miss Sallie E. Moore from 
the college is unparalleled for daring, and 
seems almost miraculous. She roomed in the 
fifth story, and returned the second time to 
her room for some books. On opening her 
door she discovered that the hall was dense 
with smoke and the stairway was in flames, 
and all means of exit in that direction hope- 
less. Closing her door, she deliberately tore 
the bed-clothing into strips, knotted them 
firmly together, and, tying them to her bed- 
post, she hopefully stepped from her window, 
and made a successful descent to the ground, 
a distance of forty-five feet. We could hardly 
believe, when we saw this spare, 3 r oung girl, 
that she was capable of such a heroic action; 
but she thought it was not " so wonderful, 
after all." 

Fire in New York. — The morning of this 



48 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



day a fire broke out in the fancy-store of 
Mr. Litchenstein, 237 Hudson Street. The 
flames extended to No. 235, occupied by 
Mr. Matthews as a crockery-store ; to No. 
239, occupied by Mr. Stone as a rnillinery- 
store; 241, by Mr. Burriton as a bookstore; 
243, by Mrs. Love as a millinery-store ; 245, 
by H. O'Neill as a millinery-store; 249, by 
J. Hillman as a fancy-store ; 251, by Mrs. 
Miller as a fancy-store ; 247, by John Landen 
as a jewelry-store, and 256, by Mrs. Mitchell 
as a shoe-store. 

All these buildings suffered considerable 
damage ; but the losses, in the aggregate, 
will probably not exceed $10,000, the most 
of which is covered by insurance in city 
offices. 

Fatal Affray at Vicksburg, Missis- 
sippi — In Vicksburg. this day, a difficulty 
occurred at the corner of Washington and 
Clay Streets, at about one o'clock, between 
Mr. William D. Roy, editor of the "Vicks- 
burg Sun," and Mr. Daniel J. Sheppard, 
formerly employed in the " Sun" office. The 
result of the difficulty was the discharge of 
a pistol by Sheppard upon Roy, the ball en- 
tering near the heart. Mr. Roy died imme- 
diately. There was only one shot fired. 

Mr. Roy formerly conducted a paper in 
Kosciusko, Mississippi, but was for the last 
two or three years a resident of Vicksburg. 
He was a man of excitable temperament and 
great personal courage. He was engaged 
during his life in a number of personal diffi- 
culties, and, if we mistake not, has more 
than once proved his prowess on the "field 
of honor." 

It appears, from a card published in the 
"Vicksburg Whig" of the 13th ultimo, that 
Mr. Roy charged Sheppard with embezzle- 
ment from the "Sun" office. Sheppard was 
arrested and imprisoned on this charge, at 
New Orleans, was released under a writ of 
habeas corpus, w r ent to Vicksburg, underwent 
an examination, lasting two days, before a 
magistrate's court, and was acquitted of the 
charge. 

On the 9th instant, after the trial, Mr. 
Roy reiterated the charge in the columns of 
the "Sun," and warned the public against 
imposition by him. 

The result is given above. 

Laborer Killer. — This day, near New 
York, a laborer, named John Lovett, was 
killed in the Bergen Tunnel, owing to the 
premature explosion of a fuse. It is only 
three weeks ago that, two other laborers 
■were killed there by like carelessness. 

Schooner Traveller Sunk. — The morn- 
ing of this day, the steamer General Clinch, 
Reylea, spoke schooner Traveller, of Charles- 
ton, Sabiston, bound for Georgetown, South 
Carolina, with cargo of brick- and lumber 



in a sinking condition. The General Clinch 
took on board the captain, crew, and three 
passengers. The schooner sunk as the last 
person stepped into the yawl-boat. Vessel 
and cargo total loss. 

The United States Sloops-of-War Wyo- 
ming and Lancaster. — It is this day an- 
nounced that the Navy Department has been 
informed that the steam sloop-of-war Wyo- 
ming has reached Rio Janeiro, in thirty-six 
days from Philadelphia, and that the Lan- 
caster, from Valparaiso to Panama, made, 
for five consecutive days, with steam alone, 
from nine to ten and one-half knots an hour, 
which speed the flag-officer considers unex- 
ampled. 

The Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chi- 
cago Railroad Receivership. — This day 
the modified decrees were entered by the 
United States District Court, at Cleveland, 
Ohio, and William B. Ogden sworn as Re- 
ceiver for the entire road from Pittsburg to 
Chicago. 

The Louisiana Legislature organized 
this day. The House of Representatives 
elected the following officers, all nominees 
of the Democratic caucus, held the previous 
day : — Speaker, Hon. C. H. Morrison, of Oua- 
chita ; Chief Clerk, James Welsh ; Mini/te- 
Clerk, George B. Sheppard; Warrant- Clerk^ 
J. P. Smith ; Sergeant-at-Arvis, J. P. Peralta ; 
Door-Kceper, D. Learles. 

The Governor sent in his message, of 
which the following is a synopsis. He first 
speaks of the State Treasury, which he re- 
presents to be in a very healthful condition. 
The balance to the credit of the general 
fund, on hand the 31st of December, 1859, 
according to the report of the State Trea- 
surer, is $133,696, against $622 at the close 
of the previous year. The total receipts 
into the treasury for the past year, on ac- 
count of the general fund, were $1,338,696, 
— an increase of $353,696 on the Auditor's 
estimate. The total expenditures of the 
fiscal year amount to $1,205,622, — an in- 
crease of $3,646 on the estimates. 

Little progress is reported in the exten- 
sion or completion of the various railroads 
of the State entirely within its borders and 
yet unfinished, — the Opelousas Railroad, 
the Sabine & New Orleans, the Baton Rouge, 
Grosse Tete & Opelousas, and the Vicks- 
burg & Shreveport Roads. The position of 
the other railroads completed and at work, 
or of the working sections of those not 
entirely completed, is stated to be of a 
gratifying character, both as regards their 
management and prospects for the steady 
and remunerative increase of their business. 
The recent action of the Legislature of Mis- 
sissippi in regard to the New Orleans, Jack- 
son & Great Northern Railroad is depre- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



49 



cated as being unjust to the road itself and 
to the interests the State of Louisiana has 
in that highly important enterprise. 

The Board of Currency's report exhibits 
the working of the banks and their condition 
as most satisfactory, the regulations of the 
present free-banking system of the State 
receiving their meed of praise as the. prin- 
cipal cause to which this prosperity and 
conservative management are due. 

The State Engineer's report suggests that 
the Legislature should devote special atten- 
tion to a levee system, and also to the 
swamp-land department, to correct various 
errors therein, securing more efficiency in 
the administration, and producing better 
results from this rich fund of resources for 
the State. 

The State system of education requires 
many reforms to infuse more activity into 
it and give to it the efficiency it should have 
to make it the great public benefactor it 
should be. The opening of the State Semi- 
nary of Learning at Alexandria, and its 
promising condition, are referred to in a 
complimentary manner to the administra- 
tion. 

The Normal School established in New 
Orleans by special act of the Legislature is 
reported to be in a flourishing state, and its 
results, in furnishing teachers for our public 
schools, attach additional interest to its pro- 
gress. 

The Governor complains of the growth of 
anti-slavery sentiments in the North, of the 
doctrines of Seward and the RejHiblican 
party, which he asserts led directly to the 
Harper's Ferry raid. He recommends the 
appropriation of $25,000 as part reimburse- 
ment for the expense Virginia incurred in 
her defence ; also the adoption of a resolu- 
tion formally pledging the State to stand by 
her sister States of the South in their de- 
fence of her institutions, in any similar 
emergency in the future. 

He recommends the organization of the 
militia, the establishment of direct trade 
with Europe, and of manufactures, and 
finally "recommends, as a last resort, that, 
should this fanatical anti-slavery warfare 
continue, and thus our institutions really be 
put in jeopardy, the State take steps towards 
meeting her sister States of the South in a 
general convention for the defence of their 
common rights, institutions, and honor." 

Man Killed. — George Pulliam killed R. 
S. Whitehead, near Chatham, Illinois, this 
day. 



WEDNESDAY", JANUARY 18. 

Railroad-Accident. — In New Jersey, this 
day, as the boat-train from Bordentown, en 
route for Camden, was passing in the vicinity 



of Deep Cut, about eight o'clock, a.m., an un- 
known white man, who was walking upon the 
track, was struck by the cow-catcher and in- 
stantly killed. The body was removed to Cam- 
den and taken in charge by Coroner Roberts, 
when an inquest was held and a verdict ren- 
dered in accordance with the facts. The 
deceased was about five feet four inches in 
height, dark-brown hair, wore heavy whis- 
kers and moustache, and was apparently 
about thirty-two years of age. His clothing 
consisted of a brown tweed-cloth coat, black 
cloth vest with brass buttons, drab panta- 
loons, and he had nothing upon his feet but 
his stockings. The deceased was supposed to 
have been crazy, as he was seen by several 
persons walking upon the track and acting 
in a very singular manner. 

Hung by Lynch Law. — The "Columbia 
(S.C.) Banner" of this date says, "We have 
been reliably informed that an incendiary 
was discovered in Clarendon district, taken 
in hands by a vigilance committee, and 
hung. We have not heard any of the par- 
ticulars. From the summary penalty in- 
flicted, the evidence must have been very 
palpable and the offence heinous." 

Wife-Murder. — A horrible murder was 
committed in the city of New York this day. 
John Scott and his wife Mary, residents of 
Forty-Fifth Street, but natives of Ireland, 
lived unhappily together ; and, while in 
a state of intoxication, he was accustomed 
to beat her. On this night piercing screams 
were heard ; suddenly they ceased ; sus- 
picions were excited, and a number of neigh- 
bors broke in the doors, when the body of 
Mrs. S. was found lifeless and bearing marks 
of violence. Scott was subsequently arrested 
and lodged in jail. 

Death of Hon. C. A. Mann. — This day 
the Hon. Charles A. Mann, President of the 
Oneida Bank, died suddenly in Utica, of apo- 
plexy. He was, in 1846, a member of the 
Assembly; in 1850, a State Senator; and 
had been President of the New York, Al- 
bany & Buffalo Telegraph Company. His 
age was fifty-seven years. 

Sudden Death. — This day John J. Ken- 
ney, a young clerk, who resided at No. 220 
Mott Street, New York, was taken suddenly 
ill while walking in the Bowery. He was 
taken into a drug-store, where he died in a 
few minutes. It is supposed death ensued 
from disease of the heart. The deceased was 
about being married. In his pocket was the 
wedding-ring, which he had just purchased. 
He had bought his house-furniture, and was 
apparently in the full flush of health and 
enjoyment. 

Suicide. — In the city of New York, this 



•50 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



day, a bank-teller, by the name of Christo- 
pher Hewlitt, committed suicide by taking 
strychnine. He had been connected with 
the Market Bank, but, becoming irregular 
in his habits, was discharged. He thereupon 
purchased the drug, took it, rode home, and 
informed his wife of what he had done, 
stating that he was deeply in debt and could 
not see his way out of it. 

The Manufacturers of Connecticut this 
day held a convention at Meridcn, for the 
purpose of giving expression to their views 
on the Slavery agitation. At the time of 
meeting about one hundred persons had col- 
lected, but this number was increased during 
the day to three or four hundred. A split 
took place on organizing, — each of the great 
political parties aiming to control the assem- 
bly. The Republicans finally prevailed, 
after a lengthy discussion ; upon which 
about fifty withdrew, and passed a series of 
resolutions declaring it to be the duty of 
every citizen to yield implicit obedience to 
the laws, repudiating the "higher-law" doc- 
trine, denouncing the Harper's Ferry raid 
as a monstrous crime, and the agitation of 
slavery as injurious to both the slave and his 
master. They concluded with repudiating all 
party allegiance inconsistent with their decla- 
rations. The majority also passed a series of 
resolutions in favor of the Union, condemning 
misrepresentations on the part of a portion 
of the press, proscription for opinion's sake, 
and all deeds of violence, whether committed 
by invaders in Kansas or Harper's Ferry. 
Numerous speeches were made on both sides, 
and much excitement prevailed during the 
day. 

Death of an Aged Couple. — Near Baby- 
lon, L.I., Mr. Silas Muncy, aged eighty-five 
years, died. Also, at the same time and 
place, Sarah, wife of Silas Muncy, aged 
eighty-two years, has just died. This aged 
couple had lived together as man and wife 
for the last sixty-three years; and that they 
should both be taken from this life at the 
same time, is regarded as a singular coinci- 
dence, from the fact that for years past they 
had expressed the wish that such might be 
the case. 

The Tennessee Democratic Convention 
met at Nashville this day. They nominated 
Senator Johnson, of Tennessee, for Presi- 
dent, subject to the decision of the National 
Convention. They also elected delegates to 
Charleston; 

The Kansas Legislature this day ad- 
journed sine die, the general understanding 
being that the Governor will immediately 
convene it by special proclamation. The 
difficulty arising from the adjournment is 
therefore considered settled. 



THURSDAY, JANUARY 19. 

Louisiana Legislature. — This day the 
members of the American party in the 
Louisiana Legislature held a meeting, and, 
by a vote of 17 to 7, pledged themselves to 
unite with the Democrats in sustaining the 
nominee of the Charleston Convention. 

Disunion Commissioner. — This day Mr. 
Meminger, the commissioner despatched by 
South Carolina to confer with the authorities 
of Virginia, was ceremoniously received at 
the Capitol in Richmond, and made a long 
address. He analyzed the relations of the 
North and the South, declared that the gua- 
rantees of the Constitution are valueless for 
the protection of the South, and that without 
others it would be necessary for the South 
to recede from the Union. He closed with 
the suggestion that a Southern convention 
be forthwith called. 

The Negroes of the City of New York 
this day held a meeting to express their 
indignation at Mr. O'Connor's late speech. 
The Metropolitan Assembly Rooms were well 
filled on the occasion. Mr. O'Connor was 
invited to deliver a lecture, or course of 
lectures, in further elucidation of the justice 
of negro slavery. 

Died. — John J. Stimson, an eminent 
merchant of Providence, R.I., died this 
day, in the sixty-second year of his age. 

Suicide. — Dr. T. L. Payton, of Raymond, 
Miss., this day committed suicide, by taking 
morphine. He leaves a young wife and 
small child to mourn his untimely loss. 

Murder of Dr. Shepherd. — Dr. Shep- 
herd, who was formerly Secretary of the 
Texan Navy, was murdered in Columbus, 
Miss., by a Mr. James Blair, on this day. 
The "Quitman Advertiser" gives the follow- 
ing account of the transaction : — 

We learn from a friend that, on Thursday 
evening, Dr. Shepherd, of Columbus, Miss., 
was shot at that place by Mr. James Blair. 
The facts of the case seem to be these. Some 
time during the first of the week there was 
an agent of a Northern mercantile house in 
Columbus, who was suspected by some of 
being connected with the John Brown clan ; 
and, having left the town for a day or two, 
his trunk was searched in his absence by 
Mr. Blair, who, upon opening the trunk, 
picked up. a copy of a letter to a friend, 
which commenced by saying that it was 
" all right with him and the Brown family." 
Then Mr. Blair's excitemeut was reported to 
have been very great at this disclosure ; and 
he threw down the letter, confident that he 
had detected him. A bystander picked up 
the letter, and, upon a further perusal, dis- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



51 



covered that it was breathing very different 
sentiments from those of blood and treason; 
or, in other words, they discovered that the 
"Brown family" in question was not tliat 
of Ossawatoniie, but was the family of old 
Mr. and Mrs. Brown, who had a certain 
daughter that had captivated the unfor- 
tunate drummer. Then followed an over- 
hauling of the correspondence of the unfor- 
tunate swain, which resulted in some very 
interesting developments in the way of soft 
sentiments. At this juncture of affairs Dr. 
Shepherd came up and pronounced the pro- 
cedure an outrage. Mr. Blair replied with 
a curse, saying that if he took sides with 
the Northern agents he was no better than 
one of them. Shepherd then told him that 
he would have to answer for his remarks, or 
something to that effect. A short time after 
this. Shepherd came to the drug-store of 
Blair with a walking-stick, but did not go 
in, while Blair remained in the house with a 
double-barrelled shot-gun ; and the day after 
he remained out of town, apparently to avoid 
a meeting with Shepherd. But Shepherd 
watched his movements ; and when coming 
out of the tavern from supper, on the second 
night after the words were passed, met him, 
and commenced caning him with his walking- 
stick ; whereupon Blair drew his pistol and 
shot him three times, Shepherd continuing 
to cane him until he fell dead. Shepherd is 
reported to have been a very brave man. who 
gained considerable reputation in the Mexi- 
can War for courage. 

Earthquake. — Singular Circumstance. 
— This day the shock of an earthquake was 
felt in various parts of the South and South- 
west. The "Charleston Mercury," speaking 
of it, says : — 

The most significant phenomenon, if it can 
be attributed to the earthquake, occurred at 
the Artesian well. It is well known that the 
city has been tubing the well with 10i-inch 
iron pipes. On the 31st day of last March 
this tubing had reached the depth of eight 
hundred and ten feet below the surface ; and 
there it has since remained. The excavation 
or boring, six inches in diameter, had been 
previously carried down to a depth of nine 
hundred and thirty feet. The utmost re- 
sources of the mechanics have been expended 
in endeavors to remove the obstruction and 
sink the tubing farther, but all in vain. 
Platforms have been erected, and large 
amounts of iron and wood, weighing several 
tons, have repeatedly been placed upon it, 
but it would not and did not* settle the 
breadth of a hair. On Thursday, during the 
afternoon, previous to the earthquake, the 
tubing commenced settling, — very slowly 
at first, — and then, with a perceptible slide, 
the upper end, which had projected about 
four feet above the surface of the ground, 
disappeared, leaving the superincumbent 



weight, which had been resting upon it all 
day, upon the ground. After removing the 
rubbish and sounding for the top of the 
tubing, it was found to have gone down a 
distance of thirty feet. 

The "Courier," speaking of this earth- 
quake, says : — 

It was very sensibly felt at Wilmington, 
N.C., Charleston, S.C., and Augusta, Ga. 
At Charleston the shock is said to have been 
the severest within the last fifty years. 

The duration of the greatest force of the 
motion or distui'bance is stated by various 
observers at six, eight, or ten seconds, and 
the whole time of the motion or oscillations 
at twenty or twenty-five seconds. The di- 
rection was from the east westward, or 
nearly so, and the greatest impression was 
felt along the line of Broad Street, and on 
either side. 

The "Courier" goes on to note several 
instances in which the shock was so severe 
that persons fled from their houses. It was 
also felt in Augusta, Atlanta, and Macon, Ga. 

Fire at Cleveland, Ohio. — The morning 
of this day, a fire destroyed a warehouse and 
an adjoining barn, with a stock of fur pelts, 
the property of S. Morman. The loss 
amounted to $15,000, on which there is an 
insurance of 



Elopement. — This day a lady of New 
York, the wife of a former member of the 
State Legislature, eloped with a youth of 
eighteen, both of whom have been traced to 
a place in the vicinity of Philadelphia. The 
runaway lady (Mrs. B.) resided in Hud- 
son Street, not far from St. Luke's Church. 
She is said to possess considerable personal 
attractions, is thirty-six years of age, and is 
the possessor of a handsome property in her 
own right. She has been married eighteen 
years, and has five children. Before eloping 
she took $2000 with her in cash. The 
occurrence has thrown a respectable family 
into the deepest distress, and furnished a 
rich morsel for the scandal-mongers. 



FRIDAY, JANUARY 20. 

Steamer Burned. — This day the steamer 
Cam Howell, with a cargo of seven hundred 
and sixty bales of cotton and thirty thousand 
pounds of hides, was burned in the Upper 
Red River, in Arkansas. 

Railroad- Accident. — In Rhode Island, 
this day, Elisha Brown, a man about sixty 
years of age, belonging to Pittsford, Vt., was 
killed at the station in Providence, by a train 
on the Hartford Road, while backing. 

Railroad- Accident on the New Haven 



62 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



Railroad. — An accident arising from defect- 
ive machinery occurred on the New Haven 
Railroad, near Milford, this day. The engine 
broke its driving-wheel ; the baggage-car, 
■which contained some men, was overturned 
and thrown immediately across the track ; 
the first passenger-car was thrown down an 
embankment, and the second was hurled on 
its side : yet, strange to say, of the two hun- 
dred and fifty passengers on the train, but 
one was seriously injured. That one was Mr. 
Madigan, an express-agent, who was in the 
baggage-car. Five trains were detained at 
the scene of the accident for more than six 
hours, when the wreck was cleared away. 

Death of T. A. Tefft.— Mr. T. A. Tefft, 
State Commissioner of the Industrial Art As- 
sociation of Rhode Island, died in Florence, 
Italy, this day, from a fever contracted in 
Venice, which almost immediately deprived 
him of reason, and within ten days of life, 
though he had the best of attendance. He 
was an accomplished architect, much es- 
teemed at home, and had recently made a 
name among statists in Europe by a learned 
and able treatise on Universal Currency, in- 
cluding a plan for a common currency in 
France, England, and America, based on the 
decimal system. It elicited a complimentary 
letter from Count Cavour, highly recommend- 
ing the scheme. 

Death of Andrew Scott. — In Philadel- 
phia, this day, Mr. Andrew Scott, well known 
among the printing and publishing fraternity 
of that city, died, after a lingering illness. 
Mr. Scott was originally a printer, working 
at the "case." He was one of the proprietors 
of the "Daily Chronicle," and afterwards 
commenced the publication of a weekly 
journal, called "Scott's Weekly Paper," 
which continued in existence for several 
years. After its discontinuance, Mr. Scott 
conducted a job-printing-office on a large 
scale ; but for several years past his health 
was bad, and he did not actively participate 
in business. 

Brig Ann Merritt Burned. — This day 
the brig Ann Merritt was destroyed by fire 
at Portland, Me. 

The Kansas Legislature this day re- 
assembled at Lecompton, in conformity with 
the special proclamation of Gov. Medary. 
The Legislature immediately passed a resolu- 
tion adjourning to Lawrence. The Governor 
vetoed this resolution, but it was immediately 
repassed by a vote of 93 to 3 in the Council, 
and 29 to 8 in the house. 

Suicide by a Young Lady. — This day Miss 
Deborah Hall Broughton committed suicide, 
by hanging herself, at the residence of her 
brother-in-law, Mr. McAllister, in Baltimore, 



Md. She had for some time been subject to 
low spirits, from severe attacks of neuralgia. 



SATURDAY JANUARY 21. 

Fire at Marietta, Ohio. — This day 
Cram's flour-mill was destroyed by fire. 
The loss, which was covered by insurance, 
amounted to $10,000. 

Attempt to Murder Members of the 
Maryland Legislature. — In Baltimore, this 
day, two members of the Legislature, who 
were upon an investigating committee of the 
Penitentiary, while waiting at the door of a 
drug-store, where they had gone for a pre- 
scription of medicine for a fellow-member 
who was taken suddenly ill at the hotel, were 
accosted in an insulting manner by a gang 
of rowdies who were passing, and asked what 
they wanted. No reply was made to the 
ruffians, who, after passing a few rods from 
the gentlemen, turned, and deliberately fired 
several shots at them. Fortunately they 
missed, the balls striking the wall close to 
them. The gentlemen hastily fled to the 
hotel, and gave the police notice ; but the 
rowdies had, of course, left. 

Richard Realf was examined by the Har- 
per's Ferry Committee of the Senate this 
day. 

Eloped. — Charles Kaufholtz, a German, 
(who on the 6th inst. was shot and badly 
wounded by Augustus Williams, in Chicago, 
111., whose wife he had seduced, and, but for 
the brave defence made by his dog, would 
have been killed by the enraged husband,) 
eloped with the woman for whose seduction 
her husband attempted his life. Whilst the 
husband was in jail, Mrs. Williams was nurs- 
ing him, and, as soon as Kaufholtz was well, 
eloped with him for parts unknown. 

Sinking of a Wharf near Poughkeepsie, 
N.Y. — Loss of Ice-Houses. — This day five 
new ice-houses, belonging to a firm in New 
York, which had been recently erected and 
filled with ice, in the dock at the New Paltz 
Landing, opposite Poughkeepsie, were en- 
tirely destroyed, and their contents lost, by 
the sinking of the dock on which they were 
built. The loss is about $10,000. 

Railroad-Accident. — This day two se- 
rious accidents occurred on the Cleveland, 
Columbus ^& Cincinnati Railroad, by which 
at least one man was instantly killed, and 
many received injuries which, probably, in 
some cases, will prove fatal. The first oc- 
curred near Delaware village, and arose from 
the mistake of a switchman on a side-track, 
there being only one man to attend it night 
and day. The switch was set for a freight- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



53 



train, 'which passed without his knowledge ; 
but a passenger-train awoke him, and, running 
out, he turned the switch first one way and 
then another, by which the train was divided, 
and the cars driven against each other, 
several getting completely smashed. The 
train proceeded as soon as possible, and, when 
about seven miles from Cleveland, met a con- 
struction-train. The latter, hearing the 
whistle of the passenger-train, which was 
out of time, attempted to switch off suddenly, 
when some of the cars ran off the track, and 
one was literally smashed to pieces. One 
man was taken from the ruins terribly 
mangled, and dead. 

In New York, a collision occurred on the 
Central Railroad, near Amsterdam, a sleep- 
ing-car, filled with passengers, having been 
knocked to wreck by another train running 
into it. Strange to say, none of the passen- 
gers were seriously hurt. 

Counterfeiters Arrested. — At Toledo, 
(Mich.,) this day, U.S. Deputy Marshal W. 
S. Johnson made a descent upon a gang of 
counterfeiters, and arrested six men and two 
women. He also got possession of their dies, 
and of a large amount of counterfeit bills 
and spurious coin. 

Crushed to Death at Sea. — As the ship 
Mountaineer was on her voyage from New 
Orleans to Liverpool, on this day, she was 
boarded by a sea over the stern, which 
stove the wheelhouse and crushed the second 
mate, James Healey, beneath it, so badly 
that he lived but about fifteen minutes. 
He called Boston his home; but he was 
thought to be a native of some one of the 
British provinces : he was about twenty- 
seven years old. 

Loss of the Shifs Heidelberg and Silas 
Holmes.— The Key West "Key of the Gulf," 
of this date, gives the following account of 
the loss of the ship Heidelberg. It is fur- 
. nished to that paper by Mr. George Almeda, a 
citizen of Key West, who went out in the ship 
in charge of the steam-pump. That paper 
says : — 

It will be remembered that this vessel left 
this port on the 18th of December last, 
for New Orleans. Mr. Almeda informs us 
that on the 20th they were compelled to 
leave the ship, in consequence of the loose 
cotton floating about in the hold choking the 
pumps. They tried, but could not keep it 
clear. 

They left the ship in two boats, — the cap- 
tain, with nine others, in the smallest, and 
Mr. A., with eighteen others, in the largest. 
They remained together until the 22d, 
when about four p.m. it came on to blow 
very hard ; at seven p.m. it was blowing 
a gale, and a heavy sea running. The cap- 



tain's boat lying broadside to the sea, he 
ordered the painter loosed from the larger 
boat. As long as Mr. A. could see the cap- 
tain's boat, he thought she was lying very 
badly in the trough of the sea ; and, from 
the violence of the wind during the night, he 
has no doubt she foundered before morning. 

We had no thought when, in our last issue, 
we commented on the recklessness observed 
in this place in sending ships to sea without 
proper examination, after they have been 
badly ashore on this coast, that we would 
have to chronicle the loss of that ship's com- 
pany; for they had been reported "picked 
up." It is now made our painful duty to do 
so, and to announce to the friends in this 
city, and at Tortugas and New York, that Mr. 
George Harkness was one of the ten in the 
captain's boat. 

The last account that we have had of the 
ship Silas Holmes is the arrival of the mate 
at Havana, with five ladies and three gentle- 
men passengers. 

We yet hope that the captain and crew of 
the Heidelberg, and the missing passengers 
and crew of the Silas Holmes, may be heard 
from as saved, — though it is almost hoping 
against hope. 

Virginia State Armory. — A bill appro- 
priating half a million dollars for the State 
Armory passed the Legislature this day. 



SUNDAY, JANUARY 22. 

Death of Captain Benjamin Tunis. — 
The "Stockton (Cal.) Republican" of this 
date, in announcing the decease, in that city, 
of Captain Benjamin Tunis, in the sixty- 
fifth year of his age, gives a brief history of 
his more prominent actions in life. He was 
a soldier in the War of 1812. He was on 
board the frigate President when, after a 
fierce and powerful struggle, she was com- 
pelled to yield to the superior strength of the 
enemy. In the engagement he was wounded 
in the leg by a splinter, and seven of his 
comrades fell dead by his side. He bore the 
scar of that conflict to his last day. He was 
taken prisoner on the President and carried 
to Bermuda, where he remained until the 
close of the war. After the war, Captain 
Tunis engaged in the merchant-service, and, 
by faithfulness, integrity, and intelligence, 
rose from a sailor befoi'e the mast to be one 
of the most skilful, enterprising, and suc- 
cessful shipmasters that ever sailed out of 
the harbor of New York. At the time of the 
financial crisis which succeeded the removal 
of the deposits from the United States Bank, 
he abandoned the sea, settled for a short 
time in Missouri, and finally removed, in the 
spring of 1849, to California, selecting the 
spot upon which the city of Stockton was 



54 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



subsequently founded, as his place of resi- 
dence. 

Attempt to Escape. — In Massachusetts, 
this day, two prisoners, confined in the House 
of Correction at Lawrence, made a desperate 
attempt to escape in the night. They got 
out of their cells into an outer room, where 
Mr. Poor, one of the watchmen, slept, and 
assaulted him, striking him upon the head 
so forcibly that he was for a moment ren- 
dered unconscious. They then attempted 
to choke him, when Mr. Poor rallied; and, 
in the strength of desperation, he drove the 
ruffians back to their cell before assistance 
arrived. 

Meteor. — In the neighborhood of Newark, 
(N.J.,) this day, a brilliant meteor was seen 
in the southwestern sky at ten minutes 
before one o'clock in the morning. It had 
the appearance of a ball of fire, and, shooting 
upward, it exploded, and, the reports say, 
"left a blue tail behind it." 

Thaddeus Hyatt was this day summoned 
to appear before the Harper's Ferry Investi- 
gating Committee at Washington. 

The First American Hotel in Japan 
was this day opened in Hakodadi. It is 
called the " International." The house has 
been built entirely by native carpenters, from 
drafts furnished by one of its enterprising 
owners. Messrs. Pitt and Bradford are the 
proprietors. 

Murder in Jefferson City. — A stranger, 
whose name it is supposed was Hors, was 
murdered in Jefferson City on the night of 
this day. His body was found lying in front 
of a lumber-yard on Valence Street, between 
Magazine and Live Oak. He had been killed 
by violent blows on the head with some heavy, 
blunt weapon, and his pockets were turned 
inside out, — seeming to show that the murder 
had been perpetrated for purposes of rob- 
bery. 

Destructive Fire in Grand Raiids, 
(Mich). — The night of this day, a most de- 
structive fire broke out in Grand Piapids. 
Taylor's block, occupied by Miller & Grin- 
nell, grocers. Porter & Sligh, dry-goods, 
Goodrich & Gray, hardware, the post-office 
and county offices, together with an adjoin- 
ing wooden building, were almost entirely 
destroyed. Very few of the county records 
were" saved. The loss is estimated at $100,000, 
on which the insurance is only $50,000. 

U.S. Steamship-Trial. — This day the 
U.S. steamship Saginaw returned to San 
Francisco from a four days' trial-trip, having 
encountered heavy seas and storms. She 
behaved admirably ; and Commander Schenck 



expressed himself perfectly satisfied with her 
movements. 

Another Death from the Lawrence 
Catastrophe. — This day, died, in Lawrence, 
(Mass.,) Miss Celia Stephens, a niece of judge 
Stephens, of that city, from injuries from the 
Pemberton Mill catastrophe. 



MONDAY, JANUARY 23. 

Inaugural Address of the Governor 
of Louisiana. — Governor Thomas O. Moore 
delivered his inaugural address to the Legis- 
lature of Louisiana this day. He takes the 
following view of Judge Douglas's squatter- 
sovereignty doctrine : — 

"A like offence is offered and wrong in- 
flicted on the South by the heresy of popu- 
lar sovereignty, — by w T hich slaveholders are 
to be excluded from the Territories by un- 
friendly legislation of the Territorial Govern- 
ment. The Supreme Court of the United 
States has settled the principle that must 
rule: neither Congress nor the Territorial 
Governments can constitutionally exclude 
slavery from the Territories. A Southern 
man can therefore rightfully take his slaves 
into the Territories. As the Territorial 
Governments are without the legal power to 
exclude slavery, it is difficult to understand 
how they can be allowed to do indirectly 
that which they are prohibited from doing 
directly. It is the duty of Congress to pro- 
tret the property which is taken to the Ter- 
ritories under the sanction of the Constitu- 
tion, and to guard that property from the 
neglect or unfriendliness of the Territorial 
Government, which is but the creature of 
Congress. The Southern States deny nothing 
to the Northern which they claim for them- 
selves. They insist only on equality ; and it 
remains only to be decided in the struggle 
now pending whether this equality will be 
conceded to them ; and I am one who does 
not despair that it will." 

Rescue of a Portuguese Crew by an 
American Ship. — This day, the ship Uriel, 
Captain AValker, of Boston, fell in with (lat. 
23° 39', Ion. 68° G') the Portuguese brig-of- 
war Mondeigo, in distress. Nine of her 
officers, fifty-five of her crew, and two 
women, were saved in the boats of the 
Uriel. On account of the high sea staving 
the boats, the Uriel was unable to rescue 
the remainder, and the brig went down at 
six o'clock in the evening. The number on 
board is unknown. The Uriel lost three 
men by the staving of her boats. The Mon- 
deigo was from China, bound to Lisbon. 

Fire at Clinton, (Wis.) — The night of 
this day, a fire at Clinton, Wisconsin, occa- 
sioned damage to the amount of $20,000: 
insurance, $12,000. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



55 



Dreadful Affray in New Orleans. — 
This day, the crowded rotunda of the St. 
Charles Hotel, New Orleans, was thrown 
into the most intense state of excitement 
by a rencounter which took place there 
about one o'clock, or shortly before that 
hour, between Mr. Charles N. Harris, of 
Carroll parish, and Col. W. H. Peck, of 
Madison parish, a member elect of the State 
Legislature. The result of the difficulty was 
the killing of Harris by Col. Peck, who in- 
flicted upon his person seven wounds, — 
three shot-wounds and four stab-wounds, 
two of which were necessarily fatal, as will 
be seen by the result of the examination 
made, and which appears below. 

In order to give the whole facts of the 
case, we would state that, about a year ago, 
a difficulty occurred between the parties, in 
the parish of Madison, State of Louisiana, 
which led to some correspondence between 
the gentlemen, the exact result of which we 
are ignorant of. However, it appears that 
Mr. Harris came down to New Orleans a 
short time ago, and Col. Peck arrived also 
on the steamer Vicksburg, on her last, trip 
down. The day before the murder, Col. 
Peck and a friend, with whom he came 
down to the city, came out from the gentle- 
men's ordinary, where they had been dining, 
and proceeded to make their way through 
rather a large crowd into the centre of the 
rotunda. 

While going through the crowd, Mr. 
Harris — who was unknown to the friend of 
Col. Peck — turned round and asked if they 
intended to insult him by pushing against 
,him. Col. Peck's friend, thinking, from 
Harris's appearance, that he was drunk, 
replied, politely, that no one intended to 
insult him. Harris, while asking the ques- 
tion, looked at Col. Peck, who at once re- 
cognized him. Harris, after the answer 
given by Col. Peck's friend, and looking 
directly at Peck, said, as he placed his 
hand in his pocket, to the latter, "D — n 
you, you did intend to insult me." Harris, 
the moment he had finished speaking, drew 
a pistol and fired at Peck, who was in the 
act of placing his hand in his side-pocket 
for his pistol. 

After firing and missing his aim, Harris 
turned and ran through the crowd; and 
Peck, seeing, doubtless, that he must kill 
innocent persons if he fired, desisted from 
so doing. 

A short while after this affray, Harris 
was arrested, at the request of Mr. Hildreth, 
for disturbing the peace of the St. Charles 
Hotel, by firing a pistol in the rotunda, and 
locked up in the First District Station- 
House, where he remained until the follow- 
ing morning. When he was arrested, he 
had in his room a revolver, a Derringer 
pistol, and a bowie-knife, which were also 
taken to the station-house. He was ar- 



raigned before Recorder Summers and fined 
twenty dollars, which, upon paying, his 
weapons were handed back to him. When 
about taking them away, his attorney ad- 
vised him not to put them in his pocket, 
but to wrap them up in a piece of paper 
and carry them in his hand; which he did. 
He intended leaving the city that evening, 
and was at the window of the clerk's office 
of the St. Charles paying his bill when the 
difficulty recommenced. 

Col. Peck, it is said, thought that Harris 
had left the city the previous evening, but 
was standing in the rotunda of the hotel 
when the baggage-master of the hotel, who 
knew him, said to him, "Colonel, there is 
the man who shot at you yesterday," (point- 
ing at Harris;) and, probably supposing 
that Peck was not acquainted with him, 
added, "Don't molest him; for I am not 
positive he is the man." The baggage- 
master then passed up the stairs on the 
right-hand side. 

Col. Peck, it appears, on having his atten- 
tion directed toward Harris, walked over 
from the stairs toward him, who, as we be- 
fore stated, was paying his bill at the win- 
dow, and halted a few paces from him, with 
his hands resting upon his hips. , 

At this juncture, Harris turned his head 
somewhat and saw him; and the statements 
of what occurred during the next few mo- 
ments are somewhat conflicting. The clerk, 
Mr. Mayne, who had just handed Harris a 
ten-dollar bill in change, says that Peck 
looked for about a quarter of a minute at 
Harris, then a few words passed which he 
did not hear, and both drew about the same 
moment and fired ; but he thinks Col. Peck 
shot first. Others state that, as Col. Peck 
advanced toward Harris, the latter asked 
him if he intended taking advantage of him; 
that reck replied, "You took advantage of 
me yesterday: I am armed, and I suppose 
you are;" that both then drew; some say 
that Peck shot a little in advance, some say 
that Harris shot first, and others that the 
reports were simultaneous. Another version 
of the affair is that Peck asked Harris if he 
was armed, and he, avoiding the question, re- 
plied, "I am not prepared to have a difficulty 
with you here, and I wish you would leave 
me;" and that both drew at once. How- 
ever, the testimony which will be taken be- 
fore the coroner will doubtless clear up this 
portion of the difficulty. 

The firing having commenced, Harris re- 
treated, and finally dodged into the door of 
the small bar and cigar room, and, shield- 
ing himself partly behind the glass door, 
looked out and tired from time to time. 
Two of his balls can be seen where they 
entered, — one in a pillar in a line with 
Peck, and another on the opposite side of 
the wall, — both high up. Peck, while Harris 
retreated, stepped out from the office, nearer 



56 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



to the dining-room, and fired several shots, 
— three of which took effect upon the per- 
son of Harris, — and was in that position 
when he was fired at from the room. 

Exhausting his pistol, Peck drew his 
bowie-knife and deliberately advanced to- 
ward the door of the cigar-shop from behind 
which Harris had shot, and seemed to hesi- 
tate a moment whether to enter. The next 
moment, Harris, doubtless seeing his shallow 
upon the glass, fired at the open doorway, 
the hall of his pistol entering the side or 
jamb of the door. 

After firing this last shot, Harris ran 
back just as Peck entered the door, got over 
the marble counter of the bar, and got into 
a corner among the bottles. Peck, following, 
sprang over after him, and. grasping hold 
of him, inflicted upon his person four stabs 
with the bowie-knife. 

Thus ended this terrible rencounter. 
Harris was picked up and placed on the 
floor for a moment, and then carried to his 
room near by, expiring almost the moment 
he was placed upon the bed. This account 
of the affair has been gathered through va- 
rious persons who were present, though, 
from the great excitement which prevailed, 
there may have been things which were 
overlooked. The excitement was very in- 
tense, and most of the crowd got out of the 
way at the first firing. Some got behind 
pillars, others ran into the passages leading 
to the dining-room and ladies' parlor, and 
not a few, thinking it too late to fly, made 
shields of the chairs. A group of gentle- 
men were standing conversing immediately 
in a line with the shot from Hai'ris, which 
lodged in the wall a few feet above their 
heads. The accused was arrested, a short 
time after the killing, by Lieutenant Dry- 
den, of the First District Police-Station. 
Col. Peck is a large, powerful-looking man, 
about six feet in height. The deceased was 
a man of ordinary stature and rather slight 
build. 

The post-mortem examination was held by 
Dr. Bethelet, which showed the following 
wounds : — One shot-wound in the right 
shoulder ; two stab-wounds in the left arm ; 
one stab-wound in the left side, between the 
fifth and sixth ribs, penetrating the lungs; 
one shot-wound in the right side, between 
the seventh and eighth ribs, penetrating the 
liver ; (these two wounds last above men- 
tioned were the immediate cause of death ;) 
one shot-wound in the breast, between the 
first and second ribs. 

Trial for Rape. — In the Hudson County 
Circuit Court, New Jersey, before Judge 
Ogden and a jury, this day, the case of 
Samuel Hollyer, a New York artist, charged 
with having violated the person of Harriet 
F. Andrews, aged about fourteen years, was 
called up for trial. The opening address 



of plaintiff's counsel sets forth the facts in 
the case very clearly. He said: — 

The phuntifl', who is sitting beside me, 
brings this suit through her next friend, 
(she being under age,) for damages which 
she alleges she has sustained to her feel- 
ings, to her reputation, to her position in 
society, and to her happiness through life, 
by a wrong done by the defendant. It seems, 
gentlemen of the jury, that this girl (whose 
mother is dead) was brought from Massa- 
chusetts by a married sister, who at present 
resides in the city of New York. The girl 
was brought to New York about a year ago 
last July, by her sister, who is here with 
her to-day, and who has long tried hard to 
keep the family together. As soon as she 
was brought to New York, Harriet was sent 
to school, and she continued there for near 
a year, all the time being boarded by her 
sister. During that year, her (Harriet's) 
sister formed the acquaintance of a Mrs. 
Hollyer, the wife of the defendant in this 
cause. They (defendant and wife) had no 
children. They represented themselves as 
being pleasantly and comfortably situated 
in Jersey City, and were very desirous of 
having Harriet come and live with them as 
a friend and companion and as an assistant 
with Mrs. Hollyer in the daily performance 
of her domestic duties, and to have her 
make this place her home. On these state- 
ments, the girl's sister was induced to take 
Harriet from school, and take her (as she 
supposed) to a home and to a place where 
she would be properly brought up and re- 
ceive all those little qualifications which a 
young lady needs, — -Mrs. Hollyer repre- 
senting herself as a lady of education ami a 
teacher. Her visitor thought this was a 
desirable place to put the girl, and there- 
fore she willingly accepted this offer for 
her. So Harriet was taken to this place, — 
not as a servant, not on pay, — but, as I ob- 
served before, merely as a friend and com- 
panion. She was taken there in the month 
of April, 1858, and remained there till July 
or near the 1st of August. I do not know 
the exact dates in this case when the girl 
was sent there and when she was taken 
away ; but I am coming to the history of 
the case as near as I can. On the 30th day 
of July last, (as laid down in the declara- 
tion,) Harriet, I think, was requested by 
Mrs. Hollyer to go out on the hills and 
gather some berries. After Mrs. Hollyer 
had gone out from the house, Harriet went 
out into the fields at the back of the house 
to do as she was told. la a short time she 
noticed that Mr. Hollyer was in the field 
also, he having just come from the house. 
He commenced picking berries also, after a 
little conversation, and in a few minutes 
made improper advances. He soon after- 
ward pulled her down and had improper 
connection. Harriet is now fourteen : she 



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UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



57 



was then thirteen ; and you know, as a 
matter of course, she has considerably de- 
veloped since the time this occurrence took 
place. I am told by her sister [that lady 
having just spoken to Mr. Jelift'] that she 
is not fourteen years of age yet. When we 
consider of her clothes and her subsequent 
illness unto death, it is plain that this rape 
was not committed by her own consent. 
This was done on a Saturday afternoon, 
and on Sunday morning following she was 
taken sick. On Tuesday or Wednesday her 
sister heard that she was seriously sick : 
the girl was taken to New York and a phy- 
sician sent for. For a short time afterward 
she continued to become worse, and was 
finally given up by the physician who was 
attending her. Another physician was 
called in ; and it is through his skilful at- 
tendance that she is here to-day alive. 
Gentlemen, this is the short of the story, as 
I know it. The whole circumstances you 
will gather from the testimony on the 
examination of the witnesses that will fol- 
low. Counsel then read the declaration in 
the case, the whole substance of which was 
that the said defendant, Samuel Hollyer, 
on the 30th day of July last, at a place 
called Bull's Fen - y, in Hudson county, State 
of New Jersey, with force of arms, &c. as- 
saulted, debauched, and carnally violated 
the person of the plaintiff, forcibly and 
against her will, thereby committing a 
rape ; and that he bruised, wounded, and 
ill treated her, insomuch that by means 
thereof she became sick and disordered for 
a long time, and is even at the present time 
suffering from the effects of said defendant's 
acts; and that this occurrence prevented 
her from attending to her daily business 
and affairs. It also states that she was 
obliged and did necessarily pay and lay out 
and expend a large sum of money — to wit, 
the sum of three hundred dollars — in en- 
deavoring to get cured of the wounds and 
sickness caused by the defendant's acts. 
There are three charges made in the de- 
claration against the defendant. The first 
one is that she was compelled by his acts to 
lay out three hundred dollars; the second, 
that her life was endangered by him ; the 
third, that she was kept from transacting 
her ordinary business. To all of these 
charges the defendant pleads not guilty. 

Harriet E. Andrews, the girl on whom the 
rape was committed, being duly sworn, de- 
posed and said : I know Mr. Hollyer ; I be- 
lieve I am about fifteen years of age ; I be- 
lieve I lived in a place called Bedford before 
I came to New York ; before I went to live 
with Mr. Hollyer I lived with my sister ; it 
was in the spring of the year that I went to 
live with the defendant ; before I went to his 
house I was at school ; during this time I 
lived with my sister; I do not know how loug 
Hived at Mr. Hollyer's before this wrong was 



don« me ; I lived at Mr. Hollyer's three 
months before I was taken back to my sis- 
ter's ; in Mr. Hollyer's house I lived as a 
friend; it was my sister who made the ar- 
rangements in regard to my entering the 
defendant's family; it was on a Saturday 
afternoon that I went to pick the berries : I 
do not recollect the day of the month; I do 
not know how long I stayed at the defendant's 
before I was taken away; I went out on a 
Saturday aftei'noon to pick the berries ; they 
were raspberries ; Mrs. Hollyer during this 
time had gone to a place called the English 
neighborhood, to teach music ; I do not know 
how far from the house this place is ; it was 
three o'clock when I went to pick the berries ; 
Mrs. Hollyer was gone about two hours ; there 
was nothing said to me about getting the 
berries for tea ; there was no one with me 
when I went to the field; I went to pick the 
berries at a place at the foot of the hill ; I 
took a pail to get them in ; I left Mr. Holl- 
yer in the house, in his studio, when I went 
to pick the berries ; he is an engraver ; I was 
picking berries when I first saw Mr. Hollyer 
coming towards me ; he picked those for me 
that I could not reach ; he then asked me to 
sit down ; I did sit down ; in a few minutes I 
got up again; he then pulled me down; as 
he pulled me down he tore my dress ; I then 
sat down again ; I was going to get up again, 
but I could not, as he held me down ; I then 
yielded and sat on a stone ; I attempted to 
rise again, but this time he threw me down 
and held my hands in his ; I was going to 
halloo, when he put his hands upon my mouth 
and told me to keep still ; he said if I hal- 
loed he would kill me ; as I was trying to 
turn over, he put his hand upon my breast 
and held me to the grouud ; he then commit- 
ted an improper act upon me : after commit- 
ting the act he went into the house ; he told 
me I must keep still about it ; that if I did 
not he would kill me ; I only stayed three or 
four minutes in the field after the act was 
committed before I went to the house ; when 
I went back to the house I went to my room ; 
I examined my clothes and found them soiled ; 
my outside dress was torn a great deal ; the 
next day I was sick ; on Sunday I was very 
sick; on Monday I was still worse; I was 
confined to my room ; on Monday I was able 
to get up, but could not do any thing ; I grew 
worse, and a physician was sent for ; Mrs. 
Hollyer sent for the physician ; the physician 
came; on Tuesday morning I was in great 
pain. 

Judge. — Did you tell Mrs. Hollyer what had 
happened ? No, sir. Why did you not tell 
her ? Mr. Hollyer told me not to. 

On the cross-examination it was attempted 
to show that the girl bore a doubtful cha- 
racter. 

Her sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Bennett, an 
actress, was the next witness. She said she 
follows the theatrical profession, and that 



58 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



she has been for some time back engaged at 
Burton's Theatre, under the name of Lizzie 
Walton. Her evidence corroborated her 
sister's as regards the arrangements made by 
her with Mrs. Hollyer. She said that when 
she first made the acquaintance of Mrs. Holl- 
yer it was on an occasion when Mrs. Hollyer 
was desirous of entering the theatrical life ; 
that she introduced her to her friends, and 
that an acquaintance was formed at that 
time ; it was about the ninth or tenth day 
after Harriet told her of the occurrence, and 
about five or six days after Dr. McCready 
called ; cannot remember the date exactly ; 
Harriet told witness the occurrence took 
place the Saturday before she came home. 
Nothing further of importance was elicited 
from this witness. 

The defendant attempted to prove that the 
girl bore a lewd character, and he also at- 
tempted to prove an alibi, — in both of which 
he failed. The jury, after consulting about 
three hours, rendered a verdict in favor of 
the plaintiff for $1200. 

Sale of a Hotel. — The St. Charles Hotel, 
at Richmond, Ya., was sold this day at auc- 
tion, for $35,000, to Messrs. George \V. Yan- 
cey, R. H. Dickinson, and Joseph Brumel. 
It cost the former owners over $80,000, and 
was rented at the time of sale for $6500 per 
annum. 

Death of a Revolutionary Soldier and 
Centenarian. — Died, this day, James Mc- 
Cormick, aged one hundred and three years, 
six months, and fourteen days. He was born 
in Cumberland county, Pa., July 9, 1756, 
and served in the Revolutionary War. He 
lived a temperate, industrious, and Christian 
life. 

Vessel Burned. — This day the bark 
Gleaner, (four hundred and ninety-one tons,) 
Chandler, master, loading at Appalachicola 
for Amsterdam, was discovered to be on fire. 
The United States steamer Vixen, Captain 
Phelps, went to her assistance, when she was 
scuttled and sunk in nineteen feet water. 
She had about sixteen hundred bales of 
cotton on board, a portion of which will be 
saved. 

Fastest Passage from England to Aus- 
tralia on Record. — This day the ship North 
Wind, of New York, Captain Morton, owned 
by Daniel Torrance, arrived at Port Phillip 
Heads, Australia, having made the fastest 
passage from England to Australia ever ac- 
complished by a sailing-ship, — namely, sixty- 
seven days from the Downs to Port Phillip 
Heads, Australia. The North Wind sailed 
from the Downs November 10, reached Port 
Phillip Heads January 16, and arrived at 
Sydney, N.S.W., January 23. This fine ship 
was built in the ship-yard of A. G. Bell, Esq., 



New Y'ork. She is ten hundred and forty- 
one tons register, and of medium clipper- 
build. 

Fire. — This day a fire occurred at San 
Francisco, in Montgomery Street, between 
Bush and Sutler, consuming five wooden 
buildings, valued at $20,000, and consider- 
ably damaging the new musical hall. 

Fire at Clinton, Wisconsin. — This day a 
fire occurred at Clinton, Wis. The damage 
is estimated at $20,000, of which $12,000 
was insured. 

Destructive Fire at Delavan, Wiscon- 
sin. — The night of this day, a fire at Delavan, 
Wis., destroyed the dry-goods-store of H. 
Toppen & Co., the boot-store of G. C. Lyon, 
the clothing-store of W. W. Bradley, the book- 
store of Baker and Parrish, and the law- 
office of Messrs. Clair & Patchin. Loss, 
$20,000: insurance, $12,000. 

Nomination for the Presidency of 
General Harney. — This day, at a meeting 
held in Washington Territory, a large portion 
of the members of the Legislative Assembly 
nominated General W. S. Harney for the 
Presidency of the United States. 

Resignation of a Professorship of Har- 
vard College. — This day Professor Hun- 
tington resigned the Plummer professorship 
at Harvard College. 

Tried for Murder. — In Philadelphia, 
this day, Hugh Cassiday was placed on trial, 
charged with manslaughter, in. causing the 
death of John Moore, on the 13th of November 
last. The prisoner boarded at the public house 
of James Bird, Sixth Street, near Market. On 
Sunday, the 13th of November, Cassiday was 
sitting in the bar-room, when the deceased 
came in with a friend. These two took a 
drink ; and Moore then, turning to Cassiday, 
remarked to him that it was his turn to treat, 
as he (Moore) had treated once before, at 
another place. Cassiday replied that Moore 
was no gentleman, or he would not ask a 
return of the treat. Words then passed ; 
and finally the parties drank together, and 
Cassiday said they were "square." Moore 
said, "Yes; but you are a sucker, at any 
rate." Cassiday immediately rejoined that 
he would not take that from any man ; and 
with his open hand he struck the deceased 
on the face. Deceased staggered and fell 
upon his hip, and was then raised ; and in 
a short time he fell a second time, and was 
again picked up and placed in a chair ; and 
he died in about twenty minutes. Before 
Moore died, Cassiday had left the tavern. 
There were but two witnesses to the trans- 
action, — one testifying that deceased fell 
once, and the other testifying that he fell 



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UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



59 



twice. After being struck, Moore remarked 
to Cassiday that if he (Moore) had not been 
drunk he could not have hit him. Dr. Brown, 
who made the post-mortem examination, 
found a slight effusion at the base of the 
brain. The lungs were found to be diseased. 
The only witness called for the defence was 
the officer, who testified that Cassiday sur- 
rendered himself after he learned that Moore 
was dead. 

Seventeen Indictments for Murder in 
New York. — In New York, this day, the 
grand jury entered court and presented 
seventeen bills of indictment for murders and 
other homicides. A New York paper says, 
" There are at present for trial at this term 
of the court seven or eight, persons who have 
pleaded to indictments for murder, man- 
slaughter, and attempts to kill, — showing 
that we are in the midst of a most desperate 
and lawless set of desperadoes." 



TUESDAY, JANUARY 24. 

Kentucky and Tennessee Legislatures 
visiting Louisville. — This day, while on 
their way to Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, 
whither they were proceeding at the invitation 
of the city of Cincinnati and the State of Ohio, 
the members of the Tennessee and Kentucky 
Legislatures visited Louisville. A splendid 
banquet was given them at the Masonic 
Hall. 

Can a Man Steal his own Letters ? — 
In the United States Circuit Court, at New 
York, this day, William Slavin, alias Sawyer, 
was put on trial for stealing his own letters 
from the post-office. We quote from the 
" Commercial Advertiser :" — 

The defendant went by the name of Slavin 
in Rhode Island, and on moving to New York 
took the name of Sawyer. He was in the 
habit of receiving letters at the post-office 
addressed to him by the name of Sawyer. 
The post-office agent, suspecting that he took 
letters not belonging to him, placed a decoy- 
letter, containing, among other papers, a 
bogus check on the Bank of the Republic. 
Slavin got the letter, took the check to the 
bank, and was in the act of endorsing it 
when he was arrested. A point was raised 
that he took a letter addressed to him by his 
adopted name, and, consequently, could not 
steal his own letter. 

The judge charged that a man could be 
guilty of crime when in reality the letter was 
addressed to him, if, after obtaining it, he 
discovered that it was not intended for him 
and appropriated the contents to his own use. 
But this indictment charged him with taking 
a letter not addressed to him. This was not 
so. The letter was addressed to him, and 
the indictment was, consequently, irregular ; 



and in case of mistakes the prisoner was 
entitled to the benefit of them. 

The jury found a verdict of not guilty. In 
reply to a question by a juror, the court 
stated that the Government had a right to 
indite a decoy-letter. 

Appointments. — This day the following 
appointments were announced as being con- 
firmed by the Senate: — 

Charles J. Faulkner, of Virginia, Envoy 
Extraordinai'y and Minister Plenipotentiary 
of the United States to France. 

Charles Le Doux Elgee, of Louisiana, 
Secretary of Legation of the United States 
in Mexico. 

William L. Patterson, of Mississippi, Con- 
sul of the United States at Genoa. 

Peter Morand, of Valencia, Spain, Consul 
of the United States at Valencia. 

Richard S. Newbold, of Pennsylvania, 
Consul of the United States for the Island 
of Trinidad. 

Isaac Winston, of Kansas, Consul of the 
United States at Kingston, Jamaica. 

William G. Webb, of Massachusetts, to be 
Consul of the United States at Zanzibar. 

Marshall M. Smith, of Mississippi, Consul- 
General of the United States at Constanti- 
nople. 

Ran. Runnels, of Texas, Consul of the 
United States at San Juan del Sur. 

John W. Magill. of Illinois, Consul of the 
United States at Sabanilla. 

Lewis Dent, of California, Consul of the 
United States at Guaymas. 

Samuel W. Talbot, of New York, Consul 
of the United States at Dublin. 

Frederick B. Wells, of New York, Consul 
of the United States at Bermuda. 

Thomas M. Persse, of New York, Consul 
of the United States at Galway. 

James W. Quiggle, of Pennsylvania, Consul 
of the United States at Antwerp. 

Charlton H. Morgan, of Kentucky, Consul 
of the United States at Messina. 

Hugh Martin, of Delaware, Consul of the 
United States at Matanzas. 

Elihu L. Mix, Jr., of New York, Consul 
of the United States at Lambayegue. 

Thomas W. Fox, Jr., of Plymouth, Eng- 
land. Consul of the United States at Ply- 
mouth. 

George H. Leavenworth, of New York, 
Consul of the United States at the Bay of 
Islands. 

John Cunningham, of Seville, Spain, Con- 
sul of the United States at Seville. 

J. J. Sprenger, of Pennsylvania, Consul 
of the United States at Dresden. 

Lewis Gallo, of Santander, Spain, Consul 
of the United States at Santander. 

J. J. Barclay, of Virginia, Consul of the 
United States at Cyprus. 

Samuel L. Gouveineuv, Jr., of Maryland, 
Consul of the United States at Foo-Choo. 



60 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



William T. Wright, Jr., of Maryland, Con- 
sul of the United States at Santos. 

Henry M. McGill, of Ohio, Secretary of 
the Territory of Washington. 

Samuel A. Smith, of Tennessee, to be Com- 
missioner of the General Land Office, vice 
Thomas A. Hendricks, resigned. 

George B. Gratf, of Indiana, to be Re- 
ceiver of Public Moneys at Dakotak City, 
N.T., vice John C. Turk, removed. 

Daniel Griffin, of Arkansas, to be Receiver 
of Public Moneys at Washington, Ark., vice 
Charles B. Mitchell, resigned. 

Lafayette M. Stiff, of Alabama, to be Re- 
ceiver of Public Moneys at Centre, Ala., vice 
Alexander Snodgrass, resigned. 

William McAboy, of Wisconsin, to be Re- 
gister of the Land Office at Superior, Wis., 
vice Daniel Shaw, removed. 

Samuel B. Stambaugh, of Pennsylvania, 
to be Surveyor-General of the Territory of 
Utah, vice John C. Hays, resigned. 

Robert Means, of Iowa, to be Receiver of 
Public Moneys at Sioux City, Iowa, vice 
Andrew Leech, whose commission has ex- 
pired. 

William A. Bevens, of Arkansas, to be 
Receiver of Public Moneys at Batesville, 
Ark. : reappointed. 

Harper's Ferry Witness Refusing to 
Appear. — This day, Mr. Sanborn, who was 
summoned to appear before the Senate In- 
vestigating Committee, was waited upon at 
Concord by the United States official, and 
tendered his witness-fee, which he refused to 
accept. Before other measures could be 
taken, he had disappeared. 

Fight with the Indians. — This day, Capt. 
R. W. Johnson, Second Cavalry, commanding 
Fort Mason, Texas, detached, on scouting- 
duty, First Sergeant R. II. Chapman, with 
ten men of Company A, Second Cavalry. 
After a march of upwards of one hundred 
miles, Sergeant Chapman and his little band 
came upon some eighteen Indians, encamped 
on Kickapoo Creek, near the crossing of the 
Fort Chadbourne and McKavett Road, 
charged upon them, and, after a pretty 
sharp conflict, succeeded in killing four In- 
dians, wounding several, and capturing some 
thirteen horses. The sergeant bears testi- 
mony to the assistance rendered him by 
Messrs. J. B. Riley, T. B. Ives, and R. Casey, 
who had volunteered their services. 

In the Virginia Legislature, this day, 
a resolution was introduced for the appoint- 
ment of a joint committee of eighteen to 
report on the recommendation of the Hon. 
Mr. Memminger, the commissioner from 
South Carolina. A bill passed appropriating 
$150,000 to pay the expenses accruing from 
the Harper's Ferry affair. 



Death of Professor Espy. — This day, 
Prof. James P. Espy, the well-known meteor- 
ologist, died at Cincinnati, of paralysis, 
having been ill a week. Professor Espy was 
born in Washington county, Pa., in the year 
1785, so that he was in his seventy-fifth year 
when he died. He early turned his attention 
to the study of meteorology, and his writings 
on the Philosophy of Storms have been com- 
mended by the best authorities at home and 
abroad. For a number of years he held, 
under the Federal Government, an office that 
was especially established for him, with a 
view of securing the best practical proof of 
his theory. 

Death of Hon. John Nelson. — This clay 
the Hon. John Nelson died at his residence, 
on Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore, about 
half-past nine o'clock at night. He had only 
been confined to the house a few days, his 
disease being gout in the stomach. Mr. Nel- 
son occupied a high position at the bar, not 
only of Maryland, but of the country, and 
has, at different periods, filled offices of honor 
and trust with marked ability. He was 
Minister to Naples under the administration 
of President Jackson, and Attorney-General 
of the United States under President Tyler. 
He was born in Frederick county, Md., in 
1791, but has resided in Baltimore for very 
many years. 

Splendid Meteor. — At St. Paul's, Min- 
nesota, this day, about half-past nine 
o'clock in the evening, a splendid meteor, 
that looked to the naked eye a yard in diame- 
ter, appeared on the northwestern horizon, 
seeming, with its nebulous head aud tail of 
light, more like a comet than the evanescent 
meteor that it was. After coursing a short 
distance it burst into glittering fragments, 
which successively dropped like a chain of 
fire and disappeared in the realms of space. 

Death of Alexander McIntyre. — This 
day, Alexander McIntyre, Esq., a soldier of 
1812, and long a distinguished resident of 
Washington City, died there. 

Fire in New York. — This day the exten- 
sive clothing-establishment of Messrs. Lock- 
wood & Henry, in that city, was destroyed by 
fire. The loss is estimated at $20,000. 

Commerce between San Francisco and 
Japan. — This day the barks What Cheer and 
Page sailed from San Francisco for Japan to 
obtain cargoes of fancy goods, and other 
productions of that country, which have been 
recently sold at enormous profits. Some 
skilful designers accompanied the Page, 
with the purpose of furnishing the Japanese 
mechanics and artists with models after 
which to manufacture articles better designed 
for the American market. High hopes are 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



61 



entertained that such an employment of Ja- 
panese labor will prove vastly profitable, and 
result in introducing into common use in this 
country many useful fixtures, and household 
furniture of exquisite taste and beauty at a 
moderate cost. The Rev. Mr. Gable and 
lady wished to go to Japan as missionaries 
by one of the above vessels ; but the charter- 
parties refused to permit it, on the plea that 
tbeir pi'esence in that country as teachers of 
a new religion might lead to trouble and 
hinder the commercial operations. 

Suicide of a Lawyer. — Benj. E. Mackie, 
a lawyer of New York, committed suicide, on 
this day afternoon, by taking laudanum. 
Cause, "delirium tremens." 

A Woman Shoots her Seducer. — This day, 
a young woman named Mary Graham shot 
George Fitzhugh, the overseer of a plantation 
in Hinds county, Miss. Fitzhugh had se- 
duced the girl under promise of marriage, 
and, when asked by his victim to redeem his 
promise, he scoffed at her petition; where- 
upon she drew a revolver and shot him three 
times. He is not expected to recover. 



WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25. 

Collision on the Hudson River Rail- 
road. — This day a dreadful collision took 
place on the Hudson River Railroad, which 
killed a lady, Mrs. Anna Fields, and wounded 
six other persons. It appears that the ex- 
press-train left Albany at eleven o'clock, and 
before reaching Sing Sing had stopped twice 
to repair the engine, rendered necessary by 
a leak in the steam-pipe. When about two 
miles north of Tarrytown, the train was 
again stopped for the purpose of making re- 
pairs to the engine. As soon as the train 
was stopped, the conductor (George Simpson) 
ordered one of the brakemen, named Hart- 
ley, on the hind car, to go immediately back 
with the red-fiag-sigual, and warn any 
approaching train. The location of the ex- 
press-train was just south of a sharp curve, 
which was entirely shut out of view from any 
train that might follow on the down track. 
Quite a large number of the male passengers 
had got out before the accident, and were 
standing looking at the engineer, who was 
fixing the engine. Though the conductor had 
given prompt orders to the brakemen to pro- 
ceed as quickly as possible up the track to 
warn the way-train, it appears that he could 
not have over-exerted himself ; for hardly had 
he reached the curve when the Sing Sing 
train hove in sight. The engineer of the 
latter train was unaware of the danger until 
he had reached the curve, when he beheld 
the signal, and as quickly as possible reversed 
the engine. The train was under such head- 
way, however, that it was found impossible 



to stop it so as to prevent any accident, and 
in a moment almost it was upon the express- 
train, the engine running into the last car, 
splitting it directly in two, the sides both 
falling outwards, and the passengers hurled 
in every direction over the track. Those 
who were standing on the track, on observing 
the train approaching, and seeing the danger, 
attempted to give warning to those in the 
last car ; but it was impossible for one to 
reach the door before the collision took place. 
Those who were injured were immediately 
picked up by the passengers, and one of the 
cars was converted into a sort of hospital for 
the wounded, and all immediately conveyed to 
Tarrytown, with the exception of Mrs. Tho- 
mas W. Fields, who was taken to the Getty 
House, Yonkers. The number in the car 
was about twenty-five — most of whom were 
injured, but only about five or six seriously. 
They were all properly cared for at Tarry- 
town. As soon as word could reach the city 
by telegraph, the president of the road, Mr. 
Sloane, and the superintendent, Mr. Smith, 
proceeded to the scene of the accident, and 
used every possible means to have every care 
taken of those injured. Nothing was left 
undone on their part for the comfort of the 
sufferers, — Mr. Sloane devoting his whole 
time to those who were injured. The follow- 
ing is a list of the killed and wounded : — 



Mrs. Thos. W. Fields, of Brooklyn, caused 
by injuries received in the groin, and both 
legs broken. 

WOUNDED. 

Mr. D. M. Irvin, of Fulton, N.Y., had his 
thigh broken in two places and his right hip 
put out of joint. He was placed in charge 
of a physician. 

Mrs. D. M. Irvin, his wife, was slightly in- 
jured about her back. She returned home 
in company with her husband the same even- 
ing. 

A Mrs. Skinner, of No. 64 Willett Street, 
was slightly injured; nothing of a serious 
nature, however. 

A Mrs. Tilley, of West Troy, injured in the 
breast. 

Bishop McCloskey, of Albany, injured 
about the body. He was cared for at Tarry- 
town over-night. 

Mrs. John Thompson, 16 Remsen Street, 
Brooklyn, slightly injured. 

Wm. J. Coey was badly injured about 
the left side. He was taken to Tarrytown 
and placed in the care of a physician. 

Patrick Murphy, of Newark, badly cut 
about the head. 

Three or four others were slightly injured, 
but they were all able to return home by the 
train in the evening. 

Almost all of the above parties returned to 
their homes the same evening in charge of 
their friends, and none are thought to be 



62 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



fatally injured. It will be some time, how- 
ever, before two or three of them will be able 
to be about again. 

The circumstance attending the death of 
Mrs. Fields is indeed a sad affair. Her 
maiden name was Anna Tuttie, a daughter 
of James Tuttie, of Blooming Grove, Orange 
county. For some time past she has been a 
teacher in a public school in Brooklyn, and 
last week proceeded to the residence of her 
sister, at Kingston, to make preparations for 
her wedding. On Wednesday morning, at 
ten o'clock, she was wedded to Mr. Thomas 
W. Fields, of Brooklyn, one of the members 
of the Brooklyn Board of Education, and 
trustee of Ward-School No. 18. They had 
both parted with their friends but a few mo- 
ments before, starting on their wedding-tour 
for Washington; but their way was soon 
overtaken by death, and Mr. Fields left to 
mourn the terrible fate of his bride. When 
Mrs. Fields was picked up she appeared per- 
fectly conscious of what had happened, and 
talked with those around her. Up to the 
time she reached the hotel she knew all that 
was transpiring ; but soon after she began to 
sink, and died, suffering great pain. Her 
injuries appeared to be principally about the 
groin. Both of her legs were also found to 
be broken, and she repeatedly stated to those 
around her that she thought she would not 
live. It is a remarkable fact that the only 
female passenger killed on this road pre- 
vious to this was a Mrs. Blanchard, who 
was killed at Poughkeepsie about four years 
ago, in a similar manner, and who had also 
been a bride but a few hours, having been 
joined in wedlock the same day. Mrs. 
Fields was about twenty-six years of age, 
and is reported to have been a most amiable 
lady, highly educated, and beloved by all 
who knew her. 

Connecticut Republican State Conven- 
tion. — This day the Connecticut Repub- 
lican State Convention, for the nomination 
of State officers and the choice of delegates 
to the Chicago Convention, met at Hartford. 
The convention was very large, nearly every 
town in the State being represented. The 
former State officers were renominated by 
acclamation, as follows: — Governor, Wm. A. 
Buckingham, of Norwich ; Lieut. Governor, 
Julius Catlin, of Hartford ; Secretary of 
State, John Boyd; Treasurer, Lucius J. 
Hendee, of Hebron ; Comptroller, Wm. H. 
Buell, of Clinton. They passed resolutions 
against violations of the Constitution and 
threats to sever the Union ; deploring the 
repeal of the Missouri Compromise ; opposing 
the interfering by the citizens of one State 
with the concerns of another ; condemning 
the invasion of Virginia ; also, resolutions 
favoring the Tariff and the Homestead Bill. 

Loss of the F. H. Fanning. — This day 



the American ship F. H. Fanning, from 
Liverpool for Cuba, went ashore near Wex- 
ford, and became a total wreck. 

Opposed to the Slave-Trade. — In the 
Mississippi Legislature, the bill to repeal the 
State law against the introduction of Africans 
into that State was rejected by a vote of three 
to one. On a motion to indefinitely postpone 
the whole subject, the yeas were 66 ; nays, 22. 

Wife-Murder. — A woman named Anne M. 
O'Neill was killed this day at St. Paul, Min- 
nesota. Her husband has been arrested for 
the act. They had five children. Both were 
habitual drinkers, and were on a spree when 
the tragedy occurred. 

Woman Killed on the Philadelphia & 
Baltimore Railroad. — A burden-train on 
this road, when about twelve miles from Bal- 
timore, this day, ran over a negro woman, 
named Sarah Tyford, cutting off one of her 
legs below the knee, and maiming the other. 
The woman lived in the family of Mr. Brad- 
ford Sickles, near the scene of the accident, 
and had been sent to a store ; and it is sup- 
posed that she had become intoxicated and 
had lain down on the track, where, in the 
darkness, she could not be seen by the engi- 
neer. She was taken to Baltimore, but died 
soon afterwards. 

Visit of the Kentucky and Tennessee 
Legislatures to the Ohio Legislature. — 
This day the Legislatures of Kentucky and 
Tennessee paid a visit to the Legislature of 
Ohio, by the invitation of the latter. After 
arriving at Cincinnati, they started from 
thence by a special train for Columbus, the 
capital of Ohio. 

Atlanta (Ga.) Municipal Election. — 
This day Wm. Ezzard, Opposition candidate 
for Mayor of Atlanta, was elected by a ma- 
jority of 6 votes over Wm. Barnes, the 
Democratic candidate. The Democrats elect- 
ed nine candidates for aldermen ; the Oppo- 
sition, one. 

Another Death from the Hudson River 
Railroad Accident. — This day D. M. Irvin, 
of Fulton, Oswego county, who was injured 
by the accident on the Hudson River Rail- 
road, died of his injuries. 

Unknown Man Found Drowned. — In Mo- 
bile an inquest was held on the body of an 
unknown white man, found drowned in tie 
slip opposite the mail line office. The bo 
was very much decomposed,— so much so tl 
it was impossible to recognise it. Deceas d 
had on a pair of blue cottonade pants am a 
check shirt, wore heavy, bushy whiskers, a d 
black hair. The body was raised by I e 
motion of the water occasioned by the i- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



63 



volving of the wheels of the steamer Cuba. 
Verdict, ''found drowned." 

Terrible Shooting-Affray in Missis- 
sippi. — This day a terrible affray occurred 
in Mississippi. The "Extra Mercury" gives 
the following account of it. It says : — 

A shooting-affray occurred in this county, 
in which Dr. Wra. M. Payne was severely 
wounded. On that day Mr. W. A. Nelson, a 
planter living fourteen miles in the north- 
east, was selling out his household and 
plantation affairs at auction. A large con- 
course of people was gathered together from 
different parts of the county, but principally 
from the immediate neighborhood. Dr. 
Payne reached there from his home about ten 
o'clock, and shortly afterwards — so our in- 
formant says — Mr. J. F. Smith, Jr., who is a 
son of a well-known gentleman of that neigh- 
borhood, approached the doctor and com- 
menced an angry conversation. It is said 
that the doctor, in consequence of Smith 
being intoxicated, tried to avoid a difficulty 
with him, and perhaps turned to step out of 
the way. As he was turning, Smith fired a 
repeater at him. The ball took effect in, and 
completely knocked out, the left eye. A por- 
tion of the eye was said to have fallen upou 
the bended arm of a bystander. Whether 
the bullet entered the head, or whether it 
glanced on the bone, the physicians have not 
determined. 

So soon as the shot was fired the doctor 
fell to the ground, and was conveyed into the 
house, where every attention was paid him 
by physicians and the family of Mr. Nelson. 
He is now in a fair way to recover, but will, 
of course, lose his left eye. Smith, instantly 
after firing, ran to a noble horse standing 
near by, cut the hitch-rein with his knife, 
sprang into the saddle, and bounded off like 
a deer. He was pursued a short distance by 
an officer, who soon gave up the chase. 



THURSDAY, JANUARY 26. 

Death of Eli Moore. — Eli Moore, who 
figured during the Kansas troubles, died in 
that Territoi-y this day. Mr. Moore was born 
in New Jersey about the beginning of the 
present century. He adopted printing as his 
profession in early life, and became very 
popular among his brethren of the craft by 
organizing the Trades-Union movement. His 
fluent tongue and suavity of manner also 
secured him a prominent position nmong the 
^Tammany Hall politicians, and for two terms 
^b-those of 1835 and 1837 — he represented 

s district in Congress. Mr. Polk appointed 
i in United States Marshal for New York. 
. fter he had filled this office for a period, 
time fickle blast of fortune swept Mr. Moore 
1 ick among the mountains of New Jersey, 
l • lere he became the editor of the " Warren 



Journal," which was published at Belvidere. 
The fidelity which he continued to display in 
the defence of Democratic principles secured 
him the appointment of Indian Agent for 
Kansas Territory. He exchanged this posi- 
tion for that of Registrar of the Land Office, 
a post which he held at the time of his death. 

Death of Mrs. Eliza Lee Follen. — Mrs. 
Eliza Lee Follen, a popular author, died at her 
residence in Brookline, Mass. Mrs. Follen 
was the widow of Prof. Charles Follen, of 
Boston, (formerly Professor of History at 
Harvard College,) and a daughter of Samuel 
Cobat, of Boston. The "Boston Journal," 
in a notice of her decease, says, " She edited 
for many years an admirable serial for chil- 
dren, called the ' Child's Friend,' and pub- 
lished 'Selections from F6nelon,' and a work 
entitled the ' Well-Spent Hour.' " 

Suicide in New York. — On the morning 
of this day, in New Yoi'k, a boy sixteen years 
of age, named William Carter, was found dead 
in the store of Messrs. Hall, Benedict & Co., 
21 Park Place. He had committed suicide 
by hanging himself with a towel suspended 
from a board he had thrown across parallel 
rows of boxes. The deceased was of an un- 
commonly cheerful disposition; and no reason 
can be assigned for his making way with 
himself, except a remark to a girl, who was 
working with him yesterday, that he was 
weary of the world. Carter resided with his 
parents, at No. 100 Hudson Street. 

Baltimore Rowdy Shot. — This day, in 
Baltimore, a rowdy, named David Henck, 
was shot in a tavern by John McPherson. 

Fire and Loss of Life in Charleston. — 
On the morning of this day, the house of Mr. 
William Noble, in Charleston, was consumed 
by fire, and his son, Jesse Noble, aged seven- 
teen years, perished in the flames. 

Fires in New York. — This day, before 
daylight, five fires occurred in New York : 
one in the planing-mills of Wells & Concklin, 
322 West Twenty-Eighth Street, loss about 
$2000 ; another in the grocery-store of C. 
Krenscher, 46 Lewis Street ; another in the 
rear of Barron's ribbon-store, 12 John Street ; 
another in the coach-lamp manufactory 
of H. Edwards, 66 Duane Street; and still 
another in the stables of Richard Farrell, 
265 West Twenty-Fourth Street. Here a 
number of horses, sleighs, and milk-wagons 
were consumed. The flames extended to the 
brownstone house occupied by James Savage, 
Esq., damaging it to the extent of $2000; a 
frame building in the rear, occupied by a 
number of poor families, was also consumed, 
as likewise were two other dwellings adjoin- 
ing. Total loss, $15,000 : partially covered 
by insurance in city offices. 



64 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



Acquitted. — Rhineman, the paramour of 
Mrs. Hartung, and indicted with her for the 
murder of her husband, at Albany, was 
acquitted of the charge of being a principal 
in the crime. He was sent back to jail to be 
tried on two other charges connected with 
the murder. 

Launch of the Sloop-of-War Richmond. 
— This day, from the Navy- Yard at Norfolk, 
the sloop-of-war Richmond was launched. 
There was an immense crowd of spectators. 

Election of President of Harvard Col- 
lege. — This day Professor Felton was unani- 
mously elected President of Harvard College, 
in place of Rev. James Walker, resigned. 

Commissioner of Patents. — The appoint- 
ment of Commissioner of Patents having been 
tendered by the President to ex-Gov. Philip 
F. Thomas, it was this day accepted by him. 

In the Rhode Island Legislature, this day, 
an act was passed making the 22d day of 
February a legal holiday, instead of the 1st 
of January, as the law provided. 

Democratic Meeting. — Disunion Resolu- 
tions. — In Savannah, (Ga.,) the night of this 
day, a Democratic meeting was held, which 
broke up in a row. Mr. Henry R. Jackson 
made a speech sustaining resolutions which 
favored the Milledgeville (Cobb) Convention. 

A row commenced at this point of the pro- 
ceedings, and many of the participants with- 
drew. 

On the adjournment of this meeting, 
another was immediately organized at the 
same place, Collector Barton acting as chair- 
man. Resolutions were adopted declaring 
that the election of Seward, or any other 
Black Republican who is an endorser of the 
Helper book, to the Presidency, would be a 
just cause for the dissolution of the Union. 
In such an event, those composing the meet- 
ing pledged themselves, their honor, and their 
fortunes, to effect a disunion 



FRIDAY, JANUARY 27. 

American Consul Dead. — This day John 
E. Taylor, Esq., a native of Philadelphia, 
where he was well known as an accom- 
plished and skilful shipmaster, died, in the 
fifty-third year of his age, at Sierra Leone, 
West Coast of Africa, where he was acting 
in capacity of American Consul. What 
makes this intelligence more painful is the 
departure of Mrs. Taylor on the 24th in- 
stant., by bark Aaron J. Harvey, from Phila- 
delphia, to rejoin her husband. 

Steamer Sunk. — This day the steamer A. 
D. Tyler, with a cargo of five hundred tons, 



from Cincinnati, bound to New Orleans, 
sunk in thirteen feet of water, near Cincin- 
nati. The vessel was valued at $25,000 
and insured for $15,000. The loss on the 
cargo was heavy. 

Elopement of a Married Man. — This day 
Francis W. Snowden, a married man, having 
two children, deserted his family, and left 
Philadelphia with Catharine Gorman, a 
woman who had been married in Ireland, 
and there separated from her husband, and 
had lived in Snowden's house as a domestic 
for twelve months past. They had tickets 
through to Dunleith, Iowa. Snowden had 
kept public house in Philadelphia, and had 
sold it with the intention of taking this trip 
to the West. He says it was done with his 
wife's consent, and that after he had left she 
must have ascertained that Catharine was 
with him. But the wife made complaint to 
the authorities of Philadelphia that he had 
left with the intention of deserting her, and 
a telegraphic despatch was sent to Pitts- 
burg, setting forth these facts. In the after- 
noon another despatch was received, stating 
that Mrs. Snowden and an officer, with a 
warrant, would leave Philadelphia for Pitts- 
burg in pursuit of her husband, and request- 
ing his arrest and detention. Snowden and 
the woman Gorman were arrested at the 
Pennsylvania Railroad depot in Pittsburg, 
and both were detained. Snowden is an 
Irishman, about fifty years of age, of robust 
figure and healthy and genteel appearance. 
Catharine Gorman is a tall, well-formed 
woman, about twenty-four years of age, of 
modest, lady-like demeanor. 

Bridge Finished. — In Iowa, this day, 
the bridge that has been in the course of 
building for the past year across the Missis- 
sippi at Clinton was completed, and the 
cars passed over it for the first time. It is 
a substantial structure, and cost $66,000. 
This bridge is built from the eastern shore 
to an island, leaving the main channel un- 
bridged. The train will pass over on a large 
steam ferry-boat, and there will be no change 
of cars between Chicago and Cedar Rapids. 
If the Rock Island Bridge question is settled 
in favor of the right of railroads to bridge 
the river, this bridge will be extended 
across the main channel. 

Battle with Indians. — This day First 
Lieutenant W. B. Royall, Second Cavalry, 
commanding Camp Lawson, Texas, having 
received intelligence that a band of Indians 
had, the night previous, killed a beef and 
stolen some of the horses belonging to a Mr. 
Berry, living on the Leona, some twenty 
miles above the camp, despatched, within 
half an hour after receiving the intelligence, 
a sergeant and fourteen men of Company C, 
Second Cavalry, in pursuit. The little party 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



Go 



was re-enforced on the evening of the first 
day's chase by seven citizens, and on the 
third day out came upon eight Indians, sup- 
posed to be Camanches, in camp in a thick 
chapparal, charged them, killing four, and 
pursued the remainder for four or five miles, 
wounding two. Two soldiers were slightly 
wounded with arrows. All the animals 
stolen, except such as were mounted by the 
Indians, were recovered. 

Firk. — This day the house of Luther 
Briggs, of Davenport, Delaware county, was 
consumed by fire, and four of his children 
perished in the flames. The father and 
mother were on a visit, and the children in 
bed at the time. 

Died. — In New Jersey, this day, the Hon. 
Joseph Harker, member of the Assembly 
from the second Legislative district of 
Gloucester county, died at his resilience at 
Mullica Hill. He complained of neuralgia 
in the face while in Trenton, week before 
last, and after reaching home was attacked 
with erysipelas, from which he died. 

Murder in Philadelphia, of which the 
Philadelphia "Ledger" gives the following- 
account :— - 

Henry Gueker, a German, an unmarried 
man, twenty-four years of age, who resided 
with his employer, Samuel Chapeman, shoe- 
maker, in Girard Avenue, above Third 
Street, was missing from Saturday evening 
last until Friday morning, when his dead 
body was taken out of Cohocksink Creek, 
Third Street, below Girard Avenue. Cir- 
cumstances transpired during the week 
which led to the belief that Gueker had 
been foully dealt with. The creek was 
dragged with the view of finding the body, 
which resulted in its recovery. It was re- 
moved to the Seventeenth Ward Station- 
House, where Coroner Fenner held an in- 
quest upon it. Numerous witnesses were 
examined, and their testimony was substan- 
tially as follows. The deceased left the 
house of his employer, Mr. Chapeman, 
Girard Avenue, above Third Street, where 
he resided, early on Saturday evening last, 
to visit a friend, named Charles Stoper, resi- 
ding in Third Street, below Poplar, in the 
rear of a lager-beer saloon. He remained 
there until nine o'clock, when he and Stoper 
went into the lager-beer saloon to take a 
drink. After doing so, the deceased en- 
gaged in conversation with Andrew Mariner. 
In a few minutes Stoper went home, leaving 
Gueker in company with Mariner. The 
two remained together until half-past eleven 
o'clock, when a noise occurred at the front 
door of the saloon, as of men engaged in 
angry conversation. Gueker and Mariner 
both went out to see what was the matter, 
when they saw three men, George W. Rile, 



alias Eddis, James Miller, and John IIol- 
lingshead, alias Eucky, who insisted that 
Gueker or Mariner should treat. They de- 
clined doing so. After some parleying, 
Gueker and Mariner started out together to 
go up the street, and were followed by the 
three men, who came up to them, and Hol- 
lingshead "hooked arms" with the de- 
ceased, Mariner, Rile, and Miller following. 
When they got to the bridge across Cohock- 
sink Creek, Mariner says he was struck 
from behind, by whom he did not know, but 
supposed it was Hollingshead. Mariner 
started and ran as far as Girard Avenue, 
followed by Hollingshead. The other men 
were behind. Mariner and Hollingshead 
had a scuffle, but in a short time made up 
their quarrel, and Mariner went back to see 
what became of Gueker, but saw nothing of 
him or the other men. 

A witness testified that Miller and Rile 
Went to a house in Francis Street, where 
Rile's mother resides, between two and 
three o'clock on Sunday morning, and stayed 
there till eight o'clock. A woman in the 
house noticed that Miller's coat was wet, 
which he explained by saying that they had 
been in a row, that the officers were after 
them, and he fell into the creek. 

On Sunday afternoon Mariner saw Miller 
and Rile in a cigar-store in the neighbor- 
hood, when Miller exhibited a silver watch, 
which he said he wanted to sell. Charles 
Shawk, another witness, also saw Miller the 
same afternoon with the watch in his pos- 
session, which he wanted to sell to him. 
(The watch was subsequently identified as 
belonging to the deceased.) In the course 
of the week, Shawk saw Rile, and, in speak- 
ing of there being an intention to drag the 
creek, Rile said, " Then I'm going to leave." 
It was stated also that Rile, on Sunday last, 
told a man, named Crowther, that "Miller 
and the German clinched, and he gave them 
a push, and they both rolled down the hill 
towards the water. In a short time Miller 
came up with his clothes wet, but he (Rile) 
saw nothing of the German afterwards." 
Miller made several attempts to sell the 
watch, without success. He gave it to a 
man, named Sylvester Hartner, in South 
Penn, to sell for him, telling him it was 
taken from a Dutchman whom they had 
thrown into a creek. Hartner not being 
able to sell it, Miller took it away from him. 
Harmer was arrested on Friday, on suspi- 
cion of being concerned in the affair, and 
was committed to prison by Alderman Shoe- 
maker. During the week, Miller sold the 
watch to Police-Officer W. F. Willingmeyer 
for two dollars, stating that he had paid 
fifteen dollars for it when he came from sea, 
he being a sea-faring man. Willingmeyer 
met Officer Rose, and told him he had 
bought the watch from Miller. The suspi- 
cions of the officers being aroused, they 



GG 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jaw. 



took the watch to Mr. Chapeman, the em- 
ployer of Gueker, who instantly recognised 
it as having belonged to the deceased. This 
was on Thursday morning. These move- 
ments becoming known to Miller and Rile, 
they both disappeared, and the officers have 
not yet been able to arrest them. They are 
represented to be idle men, without homes 
or regular employment, and with no osten- 
sible means of support. 

The deceased was represented to be a man 
of temperate and industrious habits, and, 
previous to this occurrence, seldom fre- 
quented drinking-saloons. "When found, 
there was no money upon his person. His 
friends believe he had eight or ten dollars 
in his possession when he left home. 

The jury rendered a verdict that "the de- 
ceased came to his death by violence at the 
hands of George W. Rile, alias Eddis, and 
James Miller." 

Death of a Centenarian and Revolu- 
tionary Soldier. — This day a very aged 
Revolutionary soldier died at New Washing- 
ton, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, — John 
Ludwig Snyder. Born in Michadstadt, Ger- 
many, August 5, 174G, he arrived in 
America in 1758, being twelve years old at 
the time. He resided in Pennsylvania one 
hundred and one years, seven months, and 
eighteen days. He died March 23, at the 
wonderful age of one hundred and thirteen 
years, seven months, and eighteen days. He 
entered our service in 1775, and fought 
throughout the whole war. He was with 
Washington when he crossed the Delaware 
on Christinas night, 177*'., and was in the 
battle of Trenton, the 26th of December. 
The light of day was just, breaking when 
the Americans drove in the outposts of the 
Hessians through a thick snow-storm. 
Snyder was in the battle of Brandywine, 
September 11, 1777, under Lafayette. He 
was transferred to the command of General 
Wayne, and was in his defeat near Paoli, 
September 20, 1777. He was in the battle 
of Germantown, October 4, 1777. He was 
encamjjed with Washington at Valley Forge, 
December 11, 1777. He has said that the 
winter of that year was the coldest he ever 
experienced. Our troops, he has told us, 
shot squirrels and drew their skins over 
their feet for shoes. He was in the battle 
of Monmouth, June 28, 1778, under Wayne, 
and was with Wayne at the taking of 
Stony Point, where the watchword was, 
"Remember Paoli, brave boys!" He was 
with Lafayette at the surrender of Corn- 
wallis at Yorktown, on the 19th of October, 
1781, and, in his own words, "in many 
more scrimmages that he cannot remember 
the particulars of." This warrior has de- 
scendants to the fourth generation, and to 
the number of nearly three hundred. He 
was a gunsmith by trade, and made a 



perfect gun when he was one hundred and 
seven years of age. During the last sum- 
mer he could read without spectacles. 
When he was over ninety he walked to 
Clearfield and back, a distance of nearly 
thirty miles, and then back again, — a dis- 
tance, in all, of sixty miles, — before dark, 
on one and the same day. 

Death of a Soldier of Napoleon. — 
This day there died, in Racine, J. Smith, 
aged ninety-one years. He was a soldier 
in the service of France during the reign of 
Napoleon Bonaparte from 1805 to 1818, and 
participated in a number of the most im- 
portant battles which occurred in that 
eventful period. In 1813 he was severely 
wounded in the leg and arm in Spain, which 
incapacitated him from further active ser- 
vice, and he received his discharge and 
returned to his home. He had been a 
resident of Racine about four years. 

One Thousand Dollars to the Widow 
of John Brown. — This day the Boston 
publishers of the "Life of Captain John 
Brown" sent to Mrs. Brown a check for 
$1000, as her share of the profits of that 
book thus far. 

Murder in California. — This day Jona- 
than R. Guthrie was killed, near Clarksville, 
Eldorado county, by Thomas G. Singleton. 
Deceased was fired at by Singleton, and 
died from the effects of the wound. He 
was a native of Ohio, and aged thirty-five 
years. 

Embezzlement. — Homer B. Hawkins was 
this day arrested in New York, charged 
with having embezzled $4300 by making 
false entries in the books of the California 
Overland Company, in whose employ he 
was as book-keeper. He gave bail to an- 
swer the charge. 

Murder from Jealousy. — In Mobile, Ala., 
this day, Geo. Kroan shot and killed Edward 
Patterson. The circumstances, as elicited 
at the examination, were as follows: — 

That Kroan kept a sailor boarding-house 
on Front, between Government and Church 
Streets; that the deceased man, Patterson, 
was a runner in the boarding-house of Kroan ; 
that, from a communication made to him the 
Tuesday night previous tothekilling, Kroan's 
suspicions were aroused as to his wife's fide- 
lity to her marriage-vow; that on Thursday 
night (the night before the killing) Kroan's 
wife and Patterson were seen going out of 
the house together; and that on the follow- 
ing morning, (Friday,) between five and six 
o'clock, Kroan found Patterson in his bed 
with his child, and shot him. 

Banquet to the Tennessee and Ken- 



1SG0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



67 



tucky Legislatures at Cincinnati. — This 
day a grand banquet was given to the Ten- 
nessee and Kentucky Legislatures by the 
citizens of Cincinnati. At it Gov. Dennison 
read a telegraphic despatch from Gov. Mor- 
gan, in behalf of the State of New York, 
inviting the Legislatures of Kentucky, Ten- 
nessee, and Ohio to visit Albany. The 
despatch was enthusiastically received. 

Loss of the Bark Augusta Mayhew. — 
This bark, which left New York some time 
since, in ballast, bound to Sagua la Grande, 
ran on the Cauy del Padre reef, at two a.m. of 
this day. The Augusta Mayhew was built at 
Millbridge, in 1857, 433 tons register, rated 
A 2, and was owned by Z. Mayhew, of New 
York, and insured in Wall Street for about 
$18,000. She will prove a total loss. 

Destructive Conflagration in Mem- 
phis, Tenn. — This day a fire broke out in 
Memphis, at about three o'clock a.m., in the 
livery-stable adjoining the post-office, on 
Second Street. The "Avalanche" says: — 

The fire made rapid progress, and before 
it could be checked reduced the stable, the 
post-office adjoining, and the whole known 
as Post-Office Block, to a heap of smoulder- 
ing ruins. A considerable amount of goods 
was saved from the stores burned ; but still 
the loss is immense. Forty horses are re- 
ported to have been burned. There seems no 
doubt that the fire was the work of an incen- 
diary. When discovered by a man sleeping 
in the stable, it had actually attacked the 
bed upon which he was lying, the pillow- 
case being in a blaze. A barkeeper in Cor- 
dano's drinking-saloon was badly though not 
dangerously burned. He reports several men 
in the room from which he escaped, badly 
singed. Whether all escaped or not is un- 
certain. 

The stable-building burned belonged to 
Stratton, McDavitt & Co., and was worth 
about $5000 : insured for $2000. It was occu- 
pied by J. M. Woodward, whose loss is pro- 
bably $12,000 to $15,000. He was insured 
at $10,000 in all. The fire is supposed to 
have originated in the hay in the back part 
of this stable. 

The fire from the stable communicated to 
the post-office building, owned by John Over- 
ton, and valued at $30,000 : insured for 
$18,000. The post-office fixtures and fur- 
niture were mainly burned: loss, probably 
$3000 to $4000. 

All, or nearly all, the letters, papers, and 
stamps in the office were saved. 

Anthony Cordano"s drinking-saloon: esti- 
mated loss, $3500. 

Goodyear & Co.'s drug-store: loss heavy, 
—probably $8000: insured for $3500. 

Fowlkes & Co., grocers, cotton-factors, 
&c. : much of their stock was saved: insured 
for $5000. 



The insurance on the property destroyed 
amounts to about $41,000. The loss is pro- 
bably about $05,000. 

Career of a Bold Villain. — A corre- 
spondent of the Freeport (Illinois) "Journal'' 
of this date says: — ■ 

Some months ago there appeared a man 
of polite and "taking" manners in a town 
in Southwestern Wisconsin, where he repre- 
sented himself to be a returned Californian, 
saying his name was Ferguson, and was 
boastful of his riches and of his adventures. 
He then ingratiated himself into the confi- 
dence of a fair young lady, swore to her 
that he loved her. She was foolish enough 
to believe the assertions of an entire stranger, 
and a "flash one" at that, and consented to 
become his wife. They were married : he 
got all out of her he wanted, and then left 
for parts unknown. This was the commence- 
ment of his cai ;ei', as far as your deponent 
knoweth. 

Next he was heard of under the name of 
Hoyt, in a town of Jo Daviess county, 111., 
where he went through the same "lofty 
bearing," became the "lion" of the town, 
being believed to be both rich and respect- 
able, won the hearts of some half-dozen 
young women, married one of them with as 
great a flourish of trumpets as the Don 
Oveido, the rich Cuban, went through in 
New York recently when he married Miss 
Bartlett, stayed with his new young wife 
No. 2 a few days, got credit among mer- 
chants and others, and turned up one day 
missing. He next turns up, under another 
name, in the town of Nora, in the same 
county, buying a farm for $9000, but goes 
off without paying for it or his hotel-bill. 
Next we hear of him in West Point, in this 
(Stephenson) county, trying to buy up the 
debts of a man who is off in California, but 
whose wife resides in that place ; makes a 
great flourish, evidently with the design of 
ingratiating himself into the good graces of 
the Californian's "grass widow," in which, 
fortunately, he fails. 

He then goes to one Mrs. Vale, whose hus- 
band is off in California; pretends to be a 
particular friend of Mr. Vale ; says he owns 
a line of steamers running between San 
Francisco and New Orleans, that he has 
recently returned from California, where he 
had been since 1842; finally he proposes 
marriage to Mrs. Vale. She objects; he per- 
suades her that inasmuch as her husband is 
absent in California, "it's all perfectly right 
and proper;" they are married ; in a day or 
two he hires a cutter of a livery-man "for 
one, two, or perhaps as many as six days;" 
livery-man lets him have it ; livery-man af- 
terwards suspects something, and sends a 
constable after him ; finds him at Waddam's 
Grove; returns with him; "all right;" then 
accuses the livery-man of stealing his pocket- 



68 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



book, containing "gold slugs," currency, 
and notes, gets greatly excited, and threat- 
ens rash proceedings. Livery-man is not 
to be scared, and Wilson Waddam — the 
name he had there assumed — was taken sud- 
denly very ill with the "Panama fever," had 
a "tit," told his new wife he would have to 
die, had had dreams, saw a coffin and a 
grave. It was nothing but a ruse to get a 
good opportunity to absquatulate. 

Fortunately, about that time, an advertise- 
ment appeared describing a scoundrelly "con- 
fidence-man" as having the letters "J. E. T., 
and various figures of pistols and bowie- 
knives, &c. printed on his arms." The arms 
of this man, being examined, were found to 
have said inscriptions thereon, the letters 
"J. E. T." standing for John E. Travis, the 
recreant son of a respectable family in Ros- 
coe, Winnebago county, I believe. He was 
"very sick" when the arrest was made, — 
wouldn't eat, wouldn't speak, wouldn't do 
any thing, — he was "so weak" and "so mi- 
serable." The Boone county sheriff sum- 
moned a physician, who pronounced his sick- 
ness a sham. Travis, alias Ferguson, alias 
Hoyt, alias Waddam and some half a dozen 
other aliases, was handcuffed and taken to 
Belvidere, the county seat of Boone county, 
where he is now locked up, awaiting his 
trial. 

This Travis is as great a scoundrel as lives 
unhung. He is as bold and accomplished a 
swindler and villain as ever has been named 
in the records of scoundrelism. I learn of 
several instances of his bold villanies not 
mentioned in the above narrative, — one of 
which was the borrowing of a valuable gold 
watch of a friend while he was in Wisconsin, 
under the firetence of wishing to "set" it, 
and then jumping aboard the cars and 
"vanishing." The above facts are only 
some of those that have come to the know- 
ledge of your correspondent. I could men- 
tion others, but for the respect clue the fami- 
lies that have been disgraced by the smooth- 
tongued rogue. How many other people he 
has swindled, and how many other women 
he may have married, I know not. I learn 
to-day, however, that it has been reliably 
ascertained that he has within the last few 
months married and swindled no less than 
eleven different women, confiding young 
ladies, and foolish widows. We may hear of 
more hereafter. 

This Travis, it has been ascertained, was 
some years ago sent to the Illinois State 
prison from Winnebago county, for the 
crime of larceny, and, having served out his 
time, probably went to California, and, after 
practising all the villany he could there and 
elsewhere, returned to Northern Illinois, 
where he has again reached " the end of his 
rope." Instead of being a rich "returned 
Californian," he is a poor, worthless knave, 
dressed like a gentleman and putting on the 



guise of a gentleman. There is much ex- 
citement in Boone county, I understand, in 
reference to him ; and if the people could 
get hold of him they would string him up 
like a dog. But he is still in the Belvidere 
jail, and will get his deserts. 

Pardoned. — Governor Burton pardoned 
Alexander Robinson and Samuel Turner, 
who were sentenced to be hung, this day, at 
Newcastle, Del., for an outrage on a female. 



SATURDAY, JANUARY 23. 

Destruction of a California Town by 
Fire. — This day Forbestown, Butte county, 
was entirely destroyed by five. The loss is 
about §30,000. The fire originated in a frame 
house situated at the upper end of the town. 
The whole roof of the building was on fire 
in a very few minutes after it had been kin- 
dled; and soon the whole town, with the 
exception of three fire-proof brick buildings 
and the National Hotel, was in ashes. Among 
the brick buildings saved, together with its 
contents, is that of the Gaskill Brothers, 
merchants. Foi-bestown was the oldest 
standing town in the State. It was founded 
early in 1850, and had never before been the 
scene of a fire. 

Long Passage. — This clay the British ship 
Sea Nymph arrived at Vancouver, with a large 
number of passengers, after a voyage of three 
hundred and thirty days from England. 

Railroad-Accident. — In Philadelphia, 
this day, Patrick McGouldrick, aged forty 
years, while crossing the track of the Read- 
ing Railroad, at Twenty-Seventh Street and 
Pennsylvania Avenue, was run down by a 
train of cars and instantly killed. The body 
was shockingly mutilated. 

Murder in California.— This day a man 
named Bob Brass was killed by one Wilthing- 
hani, near Knight's Ferry, California. 

Caucus. — This day, the Republican Re- 
presentatives held a caucus, but could agree 
on no candidate for Speaker besides Mr. 
Sherman. 

Destruction of the Clipper-Ship JonN 
J. Boyd by Fire. — About half-past five 
o'clock in the morning of this day, at the 
wharf in New York, a fire broke out on board 
the packet clipper-ship John J. Boyd, lying 
at Pier No. 6, North River. Despite the 
prompt arrival of the fire-engines, every 
effort was in vain to extinguish the flames 
till nearly night. The cause of the fire is 
supposed to have been spontaneous com- 
bustion. At one time it was feared that the 
Dreadnought, Captain Samuels, would have 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



69 



oeen a -victim to its unfortunate contiguity to 
the blazing ship ; but a tug was sent to her 
assistance, and she was happily towed out of 
danger. Ford's steam-lighter was very soon 
at the side of the burning ship, and poured a 
heavy stream of water into her for hours with 
a power and precision which deserve the 
highest credit. 

The ship was an A 1 vessel, owned by Mr. 
Tyson, of South Street, and commanded by 
Captain Thomas. It was built by Jacob A. 
Westervelt in 1855, and cost sixty thousand 
dollars. She was insured in Wall Street for 
about fifty thousand dollars. The cargo con- 
sisted of provisions, cotton, rosin, grain, &c, 
and was worth about one hundred and twenty- 
five thousand dollars. 

Sentenced to be Hung for Assisting a 
Slave to Escape. — In Charleston, Francis 
Michel, porter of the steamship Marion, was 
this day sentenced to be hung on the 2d of 
March, for assisting a slave in an attempt to 
leave the State on said steamer. 

A Duel at New Orleans took place this 
day in the afternoon, in the field just in the 
rear of the Half- Way House, at five o'clock, 
between Mr. Ernest Canonge and Mr. Victor 
Gerodias, of that city. The weapons used 
were double-barrelled guns, loaded with ball, 
and the distance forty paces.. According to 
the arrangements, the parties had a right to 
fire between the words "fire" and "three." 
The principals having taken their positions, 
the word was given for the first fire; and both 
guns were discharged at the word "fire," 
almost simultaneously. Neither of the par- 
ties being touched, the guns were loaded a 
second time, and the word given. The wea- 
pons were again discharged nearly at the 
same moment, at the word "fire," Mr. 
Gerodias receiving his antagonist's ball in 
the left knee. He made an eifort to stand, 
but fell. The seconds of Mr. Gerodias and 
his physician were soon at his side, attending 
to the wound. The ball entered the left knee 
just below the cap, and passed through, 
making also a flesh-wound upon the right 
leg. 

The wound is a very serious one ; and the 
opinion of the physician is that he can never 
recover the use of the left leg, and possibly 
may have to lose it. Mr. Canonge, after 
seeing his antagonist fall, walked over to- 
ward his friends, with whom he remaiued 
conversing a few moments, and then left the 
field. Mr. Gerodias was conveyed upon a 
litter to his carriage, and from thence taken 
to his residence on Dumaine Street. There 
were about fifty persons present on the field, 
being mostly friends of both parties. Mr. 
Gerodias was the challenged party. 

Murder in Massachusetts. — A colored 
man, named Henry Jones, was murdered in 



Egremont, Berkshire county, Mass., this day. 
His presumed murderers are Stephen Dar- 
ling and Theodore Jones, both colored, and 
Michael McGrath, Irish. Rum was the 
cause, the parties having been on a drunken 
frolic, as is apparent by the appearance of a 
bottle of rum in the coffin beside the corpse. 

Four Men Killed in a Tunnel in Cali- 
fornia. — This day a terrible accident oc- 
curred at the New York tunnel, Nevada 
county, by which four men lost their lives 
by drowning. The names of the unfortunate 
men were Francis Lampshire, Christopher 
Matthews, Patrick McGraw, and Nicholas 
Jeffrey. They unexpectedly cut through 
into some old workings filled with water, 
which rushed in with such fearful rapidity 
as to preclude all possibility of escape. 

Departure of the Kentucky and Ten- 
nessee Legislatures. — This day the Ken- 
tucky and Tennessee Legislatures, at Cincin- 
nati, after witnessing the operations of the 
fire-department, visited Nicholas Lougworth's 
house, where they were hospitably enter- 
tained. The Kentucky Legislature left for 
Frankfort at one o'clock, and the Tennessee 
Legislature for Louisville at four o'clock, that 
afternoon. 



SUNDAY, JANUARY 29. 

Unknown American Murdered. — The 
body of an unknown American was found in 
Liverpool this day, shockingly mangled, in a 
lumber-yard of the Canada Dock. His name 
could not be discovered, but on his light 
hand were pricked, in India ink, the letters 
"C. J.," or "C. F." A paper was found on 
his person containing the name " Samuel De 
Black." He was known by sight to several, 
and had been last seen in company with two 
men at a public house, where they were all 
drinking, and the deceased exhibited a large 
amount of money. One of his companions 
was a cabman ; and they finally all drove off 
together, as is supposed, to the yard, where 
the murder was consummated and the body 
rifled of the money alluded to. It is sup- 
posed that one of the murderers fled to this 
country ; and a description has been accord- 
ingly forwarded to our police by the British 
authorities, who are making unusual efforts 
to secure his arrest. The following is the 
official description of the murdered man: — 
" The deceased was apparently about thirty 
years of age, five feet seven inches in height, 
had dark-brown, curly hair, cut short, thin 
moustache, thin and short whiskers under 
his chin, oval face, long thin nose, four or 
five warts on the knuckles of the right hand, 
'C. J.,' or ' C. F.,' or ' C. P.,' pricked in red 
ink on the left arm. He was dressed in 
pepper-and-salt trousers, plaid velvet vest, 
and wore three under-shirts, respectively red, 



70 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



white, and blue. He had on Wellington 
boots, with the word ' Chiukerman' inside ; 
and a paper was found upon his person con- 
taining the name 'Samuel De Black.' " 

Hung by Lynch Law. — In Nebraska, this 
day, W. W. Atkins, alias Pennsyltuck, who 
was severely wounded by Sheriff Kohler in 
an affray some weeks since, was hung by a 
band of regulators. Atkins had made threats 
against four men at Mountain City, and was 
considered a dangerous person. 

Death or Henry D. Gilpin. — This worthy 
gentleman and accomplished scholar died 
this day in Philadelphia. He was a native 
of that city, — born in the year 18U1. His 
ancestors removed to Pennsylvania about the 
time of the establishment of the colony by 
William Penn, settling first on the banks of 
the Brandywine, near the boundary of Penn- 
sylvania and Delaware. His grandfather 
removed to Philadelphia in the year 1740, 
and was an intimate friend of Dr. Franklin. 
His father, Mr. Joshua Gilpin, was for a 
considerable period an eminent merchant of 
that city, but some time before the close of 
his life removed to Wilmington, Del. 

Henry D. Gilpin received the rudiments 
of his education at a Philadelphia grammar- 
school, and at the age of fifteen entered the 
University of Pennsylvania, at which insti- 
tution he graduated with the highest col- 
legiate honors in 1819. He then commenced 
the study of the law in the office of the Hon. 
Joseph R. Ingersoll, and was admitted to the 
Philadelphia bar in 1822. As a practitioner, 
he was very successful. In 1831, Mr. Dallas, 
who then held the office of District Attorney 
of the United States at Philadelphia, was 
chosen United States Senator; and Mr. Gilpin 
was immediately appointed to succeed him. 
This office he held for more than five years, 
discharging its duties with great ability. 
During this period he also acted as one of 
the Government directors of the Bank of the 
United States. He was subsequently ap- 
pointed by President Jackson Governor of 
the Territory of Michigan; but the Senate 
did not confirm the nomination. 

In the month of May of 1837, President 
Van Buren teudered to Mr. Gilpin the office 
of Solicitor of the Treasury, which he ac- 
cepted, and at once removed to Washington. 
In 1840, he was appointed Attorney-General 
of the United States ; but a change of politics 
at Washington returned him again to private 
life, when he engaged assiduously in literary 
labors. When quite a young man, he com- 
pleted the biography of the signers of the 
Declaration of Independence. He was also 
a prominent contributor to the "American 
Quarterly Review," the publication of which 
was commenced in Philadelphia in 1829, and 
to the "Democratic Review," and was the 
author of many public addresses and miscel- 



laneous literary productions. He also pre- 
pared the "Madison Papers," which were 
published under the auspices of Congress. 
Mr. Gilpin was for a time President of the 
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He 
acted also as Vice-President of the Historical 
Society, and Director of Girard College. 

Mr. Gilpin by his will bequeathed the whole 
of his property to his widow during her life- 
time. At her decease she may dispose of 
$100,000 by will as she shall please. The 
remainder is to be applied to various public 
uses. His large and valuable library Mr. 
Gilpin bequeaths, at the death of his wife, — 
in whose possession it is to remain until that 
event takes place, — to the Historical Society, 
and makes provision also for a building in 
which it is to be properly preserved. He 
also leaves a handsome bequest to the Aca- 
demy of Fine Arts in this city, and to a 
public library in Chicago. The executors 
named by Mr. Gilpin are his widow, Mr. 
Charles Macalester, and Charles Gilpin, Esq., 
the former Mayor. 

Funeral of Professor Espy. — This day 
the funeral of Espy, the meteorologist, took 
place at Harrisburg, whither his remains 
were taken from Cincinnati. He formerly 
resided at Harrisburg, and his brother lived 
there. 

Death of the Rey. Joseph Addison 
Alexander. — This day the Rev. Joseph 
Addison Alexander, D.D., Professor of Ori- 
ental Literature in the Theological Seminary 
of the Presbyterian Church in Trenton, N. J., 
died in that place, after a very short illness. 
Professor Alexander was one 'of the most 
learned men in the country, and one of the 
most eloquent divines of the Presbyterian 
Church. He was the author of several valu- 
able commentaries, which have become text- 
books in various theological institutions. 

Destructive Fire in New York. — Be- 
tween one and two o'clock in the morning of 
this day, a destructive tire broke out at No. 
48 Ann Street, in which street are situated 
most of the newspaper-offices and printing- 
establishments of that city, destroying the 
"New York Ledger" office, and injuring the 
offices of the "New York Mercury," "Brad- 
street's Commercial Report," " Sunday At- 
las," "Dinsmore's Railroad Guide," "Merry's 
Museum and Children's Cabinet," "Coach- 
makers' Magazine," the old "Spirit of the 
Times," and the "Academy Opera Libretti." 

Five minutes after the alarm was given, 
the engines were hastening to the spot, — 
among them the steam-engine Manhattan, 
No. 8, which did most admirable service : 
indeed, it was the general opinion that but 
for its effective service the fire must have 
spread across Fulton Street, to the destruc- 
tion of a vast amount of property. 



18150.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



71 



Among the publishers the greatest sufferer 
was Robert Bonner, Esq., proprietor and 
editor of the "New York Ledger." The 
country edition, numbering some hundreds 
of thousands, had all been sent off on Satur- 
day ; but some eighty thousand of the city edi- 
tion, all the paper for the next number, and 
the presses, were on the premises, and were 
entirely consumed. The loss amounts to at 
least thirty thousand dollars, upon which 
there was an insurance of twenty thousand 
dollars. The heaviest losers are the steam- 
printers, Messrs. Wynkoop, Hallenbeck & 
Thomas. The amount of their property con- 
sumed is over eighty thousand dollars, upon 
which there is an insurance of only sixty-one 
thousand dollars, in small sums, in various 
offices. The "Mercury" loses about, four 
thousand five hundred dollars, "Commercial 
Report" five thousand dollars, " Dinsmore's 
Railroad Guide" three thousand dollars, the 
other papers a mere trifle ; and upon all these 
there is some insurance. The building was 
owned by Mr. Bruce. Loss, about fifteen 
thousand dollars: insured for ten thousand 
dollars. The stock of drugs in No. 113 
Fulton Street, owned by Ward, Close & Co., 
was damaged by water to the extent of thirty- 
five thousand dollars, covered by an insurance 
of seventy-five thousand dollars. 

The New York (old) " Spirit of the Times," 
published by Jones, Thorpe & Hays, lost the 
second form of the last number of the twenty- 
ninth volume, — the entire edition ; and the 
entire sheets were lost of the current volume 
of the "Turf Register" for 1859-60. 

Palmer & Co., publishers of the "Academy 
Opera Libretti," were losers to the amount 
of fifteen hundred dollars in stock. 



MONDAY, JANUARY 30. 

A Planter Killed and Burned by his 
Slaves. — Dr. AVilliam Croxton, a highly in- 
telligent citizen of Essex county, Virginia, 
had occasion to correct a servant-woman 
for some offence, but did so in a mild and 
gentle manner. This fact enraged a negro 
man, who vowed to have revenge, but at 
the time gave his master no intimation of 
his intention. On this day, while one of 
the servants was engaged in grinding a 
cutting-knife, Dr. Croxton walked to where 
he was, and, while looking on, without sus- 
pecting danger, another servant stepped 
behind him, gave him a violent blow upon 
the back of the head, which felled him to 
the ground, and then despatched him. The 
two then dragged him behind the barn, and, 
kindling a fire, placed his body on it and 
burned it. They next cut the skirts of the 
saddle upon his riding-horse, and then 
turned the horse loose, expecting to create 
the impression that he had been attacked 
on the road and murdered. When the 



doctor was missing, his friends instituted a 
search for him, and, in the pile of ashes 
near the barn, discovered two or three of 
his fingers and a portion of one of his feet. 
The murder has caused great excitement in 
the neighborhood in which it was com- 
mitted. — Richmond Despatch. 

The "Petersburg Express," speaking of 
this murder, says, — 

The details were sickening and dreadful. 
On Monday morning last he was seen by 
his son and overseer alive and well at his 
own house, about four miles from this 
place. His son went off to school, and his 
overseer attended to some farm-duty, both 
intending to return at night, — Dr. Croxton, 
two negro women, and a small negro girl, 
being the only persons left on the place. 

At night the young man returned from 
school at the usual hour, and was told by 
the servants that his father had gone away. 
Shortly after, the overseer also returned, 
and, after waiting till bedtime, — the old 
man being still absent, — they were naturally 
alarmed for his safety, but knew not where 
to look for him. The two negro women 
Avere again interrogated ; but they persisted 
in declaring that their master had gone out 
through the gate on horseback, since which 
time they had seen nothing of him. While 
they were still talking, one of the neighbors 
came to the house, bringing Dr. Croxton' s 
horse, having found him in a straw-stack 
at a considerable distance from the place. 
The saddle-girths were cut in several places, 
and there were other evidences to lead to 
the suspicion that there had been foul play. 

Nothing further was elicited that night ; 
but the following morning several persons 
assembled, and, together with the overseer, 
went to the stable and tracked the horse in 
a contrary direction to that which the 
women said he had taken ; and this circum- 
stance, together with the confusion mani- 
fested by the negroes, directed suspicion to 
them. 

The little girl whom we have above re- 
ferred to stated that she had not seen her 
master since Monday morning, but that 
there was a great fire in the kitchen all 
day. The idea was thus suggested to those 
present that the negro women had mur- 
dered the old man and burned his body. 
Search was accordingly made, and among 
the ashes in the "lye-flopper" there were 
found pieces of human bones, a jack-knife, 
spectacles, buttons, &c, — proving that Dr. 
Croxton had met a horrible fate. 

The negroes, now terrified to the highest 
degree, confessed that they had committed 
the murder and consumed the body. They 
were accordingly taken before Justice Hale, 
who issued a warrant for their committal to 
jail. * * * 

The names of the murderers are Ann 
and Eliza ; the former being about thirty- 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



two years of age, and the latter twenty. 
Both have infant children less than two 
months old. Ann is a dark mulatto, with a 
decidedly bad countenance ; Eliza is much 
lighter, and quite good-looking. Neither 
of them appears to realize the enormity of 
the crime they have committed, and both 
talk freely about it. 

According to their own story, they had 
plotted the murder on Sunday morning, at 
which time their master had chastised 
them ; and accordingly, on Monday, the 
old man being left alone with them, they 
determined to carry out their plan. About 
ten o'clock on Monday, Dr. Croxton had 
occasion to use a grindstone near the 
kitchen-door ; and, while in the act of 
sharpening a plane-iron, Eliza came behind 
and struck him with a grubbing-hoe. Ann, 
who was turning the grindstone, then seized 
an axe and struck him another blow on the 
head. He fell without a groan or struggle, 
probably stunned by the first blow. Eliza 
then seized him by the arms and Ann by 
the feet, dragged him to the kitchen, and 
threw him on the fire. All day long they 
kept the fire burning, until, as they thought, 
the body was entirely consumed. 

Burning of the Eagle Paper-Mills in 
Northampton, Mass. — Through some un- 
explained cause, fire originated in the rag- 
room of the Eagle Paper-Mills, in North- 
ampton, Mass., on the morning of this day, 
and, before it could be extinguished, de- 
stroyed property to the amount of over 
$40,000. There was insurance on the stock 
and buildings for $41,000, as follows: — 
.Etna, $10,000; Hartford, $8000; City of 
Hartford, $5000; Charter Oak, (Hartford,) 
$5000 ; Springfield Fire and Marine, $5000; 
Massasoit, (Springfield,) $5000; Conway, 



The mill was devoted to the manufacture 
of writing-papers, and the yearly business 
of the mill had reached from $75,000 to 
$100,000. The mill was built in 183(3, at a 
cost of about $45,000, for the Northampton 
Paper-Mills Company, for the manufacture 
of printing-paper, of which company Samuel 
W. Rowe was agent and manager. During 
the fire, a portion of the brick walls fell, 
and severely, though not seriously, injured 
Merrit Clark, of the firm of Clark & Prindle, 
who was hit on the head by a falling brick 
and knocked senseless ; and also Edward 
Clark, (a son of the late Deacon Luther 
Clark,) an employee of the mill, was hit 
and badly bruised. 

Expelled for Abolition Sentiments. — 
This day, eighteen citizens of Mason and 
Bracken counties, Ky., expelled on account 
of anti-slavery convictions, arrived at Cincin- 
nati. They were a portion of those origin- 
ally expelled from Berea, who had taken up 



their abodes in the above-mentioned coun- 
ties. This was opposed by the residents, 
and a meeting was called at Orangeburg, 
on the 21st, when resolutions were passed 
approving the expulsion of Rev. John G. 
Fee and his confederates, declaring that no 
Abolitionist has a right to establish himself 
in a slave-holding community ; that the 
person of Rev. James Davis was objection- 
able ; and appointing a committee for the 
purpose of notifying him to leave. A meet- 
ing for a similar object was held in Bracken 
county on the 23d, when Mr. Fee and a 
number of others were denounced. On 
Thursday following, they were waited on 
by the committee and warned to depart. 
The exiles left Germantown on Saturday 
morning. A number of them reached Cin- 
cinnati on the evening of this day. The 
only objection held against them was their 
anti-slavery opinions. 

Family Poisoned.— In Rochester, New 
York, the family of Hon. James O. Pet ten- 
gill was poisoned tliis day, at Adam's Basin, 
with strychnine. The family consisted of 
Mr. Pettengill, his daughter, Mrs. Mar- 
shall, and Mrs. Lewis, a nurse. The latter 
is in a dying condition. The others may 
recover from the effects of the poison. 

The servant of the family has been ar- 
rested on suspicion of having committed 
this heinous act. 

Telegraph in California. — Advices from 
California, of this date, say that the tele- 
graph upon the Butterfield route had been 
extended to Fresno, — a point one hundred 
and eighty miles distant from San Fran- 
cisco. A petition addressed to the Legis- 
lature, to prevent the immigration of the 
Celestials, had found a hundred thousand 
signatures. 

Destructive Fire at Wilmington, Del. 
— The night of this day, at about twelve 
o'clock, a fire broke out in the storehouse 
of Warner's line of packets, in that city. 
The flames spread rapidly through the 
building, destroying it and its contents. 
Among the latter were fifty bales of cotton, 
and some finished goods, belonging to D. 
Lammot & Co. The flames communicated 
to the adjoining warehouse of Jessup & 
Moore, paper-dealers at Philadelphia, which 
was destroyed, with its contents. This 
building was filled with rags. A sloop also 
had her upper-works burned. 

Thrilling Adventure on Saginaw Bat. 
— A Party of Gentlemen carried off on 
the Ice. — This day a party of gentlemen 
visited Saginaw Bay for the purpose of- 
seeing the Indians and others fish for trout. 
About two o'clock some of the party ob- 
served a singular motion of the ice. It ap- 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



73 



peared that there was a strong current in 
the water, but an examination disclosed the 
fact that they were rapidly floating into 
Lake Huron. They at once put their horses 
in motion to find some point where they 
could get to the mainland. In the mean 
time they were going very rapidly, the wind 
blowing a gale from the shore. 

Their situation was very dangerous, both 
as regards the danger of the breaking up of 
the ice upon which they were, and the 
severe cold. Excitement existed at Bay 
City among the inhabitants generally, and 
many plans for their relief were talked of 
and canvassed. They floated some fourteen 
miles, when one end of the ice fortunately 
grounded on Squaw Point. They made a 
rush for the shore, after first getting off 
their horses and sleighs. The ice was much 
broken, and they had to travel some dis- 
tance over separate cakes to reach the 
shore. 



TUESDAY, JANUARY 31. 

Death of Major Ben. Wright. — Died, 
this day, at his home, in Purely, Tennessee, 
Major Benjamin Wright. He was born in 
Chatham county, Georgia, in 1787. He 
was a captain in the War of 1812. He be- 
longed to the thirty-ninth regiment, of 
which the late Colonel Benton, General 
Sam Houston, and Colonel Hindman (father 
of the present Representative) were mem- 
bers. When Major Lemuel P. Montgomery 
fell, at the battle of the Horse-Shoe, Cap- 
tain Wright took command of the regiment, 
and distinguished himself by his valorous 
conduct in that memorable engagement. 
During the struggle for Texan indepen- 
dence, he went to Texas and joined the 
forces of that Republic. When the war 
with Mexico broke out, though sixty years 
of age, Major Wright volunteered as a pri- 
vate in the Tennessee regiment, and went 
through a twelvemonth's campaign. One 
of his sons accompanied him in the same 
regiment. Major Wright was the father of 
the Hon. John V. Wright, the member of 
the House of Representatives from Ten- 
nessee. 

Boiler- Explosion. — In Ray, Macomb 
county, Mich., a boiler-explosion occurred 
this day, which was attended with fatal re- 
sults. The boiler was attached to a saw- 
mill owned by a Mr. Liman, and probably 
exploded for want of water. It was thrown 
about a hundred and fifty feet horizontally, 
striking a log house and turning completely 
round, and then entering a new frame house 
occupied by a Mrs. Owen. The boiler passed 
into the house its whole length, killing the 
woman and severely injuring a child. The 
fireman was also killed by the explosion. 



Destruction of a Ship by Fibe. — This 
day, the New York packet Endymion, of the 
Dramatic line, was destroyed by fire in the 
Mersey. She was lying in the stream, ready 
to sail, when the flames broke out, at four 
o'clock in the morning. The crew of thirty 
men and twenty-five second-cabin passen- 
gers were saved, with their luggage. The 
vessel was scuttled; but the receding tide 
left her well out of water, and, in spite of ' 
every exertion, the flames raged for many 
hours, and the vessel was almost totally 
destroyed. She had a large and valuable 
cargo, consisting of machinery, silks, satins, 
crate-goods, and general merchandise, — 
some portions of which, it was supposed, 
would be saved in a damaged state. The 
loss is estimated at £30,000. The ship was 
insured ; but it is not known whether the 
cargo is covered. 

Cars Burned. — This clay, six cars, 
freighted with twelve hundred bales of cot- 
ton, were burned on the South Carolina 
Railroad. 

Train thrown off the Track. — Brakes- 
man Killed. — This day, the express-train 
from New York for Boston ran off the track 
near Palmer. One of the cars was thrown 
down an embankment, turning several 
somersets. The brakesman had both his 
legs crushed, and died from the effects of 
his injuries. Mr. and Mrs. Biddies, actors, 
and Mrs. Ogden, were seriously injured. 
Some twenty passengers were somewhat 
bruised. Rev. Merrett Richardson, of Wor- 
cester, was seriously injured. 

Accident on the Hudson River Rail- 
road. — This day, an unknown man was 
run over and killed on the Hudson River 
Railroad, by the down express-train, be- 
tween Milton Ferry and Poughkeepsie. 

Last Rail on the Mississippi Central 
Railroad Laid. — This day, the last rail on 
the Mississippi Central Railroad was laid. 

Nebraska Territory State Constitu- 
tion. — This day it is announced that a bill, 
authorizing a convention of the people to 
frame a State Constitution, has passed both 
Houses of the Nebraska Legislature, and 
received the Governor's signature. 

. Fire in Burlington, Iowa. — This day, 
in Burlington, Iowa, the store and stock of 
Messrs. Ross & Whipple, hardware-mer- 
chants, were burned. Loss, $30,000. 

Fires in New York. — This day there 
were four fires in New York : — one in the 
hat-factory of Joseph Napier, corner of 
Tenth Avenue and 100th Street ; another 
in the residence of E. C. West, 107 Sixth 



74 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



Avenue ; another at the corner of Broadway 
and 100th Street ; and another in Crow's 
livery-stables, 145 Sullivan Street. Aggre- 
gate loss, about $7000 or $8000, and two out 
of the four fires results of incendiarism. 

Bill in the Texas Legislature against 
Northern Drummers. — It was this day 
announced that a bill had been introduced 
into the Texas Legislature to imprison all 
Northern preachers, teachers, and "drum- 
mers" found in the State. 

This day the House of Representatives, 
which had hitherto been balloting for Mr. 
Sherman for Speaker, balloted for Mm the 
last time, having voted for him thirty-nine 
times. The vote stood : — 

H. N. Smith 111! 

John Sherman 106 

Necessary to a choice, 115. 

A ballot was afterwards again taken, and 
the votes of the Republicans thrown for 
Pennington, of New Jersey, it being the 
fortieth ballot. The vote stood : — 

Penninsrton 115 

H. N. Smith 113 

Necessary to a choice, 118. 



EVENTS TRANSPIRING IN JANU- 
ARY, THE DAY OE THE OCCUR- 
RING OF WHICH COULD NOT BE 
ASCERTAINED. 

Singular Proceeding in a Church. — The 
Minnesota "St. Peter Statesman" relates 
some singular particulars of a man residing 
in Le Sueur county, named Hill, who has held 
the position of licensed preacher in the 
United Brethren Church for the past thirteen 
months. It appears that, according to his 
own statements, some three years since he 
seduced a young girl, about sixteen years old, 
from her home in Maine, and took her to Bos- 
ton, where she was employed for a time in a 
millinery-establishment. He has a wife and 
three children in Maine, and the woman he 
is at present living with has one child. The 
astonishing part remains to be told. After 
this astounding revelation, he called upon 
those who were in favor of his continuing 
among them as a preacher to rise to their 
feet; when, strange as it may appear, about 
one-half of those present, men and women, 
arose, endorsed and complimented him. 

Caution to Skaters. — A lady at New 
Bedford bound her skates so tightly on her 
feet as to prevent the free circulation of the 
blood, and they were so frozen that one of 
them had to be cut off to arrest mortification. 

The ''Boston Herald" says that a young 
lady of that city, who indulged in an after- 
noon's exercise on skates, on Jamaica Pond, 
during the very cold snap, very imprudently 



had her skate-straps so tightened as to pre- 
vent any circulation of the blood in the feet 
below the ankles. The consequence was 
that her feet were both frozen, one of them 
so badly as to render amputation necessary 
to prevent mortification ensuing. 

Poisoning a "Wife in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 
— Ishmael Freeman has been committed to 
prison in Poughkeepsie on the verdict of a 
coroner's jury, to await trial on a charge of 
poisoning his wife with arsenic. An analysis 
of the stomach of the deceased has been 
made by Professor Ogden Dorenius and Br. 
B. L. Budd. 

Death of a Centenarian. — Mrs. Catha- 
rine Douglass, late of Lansingburgh, died in 
that village recently, at the advanced age of 
one hundred and one years. The "Gazette" 
states that she was born in Saratoga county, 
in 1759. She moved to what is now called 
Speigeltown in 1776, and experienced all 
those difficulties and hair-breadth escapes 
which were so common during Burgoyne's in- 
vasion on its way from the North. 

The Raritan & Delaware Bay Rail- 
road, between Raritan Bay, near Keyport, 
and Red Bank, has been opened. This is the 
first instalment of a project which is ulti- 
mately to connect New York with Norfolk, 
Va., passing through the New Jersey pineries 
and the Delaware peninsula. 

Accident. — A terrible accident happened 
at a saw-mill in Davis county, Iowa. An 
employee, named Redden Lascer, was stand- 
ing on the log-carriage of the mill, rather 
forward of the saw, when, on a light jar, he 
lost, his balance and fell on it, first cutting 
off his left hand, by which it seems he wanted 
to protect the rest of his body from falling 
on the saw; yet he fell on it, the saw cutting 
from the top of the hip downward diago- 
nally through the leg and coming out near 
where it joins the body. Medical attendance 
was immediately procured, but nothing could 
save the unfortunate man's life. 

Verdict of Coroner's Jury on Hudson 
River Railroad-Accident. — In the case of 
the late Hudson River Railroad fatal colli- 
sion, the coroner's jury rendered a verdict 
that "the death of Mrs. Anna H. Field was 
the result chiefly of wilful neglect of duty on 
the part of Robert Hartley, rear brakemau 
on said express-train, in not executing the 
order of Conductor George N. Simpson." 

Appeal of the Free Negroes. — The free 
negroes recently expelled from Arkansas 
have published an appeal to the Christian 
world to protect them. They say Indiana 
shuts her doors upon them. Illinois denies 
prairie-homes to them. Oregon will not 



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UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



75 



receive them ; and Minnesota is debating 
whether or not she shall admit them. They 
complain of being forced into a cold climate 
suddenly from a warm one, and present a 
sad picture of the distress that they suffer. 

Infikmity of Southern Bishops. — A 
• Southern paper says that, with the excep- 
tion of Bishop Early, not one of the South- 
ern Methodist Bishops is capable at this 
time of doing effective work. Bishops Soule - 
and Andrew are feeble through age ; Bishop 
Paine, from the fracture of several ribs ; 
Bishop Pierce, from sickness contracted by 
California exposure and labor; and Bishop 
Kavanagh, from long-protracted illness. 

Fortunate Escape. — A few days ago, a 
large pine-tree, 'which some persons were 
cutting down, fell across a school-house in 
Eldred township, Jefferson county, Pa., 
crushing it to atoms. There were forty 
children in the building at the time, and yet, 
strange to say, not one was hurt. 

Handsome Presents. — General Cass has 
just presented to the city of Detroit, Mich., 
one site for a public park, and another for a 
fountain and watering-place, provided the 
Common Council will devote the land which 
he gives exclusively to the purposes desig- 
nated. 

Bequest to a Railroad. — Joel Osborn, 
recently deceased, in Loudon county, Va., 
bequeathed the product of the sale of a farm 
near Woodgrove, in that State, and valued at 
$6000, to the Alexandria, Loudon & Hamp- 
shire Railroad Company, to be used for the 
building of their road. 

Large Lump of Silver. — A lump of silver- 
ore, from the Washoe Mines in Carson Val- 
ley, California, has been forwarded by Mor- 
rison, Walsh & Co., of San Francisco, to the 
AVashington National Monument. It is two 
feet six inches long, ten inches wide, and 
eight inches thick, weighs one hundred and 
sixty-three pounds, and is valued at $600. 

The New York State Colonization So- 
ciety have just completed the building of a 
small steamer, with schooner-rig, at the yard 
of Henry Steers, New York. She is called 
the "Seth Grosvenor," and is intended to run 
on the coast of Liberia, to meet the wants of 
the local trade. Her length is about one 
hundred feet, and she has a tonnage of sixty- 
two tons. 

Sale of the Right to Lay a Railroad. — 
New Orleans has sold the right to lay down 
and operate passenger-railroads in that city 
for thirty years for the sum of $130,000. 

Manufactures of Philadelphia. — The 



"Evening Express," a paper published in the 
city of Savannah, Ga., asserts that, during 
the present winter, a locomotive-builder of 
Philadelphia has obtained orders in the South 
to the extent of fifty-six locomotives for rail- 
roads in that section of the Union. 

In Kentucky, the students of Centre Col- 
lege, at Danville, have contracted for the 
purchase for that institution of the bust of 
Cicero from the chisel of Joel T. Hart, the 
Kentucky sculptor. 

Realf, "Brown's Secretary of State," 
barely escaped lynching twice on his way 
from Austin to Galveston, in charge of the 
officer despatched for him by the U.S. In- 
vestigating Committee. In Hempstead he 
was threatened with a suit of tar and feathers, 
and in Houston there was some talk of hang- 
ing him to a tree ; but he escaped both in- 
dignities, owing to the citizens of both places 
not wishing to interfere with a United States 
officer and his prisoner. 

The Skeleton of an Indian, who, when 
alive, was apparently over seven feet tall, has 
been dug up in Hartford. An earthen jug, 
some wampum, and glass beads, were found 
with the bones. 

Elopement. — A mai'ried man, mimed Thad- 
deus Smith, a resident of Romeo, Macomb 
county, Michigan, eloped with a Mrs. Maria 
Northrop, who lived at Flat Rock. The cir- 
cumstances connected with his escapade be- 
came public on account of the notoriety con- 
nected with the disappearance of another 
individual of the same name, who has since 
made himself manifest. The absconding 
husband left a family destitute at Romeo, the 
intimacy between himself and bis paramour 
having sprung up while she was a visitor at 
his residence. They went to Canada to- 
gether. 

Distressing Wedding. — The Vincennes 
(Indiana) " Gazette" reports a distressing 
case: — "A wedding between a fair daughter 
of 'Knox' and an Illinois gentleman was 
broken off very suddenly last week. The 
affair was pretty nearly completed, the 
guests assembled, the supper ready, the 
minister sent for, the bride dressing, and the 
groom feverishly waiting, when the lady's 
brother arrived from Illinois in hot haste 
with the agreeable intelligence that the 
groom was not what he ought to be, and ac- 
companied the information with a request to 
that gentleman to leave at once, which he 
did. The party ate the supper, and the lady 
escaped a sad life, possibly. So all were 
well pleased with the upshot of the affair." 

Warned Out. — Reuben Salisbury, for- 
merly of New York, but for many years a 



7G 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



citizen of Frince George county, Va., was 
recently waited upon by a vigilance commit- 
tee and ordered to leave the State. His 
offence was taking the "Albany Evening 
Journal." 

Fires in New York. — In New York, in 
January, there were fifty fires, one-half at 
least of which are supposed to have been the 
result of design. 

Damages for Breach of Promise. — In 
the suit of Miss Lydia White vs. W. H. Burr, 
of Easton, for breach of promise, at Bridge- 
port, Conn., the jury, on Saturday, rendered 
a verdict of $2200 and costs. 

Deplorable. — "The Camden Democrat" 
saj's Mrs. Marrat, who is confined in Camden 
jail for stealing over $800 from her neighbor, 
Mrs. Scott, has a greater calamity than the 
pangs of conscience and the fear of her sen- 
tence to deplore. Her two children, a boy 
and a girl, being too young to leave, or hav- 
ing no one to take care of them, are confined 
with her, one of whom has gone stone blind, 
while the other has lost the use of its legs. 

Vigilance Committee in Des Arc, Ark- 
ansas. — The citizens of Des Arc, Arkansas, 
have formed themselves into a vigilance com- 
mittee to protect the community against the 
practices of strolling Abolitionists. 

Manumission. — The Legislature of Georgia 
have passed a law prohibiting the post-mor- 
tem manumission of slaves. 

Expelled for not Making Known his 
Opinions on Slavery. — Dr. Meigs Case, an 
intelligent and educated gentleman, who had 
taken charge of the Alabama Female College 
last September, was recently waited on by a 
"committee of safety," who informed him 
that public opinion had undergone such a 
change that he must leave. The only pretext 
for this was his being a Northern man, as he 
had never given utterance to his views on 
slavery. Only twenty-four hours were al- 
lowed for his departure. 

Exodus of Pupils from Bethlehem. — The 
Allentown (Pa.) papers state that within a 
week the greater portion of the Southern 
pupils of the Bethlehem Female Institute 
have been withdrawn from the school. Five 
young ladies from Mississippi were with- 
drawn in one day. 

Ltnched for Expressing Abolition Sen- 
timents.— James Power, a native of Ireland, 
a stone-cutter, with a number of other 
men of his trade of different nationalities, 
was employed in the construction of the new 
State-House at Columbia, S.C., when the 
pro-slavery committee of vigilance of that 



town heard of some remarks of Power of an 
Abolition character. The results were, an 
unsuccessful attempt of Power to escape, 
his capture, the infliction of twenty-nine 
lashes upon his bare back, after which he 
was served with a coat of tar and feathers, 
and in this condition sent down by railroad 
to Charleston, where he was conducted to 
prison, and thence, after a confinement of 
several days, shipped to New York. 

Terrible Affair. — The " Paris (Illinois) 
Beacon" states that a Mrs. J 03% who had 
been found by her husband, a few days ago, 
in rather suspicious circumstances, caught 
up a shot-gun to defend herself; but the gun 
exploded accidentally in her hands, the load 
entering the head of her little son, aged ten 
years, killing him instantly. 

Sad Casualty. — Mr. B. A. Richards, for- 
merly of Columbus, but now of Geneva, 
Talbot county, unfortunately shot a negro, 
whom he supposed to be a runaway, in that 
county, a few days since. From what we 
can learn of the facts, Mr. Richards was not 
to blame, being under the impression that he 
was shooting a desperate fugitive in Talbot, 
well known to the citizens. Mr. Richards 
has been bound over in the sum of some 
$1200 to appear at the Superior Court. The 
owner of the slave was Mr. George McCrary. 
— Columbus (Ga.) Times. 

Nashville Street-Fight. — The Grand 
Jury of Nashville have ignored the bill 
against Allen A. Hall for killing Mr. Poin- 
dexter (both editors) in a street-fight. 

Distressing Death of a Wealthy Plan- 
ter in New Orleans. — The New Orleans 
"Delta" says: — One of the most distressing 
accidents which has ever occurred in our 
city, and one which will cause a shudder on 
the part of even those who are used to 
scenes of blood and tales of horror, oc- 
curred last night in our city, — not only dis- 
tressing from the fact that a human being in 
the full possession of health has been sud- 
denly hurried into eternity, but also from the 
fact that the deceased, a wealthy planter, 
and the head of a family of children, spent 
the last hours of his life and drew his 
last breath in the pestilential atmosphere 
of a house of prostitution. 

The particulars of this sad affair are as 
follows: AV. D. Adams, said to be quite a 
wealthy planter from Harrisonburg, Cata- 
houla parish, in the Ouachita country, in 
this State, left his plantation and came down 
to the city upon the steamer Peerless, which 
arrived here a few days ago. 

It was said that he put up at the City 
Hotel ; but there seems to have been some 
mistake about this, for, upon the police call- 
ing at the hotel this morning, the proprietors 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



77 



state that his name was not registered upon 
their books. 

However, it appears that he got upon a 
spree after reaching the city, and last night, 
in company with some of his acquaintances, 
went out around town and stopped in at a 
house of ill-fame kept by one Mina Smith, at 
the corner of Basin and Customhouse Streets, 
Second District. While in the parlor of this 
house, Adams ordered sundry bottles of 
champagne, of which he drank; ami he 
finnlly concluded he would remain there 
until morning. 

His acquaintances, however, left; and, dis- 
missing the cab which brought him, telling 
the driver to come back for him at seven 
o'clock in the morning, he retired to bed in 
one of the rooms of the third story, which has 
a window fronting on Customhouse Street. 
When in his room he ordered a couple of 
small bottles of champagne, a portion of 
which he drank. He retired about half-past 
nine o'clock. 

About half-past eleven or nearly midnight, 
probably feeling sick, he is supposed to have 
gotten up and gone towards the window to 
vomit, when he missed his balance and was 
precipitated to the banquette beneath. The 
fall was heard by the woman who keeps the 
house, and the watchman of the beat, who 
ran to the spot, and found Adams lying man- 
gled and insensible. He was picked up and 
carried into the house, where he died about 
seven minutes afterward, without ever 
speaking. The coroner examined the body, 
and found that one of the legs was broken, 
and also one shoulder dislocated, and that 
concussion of the brain had taken place. 

The female sleeping in the room from 
which Adams fell did not awake until persons 
went up after the death of Adams. The de- 
ceased was in the habit of wearing spectacles, 
and had taken them off and placed them in 
his hat, which probably caused him to mis- 
take his position at the window, which is said 
to have been partly raised, with a stick under 
it. The deceased was a man of about forty- 
five years of age, and had a wife and six 
children. The coroner will conclude the in- 
quest to-day. Adams is said to have been in 
the habit of drinking excessively when in 
the city. 

Self-Mutilation. — Mary Dougherty, a 
resident of Brooklyn, N.Y., made an attempt 
to commit suicide, at her residence, by rip- 
ping open her bowels with a razor, and cut- 
ting oiF about five feet of what is technically 
called the "transverse colon," while laboring 
under aberration of mind from free indul- 
gence in intoxicating liquors. The wound is, 
necessarily, mortal. 

A Brutal Father. — At the recent session 
of the Indiana County (Pa.) Court, a man was 
arraigned for assault and battery on his own 



son, aged eight years. It was proved that 
he hung the child by the thumbs to a joist, 
and compelled a younger brother to burn 
him with pine fagots; also, that he seated the 
child with his bare body on a hot stove, and 
burned his bare feet in the same way. He was 
convicted, but his sentence was deferred, as 
he was already sentenced to fifteen months' 
imprisonment for larceny. 

Fatal Epidemic. — The "Portsmouth (Va.) 
Transcript" states that putrid sore throat has 
been very fatal in parts of Sussex and South- 
ampton counties. Dr. John E. Nicholson and 
his son, Philip, had died after a few days' 
illness ; Richard B. Travis had lost his wife 
and four children, and Mr. Carey Gay had 
lost several children. 

Narrow Escape of Mr. and Mrs. Flo- 
rence. — Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Florence 
had a narrow escape from drowning at 
Louisville, Ky. They were visiting at the 
estate of a friend, and went upon a pond to 
skate with a party of ladies and gentlemen. 
Mrs. Florence skated into an air-hole, and 
Mr. F. and another gentleman broke through 
the ice in attempting her rescue. An alarm 
was given, and a negro belonging to the 
family was chiefly instrumental in saving the 
trio, who were threatened with a cold and wet 
grave. Mrs. F. came nearest to a fatal issue, 
but was restored by the kind attentions of 
her friends. 

Death of a Revolutionary Centenarian 
and Hero. — The "Lancaster (Pa.) Express" 
says: — Mr. James McDermut died recently 
in Richmond county, Ohio, at the advanced 
age of one hundred and one years. He was 
born in this county in August, 1758, and 
passed through a long life of adventurous 
events. In 1777 he enlisted in the army of 
the Revolution. Prior to his enlistment he 
passed down the Ohio River from Fort Du- 
quesne to Kentucky, on a flat-boat, in April, 
and returned in a canoe the next fall. While 
in Kentucky he was engaged in several severe 
skirmishes with the Indians, and on one occa- 
sion took one of their number a prisoner. 
After returning home he volunteered as above 
stated, and at the close of the war he settled 
in Mercer county, Pa., from whence, in 1815, 
he removed to Richmond county, Ohio. 
When he enlisted he was marched from 
Easton to- Trenton, thence to Germantown. 
During this period he was in several skir- 
mishes with the enemy ; but the engagement 
at Germantown was the first regular battle 
he was in. He soon after returned to Tren- 
ton, and was occupied at intervals in pursu- 
ing and harassing the British and Hessians, 
as well as avenging the mercenary depreda- 
tions and cruelties committed upon the 
inhabitants of New Jersey. He was one of the 
actors in the battle of Monmouth, when the 



78 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jan. 



excessive heat of the sun, combined with the 
dust and smoke of the contest, and the too 
free use of cold water, caused so much suf- 
fering as well as death to many of the com- 
batants. 

A Grand Juror in Trouble. — A singular 
case of complicity occurred in Cincinnati be- 
tween an empanelled grand juror and a 
prisoner charged with felony. Samuel Adler, 
the juror in question, whose repeated solicit- 
ations alone ought to have forever excluded 
him from being called by the officer, was ex- 
posed in his attempt to tamper with a witness, 
and to prejudice other grand jurors in behalf 
of his friend, the prisoner, whose case was to 
come before him. He was properly admo- 
nished, discharged from the grand jury, and 
held for punishment by Judge Carter. 

A Cannon-ical Miracle. — The New Or- 
leans (La.) "Bulletin" states that a young 
deaf and dumb man, who had been in that 
condition for three years past, was praying 
in the St. Louis Cathedral, when the report 
of a cannon, which was firing in a salute, 
ruptured something in his ears and breast, 
instantly restoring his speech and hearing. 

" Treasure Trove." — A leather bag, con- 
taining French gold coin to the amount of 
$500 or $000, was found embedded in the 
sand under "Tom Never's Head," on the 
eastern coast of Nantucket, Mass., by Mr. 
Valentine Aldrich. It is supposed the bag 
was washed ashore from the wreck of the 
British ship Earl of Eglintoun, which was 
cast away there in the year 1845. 

Mr. Realf was brought before the Senate 
Investigating Committee. His testimony 
implicates no Republican member of either 
House of Congress. On the contrary, Sen- 
ator Wilson declared it was madness to 
make such an attempt, and directed Dr. 
Howe to withdraw all means furnished or 
intended to be furnished him for services 
in Kansas, if they were to be misapplied in 
the manner indicated. 

Dr. B. W. Thomas, a wealthy citizen of 
Napoleon, Ark., was surprised by the ar- 
rival there of a lady bearing his name and 
claiming him as her husband. Mrs. Thomas, 
who for many years resided in Louisville, 
alleges that she was married to the doctor 
in 1844, and that he lived with her long 
enough to convert her property into money, 
with which he left, leaving her penniless. 
She has taken up her residence in Arkansas, 
and instituted suit for divorce and alimony, 
and commenced a prosecution for bigamy. 
She charges that he never obtained a divorce, 
and that he is now living with his sixth 
wife. 



A Fire at Middletown, Conn., destroyed 
the Pamoacha Mill, occupied by several dif- 
ferent concerns, manufacturing sewing-ma- 
chines, britannia-ware, etc. Loss $15,000. 
Partly insured. 

The Tennessee Legislature has passed 
a bill fixing the rate of interest at seven per 
cent., but allowing parties to purchase notes, 
which are made for the purpose of borrow- 
ing money at ten per cent., provided they 
agree upon that interest and it is expressed 
in the instrument. 

Damages against a Liquor-Seller for 
Injuries done by those to whom he sold 
Liquor. — In the Urbanna (Ohio) County 
Court, a very interesting case was recently 
tried, the result of which will affect the in- 
terests of liquor-dealers materially. A 
Mrs. Jane Brush claimed damages against 
one Peter Lawson, who had sold her hus- 
band intoxicating drink until he became 
almost frenzied. He attacked his wife under 
this influence, and chopped her foot off. 
The jury allowed $5000 as compensation 
for injuries done; and the court held that 
" any person who shall be injured in pro- 
perty, person, or means, by an intoxicated 
person, has a right of action against the 
party who sold the liquor." 

Negro Freeing nis Brethren. — A Cali- 
fornia paper says : — A negro man arrived 
here on the last steamer, bringing with him 
eight of his own slaves, from Arkansas. 
The laws of that State do not permit the 
emancipation of slaves ; apd he selected 
California for the purpose. 

Killed by Indians. — R. B. Wilhurn was 
killed by Indians near Fort Tejon. The un- 
fortunate man went after some cattle, when 
a party of Pintos set on him and pierced 
him with ai'rows. Mr. AVilburn was buried 
at Los Angelos. 

Releasing Sureties. — The California 
Legislature passed a bill to release the sure- 
ties on the bond of Henry Bates, late State 
Treasurer, for $124,000. This sum was 
taken from the State Treasury about three 
years since, to pay interest coming due in 
New York ; but the money was in some way 
lost or stolen. 

California Failure. — Benchley & Co., 
prominent hardware-merchants in San Fran- 
cisco, failed. A member of the firm in 
New York abstracted and used the funds 
and credits of the house in an unlawful 
manner, to the injury of the other partner. 

Murdered. — A man by the name of 
Smith was murdered in Edenton, N.C., in a 
very cold-blooded manner, by a man by the 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



79 



name of Jackson. Jackson was arrested 
and bailed in the sum of $1000. 

Murder in Georgia. — A man named 
Love was killed at a quilting-party in Dal- 
ton, Ga., by J. F. Shelley. The homicide 
grew out of a trivial dispute. Shelley es- 
caped. 

Schoolmaster Sent " Abroad." — They 
seized a young school-teacher at Columbus, 
Miss., tarred and feathered him, bound him 
hand and foot to a log, and set him adrift 
in the Mississippi, since when he has not 
been heard from. Offence — suspected of 
Abolition tendencies. 

Driven away from Tennessee. — A man 
named Cregar, who confessed he was op- 
posed to slavery, was arrested at Knoxville, 
Tennessee, when General Ramsay, the late 
defeated candidate for Congress, proposed 
to crucify him ! This was voted down 
unanimously, and he was allowed to de- 
part. 

Daring Robbery. — N. B. Boyden, of Eau 
Claire, Wisconsin, is receiver for the Chip- 
pewa Land District. He has but one arm. 
As he was sitting in his office at dark, a 
fellow came in and bound his one arm be- 
hind him. He then gagged and tied Mr. 
B., and cleared off with $5000 in gold that 
was in the safe. 

Fatal Railroad-Accident. — Two Men 
Killed. — Two men were killed at Blairs- 
ville intersection, on the Pennsylvania Rail- 
road. Three men were walking along the 
track near the intersection, — Frank Singer, 
Andrew Maxwell and his brother. The 
freight-train coming West attracted their 
attention, and they did not see or hear the 
express, the fireman and engineer of which 
say it was impossible to see any one on the 
track for the smoke of the freight-train. 
The express came up, knocked Singer and 
Maxwell down, and cut them to pieces by 
passing over them. No shock was expe- 
rienced on the train. Maxwell's brother, 
who was walking on the ties, outside the 
rails, escaped unhurt, and gave the alarm. 
When the train stopped, part of Maxwell's 
coat was found on the cow-catcher. Both 
were young men, in the employ of the com- 
pany. Maxwell was an extra baggage- 
master on the Indiana branch, and had 
been on the road six years. He lived near 
the intersection, and was buried on Sunday. 
Singer was engaged in getting out ties. He 
had been married but a few months, and 
his wife resided in this city. His remains 
were brought to the city on Sunday. A 
coroner's inquest was held upon the re- 
mains on Sunday, at the intersection, de- 
veloping the above facts. — Pittsburg Post. 



WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1. 

Thaddeus Hyatt Refuses to Answer. — 
Thaddeus Hyatt, President of the National 
Kansas-Aid Committee, wrote to Senator 
Mason a letter in answer to the subpoena to 
appear before the Harper's Ferry Investi- 
gating Committee on this day, in which he 
informs the committee that, while he will so 
far regard the summons as to appear before 
them, he will not answer any of their inter- 
rogatories. He calls in question the exer- 
cise by a legislative body of powers purely 
judicial, that are neither incident to the 
Government nor conferred by any express 
provision of the Constitution. 

Church Burned. — This day the Presby- 
terian church in Colden, Erie county, was 
destroyed by fire. 

Trial of Stephens and Hazlett. — A 
special term of the circuit court for the 
county of Jefferson, Va., was held for the 
trial of Stephens and Hazlett, two of the 
Harper's Ferry insurrectionists, this day. In 
delivering the charge to the grand jury, 
Judge Kenny, who presided in the absence 
of Judge Parker, dwelt upon the atrocity of 
Brown's attempt, and the necessity of vindi- 
cating the safety and the dignity of the 
State, while he earnestly advised the jury to 
avoid passion, prejudice, and groundless sus- 
picion. 

The same day they found indictments 
against them. 

Serious Accident in a Railroad-Tunnel. 
— Several Persons Injured. — This day a 
serious accident occurred in the Yorkville 
tunnel, on the Harlem & New Haven Rail- 
road. It appears that the early train from 
White Plains, and the Stamford train, bound 
to New York, are generally crowded with 
merchants doing business in the city but 
living out of town. They follow close to- 
gether; but unfortunately the White Plains 
train suddenly stopped in the tunnel, when 
the other, owing to the darkness, ran into it. 

The collision was as sudden as it was un- 
expected. An immediate panic followed. 
Male passengers darted wildly for the doors 
and windows. The ladies screamed. The 
darkness of the tunnel, from the dense smoke 
filling it, intensified the excitement and con- 
sternation. A variety of conjectures fol- 
lowed the collision. The leading belief was 
that a terrible accident had occurred and 
that many had been killed. As quickly as 
possible the extent of the damage was ascer- 
tained. The two trains were got out of the 
tunnel into daylight. The foremost and 
fortunate discovery was that no one had been 
killed. Over fifty were found to be bruised, 
however, the injuries of some being serious. 
Those injured received their bruises mainly 



80 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb 



by being thrown violently from their seats, 
and in the rough-and-tumble scramble to get 
out of the cars. 

Mr. William Palmer, of White Plains, was 
picked up in.-ensible. He soon rallied under 
proper treatment, and was sent to his home 
on the return-train. His injuries are mainly 
internal. Mrs. Elijah Bradford, also of 
White Plains, had three of her ribs broken, 
and was otherwise injured. The collision 
threw her from her scat into the middle aisle, 
when several stepped upon her. Mr. James 
Fox, of the Manhattan Gas-Works, was also 
thrown into the aisle, and narrowly escaped 
the fate of Mrs. Bradford. The engine of 
the New Haven train was disabled by the 
accident. Only the platform of the rear car 
of the Harlem train was demolished. 

College Rebellion. — Wholesale Expul- 
sion. — This day a large proportion of the 
students of Kenyon College, at Gambier, 
Ohio, were expelled, under the following 
circumstances : — 

The night of the 30th of January, a concert 
of some kind came off at the village of Gam- 
bier, which was attended by the freshman 
and sophomore classes in a body. After the 
concert, the students of both classes got 
together and resolved that they would not 
recite the following morning. The whole of 
the sophomore class, and a great portion of 
the freshman, entered into this compact. 
The next morning, as the two classes failed 
to make their appearance in their recitation- 
rooms, an explanation ensued. The same 
bit of pleasantry having been played off by 
the students on several previous occasions, 
the faculty resolved to prevent such proceed- 
ings in future, and called upon all those who 
had entered into the compact to sign a pledge 
not to repeat the performance. The penalty 
of a refusal to comply was expulsion. A few 
only of the freshmen, and but four of the 
sophomores, signed the pledge ; and the con- 
sequence was that three-quarters of the fresh- 
men and all but four of the sophomores were 
expelled. 

This day the House of representatives, 
on the forty-fourth ballot, elected Mr. Pen- 
nington, Republican, Speaker. The vote 
stood as follows : — - 

Pennington 117 

McClernand 85 

Gilmer 16 

Necessary to a choice, 117 



THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2. 

Verdict on the Pembeeton Mill Ca- 
lamity. — In Massachusetts, this day, the 
jury of inquest on the Pemberton Mill ca- 
lamity rendered their verdict. It was quite 
lengthy, and places the principal responsi- 



bility upon Albert Fuller, who contracted for 
the iron pillars, and Charles L. Bigelow, the 
architect. The walls are pronounced too 
light, and the pillars were put up without 
being properly tested. The jury do not 
believe the late mill-owners had any reason 
to distrust the security of the editice, and 
accordingly exonerate them from blame. 

The Trial of Stephens and Hazlett 
commenced this day, indictments having 
been found by the grand jury. 

TnE St. Clair Flats. — This day the Presi- 
dent sent a message to the Senate, in which 
he says he deems it a sufficient reason for 
having retained the bill appropriating 
$55,000 for deepening the channel over the 
St. Clair Flats, Michigan, that it was not 
presented to him until the last day of the 
former Congress, when he had no oppor- 
tunity to examine it. 

Chosen Senator. — In the Legislature of 
Ohio, this day, ex-Governor Chase was chosen 
United States Senator by the Legislature of 
that State. He received 75 votes, against 54 
cast for Mr. Pugh and 5 for Mr. Corwin. 
Mr. Chase will take the seat of Mr. Pugh in 
1861. 

Fire. — Children Burned to Death. — 
The residence of Daniel Early, Sr., situated 
about three miles below Hyde Park, near 
Scranton, Pa., was destroyed by fire this 
night. Three children of Mr. Early perished 
in the flames. The mother and three other 
children escaped out of the second-story 
window, with their lives, but all were badly 
burned. The father was absent at the time. 

Remarkable Meteor. — A correspondent 
of the "New York Tribune," writing from 
Coudersport, Pa., says: — 

A very remarkable luminous meteor was 
visible on the morning of February 2, con- 
sisting of two distinct and perfect circles or 
halos, and two partial ones, situated as fol- 
lows : The first was a large circle around the 
sun, having a diameter of about forty degrees, 
— very bright and exhibiting the colors of the 
rainbow. On each side of the sun, and at a 
distance from it equal to the radius of this 
circle, was a sun-dog, or mock suu, tinted 
with the prismatic colors. Off in the north- 
west, and similarly located with respect to 
distance from the horizon and from each 
other, were two other mock suns, colorless, 
being of a pale-white light. Second. Passing 
through the true sun and the four mock suns 
was another circle or halo of pale-white 
light. This circle, which was perpendicular 
to that about the sun and parallel to the 
plane of the horizon, was clearly and dis- 
tinctly defined in all its parts. The third 
circle was overhead, having the zenith for its 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



81 



centre, and exhibiting the rainbow-colors 
with great brilliancy. This zenith-circle was 
not complete, only one-third of it — viz., that 
between the zenith and the sun — being 
visible, while no trace of the other two-thirds 
was to be seen. The fourth circle, which 
was somewhat indistinct, and but partially 
developed, being an arc of about ten or fifteen 
degrees in length, was tangent to the halo 
surrounding the sun, and directly above it. 
These four circles were visible for about two 
hours, or from nine to eleven o'clock. As 
the sun increased in altitude, the pale hori- 
zontal circle was elevated in like manner ; 
while the zenith-circle, which was when first 
seen about forty degrees in diameter, was 
correspondingly diminished in size. It might 
be well to state, also, that the weather on the 
morning of February 2 was very cold, the 
thermometer standing several degrees below 
zero, and the atmosphere filled with frozen 
mist, which was falling in the shape of thin 
crystalline flakes. To the casual observer, 
it would seem to be snowing very fast ; but 
subsequent observations showed the sky to 
be cloudless. An attempt to account for 
this singular phenomenon may be found in 
Brande's Dictionary, under "Halo" and 
" Parhelion." 

Robbery of the Bank of Tennessee. — 
The night of this day, the branch Bank of 
Tennessee, Clarksville, was robbed of §18,000, 
mostly in gold coin. 

A Bkave Woman. — The evening of this 
day, as the family of Mr. A. S. Solomon were 
at supper, in the front basement of their resi- 
dence, in Lexington Avenue, New York, a 
huge negro entered the front door, by means 
of a false key, and went up-stairs, where he 
stole about five hundred dollars in notes and 
coins from a bureau, and, making a bundle 
of some silk dresses and furs, worth probably 
five hundred dollars more, endeavored to 
retreat. Mrs. Solomon met the rascal on the 
stairs, and at once seized the bundle, which 
she held on to, although brutally beaten by 
the black scoundrel, who finally escaped with 
about twenty-five dollars of the money, 
leaving the rest of his plunder behind. 

Wreck of the Ships Union and Ash- 
land. — This day the ship Union, from New 
York for New Orleans, was totally wrecked 
on Gingerbread Shoals. The cargo was 
mostly saved in a damaged state. The crew 
and thirteen passengers were saved and 
taken to Nassau, N.P. The wreckers stripped 
the wreck and burned the hull. 

The same day, the ship Ashland, from 
Boston for New Orleans, with a cargo of ice, 
was wrecked on the Little Isaacs. Wreckers 
saved the rigging and sails. The crew were 
saved. 



Mississippi Refuses to Open the Slave- 
Trade. — This day, in the Mississippi Legis- 
lature, the bill to repeal the State law against 
the introduction of Africans into that State 
was rejected by a vote of three to one. 



FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3. 

Congressional Clerk Elected. — This 
day, Mr. Forney was elected Clerk of the 
House of Representatives. The ballot re- 
sulted as follows : — 

Whole number 221 

Necessary to a choice Ill 

Mr. Forney 112 

Mr. Allen 77 

Mr. Taylor 23 

Mr. Dawson 8 

Mr. McEnew 1 

Mr. Hoffman was elected Sergeant-at- 
Arms. The vote stood as follows : — 

Mr. Hoffman 114 

Mr. Glossbrenner 92 

Mr. Underwood 7 

A Stat Law in Minnesota. — The House 
of Representatives of Minnesota, this day, 
after an animated discussion, passed the 
bill introduced by Mr. McDonough, to ex- 
tend the time of redemption in foreclosures 
of real estate to three years, and the pay- 
ment of interest annually on money so 
loaned. The bill was earnestly opposed by 
several members on the ground of its un- 
constitutionality, and as earnestly supported 
by others as a great measure for the relief 
of the people, — in fact, as the great measure 
of the session. The bill was passed by a 
vote of 46 to 21. 

Deaths of Prominent Men. — This day, 
in Ipswich, Mass., the Rev. David T. Kim- 
ball, senior pastor of the first church in 
that town, and the oldest member of the 
Essex North Association, in the seventy- 
eighth year of his age and fifty-fourth of 
his ministry. 

In Charleston, South Carolina, this day, 
Rev. Cranmore Wallace, formerly of New 
England, and an eminent Episcopal clergy- 
man. 

This day, Charles Powers, Esq., of Daven- 
port, Iowa, while returning from Chicago, 
was seized with a fit of apoplexy in the 
berth of a sleeping-car, and was left at 
Ottawa, Illinois, where he died, aged thirty- 
one years. The deceased was a native of 
Amenia, Dutchess county, New York ; was 
graduated at the Wesleyan University, 
Middletown, Conn., at the age of eighteen ; 
was admitted to the bar at twenty-one, and 
soon after became a partner with John P. 
H. Tallman, Esq., of Poughkeepsie, New 
York, in the practice of the law. In the 
spring of 1855, he removed to Davenport, 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



where, upon its establishment, he became 
the active partner in the banking-house of 
Tallman, Powers & McLean. 

Ducked. — The Liberty (Ind.) "Herald" 
says, this day, that a school-teacher in Union 

county was ducked by his scholars because 
he did not treat during the holidays. They 
insisted that he should treat or take a duck- 
ing. He refused, and they took him to a 
stream near by, cut a hole in the ice, and 
put him in and pulled him out about a dozen 
times. The teacher had them fined, and it 
cost each one of the young gentlemen five 
dollars. The teacher's name is Gard. 

Child Burned. — This day, a child of 
Thomas Good, of Rochester, New York, was 
burned to death while left alone in the 
house during the absence of the parents. 

Given up by his Bail. — The gentlemen 
who became surety for Homer B. Hawkins, 
arrested January 30, charged with embezzle- 
ment of the funds of the California Over- 
land Mail Company, this day appeared in 
court and asked to be released from the 
bond. Officer Barrow was accordingly sent 
to t.tke the accused again into custody, and 
yesterday succeeded in capturing him in 
Brooklyn. Justice Connolly subsequently 
fully committed the prisoner for trial. It is 
stated that since the first arrest of Hawkins 
the company has learned that he has ap- 
propriated funds to a far greater amount 
than was at first supposed. 

The Legislature of Maryland this day 
received the resolutions of the South Caro- 
lina Legislature, proposing a Disunion Con- 
vention. Leading men in both Houses de- 
nounced them as treasonable ; and, but for 
the respect due to a sovereign State, they 
would have been tabled without reading. 
They were finally made the order of the 
day for the 8th. There was the utmost 
unanimity in condemning them. Governor 
Hicks's letter to the Governor of South 
Carolina tells him that Maryland cannot 
see any relief for her, but injury, in the 
establishment on her borders of a foreign 
asylum for her fugitive slaves. 

Riot in Denver City. — Advices from 
Denver City, of this date, say : — 

Great excitement prevailed in Denver City 
on account of the jumping of several claims 
within the city limits. The jumpers com- 
menced the erection of buildings ; and, when 
warned to desist by a committee of the 
town, the company declared their deter- 
mination to hold the claims at all hazards. 
Rifles were levelled upon the committee, 
who, after holding a council, withdrew ; 
but during the night a party proceeded to 
the claims and destroyed the improvements 



without molestation. The day following, 
the jumpers retaliated by firing upon R. B. 
Bradford, agent of the Express Company, 
who, however, escaped unhurt. An attempt 
was also made to shoot R. E. Whitesett, 
secretary of the Iowa Company. 

Owing to threats having been made of 
firing the city, the streets were patrolled 
by armed bodies of citizens during the en- 
suing night ; but no outbreak occurred. It 
was the prevailing belief that the claim-con- 
troversy would lead to serious results. 

The citizens of Aurora have taken mea- 
sures to suppress the petty robberies which 
have become alarmingly prevalent. Several 
collisions occurred between the citizens and 
implicated persons. Ex-SherifF Middaugh 
was fired upon while entering the street 
from the Vasquez House. A military com- 
pany was assembled, who preserved quiet 
during the night. The next day, four of 
the most offensive rioters were ordered to 
leave within five hours, under penalty of 
being hung ; which request they complied 
with. 

A Violent Lover and Husband. — The 
Philadelphia "Bulletin," of this date, says: 
— About a year since, a young man was 
arrested in West Philadelphia on the charge 
of attempting to shoot a young lady. The 
shooter, it seems, was in love with the lady, 
who diil not reciprocate the passion, and the 
lover attempted to force his attentions upon 
her. At the time of the attempted shoot- 
ing, the young woman was endeavoring to 
avoid the young man, while on the Darby 
road, and the loving youth drew a pistol 
and fired upon the reluctant dame, but, for- 
tunately, without hitting her. Last even- 
ing, the young man was again arrested at 
the suit of the lady, who charged him with 
attempting to kill her with a razor. It ap- 
pears that the couple are now married, and 
this violent matrimonial life is only a na- 
tural sequence to the stormy courtship 
which it followed. 

Burning of Five Children. — The night 
of this day, the house of Mr. Luther Briggs, 
of Davenport, in Delaware county, New 
York, was consumed by fire, and five of his 
children perished in the flames. Mr. and 
Mrs. Briggs were spending the evening at 
a neighbor's, about half a mile off, taking 
with them an infant child, leaving six at 
home, — the oldest, (a daughter,) seventeen, 
and the youngest, three years. The chil- 
dren went to bed ere the parents returned, 
and the fire is supposed to have originated 
from the stove. The oldest and youngest 
slept below, and the others up-stairs. The 
girl, waking up and finding the house on 
fire, ran up-stairs to wake her brothers, 
the oldest of whom (a lad of fifteen) jumped 
out of the window, and the girl, it is sup- 



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UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



83 



posed, attempted to go down-stairs for the 
child in her bed. The boy opened the door 
from the outside, when the flames burst 
into his face and burned him severely, 
though, they think, not fatally. The agony 
of the parents when they first discovered 
the fire can hardly be imagined, — not de- 
scribed. They are industrious and worthy 
people, and much sympathy is felt for them. 

Fires in New York. — This day, five 
fires broke out in New York. The most 
destructive of them broke out at 258 Lex- 
ington Avenue, owned and occupied by Mr. 
Julian C. Hadrouck, and involves a loss of 
nearly $50,000, which is nearly all covered 
by insurance. Tlie fire spread to the ad- 
joining buildings, (Nos. 250 and 260,) all 
of which, with their furniture, were totally 
destroyed. 

The house No. 258 was owned by Mr. 
Ely : its estimated value was $10,000. It 
was fully insured. The occupant (Rev. Dr. 
Hoge, of the Brick Church) suffered damage 
to his furniture to the amount of $2000 : 
not insured. 

No. 260 was occupied by Moses Wolfe, 
who loses $5000 worth of furniture : fully 
insured. The building was the property 
of Mrs. Emma Giller ; its value about 
$10,000 : fully insured. 

Fatal Rencontre between Two Well- 
Known Citizens of Memphis, Tennessee. — 
On the evening of this day an altercation 
occurred at Memphis between Mr. James L. 
Webb, a prominent cotton-factor and mer- 
chant of that city, and Mr. Thomas B. My- 
natt, late deputy-sheriff of the county, which 
resulted in the instant death of the former, 
from a pistol-shot fired by the latter. From 
the "Bulletin" we take the following par- 
ticulars of the affray: — 

The two gentlemen met at the place men- 
tioned, when an angry conversation ensued, 
apparently in regard to some business-trans- 
action, when Mr. Webb was heard emphati- 
cally to deny the truth of an assertion made 
by Mr. Mynatt. The assertion was repeated, 
and denied in even more emphatic terms than 
before ; whereupon Mr. Mynatt struck Mr. 
Webb a blow in the face with his fist. Mr. 
Webb then staggered backward a few paces, 
endeavoring the while to shield himself from 
any further blows, when Mynatt drew a 
pistol, and, on being called a "coward" by 
Webb, fired. The contents of the weapon 
took effect in the right side of Mr. Webb's 
face, immediately behind the cheek-bone 
and near the articulation of the jaws, and, 
passing through, lodged in the base of the 
brain, posteriorly. Mr. Webb fell to the 
pavement without uttering a word, and im- 
mediately expired ; while Mr. Mynatt gave 
himself into the hands of the police, and was 
conveyed to jail. 



Mr. Webb, the victim of the lamentable 
tragedy, was one among the oldest inhabitants 
of Memphis, — his residence here dating back 
full twenty years ; and, as an orderly citizen 
and prompt and reliable business-man, none 
stood higher in the community. He was aged 
about fifty years, and leaves a large family to 
mourn his violent and untimely death. Mr. 
Mynatt has also been a l'esident of this city 
for many years, enjoying meanwhile the office 
of deputy-sheriff and other public trusts, and 
has always been regarded as a worthy, law- 
abiding citizen. The occurrence, so tragical 
in its character, naturally produced intense 
excitement throughout the city, especially 
with the order-loving portion of the com- 
munity, among whom both parties were well 
known and possessed many friends. 

Murdered. — The night of this day, about 
three miles from Jackson, Miss., a young 
man, named Richard Bews, was killed by one 
Thomas Gaut, who stabbed him in the neck 
with a pocket-knife. Gaut was arrested and 
brought before a justice at Jacksonville, and 
committed to Talladega jail. 

Terrible Explosion in a Hat-Factory 
at Brooklyn, N.Y. — In Brooklyn, at about 
half-past seven o'clock on the morning of this 
day, the new, large three-story hat-factory 
of Messrs. Ames, Moulton & Co., in Sanford 
Street, between Myrtle and Park Avenues, 
extending through to Nostrand Avenue, and 
which was completed only about two weeks 
since, was blown up with a tremendous report 
by the explosion of one of the steam-boilers. 
Seven men were almost instantly killed, and 
a number of other persons were wounded. 

The buildings extend from Nostrand Ave- 
nue, near Myrtle, to Sanford Street. The 
main structure is two hundred feet long and 
twenty-five feet wide, with a building adjoin- 
ing on the east side thirty feet square, — both 
buildings of brick and three stories high. 
The boiler was on the ground-floor of the 
latter building. 

The noise of the explosion was heard a 
mile distant, and such was the force that the 
houses in the neighborhood shook to their 
foundations. A portion of the boiler was 
impelled a distance of two hundred and fifty 
feet. 

A general fire-alarm was rung, and the 
firemen and police were promptly on the 
ground, and commenced tearing away the 
rubbish. They succeeded in extricating all 
who were supposed to be underneath. The 
dead were taken into the sizing-department, 
and were all recognised up to noon except 
two. The injured were taken to their resi- 
dences or to the hospital. 

The boilers and machinery used in the 
factory were manufactured by Messrs. Wood- 
ruff & Beach, of Hartford, Conn., and were 
not entirely completed at the time of the ex- 



84 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



plosion. The boiler-room was situated about 
midway between the main building of the 
factory and another building used as the 
drying-room, which extended nearly the 
whole length of the main building in the 
same direction. The force of the explosion 
was so great that both of these buildings 
were completely demolished and now lie a 
heap of ruins. 

It is supposed that at the time of the acci- 
dent there were about twenty-five persons in 
the buildings. In the main building there 
were one hundred and twenty men and one 
hundred girls employed. Provideutially, 
there were only nine girls there at the time. 
The general alarm brought thousands to the 
scene, and the excitement around the ruins 
was very great; but the firemen and citizens 
set to work immediately to clear away the 
rubbish. 

The explosion is supposed to have been 
caused by the freezing of the water in the 
pumps which were used for the purpose of 
feeding the boiler; but, as the engineer is 
killed, this fact cannot be ascertained for 
certain. It is said that the water in the 
boiler which burst was up to the first gauge- 
cock. The force of the explosion tore the 
boiler into fragments, one of which passed 
through three twelve-inch walls in the main 
building and came down about twenty-five 
feet beyond the third one. 

Another portion of the boiler struck the 
building used as the dry-room, near the roof, 
and passed through both walls, sending the 
bricks in every direction. The building cost 
twelve thousand dollars, the machinery ten 
thousand dollars, and the stock about fifteen 
thousand dollars, — making a total loss to the 
owners of thirty-seven thousand dollars. 

Elopement in New Britain, Conn. — This 
day Mr. J. E. Pierpont, of New Britain, (of 
the firm of Bishop & Pierpont, fish and oyster 
dealers,) left that place for parts unknown to 
his friends. On the same day, the wife of 
Mr. Francis Demming left that place for 
parts unknown to her husband. She told 
him she was going to Berlin to stay a day or 
two with some friends. Some transactions 
between Pierpont and his wife led Mr. Dem- 
ming to suspect that all was not right, and 
he went over to Berlin in the afternoon and 
ascertained that his wife had not been there. 
She took the noon train going South. Mrs. 
Demming left a note for her husband, saying, 
"Farewell, Francis." Pierpont left a wife 
and two children in New Haven, where he 
formerly resided. 

Hung. — In New York, this day, James Ste- 
phens was executed at twenty-three minutes 
to ten o'clock in the morning, in the rear 
yard of the Tombs, in presence of two or 
three hundred persons. Stephens was led 
out to the scaffold assisted by officers. 



Before the fatal noose was adjusted, he was 
asked if he had any thing to say. He merely 
protested his innocence. He then shook 
hands with his friends, the black cap was 
drawn over his face, the spring was touched, 
and the rope slowly lifted the body of James 
Stephens in the air. 

Stephens, though he made no confession 
of the crime of poisoning his wife, did leave 
a statement with the Rev. Messrs. Camp and 
Knapp respecting the attempted escape from 
the Tombs. Both these clergymen, who 
were with Stephens during his last hours, 
express their sincere belief that he was not 
guilty of the crime of which he was con- 
victed and for which he died. There was 
but one opinion of the manner in which he 
passed the last ordeal. He exhibited no 
signs of trepidation, and, even when sus- 
pended in the air, his struggles were neither 
as nervous nor as long-continued as is usually 
said to be the case. His neck was said not 
to have been broken. 



SATUEDAY, FEBRUARY 4. 

Sentences. — In New York, this day, John 
Crimmins, convicted of the murder of Dennis 
McHenry by stabbing him with a sword, 
was sentenced, by Judge Ingraham, to be 
hanged on the 3Uth of March next. The 
prisoner made a speech, protesting his inno- 
cence ; and, when his doom was declared' 
his wife, who was sitting by his side at the 
time, said, "Cheer up, Crimmins, cheer up: 
plenty of law here, but no justice." 

In Philadelphia, this day, George F. Peter- 
man, for forgery, was sentenced to four years, 
solitary confinement, with hard labor, in the 
Eastern Penitentiary. John Sweeny, con- 
victed of murder in the second degree, in 
killing Richard Carten, was sentenced to 
six years' solitary confinement. Arthur P. 
Drew, convicted of forgery, was sentenced 
to one year in the Eastern Penitentiary. 
Thomas Knipe, convicted of passing counter- 
feit notes, was sentenced to one year in the 
county prison. Joseph Webster, colored, 
convicted of larceny, was sent to the Eastern 
Penitentiary for three years. 

Explosion of a Powder-Mill. — The 
graining-mill of the powder-works of Rand & 
Smith, about three miles from Orange, N.Y., 
exploded in the afternoon of this day, in- 
stantly killing Christian Simmerman, who 
was at the time in front of the mill with a 
wheelbarrow-load of powder. His body was 
thrown a great distance from the mill and 
was shockingly mangled. Deceased was un- 
married, and about thirty-five years of age. 
About forty kegs of powder were destroyed 
by the explosion. 

Fight on the Rio Grande. — At Browns- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



85 



ville, Texas, this day, two couriers arrived 
from the steamer Rauchero, with despatches 
from Major Heintzleman, U.S.A., Colonel 
Ford, of the Rangers, and Lieutenant Lang- 
don, U.S.A., with information that the 
steamer was attacked at a place called the 
Balsa, thirty-six miles above the city, by 
Mexicans, from the Mexican side of the Rio 
Grande. Colonel Ford and Captain Littleton 
arrived in the vicinity at the moment, and 
shots were exchanged. One of Colonel Ford's 
men was mortally wounded. 

Skating-Races took place this day at 
Boston, in the Park. The first match was 
for ladies, once round the course, or one- 
half mile, and was won by Mrs. George Farn- 
ham, of Lowell : time, 2.59; she receiving the 
first prize of a silver goblet, valued at twenty- 
five dollars. The second prize was won by 
Miss Addie Fogg, of Boston: time, 3.11; a 
beautiful pair of Murphy's rockers. The se- 
cond race was of five miles, for gentlemen, the 
prizes being, — 1st, a silver goblet, valued at 
thirty-five dollars; 2d, a pair of Murphy's 
skates. The first prize was won by George 
E. Lawrence, and the second by Emery Law- 
rence. 

The Gap Finishbd on the Railroad from 
Maine to Georgia. — This day the gap in the 
neighborhood of Chattanooga was finished. 
The last rail being laid, the connection 
through to New Orleans is now complete. 
The time between New Orleans and Phila- 
delphia by this route will be only eighty 
hours. By the completion of this link there 
is now a continuous railroad from Bangor, 
Maine, to New Orleans, except four short 
ferries at Hudson River, the Susquehanna, 
the Potomac, and James River. This vast 
chain of railways is composed of eighteen 
independent roads, costing in the aggregate, 
for two thousand three hundred and ninety- 
four miles of road, $92,784,084, or nearly 
one-tenth of the whole railway-system of the 
United States, of which one thousand nine 
hundred and ninety-six miles are used in this 
continuous line. 

A Great Union Meeting was held this 
day in Philadelphia. 

Death of Joel Jones. — Died in Philadel- 
phia, this day, the Hon. Judge Joel Jones, 
aged sixty-five years. Judge Jones was born 
October 25, 1795, in Connecticut. He gradu- 
ated at Yale College, and began the practice 
of law at Easton, Pa. He was engaged for 
several years, under appointment of the 
Governor, in revising the statutes of Penn- 
sylvania. He became judge of the District 
Court of Philadelphia by appointment of 
Governor AVolf, and afterward president- 
judge of the same court. He resigned his 
seat on the bench to accept the Presidency 



of Girard College. He was the first Presi- 
dent of that famous institution, and held the 
office for four years. In 1849 he was elected 
Mayor of Philadelphia, and served one term 
in that capacity, resuming at its close the 
practice of law, which he continued until 
death released him from his labors. Judge 
Jones was held in the highest regard by the 
legal profession. His counsel was sought by 
the leading practitioners at the bar, and the 
bench frequently deferred to his opinion. He 
was an exceedingly close student. His lite- 
rary attainments were unusual. As a linguist 
he had few superiors in Philadelphia. 

Died, in Farmington, Me., this day, the 
Hon. Thomas Parker, in the seventy-seventh 
year of his age. 

Murder of a Physician. — A terrible mur- 
der was perpetrated at Keene, Coshocton 
county, Ohio, this day. The victim was Dr. 
Howard, a well-known and highly-respect- 
able gentleman, and the murderer a young 
man, named Lewis Farwell, brother of the 
doctor's wife, and himself a married man. 
The quarrel in which the murder originated 
had its origin between the wives of the 
parties, and was, as we learn by a private 
letter from a resident of the neighborhood, 
of long standing. After the murder, Farwell 
was arrested and lodged in the Coshocton 
county jail. Farwell's father is a very 
wealthy man, and the party murdered was 
also in respectable circumstances. 

Mukder in Philadelphia. — This day the 
coroner of Philadelphia held an inquest on 
the body of Henry Whilden, who died from 
the effects of a stab inflicted by an unknown 
man, at Passyunk Road and Carpenter Street, 
on Tuesday night. The principal witness 
examined was Lewis Delacroix, a boy eleven 
years of age, a nephew of the deceased. He 
testifies as follows : — 

I went out upon an errand with my 
brother; my brother was looking in Dr. 
Baker's window ; some men came along and 
pulled out some money, and were counting 
it; my brother looked around, and they asked 
him what he wanted; he said, "Nothing;" 
one of the men then kicked him in the gutter; 
then my uncle (the deceased) came up and 
asked what was the matter ; they said it was 
none of his business ; he answered that it 
was his business, that the boy was his 
nephew; then one of them struck my uncle, 
and then squared off"; my uncle squared off 
too ; when my uncle and this man were fight- 
ing, the man he was fighting with called out, 
"Stick him;" the other one then stabbed him ; 
then they both ran away; I did not see the 
knife ; the man who pulled the money out of 
his pocket was the one who stabbed my uncle ; 
I have seen the man before ; he used to board 
in Hallowell Street; I don't know his name; 



86 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



I am sure it was hini ; the light from the 
drug-store made the street light; he had on a 
tight-bodied green coat and black Kossuth hat. 
Henry Delacroix, brother of the first wit- 
ness, corroborated the statement given above. 

Death of the Hon. Charles A. Inger- 
soll. — Died this day, at his residence in New 
Haven, Conn., Hon. Charles A. Ingersoll, 
Judge of the United States District Court of 
Connecticut and Assistant Judge of the United 
States District Court of New York City. The 
"New York Herald," speaking of his death, 
says :— 

Judge Ingersoll had been seriously indis- 
posed for some time past, and his death was 
not wholly unexpected. He left New York 
for his home in New Haven laboring under 
illness contracted while performing his judi- 
cial functions in our courts. The last cases 
which he heard here, without a jury, were the 
suits of the great India rubber controversy 
between Goodyear and Day, the Metropolis 
steamer collision case, and the motion for 
injunction to restrain the performance of the 
drama of the "Octoroon," — all of which re- 
main undecided, as the judge has been suf- 
fering ever since his return to New Haven. 

Judge Ingersoll succeeded the Hon. A. T. 
Judson as an assistant judge of this district, 
in pursuance of an act of Congress, em- 
powering the Chief Justice of the Supreme 
Court of the United States to fill the place 
of any resident judge who might be unable, 
from illness or other causes, to attend to the 
duties. Judge Ingersoll was sixty-three years 
of age, and leaves an affectionate and amiable 
widow — formerly Miss Sidell, of New York — 
and three sons (the eldest at college) to de- 
plore the loss of a good husband and an 
affectionate father. 

Charles A. Ingersoll was, we understand, 
formerly Clerk of the District Court of Con- 
necticut, — the court in which he subsequently 
presided as judge. His brother was Minister 
to Russia under the government of President 
Polk. 

As a jurist, the late lamented judge was 
considered discreet, prudent, able, and of 
great integrity of mind, and by his courtesy 
and ability rendered himself very acceptable 
to his associate judges and to the bar. His 
loss will be severely felt in this city, and 
there will be, doubtless, a meeting of the pro- 
fession convened to express their sympathy 
at his demise. 

The New Haven "Journal," in speaking of 
the deceased, says : — 

Judge Ingersoll has been suffering for 
several weeks from a complication of dis- 
orders, which have baffled the skill of the 
most accomplished physicians. He was at- 
tacked at first by a rheumatic affection of 
the chest, the intensity of which produced 
a fever, from which his recovery was hardly 
hoped. But his strong constitution sustained 



him, and our whole community was gratified 
with the announcement that he was conva- 
lescent. About ten days ago he suffered 
a relapse, and new and unexpected symptoms 
of disease contributed to destroy the hope 
entertained for his recovery. He has been 
slowly sinking for several days, and a de- 
rangement of the brain which attacked him 
on Sunday destroyed the last lingering hope. 
He had for some time anticipated his de- 
parture, and conversed with his family and 
attendants upon his condition with a calm- 
ness which betokened no fear of death. His 
loss is a public misfortune. He has, since 
the death of Andrew T. Judson, filled the 
Judgeship of the United States Court for this 
district with distinguished ability, and has 
also presided in the United States Court for 
the Southern. District of New York, during 
the whole term of his office, in a manner 
which has commanded the highest admira- 
tion of the bar of that State and city. He 
was a learned, upright, firm, and impartial 
judge, and as such won the admiration and 
confidence of all who knew him. Previous to 
taking his place on the bench he had occu- 
pied several offices of honor in the State and 
nation, and had enjoyed a reputation at the bar 
equalled by that of few lawyers in the State. 

Trial and Conviction of Stephens, the 
Harper's Ferry Conspirator. — In Charles- 
town, Va., the trial of Aaron C. Stephens, 
charged with treason, murder, and conspi- 
racy, was concluded this day. No new evi- 
dence was adduced. The speeches of the 
counsel were mostly of a political character, 
discussing the present position of the ques- 
tion between the North and South. 

The Commonwealth made a proposition to 
submit the case without argument, but it 
was declined by the counsel for the defence, 
who desired to be heard for his client. 

Mr. Harding made the opening argument. 
He denounced, as a falsehood and a libel, the 
assertion of Brown, that he was to receive 
aid from the laboring-classes at Harper's 
Ferry. He claimed that they were true to 
the Constitution and the State of Virginia, 
and referred to their action in assisting to 
quell the invasion as proof of their fidelity. 
He concluded with an earnest appeal to the 
jury to vindicate the law, styling the pri- 
soner a blood-thirsty villain and wretch, and 
worse even than his master, John Brown. 

.Mr. Sennott, for the defence, made an able 
and eloquent speech, going into a detailed 
narrative of the rise and progress of the Re- 
publican party, and closing with an earnest 
appeal to the jury to spare the life of the 
prisoner. 

Mr. Andrew Hunter closed on the part of 
the Commonwealth. He replied to the argu- 
ments of the counsel for the defence with 
telling effect. He had no confidence in the 
Union meetings which have been held in the 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



North. He believed that this invasion of 
John B'-own had been a benefit to the South, 
as it had shown them the position in which 
they were placed. He referred to Mr. Hick- 
man's boast of the eighteen millions of free- 
men of the North, and declared that the 
South was prepared for any emergency. 

The case was submitted to the jury at four 
o'clock in the afternoon. They retired, and 
after fifteen minutes' absence returned with 
a verdict of guilty on all the counts of the 
indietment. 

The prisoner received the verdict with the 
most perfect indifference, and even appeared 
to smile at the announcement. 



SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5. 

Scene in Plymouth Church in New 
York. — Purchase of a Slave Child by 
the Congregation. — This day an interest- 
ing scene took place in this church, an 
account of which we copy from the "Even- 
ing Post." It says: — 

An unusually interesting scene took place 
in the Plymouth Church, being the purchase 
of an intelligent-looking child (the daughter 
of a leading physician in Washington by a 
slave mother) by the congregation. The 
child, whose name is Pink, is only nine years 
of age, and has only oue-sixtecnth part of 
African blood in her veins. She was brought 
here by Mr. Blake, a young Episcopal clergy- 
man, who interested himself in her and left 
sufficient security for her safe return if he 
could not raise sufficient money to purchase 
her. Mr. Theodore Tilton, superintendent 
of the Sunday-school, introduced her to the 
scholars yesterday morning, and they under- 
took to raise money enough to purchase her 
freedom, with the assistance of the church. 
For this purpose each class contributed five 
dollars. The pastor of the church, Rev. 
Henry Ward Beecher, at the close of the 
morning sermon took her into the pulpit, and 
made an appeal in her behalf which moved 
many of his congregation to tears. A col- 
lection was then taken up, and, on the plates 
being taken in, a lady in the congregation 
announced that she would make up the defi- 
ciency, whatever it might be. 

Death-Bed Scene of Rev. Geo. Chand- 
ler. — The Session of Rev. Mr. Chandler 
visited him on this day, and had a deeply 
interesting conference. During the interview, 
Mr. Chandler said : — 

'■Brethren of the Session, be faithful to the 
flock over which Christ has long called us to 
watch. Be united, be prayerful. You will 
have with you, to assist you, the great Shep- 
herd of his flock, our Lord Jesus Christ, even 
though he shall take from you this poor, weak 
under-shephord. Say to the members of our 
Church, for me, Be faithful to Jesus! — per- 



severe in the narrow path, and meet me in 
heaven. Say to the whole congregation — the 
old, the middle-aged, the young, the Sabbath- 
schools — that my heart's desire and prayer to 
God for them is, that they may be saved. 
Tell them all I die happy in Jesus." An 
elder remarked, "Sir, we think it might well 
be said here, as Paul once said, ' I have fought 
a good fight, I have finished my course, I 
have kept the faith : henceforth there is laid 
up for me a crown of righteousness, which 
the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me 
at that day; and not to me only, but unto all 
them also that love his appearing.' " He 
replied, "Feebly, very feebly done: I am, 
and have been, a weak creature ; but through 
Christ I conquer, and to his name be all the 
glory." All the company present were in 
tears, and Mr. Chandler himself wept freely. 
The interview was deeply affecting ; and at 
this point it was with difficulty that any one 
could speak. When the moment of separa- 
tion came, one of the elders asked Mr. Chand- 
ler whether they should pray with him. "Oh, 
yes, brethren," was his reply: "let us once 
more join in prayer together." The members 
of the Session then kneeled down around the 
bed of the afflicted pastor, while one of their 
number led in solemn prayer, Mr. Chandler 
himself joining in the petition, and at its close 
exclaiming, distinctly, "Amen." He then said, 
" Brethren of the Session, we have had many 
delightful and important meetings together, 
but we have now come to the last one on 
earth. I feel assured that we shall meet 
again; but our next meeting will be in the 
New Jerusalem above." 

The elders having requested his blessing, 
he took each one by the hand, desiring them 
to kiss him, and in bidding them farewell he 
raised his hand, and said, "May the blessing 
of Almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the 
Holy Ghost, be with and rest upon you all, 
now, henceforth, and for evermore. Amen." 
The elders then left the room. 



MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6. 

Terrible Tragedy — Jealousy the Cause. 
— Henry Meecham, living on the Hopkinton 
& Fort Kent Turnpike, about three miles 
south of Thomasville, in the town of Dick- 
inson, Franklin county, N.Y., this day mur- 
dered his wife by shooting her with a pistol, 
and afterward cutting her throat. Having 
satisfied himself that he had dispatched his 
victim, he reloaded his pistol and discharged 
its contents into his own brain, and fell dead 
on the floor near his murdered wife. 

The particulars of the affair, as gathered 
in the vicinity, and which were mainly sus- 
tained at the coroner's inquest, are as fol- 
lows: — Some few weeks past Meecham be- 
came jealous of his wife, and, it seems, had 
too good reason to be so. They quarrelled 



88 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



and separated about three weeks previous 
to this sad occurrence. Mrs. Meecham re- 
turned, with two or three of their five chil- 
dren, to the house of her parents. Meecham 
brooded over this state of things, and at 
divers times threatened to shoot the guilty 
wife and her paramour. Mrs. Meecham be- 
came alarmed at the earnestness of these 
threats, and some two or three weeks since 
made complaint to a justice, and Meecham 
was required to give bonds to keep the peace 
toward his wife. 

On the day of the murder, Meecham heard 
that his wife had committed a second act of 
infidelity with yet another person, which so 
exasperated him that he proceeded at once 
to take his threatened revenge. 

The house of Thomas Cook, the father of 
Mrs. Meecham, and where she was at the 
time, is some twenty or thirty rods off the 
turnpike, in a lonely hollow, and is nearly 
half a mile distant from any other habita- 
tion. On the evening of the murder, Mrs. 
Cook, Mrs. Meecham, and two little chil- 
dren — one aged three and a half years, and 
the other ten months — were at home. Mr. 
Cook and a son, a lad eleven or twelve years 
of age, were at a neighbor's by the name of 
Dustin, who keeps a tavern in the vicinity. 
Between the hours of seven and eight Mee- 
cham entered the house of Cook. Mrs. Cook 
said to him, "Good evening, Henry." He 
made no reply, but immediately asked, 
"Where is Melissa?" 

Mrs. Cook told him that she was on the 
bed, getting the children to sleep. Mrs. 
Cook says he was pale, and had a desperate 
appearance ; and, remembering his threats, 
she became exceedingly alarmed, and lias 
but an indistinct recollection of what tran- 
spired, except that she saw him move to- 
ward the bed, — that she heard the discharge 
of firearms, — that she saw him drag her to- 
ward the door, and heard the little boy say, 
"Grandma, Henry has killed Melissa; he 
has cut her neck just as he does a deer." 
Meecham went to a table at the end of the 
room and commenced reloading his pistol. 
Mrs. Cook said to him, "Are you going to 
kill me, Henry?" He replied, "No: you 
have always been a good mother to me, and 
good to my children, and I shall not harm 
you." She, however, made her escape from 
the house, and ran immediately toward the 
nearest neighbor's to give the alarm. As 
she was passing from the dooryard she heard 
the report of the pistol again. She, how- 
ever, proceeded, and had passed about two- 
thirds of the way, when, meeting her son, 
she sent him back to alarm the neighbors. 
Mr. Dustin and others repaired immediately 
to the spot. Upon entering the house they 
found both husband and wife extended upon 
the floor, dead, and weltering in their gore. 
The infant had crawled to the side of its 
mother, and was endeavoring to draw from 



her exposed breast the remaining drops of 
nutriment that nature had elaborated for its 
sustenance. 

The wounds upon the body of Mrs. Mee- 
cham were two : one a gunshot wound en- 
tering the left breast an inch and a half 
above the nipple, passing diagonally through 
the lung and base of the heart, and passing 
out just at the lower point of the right shoul- 
der-blade ; the other a clean cut across the 
throat, severing the windpipe and left jugu- 
lar vein. The wound on Meecham was a 
single one, and entered the skull an inch and 
a half above the right ear : the ball did not 
pass out. Under the body of Meecham was 
found a pocket-knife, the keenly-sharpened 
blade of which was bloody ; near his head, 
lying partly behind a low bench, was a 
double-barrelled pocket-pistol, both barrels 
of which were empty. 

Dreadful Tragedy in Kentucky. — Five 
or Six Persons Horribly Wounded. — The 
town of Hawesville, Ky., was this day the 
scene of a terrible tragedy, which may be 
regarded as the sequel to that which oc- 
curred there in March, 1859. As our readers 
may have forgotten the particulars of the 
latter, and as the two events are intimately 
connected, we think it necessary to revive 
the circumstances, in order to render the 
latest of these outrages intelligible. 

In the summer of 1858, a short time pre- 
vious to the August election, a difficulty oc- 
curred between Thomas S. Lowe, a merchant 
of Hawesville, and Cicero Maxwell, then a 
candidate for the office of Commonwealth's 
Attorney, in the Third Judicial District. 
Jesse S. Taylor was the opponent of Mr. 
Maxwell, and the difficulty arose out of a 
political discussion at Cloverport, Kentucky. 

Without going into the particulars of the 
difficulty, suffice it to say that Mr. Lowe 
considered himself aggrieved at Mr. Max- 
well's denouncing a paper of which he was 
the author, as a political juggle, &c. He 
demanded of Mr. Maxwell an apology, or 
the satisfaction which one gentleman had a 
right to ask of another. Mr. Maxwell re- 
fused to apologize, or to receive a note from 
him. Mr. Lowe then threatened to horse- 
whip him on sight, but afterward offered to 
withdraw the threat if Mr. Maxwell would 
indicate his willingness to apologize for the 
original insult, or even to enter into nego- 
tiations through mutual friends for a satis- 
factory adjustment of the difficulty between 
them. 

On the 2d of March, 1859, the difficulty 
came to an open conflict. Lowe sent word 
to Maxwell to remain at his room until he 
received a note from him, which he did. , 
Lowe's note, which was delivered subse- 
quently, inquired if Maxwell desired to 
challenge him ; if not, whether he would 
accept a challenge. Maxwell refused to 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



89 



communicate by note. Lowe's friend, as in- 
structed, told Maxwell a street-fight was the 
alternative, and asked if he would use long 
or short arms. Maxwell replied that he 
would appear when he pleased, and as it 
suited him ; and would afford no other satis- 
faction. 

i In a short time, Lowe, with three pistols 
in his left arm, and one in his right hand, 
approached the crowd which was near the 
court-house, and, in a loud voice, said, "If 
Cicero Maxwell is in the crowd, or in the 
sound of my voice, let him come forth. He 
has stated that I am a political juggler. In 
return, I pronounce him a liar, calumniator, 

coward, and a son of a w ." This he 

repeated several times. The denunciation 
was conveyed to Maxwell, or heard by him, 
and in a few minutes he made his appear- 
ance in the street, with a double-barrelled 
shot-gun, and accompanied by a Mr. Harris 
and Morton, of Hartford, Judge Mayhall, 
and Thomas AVithrow, of Hawesville, and 
others. When within about fifty yards of 
Lowe, who faced his foe, Maxwell dis- 
charged one barrel of his gun, which was 
loaded with buckshot, the contents striking 
the left breast of Lowe, who staggered, but 
instantly recovered his position, (a coat of 
mail saving him, as alleged.) He returned 
the fire, but missed, and, seeing the mob 
present arms, took refuge in the crowd, and, 
eluding pursuit for the time, got into the 
house of a widow lady. Maxwell and his 
friends, discovering where he was, sur- 
rounded the house, and threatened to tear 
it down if Lowe was not given up. The 
lady implored them to desist, and said it 
was true Lowe was there, but she had no 
power to bring him out. A parley took 
place, and three friends of Maxwell entered 
the building. Lowe asked that his life 
might be spared. They assured him he 
should not be molested, provided he would 
disarm himself; and, accompanied by them, 
he reappeared on the street. The sight of 
him only added fuel to the flames, and he 
was again fired upon. Mr. Harris, one of 
the gentlemen who gave assurance of pro- 
tection, said, "Mr. Lowe, I cannot risk nry 
life longer to save you;" and Lowe broke 
and ran, followed by the mob. Mr. Aldridge, 
the only friend Mr. Lowe seems to have had, 
fired at the mob, and, as he turned to fly, 
was killed by a ball from a rifle. A great 
number of shots were fired at Lowe in his 
flight. He was wounded in several places, 
and his clothes riddled with balls. He ran 
as far as the bank of the river, his foes still 
firing at him in his flight, and there fell ap- 
parently exhausted. Thomas Withrow also 
cut at him with his bowie-knife, while he 
was running, but the coat of mail which it 
is said he wore prevented his being hurt. 

Mr. Harris went to him where he lay ; 
and one of the mob ran up and swore he 



would kill him anyhow, and put a pistol to 
Lowe's head. Harris knocked the weapon 
up, and it was discharged without injuring 
any one. The crowd then gathered around 
Lowe, and Maxwell asked him if he would 
make a retraction. Lowe replied that he 
retracted every thing he had said, that he 
was a coward, and had disgraced himself. 
Maxwell, it is said, begged his friends not 
to hurt his fallen foe, as he had done all he 
required. Lowe was then taken back to the 
court-house, and delivered to Judge Stuart. 
Some of the mob manifesting a wish to 
lynch Lowe, Judge Stuart rose and said he 
was in the hands of the law, which should 
be honored, and Lowe should not be injured 
until the mob passed over his dead body. 
His speech prolonged Lowe's term of life at 
least a few hours ; and, after his wounds 
were dressed in the court-house, accom- 
panied by Judge Stuart, he was taken to 
jail. The judge remained with him until a 
late hour in the night, when it was thought 
the excitement was at an end, and the pri- 
soner safe from the fury of those who had 
sought his life. 

Next morning, Lowe sent for Harris, and 
thanked him for saving his life on the pre- 
vious day, but expressed fears that the mob 
would hang him, and solicited his visitor to 
intercede for his life in behalf of his wife 
and children. Harris left, and about that 
time a report was started that Lowe told 
Harris that he only asked protection then 
for revenge that would follow, and when he 
was released from jail he would kill the last 
one of them. This again roused his vin- 
dictive enemies ; but no violence was done 
openly. In a very short time, however, two 
men, Dr. H. A. Davidson and Thomas With- 
row, went to Oldham, the jailer, and de- 
manded the keys of the prison. The pre- 
sentation of pistols at the head of the officer 
was potent, and the two men thus reached 
the room where the unfortunate Lowe was 
confined. He was lying on a bed, prostrate 
from his wounds, and excitement, and sus- 
pense. As soon as he saw them, divining 
their purpose, he asked them to spare his 
life ; but the cruel and relentless men were 
there to slay, not to spare. 

Withrow first fired, then Davidson, both 
balls entering Lowe's breast, and killing 
him instantly. The assassins then went out 
of the cell, but, fearful the bloody deed 
was not yet done, returned and fired four 
more balls into the lifeless corpse. Five of 
the balls entered his breast, the sixth enter- 
ing the head above the eyes. The damnable 
murder having been executed to their satis- 
faction, they then retired. No attempt was 
made to arrest them. 

We now come to the sequel of the above- 
mentioned atrocious assassination, which 
occurred on the morning of this day. The 
murder of Lowe had been denounced by 



90 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



Mr. Wm. Sterrett, a lawyer and farmer, 
who resides about four miles above Hawes- 
ville, and engendered an ill feeling between 
him and Davidson. The latter, to avenge 
himself on Sterrett, resorted to an infernal 
machine. The persons in the store when it 
was blown up were C. B. Duncan, J. G. Dun- 
can, Wm. Sterrett, James Redding, 

Bennett, and Davidson. 

This day, Dr. Davidson entered the store 
of Mr. Duncan, in which Mr. Sterrett, with 
three or four other persons, was seated. 
He had under his cloak a willow market- 
basket, in which, covered over with some 
eggs, was an infernal machine of his own 
invention. A description of this instru- 
ment of death may be interesting. It was 
a tin tube, large enough to contain five or 
six pounds of powder, with which it was 
filled. This magazine was contained within 
another tin canister of double the size. The 
space between the two was filled with bul- 
lets, or large-sized shot, a sufficient number 
to weigh ten or twelve pounds. The infer- 
nal machine was constructed, under the 
doctor's special direction, by a tinman in 
Cannelton, Indiana, which town is imme- 
diately opposite to Hawesville. 

Dr. Davidson approached Mr. Sterrett, 
and, when within a few feet of him, he set 
fire to his infernal machine, with the expect- 
ation of blowing himself, Mr. Sterrett, 
and every body else in the room, into eter- 
nity. The shock was terrible. The room 
was built of stone and brick. One whole 
side of the house was blown out, the roof 
was lifted from the rafters, and six large 
sills above were broken. 

Mr. Duncan, the merchant, was very 
dangerously wounded — it is feared fatally. 

Mr. Sterrett was seriously hurt and badly 
burned. Three of the bullets entered his 
face, and it is feared he may lose an eye. 

Dr. Davidson had his left forearm broken 
in two places, his collar-bone broken, his 
right shoulder dislocated, the flesh torn off 
the shoulder to the bone, his clothes torn 
from his body, and he was badly burned in 
the face, breast, and arm. He was a hor- 
rible sight, and rushed from the house after 
the explosion, crying, "Kill me, for God's 
sake ! I don't want to live any longer." 

Two other persons were in the room, but 
were not seriously hurt. 

The citizens of the town, hearing the 
noise and feeling the shock, rushed to and 
fro in the wildest confusion. They thought 
that a keg of powder had exploded in the 
store-room. AVhen they were informed of 
the true cause of the explosion, many per- 
sons were in favor of killing Davidson, and 
strong efforts were made to do so. The 
news spread through the county, and the 
country-people were rushing to town with 
their guns for the purpose of taking part in 
the mob. The whole town was arming. 



The greatest and wildest excitement pre- 
vailed. It was thought Davidson would 
be taken out by the infuriated citizens and 
killed. A strong guard was stationed 
around the house to prevent it. A more 
fiendish act than Davidson's does not ap- 
pear on the records of crime ; and its con- 
ception shows him to be a desperado of the 
blackest and bloodiest description. 

Davidson was so much injured by the ex- 
plosion that he died in a short time after- 
ward. 

A correspondent of the "Louisville Demo- 
crat," who writes from Hawesville, says: — 

The coroner has been holding an inquest 
over the body of Dr. H. A. Davidson since 
yesterday evening. The following has been 
elicited: — 

William Davidson (a son of the deceased) 
stated that he knew nothing of his father's 
intentions, but said he acted quite strangely 
for some time past. He produced two 
letters, one to his wife and one to his sons 
from Dr. H. A. Davidson. The letter to his 
wife is as follows: — 

Hawesville, Kt., February ^ 
My dear Wife and Children : — This day I 
leave, unknown to you and every person on 
earth, for the spiritual regions. It is not the 
fear of trouble here that causes me to select 
this mode of departure. * * * * For months 
past I have weighed well the circumstances 
that control this county, and see no chance 
for justice. If a poor man has the Ster- 
retts and the McAdams with him, he is sure 
of and more than his just rights ; if against 
him, he stands no more chance than a 
feather in a furnace. If this does not cause 
Woe, Woe, Woe, Woe, Woe unto all that is good 
and virtuous in this county, I am willing 
(as no peaceable means can ever subdue 
vicious and unprincipled wealth such as we 
have here. I have tried for over thirty 
years) to lay down my life, that a portion 
of the blighting curse that has cast its 
withering influence over the land of my 
birth for over a quarter-century may be 
removed, and a chance given to the good and 
virtuous to live in friendship — that a fair 
fame may be once established in this county 
before she goes out of existence. 

Ma, do not suppose my love of family has 
grown less. My love of all that is good and 
virtuous has only increased, bat I cannot 
stand the idea of having the bare lies sworn 
by influential men necessary to imprison 
me, and then a midnight assassination such 
as is meditated. I choose rather to die, 
and, in doing so, to relieve all I can of 
trouble. * * * Grieve not for me, however 
unjust the woidd may be to my memory ; I 
leave with a clear conscience of having dono 
the best in my power under the circum- 
stances. * * * I never was before so fully 
convinced of the influence of wealth. If 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



91 



prayer could avail any thing, the desire 
should be sent forth that wealth seek the 
vaults of honest and just men only. * * * 
You have five sons, and I know the material 
they are made of: therefore I know they 
will never forsake you. 

Farewell to you all, and give my love to 
all good people wherever found. 

H. A. Davidson. 

N.B. — I have been the persecutors of 
these devils until my patieifje is exhausted. 
H. A. Davidson. 

He signed his name in a bold, full hand. 
Another letter was also handed in by his 
son. It is as follows : — 

Hawesville, Ky, January 20. 
My dear Jane : (his wife) — That I have left 
you so unexpectedly to you it is not because 
I have loved you less, but that I have loved 
you more. Yours in eternity, 

Harden A. Davidson. 

Written in a very large, full hand, upon 
the envelope, was the following: — 

My Children: — If I should disappear in 
any way, I want you immediately to open 
this letter, but under no other circumstances 
must it be opened. H. A. Davidson. 

It is evident from the above letters that 
he intended to destroy himself, and that he 
has had the thing in contemplation for 
several weeks. It is now evident that he 
held the basket containing the "bomb" on 
his arm. All the persons in the house tes- 
tified that when he entered the store he had 
something undejt - his cloak (he always wore 
a cloak) when he approached the fire, ;it 
the back part of the store, (they were all 
silting by the fire.) When he came close 
to or among them, he stooped a little, and 
they heard something click, and almost 
instantly the report of the bomb followed, 
and the house was in ruins. How any 
escaped with their lives is a miracle. The 
intention was, it appears, to kill the Messrs. 
Me \dams too. They are both gentlemen 
of high-toned principles, and greatly es- 
teemed by the whole county. They are 
gentlemen of the highest order. It is a 
fortunate thing they did not fall victims. 

There were some fifty or sixty persons 
examined, but nothing elicited that impli- 
cated any person as being connected with 
the sad affair, Mr. Hathhorn, tinner, of 
Cannelton, Ind., testified to having made 
the box: it was to hold five quarts. Ex- 
citement has entirely ceased. Hon. William 
Sterrett is yet very low; it is cpuite doubtful 
as to his recovery. Should he die, this 
county will be robbed of one of its best 
citizens. J. G. Duncan is quite low, but 



improving. All the rest are improving very 
fast. 

It is thought by some that Davidson was 
insane. Let that be as it may, he had his 
plans laid deep and well connected. 

There is not a man in this place that 
endorses the act, but it is repudiated by all ; 
and should it be found out that any person 
else was implicated in the sad affair, he 
would be hung without judge or jury. It 
is to be hoped that our county will soon be 
at peace. 

Election of Door-Keeper. — This day the 
House of Representatives elected Mr. Mar- 
sten door-keeper of Congress. The vote was 
as follows : — 

Whole number of votes 207 

Necessary to a choice 104 

Mr. Marsten 110 

Mr. Wright 57 

Mr. Markland 16 

Mr. Ward 12 

Mr. Larner 12 

They elected Mr. Lucas Tost-Master. 
The vote stood — 

Whole number 210 

Necessary to a choice 106 

Mr. Lucas 108 

Mr. Clusky 85 

Scattering 17 

Trial for Murder. — In Philadelphia, 
this day, Robert Thompson was put on trial, 
charged with the murder of John Capie, ou 
the 17th of April last, at a fire at Twelfth 
and Shippen Streets. The Commonwealth 
alleged that Capie was standing on one side 
of the tongue of the Shiffler Hose carriage, 
in Shippen Street, above Twelfth, when a 
man advanced from Twelfth Street and fired 
two shots, one of which entered his brain. 
A fellow-member of the company, who was 
standing on the other side of the tongue, 
saw the man shoot, and immediately at- 
tacked him and struck him on the head with 
a fire-horn. Another member of the com- 
pany saw the shooting, and saw the man 
hit with the horn ; and a police-officer tes- 
tified that he saw the shooting, saw the 
man struck with the horn, and that he im- 
mediately followed that man, and arrested 
him in Twelfth Street, below Shippen, and 
found in his hand a revolver, with two 
barrels discharged. The man thus arrested 
was the prisoner. After his attack upon 
Capie, he was himself shot through the 
lungs, and was removed to the hospital, 
where he remained two days, and escaped, 
remaining concealed in the house of a friend 
in this city until November, when he sur- 
rendered himself. During his concealment 
he had no medical attendance. The ball 
taken from Capie's head, when subjected to 
a microscope, showed the marks of having 
passed through a grooved barrel ; and the 



92 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Ffb. 



pistol taken from Thompson contained 
grooved or rifled barrels. 

The defence called five witnesses, who 
testified in the most positive manner that 
they were with Thompson when the said 
two shots, which it is alleged caused Capie's 
death, were fired, and at that time he, the 
prisoner, was in Shippen Street, below 
Twelfth, lialf a square from the deceased. 

Death of Gustavus Swan. — Died, this 
day, Judge Gustavus Swan, an old and 
respected citizen of Columbus, and for many 
years President of the State Bank of Ohio. 

Gallant Woman. — The night of this day, 
two white men, disguised as negroes, broke 
into the house of Mr. Steel, Harrison 
county, Va., for the purpose of robbery, 
but were driven off by Mrs. Steel, who 
loaded a rifle and fired upon them bravely. 
Her husband was absent. 

The National New York Democratic 
State Convention met at Syracuse, this 
day, and selected delegates for Chicago. 

Acquittal of Colonel Peck. — This day, 
Colonel Peck, who killed Dr. Harris in the 
bar-room of the St. Charles Hotel, New 
Orleans, on the 23d of January, was dis- 
charged by the grand j ury. 

Sheridan Convicted of Manslaughter. 
— In New York, this day, Margaret Sheri- 
dan was tried for the murder of Michael 
Canley by stabbing him with a knife on the 
7th of last October. Counsel, on the part 
of the prisoner, offered to plead guilty of 
manslaughter in the third degree. It ap- 
peared that the prisoner and deceased occu- 
pied rooms in a tenement-house, when the 
woman, under the impression that Canley 
had stolen money from her room, followed 
him up an alley-way and stabbed him: be 
died of the injury inflicted. 

The prisoner then left the city, but was 
arrested at Yonkers, brought back to New 
York, identified, and committed for trial. 

The District Attorney accepted the plea 
of manslaughter in the third degree, and 
the prisoner was remanded for sentence. 

Fatal Accident while Intoxicated. — 
In New York, this day, Francis Gillman, a 
native of England, forty-five years of age, 
residing at 442 Eighth Avenue, fell down- 
stairs while intoxicated, causing a fracture 
of the skull, from which he died in the 
evening. Coroner O'Keefe held an inquest, 
and a verdict of accidental death was ren- 
dered. 



TUESDAY, FEBEUAEY 7. 
The Municipal Election in Lancaster, 



Pa., came off this day. The vote was very 
heavy. Sanderson, Democrat, was elected 
Mayor, over Burrows, Republican, by 189 
majority, — a Democratic gain of 500 over the 
vote of last October. 

Sale of Pictures at the National 
Academy, New York. — A sale of pictures 
took place at the National Academy. It was 
a sale on account of the artists, who in- 
structed W. H. Leeds & Co. to dispose of 
the works. The prices obtained ranged 
from $15 to $1600, the whole realizing 
nearly $24,000. The following pictures ob- 
tained the highest prices : — Murray's De- 
fence of Toleration, B. F. Rothermel, $600; 
New England Scenery, F. E. Church, $1600; 
Coast Scenes, Achenbach, $1600 ; Land- 
scape, A. B. Durand, $320; Indian Ren- 
dezvous, J. F. Kensett, $325 ; Game and 
Reality, C. De Groux, $450; Washington 
and Generals, W. S. Mason, $400 ; Gipsy 
Group, W. Shayer, Sr., $300; Boy and Rab- 
bits, J. T. Peele, $220.; Elm-Tree, A. F. 
Bellows, $225 ; Landscape, J. W. Casilaer, 
$152; Winter and Summer, Gignoux, $200; 
ricaboo, Schlessinger, $405; Sheep Feeding, 
T. S. Cooper, $160; Interior, Meyer, $275. 

Capture of American Slavers by Bri- 
tish Men-of-War. — Delivering them up 
to the United States. — Captain Matthews, 
of the ship Alarm, at Boston, this day, from 
Calcutta, reports having left at St. Helena, 
December 27, the American bark Orion, of 
New York, Captain Morgan, which vessel had 
been captured by the British steamer Pluto, 
while engaged in the slave-trade. When the 
vessel was brought into port,' she had on 
board eight hundred and seventy-one ne- 
groes, of which number sixty-eight were 
women, one hundred and twenty-seven 
girls, two hundred and seventy-three men, 
three hundred and ninety-six boys, and 
seven, sex unknown. Before the vessel 
arrived, one hundred and fifty-two had died, 
which would make the total number taken 
on board when she left the coast of Africa, 
ten hundred and twenty-three. Among 
those who died were sixty boys, forty men, 
eight women, twenty-four girls, and twenty 
others, sex unknown. 

The slaver, after her arrival at St. Helena, 
was delivered up to the United States 
steamer Mystic. The Mystic reached that 
port on the 21st of December, from St. Paul 
de Loando, officers and crew all well. The 
slaver would probably be sent home for ad- 
judication. The captain and first and se- 
cond officers of the Orion were in prison at 
St. Helena when the Alarm sailed. They 
had been delivered into the custody of the 
United States steamer Mystic, and would be 
brought to this country for trial. The cap- 
tain of the slaver appeared disposed to make 
a clean breast of the whole affair. The 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



93 



slaves remained on board the Orion when 
the Alarm left St. Helena. The Orion is 
four hundred and forty-nine tons, and was 
built at Newcastle, Maine, in 184(i. 

The correspondence of the " Journal of 
Commerce," under date of St. Helena, De- 
cember 27, 1859, says : — 

On the 21st instant the little United States 
steamer Mystic, Captain Le Roy, of the 
African squadron, came steaming into our 
harbor, after a passage of only six days 
from Loando, bringing intelligence of the 
capture, on the 30th ult., by H. M. steamer 
Pluto, of the famous American bark Orion, 
of New York, Thomas Morgan, master, with 
about eight hundred and eighty slaves on 
board. She had, about one week previous, 
been boarded by the Mystic ; but, though 
their suspicions were very strong, yet her 
papers were found to be right. The cap- 
tain reported himself sick, and most of his 
crew, and asked for aid. Captain Le Roy 
sent on board an officer and some men to 
render such assistance, as it would also 
enable him to keep a watch over her. She 
was then taken into the mouth of the Congo, 
at Captain Morgan's request, and anchored, 
and the Mystic lay near her. 

Soon after, the Mystic was ordered off 
by the flag-officer, with important de- 
spatches, — and the said " Orion" took ad- 
vantage of the interim, and in three hours 
shipped his cargo ; and, but for the drunk- 
enness of the old African chief, she would 
have had twelve hundred instead of near 
nine hundred. She got off about one hun- 
dred miles, when the Pluto came across her 
becalmed, and, as he boarded her, she was 
flying the American flag, but cut it down 
before the boat reached her, and surren- 
dered. She was sent here for adjudication, 
and arrived on the 24th instant, with the 
following cargo, by actual count, viz. : — 
Sixty-eight women, one hundred and twenty- 
eight girls, two hundred and seventy-seven 
men, and three hundred and ninety-eight 
boys. Total, eight hundred and seventy- 
one. Of these, one hundred and fifty-two 
had died, viz. : sixty boys, forty men, twenty- 
four girls, eight women, and twenty un- 
known, before capture. 

Captain Morgan and his two mates were 
to have been put on shore with the crew on 
the coast, but begged to be brought here, 
little thinking of the fate that awaited them. 
The flag-officer, Inman, hearing of her cap- 
ture, at once despatched Captain Le Roy, in 
the Mystic, to this island, to reclaim the 
captain and mates as Americans guilty of 
piracy, under the Ashburton Treaty. They 
are now under examination before the ma- 
gistrate, and will no doubt be handed over 
to Captain Le Roy, who will take them as 
criminals to the coast of Africa, when they 
will be sent to the United States for trial. 

Flag-Officer Inman deserves great credit 



for this admirable proceeding, and here it 
is highly spoken of as a most efficient step 
toward the suppression of the slave-traffic. 

The Orion will be adjudicated on next 
week, and, of course, condemned ; and 
surely all this will convince the people of 
her former character when sent home by 
the Marion, and will, I trust, be the means 
of upsetting the suit which I understand is 
now in process against her former captors 
in the Marion. 

Her Majesty's steamer Spitfire also cap- 
tured, in October last, the American brig N. 
Harris, in the Bight, with five hundred and 
fifty slaves, and chased another bark having 
on board about seven hundred and fifty 
slaves, but, unfortunately, lost her for want 
only of a few more hours of coals. * * * 
Many cargoes of slaves have been run off, 
and many captured. 

Tragical Rencontre in Texas. — The 
"Galveston News," of this date, says: — 
Two men, Messrs. Northington and Welch, 
had a difficulty in the town of Wharton, a 
few days since, and in the rencontre North- 
ington shot Welch through the heart with a 
double-barrelled shot-gun, but the latter im- 
mediately attacked Northington with a knife, 
and managed to cut him several times, — once 
to the heart, — when both fell together, 
within fifteen feet of each other, and both 
died immediately after, and within a minute 
of the same time. 

Spiteful Revenge. — A Jealous Girl 
Destroys her Lover's Eye with Vitriol. 
The "Buffalo Courier," of this date, says 
that a young man who had been a regular 
visitant at the residence of " a young lady 
citizen," so as to create the belief that he 
intended ultimately to "propose," was 
asked, in a jocose manner, by the mother, 
while at the tea-table, when he and the 
daughter were to be married ; to which he 
replied, with an appearance of astonish- 
ment, that such an idea had not been enter- 
tained by him. Whereupon the "young 
lady" got up from the table, without speak- 
ing, went into an adjoining room, and 
brought thence a bottle of vitriol, and, with- 
out a syllable or gesture of warning, threw 
the fierce liquid into the face of the young 
man, shockingly disfiguring it, and destroy- 
ing the sight of one of his eyes, while hope- 
lessly injuring the other. 

Oil-Factory Burned. — The Hartford 
(Connecticut) Coal Oil Refinery, for the 
manufacture of kerosene oil, was burned 
this day. Loss, from $10,000 to $12,000: 
insured for $8000. 

Poisoned by a Druggist. — A woman, 
residing at No. 64 Hyl Street, New York, 
this day was poisoned by the mistake of a 



94 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



druggist putting up arsenic instead of mag- 
nesia. 

Murder Trials. — In the Court of Oyer 
and Terminer of New York, the following 
indictments were found this day : — 

Against John Hays, for the murder of 
Edward Kelly by shooting him with a 
pistol, in Whitehall Street, on the 31st of 
August : pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 
the third degree, and was remanded for sen- 
tence. The case w&s simply one of an ordi- 
nary drunken broil between the parties, 
taking place at a liquor-saloon. 

Henry Laughran, who, on the 24th of 
November, at the house No. 99 Tenth Ave- 
nue, stabbed Timothy Mulcahy, who was 
removed to the City Hospital, where he died 
on the 2d of December. 

Against John Hare, for stabbing Thomas 
Clare. 

Suspension of the Diamond (Ohio) 
Furnace Company. — This day the Diamond 
Furnace Company, owned by Hoffman & 
Co., of Jackson, Ohio, suspended, with lia- 
bilities estimated at $80,000. 

Burned to Death. — In New York, this 
day, Carrington Wilson, aged seventy years, 
residing at 2-51 Ninth Avenue, died, from 
the effects of burns accidentally received 
while administering alcohol to an injured 
hip. 

Murder on Ship-Board. — This day, on 
board the ship John Cottle, which sailed 
from New York on the 29th of August, 1859, 
loaded with coal, for Acapuleo, the captain 
(Mallett) shot Mr. Perry, the first officer. 
The circumstances of the affair are stated 
as follows : — 

It seems that there was some disagree- 
ment between the captain and Mr. Perry as 
to whether the ship was to the north or 
south of the port of Acapuleo, the captain 
maintaining the first and Mr. Perry the 
second. Some angry words passed, when 
Mr. Perry jeeringly told the captain he had 
better go below and take laudanum and go 
to sleep, and he would take the ship in. 
The captain then went below, Mr. Perry 
following him, when more angry words 
passed. Mr. Perry then went on deck, 
having a pistol sticking out of his pocket. 
As soon as the captain reached the deck, he 
fired upon Mr. Perry, killing him instantly. 
The unfortunate occurrence took place 
about forty miles from Acapuleo. The cap- 
tain was immediately placed in irons by the 
second mate. Upon the arrival of the vessel 
at Acapuleo, the United States Consul went 
on board, took the irons from the captain, 
conveyed him to his hotel on shore, and it 
is said will send hiin to New York for 
trial. 



"WEDNESDAY, FEBEUAEY 8. 

Died in Prison. — Mary Poulson, the 
negro woman who was imprisoned in Ches- 
ter county, Pa., charged with killing a 
worthless negro named Alfred Miller, died, 
this day, in her cell. She was bitten in the 
hand by Miller, and the wound mortified 
and produced a fatal result. 

Fire. — In Philadelphia, this day, a fire 
broke out in a portion of an extensive range 
of buildings known as the "City Mills," in 
Lawrence Street, below Girard Avenue, oc- 
cupied by Paul Thurlow as a cotton and 
woollen factory. The fire commenced in 
the first floor of the dyeing-establishment, — 
a building three stories high, situated be- 
tween the weaving and spinning and card- 
ing departments of the mill. The building 
in which it commenced was almost entirely 
destroyed, Avith its contents, consisting of a 
large quantity of cotton, which was spread 
out on the floors to dry. The fire was pre- 
vented from extending to the other depart- 
ments of the factory by the activity of the 
firemen ; but the machinery and stock in 
them were considerably damaged by water. 
The loss is estimated at from $5000 to $6000, 
which is fully covered by insurance. The 
factory belonged to Joseph Ripka, of Mana- 
yunk, and was rented by Mr. Thurlow. 
The origin of the fire was accidental. The 
boiler, in the basement of the dyeing-de- 
partment, is supposed to have communi- 
cated fire to the first floor above. The fire 
at first threatened to be a very serious one, 
the whole range of buildings being in dan- 
ger ; but the well-directed exertions of the 
firemen checked it in a short time. 

Washed Overboard in a Gale. — A sea- 
man, named Christopher Cade, was washed 
overboard, this day, in the Gulf Stream, off 
Cape Hatteras, from the steamship Atlantic. 

Colored Sailor convicted of Man- 
slaughter. — In New York, this day, Rich- 
ard A. Eddy, a. colored sailor, was tried for 
the murder of James Boston. The evidence 
for the prosecution was very concise, and 
showed that in the middle of the day of the 
28th of June, 1858, while Eddy was passing 
the corner of Peck Slip and Front Street, 
he met Boston, the deceased. Angry words 
ensued, and Boston caught him by the col- 
lar and appeared to pull him. Eddy used 
the words, "You are a damned liar;" but 
Mr. Jones, who heard this language, did not 
hear the language used by the deceased. 
Eddy, who had a small pocket-knife in his 
hand before he met Boston, then stabbed 
him. The deceased exclaimed, " I am 
stabbed!" and a few moments afterward 
fell on the sidewalk. A spectator ran for 
an officer, and Officer Delany, of the Fourth 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



95 



Ward, promptly responded to the call. The 
prisoner maintained his ground, and volun- 
tarily informed the officer that he was the 
man who stabbed Boston; adding, "I did 
not give him half enough." The knife was 
found upon him ; and, according to the de- 
scription given of it by the officer, it was a 
small pocket-knife. Eddy was arrested on 
the spot and brought to the station-house 
by Officer Delany, who returned to the 
scene of the tragedy and procured a cart to 
convey Boston to the hospital. He never 
spoke after he was stabbed, and died shortly 
alter he was admitted. The prisoner 
stated, on his examination, that Boston 
" shanghaed" him, and intended to do so 
again. In order to enlighten the unini- 
tiated, the Fourth Ward officer explained 
the meaning of the term. When a sailor 
is inveigled into a drinking-saloon, made 
insensible by drugged liquor, stripped of 
his clothes and money, and put on board 
of a ship against his will, he is said by 
"runners" to be "shanghaed." Officer 
Sherlock testified that Boston kept a place 
on the Points, that he was a very bad cha- 
racter, and was in the habit of kidnapping 
sailors. Counsel for the prisoner read a 
certificate of bis good character, furnished 
by Captain Garrick, of the Ellen Austin. 

The jury were absent about an hour, 
when they returned with a verdict of 
"Manslaughter in the third degree, with 
a recommendation to mercy." 

Horrible Wife-Murder in Philadel- 
phia. — A shocking murder, caused by in- 
temperance, was committed this day at a 
hovel in the rear of No. 1352 Shippen 
Street, below Broad. It appears that 
Christopher McFarland, residing in the 
above locality, who is a man of the most 
intemperate habits, recently had several 
quarrels with his wife, and to-day beat her 
in a most inhuman manner with a club or 
poker. Soon afterward, it was ascertained 
that the woman was dead. The husband 
was arrested and locked up for a hearing. 

Alderman Dallas, in consequence of the 
sickness of the coroner, held an inquest in 
the case. The room where the fatal deed 
was committed presented an accumulation 
of dirt of long standing ; the scanty, mise- 
rable, and dilapidated furniture, and every 
thing else, gave evidence that vice, intem- 
perance, and poverty were there in all their 
horror. When the accused was taken into 
custody, he was very much intoxicated. 
He has three children, who, by this ter- 
rible affair, are left homeless and friendless. 
The following was the evidence elicited in 
the case : — 

John W. Foreman, sworn. I reside in Ship- 
pen Street, above Thirteenth : I was back of 
raj residence when Mr. Nugent came and told 
oifi that the man's children who lives back 



of us were crying, and he thought there 
was something wrong; I then went into the 
door of the house and saw the husband sit- 
ting on a chair; I asked him what was the 
matter with the old woman; he said she 
was sick and had a little fever, but would 
soon get over it ; my wife was behind me at 
the time; she went into the house and 
asked him why he did not do something for 
her ; he said she was sick, but would soon 
get over it; my wife went to the bed and 
took hold of the woman ; she felt her, and 
found her cold and stiff; she said to me she 
thought the woman was dead and had been 
murdered; since that, I have questioned 
her child, who is five or six years of age ; 
I asked her where her sister was ; she said 
she did not know, — that her papa took a 
big stick and beat her mamma over her 
head with it, when she commenced to cry ; 
I went over to Alderman Dallas's, and 
found him out ; I informed Officer McCullen 
of the case, and he arrested the husband ; 
I have known them for some time ; they 
both drank, and were in the habit of quar- 
relling ; I heard a noise, as if something 
was breaking, at half-past ten o'clock last 
night, but no unusual noise ; it was about 
eleven o'clock when Mr. Nugent told me the 
children were crying ; when I saw the hus- 
band of the deceased, he was drunk ; I 
heard the husband some weeks ago threaten 
to kill his wife, but not in the last few days ; 
I saw the husband pass by my door yester- 
day afternoon. 

Teresa McFarland and Ellen McFarland, 
two little daughters of the deceased, were 
examined, and testified to their father's 
brutal conduct toward their mother on this 
and other occasions. Patrick Nugent and 
Lavinia Foreman were also examined, and 
testified to the facts of the beating. 

Officer James McCullen, sworn. About 
dinner-time to-day, Nugent told me of the 
case ; I went up and found McFarland sit- 
ting in the chair ; I found the woman co- 
vered with blood ; I arrested him and took 
him to the station-house; he appeared to 
be drunk ; I found two bottles, — one with 
liquor in and one empty ; he said nothing 
to me about the death of his wife ; I saw no 
blood on him. 

Mrs. Judith Marry, who resides at the 
locality of the murder, was sworn, and testi- 
fied that on Monday night McFarland raised 
a great noise and row ; witness heard the 
children of McFarland crying, " Father ! 
father!" witness heard, on Tuesday night, 
more noise and crying, and heard McFar- 
land ask, " Are you dead?" McFarland told 
witness that his wife had fallen into the fire 
and got burned ; there was no fire in the 
stove at that time ; deceased was lying naked 
on the floor; deceased was covered with 
blood ; she was then dead. 



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VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



Singular Case.— A Woman Cured by 
Prater. — The New Bedford "Standard" 
says that Miss Louisa Jones, an intelligent 
and accomplished young lady, of Fairhaven, 
twenty-one years of age, has been very ill 
for the last, four months, — confined to her 
bed, — and for the last two months had lost 
the use of her lower limbs, so that she could 
be moved only with great difficulty. She 
appeared to be failing rapidly, and the medi- 
cal attendants declared they could do nothing 
more for her. On this day, (the 8th of Feb- 
ruary,) some friend who was in to see her 
mentioned that Rev. Joseph K. Bellows, of 
New York, — a Second Advent preacher, — 
was in town, holding a series of meetings. 
She immediately expressed a desire to see 
him, and the belief that should he pray for 
her she should recover. The clergyman 
accordingly visited her that evening ; and 
Miss Jones describes her sensations during 
the prayer as similar to those of a person 
receiving a galvanic shock. That night she 
arose and dressed herself without assist- 
ance, and on the following Sabbath she 
attended church. She is now enjoying the 
best of health and relishes the heartiest 
food. The young lady belongs to the same 
religious persuasion with the preacher, 
which is an indication of her system being 
very susceptible to the influence of imagina- 
tion. 

Sudden Death: of a Prominent Mer- 
chant of Troy, N.Y. — Peter McDonal, Esq., 
a well-known merchant and prominent citi- 
zen of that place, fell dead this evening in 
the session-room of the Sixth Presbyterian 
Church, where he was attending a meeting 
of the congregation. 

Sad Accident. — In Brooklyn, New York, 
the morning of this day, a sad accident oc- 
curred to Mrs. Henry Ward Beecher, result- 
ing in the serious and probably fatal in- 
jury of this estimable lady. The facts are 
as follow : — Mrs. Beecher left home this 
day morning, to enjoy — as she frequently 
does — a morning ride, taking two of her 
children with her in the wagon. All went 
on well until nearing Fulton Street from 
the Heights, when the horse took flight and 
galloped wildly down Hicks Street. All 
tli is time, Mrs. Beecher appears to have 
preserved her presence of mind ; for, on 
arriving in Fulton Street, she immediately 
foresaw how hazardous it would be to at- 
tempt to turn the horse either up or down 
the street, and therefore, as a last alter- 
native, determined to push him straight 
ahead. The result shows that this course 
was equally, if not more, hazardous than to 
have turned and trusted to the chance of the 
horse being stopped in Fulton Street : horse 
and wagon came full force against the Long 
Island Bank building, the concussion throw- 



ing out the occupants and injuring Mrs. 
Beecher and one of the children quite se- 
riously and the other child slightly. The 
injured were instantly picked up and con- 
veyed to a drug-store in the neighborhood, 
where an examination proved that Mrs. 
Beecher's injuries are of a very serious na- 
ture. She received a very severe cut on the 
right temple, besides other bruises on the 
body, which had the effect of depriving her 
of consciousness. She appeared to sutler a 
great deal, and the doctor who was called 
in feared that her injuries were of such a 
nature as to endanger her life. The chil- 
dren — who were not so seriously hurt as at 
first supposed — were removed elsewhere. 
It is said by those who witnessed the acci- 
dent that Mrs. Beecher's head struck against 
the stone steps of the bank, which present a 
sharp angle. 



THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9. 

Fire in Cincinnati. — In Cincinnati, this 
day*, a fire destroyed Kimball & Wood's 
flouring-mill, No. 5G9 Race Street, and, com- 
municating to the chair-factory of William 
Nubers, destroyed that also-. The loss is 
320,000: insurance, $10,000. 

The Maryland Legislature, this day, 
adopted resolutions censuring the Hon. 
Henry Winter Davis for voting for Mr. Pen- 
nington as Speaker. A resolution was also 
adopted appointing a committee to inquire 
of the Governor of Maryland if it was true, 
as stated in the newspapers, that he had 
sent his Secretary of State to Washington to 
congratulate Mr. Pennington on his elec- 
tion. 

A Violent Gale blew over Philadelphia, 
this night, which continued until Friday 
morning. It did a great deal of damage. 

Fatal Railroad-Accident on the Pitts- 
burg, Fort Wayne, & Chicago Rail- 
road. — The Pittsburg " Chronicle" of this 
date, speaking of this accident, says: — 

Two cars were thrown over a steep em- 
bankment, and, coming in collision with a 
tree in their fall, were reduced to a total 
wreck. Messrs. Farley and Hoffman, as we 
have stated, were killed. The remains of 
the former were taken to Mansfield, and 
those of the latter to Loudonville. G. W. 
Nagle and wife, of Cleveland, were badly 
bruised, and their child seriously, if not 
fatally, injured. The little thing was struck 
on the forehead with a piece of timber, and 
at last accounts was in a dying state. Two 
Cincinnati drovers were also among the 
injured. The name of one of the parties is 
John Riddle; that of the other we have 
not heard. Both are badly hurt. They 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



97 



were left at Wooster, as were also Mr. Nagle 
and bis family. Miss A. W. Pheniiner, a 
resilient of New Brighton, received a severe 
cut in the head. She was brought to her 
home, where she now lies. Several others 
were also hurt, but not seriously, by the 
accident. The passengers speak in high 
terms of the conduct of the officers of the 
train, and are loud in their praise of the 
conductor, who did every thing that a man 
could do to assist the wounded and alleviate 
their sufferings. 

Death of David N. Carvalho. — Mr. 
David Nunes Carvalho, an old resident of 
Baltimore, died at his residence in that city, 
this day, in the seventy-sixth year of his 
age. The deceased came to this country 
from London, his native city, in 1800, and 
first resided in Philadelphia. He subse- 
quently lived at Charleston, S.C., and was 
one of the defenders of Fort Moultrie, in 
the harbor of that city, in the War of 1812- 
14. He removed to this city nearly forty 
years ago, and has since been a citizen. He 
introduced the manufacture of marbleized 
pipes in Baltimore, and for several years 
was engaged in that business. He was an 
Israelite, and a firm adherent to the religion 
of his fathers. 

The Japanese Embassy went on board 
the U.S. steamer Powhatan at Yeddo, pre- 
paratory to sailing for the United States. 
The Powhatan steamed down Yeddo Bay, 
intending to sail the next morning, the 10th, 
but were detained by the British Consul, 
Mr. Alcock, who complained to the Prime 
Minister at Yeddo that officers of the Pow- 
hatan had used their position to obtain 
from the treasury department of the Yoku- 
hama Custom-House enormous amounts of 
itzabues, when at the same time her Ma- 
jesty's liege-subjects trading at that port 
were able to obtain only from ten to fifteen 
dollars each per diem. The Prime Minister 
forwarded the complaint to Minister Harris, 
who, in his turn, passed it over to Commo- 
dore Tatnall, as the fittest person to inquire 
into the acts of his officers, who detained 
the Powhatan two or three days for that 
purpose. In answer to the consul's com- 
plaint, the Governor of Yokuhama dis- 
avowed that any undue means had been 
used to obtain itzabues, and if the officers 
of the Powhatan did receive more itzabues 
than the merchants, it was his own right to 
grant them, or to extend any other cour- 
tesies to them, whilst they were extending 
so many to his countrymen. 

A Frightful Scene. — A Woman Burned 
to Death in the Street. — Queen Street, 
Louisville, (Ky.,) on the evening of this 
day, was the scene of a horrible occurrence. 
The dress of Frances Lavielle, a young 



woman, an inmate of Mrs. Jennie L-awes's 
house, accidentally caught fire from the 
grate, and almost in an instant was in 
flames. Hei\companions were appalled by 
terror, and the frightened woman fled into 
i he street. The wind fanned the flames, 
and, while the poor, terror-stricken creature 
rushed up and down the pavement, the fiery 
element was doing its fatal work. Her 
clothing was entirely consumed on her per- 
son, and the woman finally went back into 
the house and fell on the floor. Her flesh 
was burned to a crisp, — so horribly that she 
died in fifteen minutes. She inhaled a 
quantity of the flames, which was the im- 1 
mediate cause of her death. The street 
was crowded in a short time, and many saw 
the poor unfortunate die, as it were, on her 
feet. 

Dreadful Fire in New York. — Twenty 
Lives Lost. — On the evening of this day, 
in the city of New York, between seven and 
eight o'clock, a fire broke out in the base- 
ment of a double six-story tenement-house, 
No. 142 Elm Street. The fire originated in 
a bakery, and the flames shot up the stair- 
way with great rapidity, and extended to 
the upper floors, which were occupied by 
twenty-four families. The moment the 
alarm was given, the scene of confusion 
that ensued was of the most exciting cha- 
racter. The stairway was burned away, and 
of course all chance of escape in that direc- 
tion was cut off. Men, women, and children 
could be seen, by the spectators on the 
sidewalk, clustered at the windows, scream- 
ing for assistance, and wringing their hands 
in the agony of their despair. Some of them 
mustered courage enough to jump from the 
windows, and escaped with slight injuries. 
The fire-bells quickly gave the alarm for 
the fifth district, and the firemen repaired 
to the spot. 

Ladders were immediately elevated to the. 
windows, but the longest of them could not 
reach above the fourth floor. The firemen 
rescued some of the occupants, but were 
obliged to abandon all hope of saving the 
poor creatures in the two upper stories ; and 
it is supposed that they all perished. As 
the firemen stood on the ladders, they could 
see many women and children lying pros- 
trate on the floor, surrounded by the 
flames, which rendered all attempts to ap- 
proach them ineffectual. The burning 
building extended four stories above any 
of the surrounding structures; and it must 
have been instant death for any of the poor 
creatures on the upper floors to have jumped 
from the roof, where a great many of them 
had clustered. 

It is said that the baker in the basement 
kept on hand a large quantity of hay and 
shavings, and when the fire came in contact 
with this combustible material it created a 



98 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



dense smoke, which penetrated to the upper 
portion of the building, and, it is supposed, 
suffocated a number of the occupants before 
the flames reached them. When the fire 
had gained the upper stories, the scene was 
appalling in the extreme. Myriads of 
sparks shot up into the air, eclipsing any 
artificial exhibition of fireworks. The shouts 
of the firemen, the groans and shrieks of 
the doomed creatures in the building, and 
the crackling flames, constituted a scene 
tragic enough to make the stoutest heart 
shrink with horror. The firemen worked 
nobly ; but it was found impossible to save 
the building, and at eleven o'clock the walls 
fell in. 

Platoons of policemen were in attendance, 
and, under the direction of Deputy-Superin- 
tendent Carpenter, preserved order. 

The first floor was occupied on the south 
side by John Defries, as a grocery and 
liquor store. Loss, about $600: insured. 
On the north side it was tenanted by a 
baker. He also occupied the basement. His 
loss is unknown. 

The upper part was occupied by about 
twenty families, of whom the following are 
all the facts that could be learned. 

Mr. Wise, with his family, consisting of 
his wife and three children, occupied a por- 
tion of the front of the second floor. Mr. 
Wise escaped, and one child three years old 
was rescued, with a leg broken. No par- 
ticulars could be obtained as to what became 
of the rest of the family ; and it is feared 
they perished. 

Isaac White, with his wife and five chil- 
dren, occupied a portion of the second floor. 
Mr. and Mrs. White escaped, and also two 
of their children, — Eliza, aged twenty years, 
and Louis, aged eleven years ; Gustave, 
aged seventeen years, was absent. Esther, 
aged eighteen years, and Pauline, aged 
seven years, were nearly suffocated. The 
two last were taken to the hospital; but 
their injuries are not very serious. 

A man named Francis Serbo, whose family 
is absent in France, also occupied a portion 
of the second floor : he was rescued, badly 
burned about the body and hands, and was 
taken to the hospital. 

George Bordner occupied a portion of the 
second floor, with his wife, Frederika, and 
two children, — Caroline, aged four years, 
and Henry, aged sixteen years. Mr. Bord- 
ner and the two children escaped uninjured, 
but Mrs. Bordner was badly burned. She 
was found nearly dead by Detective Keefe, 
who took her to the hospital. 

Mr. McCabrick occupied a portion of the 
third floor, (front,) with his family, consist- 
ing of a wife and two children : they were 
all saved uninjured. A Jewish family, con- 
sisting of eight persons, occupied a portion 
of the third floor. The name could not be 
ascertained; and the only member of the 



family that could be found was a child two 
and a half years of age, that was conveyed 
to No. 15 Howard Street. It is feared a 
portion of the family were burned. Mr. 
Dricks, with his wife and five children, 
occupied a portion of the third floor. As 
none of the family were seen after the fire 
broke out, it is feared they all perished. 
Mr. Walks, with his wife and two children, 
occupied a portion of the third floor, (back.) 
No particulars could be learned of them, 
although a diligent search was made among 
the crowd to find if any of them were res- 
cued. Mr. Armstrong, with his wife and 
child, were tenants of a part of the fourth 
floor. Nothing could be learned of them 
after the fire broke out. Mr. Stark, with 
his wife and two children, inhabited a part 
of the fourth floor. Nothing could be learned 
of them. Mr. Iiebecco, with his wife, two 
children, and four persons whose names 
could not be ascertained, occupied a por- 
tion of the fourth floor. Nothing could be 
learned of them. Mrs. North, a widow, 
occupied a room on the fifth floor ; and she 
was not seen after the alarm. Wm. Vopel, 
and his wife Francene, occupied a portion 
of the fifth floor. Mr. Vopel, on the dis- 
covery of the fire, finding that he could not 
escape by the stairway, threw a clothes-line 
out of the window, and fastened one end to 
the window-sill : he let his wife partially 
down, when she slipped and fell on to a 
shed, injuring her severely. He followed, 
and escaped with a few slight injuries. 
Mrs. Vopel was taken to the hospital ; but 
her life is despaired of. Francis Tysmeyer, 
with his wife and three children, occupied 
part of the fifth floor. He escaped by jump- 
ing out of the window, receiving severe 
injuries. His wife and children are sup- 
posed to have perished. Owing to the in- 
tense excitement that prevailed, the names 
of the occupants of the sixth floor could not 
be ascertained ; and as the fire commenced 
near the staircase, cutting off all hope of 
escape in that quarter, it is generally sup- 
posed that the occupants of this floor— about 
a dozen in all — were burned to death. Wil- 
liam North and his family, consisting of his 
wife and three children, occupied part of 
the third floor, and all escaped uninjured. 

The building, worth about $16,000, was 
owned by Edward Waring, and was dam- 
aged to the extent of $8000: fully insured. 
The loss of furniture amounts to about 
$3000. 

A two-story frame building, No. 144 Elm 
Street, was considerably damaged. Mat- 
thew Lynch occupied the upper part, and 
John Brown occupied the lower part. Their 
aggregate loss is about $500 : not insured. 
The building, owned by Mr. Brown, was 
damaged about $500: not insured. Mr. 
Brown occupied a frame building in the rear 
as a carpenter-shop ; and it was damaged 



UNITED STATE'S REGISTER. 



I860.] 



about $500: not insured. The two-story 
frame building. No. 146 Elm Street, occupied 
as a dwelling by W. B. Near, was damaged 
about $200. The two-and-a-half-story brick 
bail lings, occupied as dwellings by several 
families, were badly burned. The aggregate 
loss on these two buildings is about $3000: 
partially insured. A large building on the 
opposite side of the street, occupied as a 
white-lead factory, was on fire; but the 
flames were speedily extinguished. 

Fkightful Accident in Williamsburg. 
— Kxi'losion op a Steam-Boiler. — About 
ten o'clock on the morning of this day, in 
Williamsburg, (N.Y.,) the neighborhood of 
North Fifth Street was startled by a tre- 
mendous explosion, which proceeded from 
the distillery of Graham Polley. The air 
was darkened by smoke and dust, while 
masses of brick, mortar, fragments of iron, 
and splinters of wood, fell in all directions. 
At the first noise, numbers rushed out into 
the street, but were speedily driven back 
by the shower of burning materials that fell 
upon them. When the smoke had somewhat 
cleared away, it was found that one of the 
distillery-boilers had exploded and caused 
this wide-spread ruin. 

A blacksmith, named Thomas Shannon, 
who was at work in a shop two hundred feet 
from the distillery, rushed out of his door 
just in time to be struck by a large frag- 
ment of the boiler, which carried away one 
corner of the building and fell upon the 
sidewalk. He was shockingly mutilated 
about the head, and was conveyed to a 
druggist's near by, in a dying state. 

George Bell, who was in a stable adjoin- 
ing, was covered by the walls which were 
thrown down, and taken out so badly in- 
jured that he died in a short time. Both 
of these men were married, and leave large 
families. The remaining portion of the 
boiler, including the fire-flue which ran 
through its centre, was thrown about fifty 
feet across to the opposite side of the street. 
An inspection of the fragments shows that 
it was a very antiquated affair, patched all 
over like a dilapidated garment, and in 
places was no thicker than a copper cent; 
in a word, that it was utterly worthless and 
dangerous as a steam-boiler. The engines 
were soon upon the spot; but there was 
no need of their services, except to assist in 
clearing away the rubbish. 

A granary adjoining had its entire west 
wall destroyed, and about a thousand dol- 
lars' worth of grain mingled in the ruins. 
The brick building which encased the boil- 
ers was shattered to atoms, and not a trace 
left except the flooring. Mr. Wood, the 
engineer, and his two firemen, being at 
some little distance, escaped. Mr. Wood 
states that the boiler was one of two which 
was used, not for generating steam for the 



99 



engine, but to heat water for the uses of the 
distillery, the steam which may be generated 
being allowed to escape into a tank, which 
can only sustain a pressure of seven pounds. 
The fire used under the steam-boilers 
proper is "returned" under these water- 
heating boilers. They had a safety-valve 
and water-cock attached, but no water- 
gauge. The impression prevailed that the 
cold weather of the previous night had 
frozen up the feed-pipes of the force-pump, 
and that, while the engineer supposed the 
boiler was full of water, it was really empty, 
or so nearly so as to result in the disastrous 
explosion which followed. 

Dreadful Hurricane. — This day a dread- 
ful hurricane swept over New York, New 
Jersey, and Pennsylvania. It unroofed 
houses, prostrated fences, blew down chim- 
neys, towers, and other tall buildings, drove 
vessels on shore, sunk them, and did an 
immense amount of other damage. In New 
York, among a vast amount of injury to 
property, it unroofed the R-oman Catholic 
Orphan-Asylum, in which were five hun- 
dred boys, many of whom, running out 
frightened, scattered themselves over the 
city, and were with difficulty gathered 
together again. On the Hudson it was 
estimated that it did $200,000 worth of 
damage. An immense loss was experienced 
over the whole length and breadth of the 
above-mentioned States. 

Curious Case of Identity. — Forgery and 
Obtaining $3000 from the Norwalk Bank. 
— Three Men by the Name of Williams 
related to the affair, and neither re- 
LATED to One Another. — Physiognomical 
Swearing and Chirographical Experts. 
— The "New York Evening Post" of this 
date gives the following singular history of 
mistaken identity, which, had the true cul- 
prit not been found, might have imprisoned 
and forever degraded and ruined an upright 
citizen. It says: — 

About three weeks ago a man named 
Henry Williams was arrested on a charge 
of obtaining fraudulently a letter from the 
post-office, and thereby $3000 from the 
Bank of Norwalk, at Norwalk, Connecticut. 
Mr. F. A. Williams, a leading proprietor of 
the Grand and Canal Street Line of omni- 
buses, enclosed his note for $3000, payable 
at three months, to the cashier of the Nor- 
walk Bank, requesting the same to be dis- 
counted. The cashier wrote, in reply, that 
if the note was made payable in two months, 
the bank would discount the note, which 
note was re-enclosed and sent back to Mr. 
Williams. This letter, it appears, lay seve- 
ral days in the post-office in this city, until 
called for, when it was advertised. In re- 
sponse to the advertisement, a gentleman 
called for it, and the same was handed to 



100 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



liim without any questions. Forthwith the 
note was altered to two months, given into 
the hands of Adams & Co.'s Express, and 
again sent to Norwalk. The money on the 
note was promptly paid to Adams & Co.'s 
messenger, who handed it over to the pre- 
tended drawer. 

The gentleman receiving the money 
counted out from the roll the commission, 
pocketed the remaining funds, and with- 
drew, with a complacent smile. 

So far it was all smart work. It was 
supposed to be all right at the post-office, at 
the Norwalk Bank, and at the office of 
Adams & Co. in Broadway. Suddenly the 
hank-cashier had a surprise in the way of a 
second letter from Mr. F. A. Williams, this 
second letter inquiring the disposition of 
his note and conclusion about the question 
of discount. The return-mail brought to 
Mr. Williams a longer letter than bank- 
cashiers are wont to write, — this letter an- 
nouncing that the note had already been 
discounted and money forwarded as above 
stated. 

Mr. F. A. Williams was in a quandary. It 
was a subject for investigation. There was 
rascality somewhere, and he was the victim. 

Following the receipt of the Norwalk 
Bank cashier's letter, Mr. A. C. Williams 
called at the post-office. He laid the case 
before Mr. Fowler, who immediately com- 
missioned Mr. Holbrook, the Post-Office De- 
tective, to ferret out the matter. Mr. Hol- 
brook has had long experience in chasing 
up depredators upon the Post-Office. His 
chases have usually been crowned with bril- 
liant success. Patiently he went to work. 
Not two days elapsed before he arrested Mr. 
Henry Williams. 

A milkman is Mr. Henry Williams, a 
thick-set, dull-looking man, of rural looks 
and uncouth dress. He was shown to the 
clerk who gives out advertised letters, and 
was at once recognised as the party to 
whom he gave the advertised letter ad- 
dressed to Mr. F. A. Williams. Next in 
order he was taken to Adams & Co.'s Ex- 
press Office, and confronted with two clerks 
with whom he had conversed upon the sub- 
ject of the note, and both the latter at once 
identified him. 

The matter was considered clinched. 
Enough had been elicited to make sure the 
guilt of the accused. The prisoner directly 
was taken before United States Commis- 
sioner Betts, and, upon the affidavits of the 
post-office clerk and the two clerks of Adams 
& Co. touching his identity, was required 
to give bail in $5000 to answer a charge of 
robbing the New York Post-Office. Mr. 
Williams gave the required bail. 

The troubles of Mr. Henry Williams had 
not ended yet. As soon as he had given 
bail to answer the above charge, he was re- 
arrested to answer the charge of forgery. 



This being a civil action, he was taken be- 
fore Justice Connolly, at the Tombs. Here 
similar affidavits in support of the charge 
were submitted as in the examination be- 
fore the United States Commissioner. The 
same result followed the examinations, — Mr. 
Williams being required to give further bail 
in the sum of $5000. The last-required bail 
Mr. Williams was fortunate enough to ob- 
tain, and he was released accordingly till 
the day appointed for his trial. From the 
moment of his arrest, Mr. Williams had 
stoutly protested his entire innocence of 
the grave charge preferred against him. 
His friends at first believed him innocent; 
but, after hearing the positive assertions as 
to his identity, the faith of many began to 
waver. In addition to his identification, 
two experts in detecting similiarities in 
handwriting had declared his writing and 
that of the notes sent to the cashier of the 
Norwalk Bank to be in the same hand. The 
family of the accused, as may be supposed, 
were in the deepest distress. 

Two days ago, a new development was 
made in the case. A second Williams was 
arrested by Officer McDougal, of the De- 
tective Police. Curiously the fact came out 
that the latter Williams from poverty had 
risen suddenly to apparent affluence and to 
driving his fast team on the Bloomingdale 
Road. In the mind of the sharp detective, 
it was a matter worth investigating. He 
did investigate. He became familiar with 
the second Williams, drank wine with him, 
told stories, and rode with him in his dash- 
ing buggy. Williams No. 2 is of a commu- 
nicative disposition. He told the officer 
that he had $12000 in bank, that he had 
been a lucky dog, and, in one of his wild 
revels, drank mysteriously to the brightness 
of bank-cashiers. 

At the right moment Officer McDougal 
arrested the criminal and liberal Williams. 
He was charged outright with having ob- 
tained Mr. F. A. Williams's note and the 
money upon it. He denied it, of course. 
His trunks, at. his residence in Twelfth 
Street, near Fourth Avenue, were searched, 
and specimens of his handwriting obtained. 
A positive resemblance was found to exist 
between the same and the note to the 
cashier. He was taken before the post- 
office clerk and the clerks at Adams & Co.'s 
Express. They all identified him at once 
as the man. 



FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10. 

Failure of the Rhode Island Exchange 
Bank. — Large Defalcation of theCashier. 
— This day it was announced, according to 
the "Providence Journal," that Daniel C* 
Kenyon, the cashier of the Rhode Island 
Exchange Bank at East Greenwich, was 



I8G0] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



101 



a defaulter to that institution to a large 
amount, as well as to the East Greenwich 
Savings-Bank, of which corporation lie was 
treasurer. The discovery of the embezzle- 
ment was made by the cashier of the Mer- 
chants' Bank in this city. That bank had 
received information from New York that 
the bills of the Exchange Bank had been 
hypothecated in AVall Street to raise funds. 
As there had been repeated charges against 
the bank, at the instance of the manage- 
ment of the Merchants' Bank, the cashier 
went down to East Greenwich on Thurs- 
day, to satisfy himself of its actual con- 
dition. The first evidence of wrong was 
found in a discrepancy of a number of thou- 
sands of dollars in his account with the 
Merchants' Bank. But as soon as an ex- 
amination of the note-account was made, 
which disclosed a deficiency of some $25,000, 
concealment was no longer possible, and he 
confessed to Mr. Robbing that he was a de- 
faulter. He also confessed that he had 
added to the crime of stealing the still 
greater crime of perjury. On the 6th inst., 
in the return he made to the State Auditor 
of the condition of the bank, lie had sworn 
that the circulation was $19,268, when in 
fact it was $44,000. He also swore that 
the deposits were only $8756, when they 
exceeded the sum of $12,000. The whole 
amount of his defalcation to the bank is 
about $72,000. The capital is only $60,000. 

Bill-holders will not be losers by the dis- 
honesty of Kenyon. If the circulation is 
not greater than now believed, the assets 
of the bank will pay it, as well as the de- 
posits. But if there should be a lack of 
assets, the stockholders — among whom are 
many men of large pi'operty — are personally 
liable for the deficiency. 

Kenyon has also confessed that he has 
robbed the East Greenwich Savings-Bank 
of $36,000, one-half of the whole amount of 
its deposits. These deposits were the sav- 
ings of the industrious poor in his neigh- 
borhood, and this faithlessness to a most 
sacred trust will bring upon him the execra- 
tion of many ready to perish. 

The large sum which he has embezzled — 
$108,000 — Kenyon alleges has been wholly 
lost in stock-speculations. He commenced 
his stock-gambling some years ago, and 
was at first successful, having made $10,000 
in his early operations. His losses have 
been in Erie Railroad and in mining stocks. 
His dishonesty is the more surprising, as 
he has always borne a most excellent 
character, and his style of living has been 
prudent and befitting his station. His aged 
father, Mr. George Kenyon, well known in 
Kent county, is his bondsman to the bank 
for $15,000. Mr. James B. Pierce, the 
President of the Exchange Bank, is his 
bondsman to the Savings-Bank in the sum 
of $10,000. 



Found Dead. — In Philadelphia, in the 
morning of this day, Mrs. Elizabeth Bennet, 
a married woman, sixty-four years of age, 
was found dead in her room, at No. 835 
North Third Street. She had a severe cut 
upon her head ; and, from the position in 
which the body was found, it was supposed 
that she had fallen from her bed, and 
perished alone, from the injuries she 
received. 

Assault on Mb. Hickman. — This day, the 
Hon. H. A. Edmundson, member of Congress 
from Virginia, made a personal assault on 
Mr. Hickman, of Pennsylvania, while walk- 
ing from the Capitol towards the avenue, 
after the House adjourned. Meeting Mr. 
Hickman, he struck him over the face with 
a cane, calling him at the same time a 
coward and a slanderer. 

Vice-President Breckenridge and Mr. 
Keitt, who were in company with Edmund- 
son, prevented further proceedings. The 
cause of the attack is a sentence alleged to 
have been uttered by Mr. Hickman in Con- 
gress to the effect that Virginia was fright- 
ened by eighteen men and a cow at Harper's 
Ferry. 

Execution at Newcastle, Delaware. 
— This day John J. Bowen was executed at 
Newcastle, Del., for the murder of John AV. 
Dewlin, at Delaware City, in August last. 
The day before his execution, he wrote out 
the following confession: — 

On the night of the 13th of August, 1859, 
near eight o'clock, I met Dewlin in Dela- 
ware City, and he asked me to go down in 
the lager-beer saloon with him. I replied 
that I was sick. He said that I had not 
drank enough for that ; he asked me again ; 
we went in and took two or three drinks 
together, where we observed several per- 
sons ; I also observed several sorts of games 
or plays, and most of the persons were 
drunk; I do not remember of playing with 
any of them, but was informed afterward 
that I did; I had only a limited acquaint- 
ance with Dewlin; I had no previous quarrel 
with him whatever, and had it not been 
for some of the party, there would have 
been none then. Having no harm against 
Dewlin, I did not wish to harm him. We 
fought; and after this Thomas Fury, the 
baker, put a knife in my hand, and said to 
me, "Look out for that Dewlin: he has a 
revolver." I should not have thought of a 
knife. This was the cause of his anxiety 
to get the knife from me again. I do not 
remember what I did with it. I never had 
any other knife (as owner) except the little 
knife produced in court 

Clerk to the Committee on Foreign 
Affairs. — This day it was announced that 
Ben Perley Poore has been appointed 



102 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



Clerk to the House Committee on Foreign 
Affairs. 

Seaman Drowned at Sea. — This day the 
schooner Thos. Holcombe, Goslee, Charles- 
ton, reports— kit, 85° 08', Ion. 74° 29', while 
blowing a gale from n.w., — Penman Scott, 
of New York, about eighteen years of age, 
seaman, fell overboard and was drowned. 

Convicted of Murder. — This day, the 
jury in the case of Thompson, tried for the 
murder of John Capie, after being out an 
entire week, rendered a verdict of murder 
in the first degree. 

Before rendering a verdict, Mr. F. C. 
Brewster, counsel of the prisoner, said to 
the court, "I shall ask your Honors to 
note that we except to the reception of the 
verdict after the term for which these jurors 
were summoned." The exception was noted. 
[The January term, to which these jurors 
were summoned, ended three days alter 
they retired to deliberate.] Upon the fore- 
man announcing the verdict, Thompson, 
who had been led by his friends to expect a 
different result, turned deathly pale, and 
was prevented from fainting by a glass of 
water being handed to him. He seemed to 
have lived ten years in the few minutes the 
clerk occupied in recording the verdict. 
Many of the jurors were deeply affected, as 
were several of those collected in the court- 
room. As there is nothing in Thompson's 
appearance to indicate the hardened villain 
or murderer, the sympathy thus expressed 
was understood. A motion in arrest of 
judgment and for a new trial was made. 

Great Fire in Houston, Texas. — This 
day, in Houston, Texas, two squares and 
thirty houses were destroyed by fire. Loss, 
$275,000. 

The Dreadful Gale which blew over 
Philadelphia yesterday continued to-day. 
It was unusually severe at the Point Breeze 
Gas-Works, the splendid new brown-stone 
retort-house, erected last year, having been 
levelled to the ground about seven o'clock 
a.m., and, what is still worse, two of the 
workmen — named James Hart and Wm. 
McClain — were instantly killed. The house 
was one story, being sixty feet from the 
ground to the top of the roof, the latter 
being very sharp. It was fifty-six feet wide 
and two hundred and fifty feet long, and 
built of Trenton brown-stone, the walls 
being eighteen inches thick; the roof was 
of iron, covered with slate, and great care 
was taken in the construction of the house. 
It contained about seventy-two retorts, some 
of which were in use at the time of the ac- 
cident. 

There were five men in the building at 
the time of its destruction, and three of 



them — named John Boyle, David Hemphill, 
and Henry Connelly — escaped without in- 
jury, in consequence of their being near the 
retorts, which prevented the walls and roof 
from falling upon them. Hart and McClain 
started to run as soon as they discovered 
that the building was tumbling down, but 
were caught by the falling of the north wall 
and crushed in a most shocking manner, 
one of them being so much disfigured that 
it was with difficulty that his friends could 
recognise him. Several men had just started 
toward the building for the purpose of 
going to work, but before reaching it a 
heavy gust of wind struck the north wall, 
and, according to their statement, it was 
literally pushed in, taking the roof with it, 
and thus forcing the south wall to fall out- 
ward, — making a complete wreck of the 
building, with the exception of the two 
gable ends, these being but slightly damaged. 
The retorts are also injured, but not to any 
very great extent. The iron girders, &c. 
which supported the roof are bent in every 
conceivable shape, while the whole mass of 
stone, slate, &.c. presents the most com- 
plete wreck. James Hart, one of the de- 
ceased, was a married man, and resided in 
Naudain Street, above Eighteenth. He 
leaves three children. Wm. McClain, the 
other, leaves a wife and one child, who reside 
in Montrose Street, above Carpenter. Alder- 
man Hibbard, acting for the coroner, held 
an inquest on the bodies of Hart and 
McClain. 

After hearing the evidence, the jury 
rendered the following verdict : — That death 
was caused by injuries received from being 
crushed beneath the roof and' walls of a 
retort-house of the Point Breeze Gas-Works, 
the falling of the walls and roof having been 
occasioned by a tornado. The jury are of 
the opinion that the building was of suffi- 
cient strength and properly built for the 
purposes intended. 

The wooden tower of St. Mary's Prot. 
Epis. Church, in Locust Street, near Till, was 
blown down. It was about twenty-five feet 
high, and had been erected some years. A 
gable was blown out of the frame black- 
smith-shop of William Davis, in Market 
Street, above Brandywine; also, out of the 
hardware-shop of Mr. Smith, Market Street, 
below Moore. In the northern part of the 
city the gale did a good deal of damage. 
Two unfinished brick houses in Fourth 
Street, above Birch, (late Chatham,) were 
partially blown down, the walls being de- 
molished to the second story. The front 
was blown out of a one-story brick feed- 
store, at the corner of Broad Street and 
Ridge Avenue; a chimney and pai-t of the 
battlement-wall were blown over on the 
southeast corner of Eighth and Race Streets ; 
also a chimney and part of the battlement- 
wall of the Harmer House, on the southeast 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



103 



corner of Broad and Chestnut Streets. An 
unfinished brick house in Fifteenth Street, 
below Master, and two unfinished brick 
houses in Thirteenth Street, above Columbia 
Avenue, were partially demolished. In 
Twentieth Street, above Coates, the gable 
wall of a new house was blown out. A 
chimney was blown down at Catharine and 
Thirteenth Streets, and one of the chimneys 
at the Girard House was blown down, and 
a mass of bricks broke through the roof. 
The storm was very severe on the Delaware 
River, but there were no serious disasters 
reported. 

Horrible Affair. — A Baltimore Clipper 
Slaver Run Ashore, and Five Hundred 
Slaves Drowned. — A correspondent of the 
"New York Herald," who dates his letter 
"February 15, Loando, west coast of Af- 
rica," gives the following horrible account 
of the loss of a Baltimore clipper loaded with 
slaves, which occurred this day. He says: — 

The principal bit of news which I have to 
offer this time is the loss of one of our Balti- 
more slavers,— as fine-looking a clipper-built 
hermaphrodite brig as ever was seen about 
these waters. On the 10th of this month, as 
her Majesty's steamer Gloucesterwas cruising 
to the southward of Cape Lopez, they made 
a sail to leeward. They immediately put her 
before the wind to give chase, which man- 
oeuvre the fellow observing, he immediately 
followed suit, with a view of rounding Cape 
Lopez, and probably escaping after nightfall 
by running into some of the small rivers 
inside of the Bight of Biafra. He proved 
himself a match, however, for his vessel 
sailed like a witch and gained on the 
steamer nearly the whole day, when, at about 
five o'clock in the afternoon, the Portuguese 
steamer Tagus hove in sight on the weather 
bow, thus cutting off the fellow's chance of 
rounding the cape. Seeing his chance thus 
lost, he stood her directly on to the rocks of 
the cape. Just before sundown, the Portu- 
guese gave him the contents of several 
thirty-two pounders, which brought his fore- 
topmast down, and, as it was blowing almost 
a gale of wind, his jib-boom followed directly 
after. However, the fellow stopped for no- 
thing, and, just as night set in, drove her 
high on the rocks off Cape Lopez, the Portu- 
guese steamer by that time being in close 
range ; but the Gloucester was far behind. 
Those on board the other steamer, however, 
describe the scene as truly heart-rending. 
As the brig struck, and was overwhelmed by 
the breakers, the poor miserable creatures on 
board, probably to the number of five hun- 
dred, set up a howl of despair that could be 
heard even above the roaring of the hungry 
sea. But it was too dark by that time to see 
much, and beyond human skill or power to 
aid the drowning wretches, so that they soon 
must have met their doom ; for on the next 



morning the beach inside of the rocks was 
strewn with corpses and the fragments of the 
wreck. Nothing was found, however, to 
reveal the name of the slaver, or any other 
information concerning him, save that to the 
practised seaman she proved of Baltimore 
build. The monsters who manned the ves- 
sel are supposed to have escaped in their 
boat before she struck, and must have gained 
the shore, as a boat somewhat stove was dis- 
covered on the beach with the oars near by. 

Slaver Captured. — The brig Virginia, of 
New York, was captured this day by the 
British steamer Viper, in the Congo River. 
She had no slaves on board at the time she 
was captured. The captain of the Viper then 
placed a prize-crew from his own vessel on 
board of her, and left her in their charge, 
while he went with the Viper in search of an 
American war-vessel, to which he might de- 
liver her up. 

Jail Attacked by a Mob. — Prisoners 
Pveleased. — In Waverly, Tenn., this day, a 
party of thirty men, armed with double- 
barrelled shot-guns, &c, attacked Mr. Mc- 
Gee, the jailer at that place, gagged, con- 
fined, and carried him to a secure place, and 
while a part kept watch over him, the others 
went to woi'k and cut away the inside door, 
which, being iron, occupied four or five 
hours. They then released six prisoners 
confined in the jail, — D. L. Crockett, colored, 
under charges of murder and theft ; Israel 
Bethel, for passing counterfeit money; and 
McKimmons, for stealing. 

The mob then started off with the prisoners 
and jailer. After having carried the latter 
about five miles, they released him. 

A Remarkable Chapter of Accidents. — 
In the village of Akron, Ohio, according to 
"The Beacon," of that place, the following 
remarkable chapter of accidents occurred this 
day. The wife of Mr. Chai-les Way had died, 
and his family, with some friends, were at- 
tending her remains to Franklin Mills for 
interment. There were two carriages and 
an open buggy. Returning from Franklin, 
when about a mile this side of the village, 
in picking the way, one of the carriages was 
driven up a bank of some two feet in height, 
when the hind wheels broke. A young lady, 
Miss Reed, of Coventry, was thrown from the 
carriage and had her collar-bone broken. 

She was placed in the other carriage, and 
the team urged homeward, so as to afford her 
surgical aid. Some distance farther, Mr. 
Tickler, who was driving the buggy, found 
the springs had broken ; and, by some acci- 
dent, getting entangled in the reins, he fell, 
bruising himself very badly, though without 
fracture of bones. He was nearly senseless 
when picked up. 

The carriage passed Cuyahoga Falls and 



104 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



reached the railway-crossing on this side, 
when the whistle was heard of the Southern 
train approaching. The horses became restive, 
and Mr. Way jumped from the carriage to 
hold them. After the long train had passed, 
it was found that Mr. Way had in some man- 
ner fallen, and either the horses or carriage, 
or both, passed over him, breaking the small 
bone of his right arm below the elbow, and 
of his leg below the knee. 

Bill Postponed. — The bill introduced by 
Mr. Harrison into the Ohio Legislature, to 
prevent and punish the organization of mili- 
tary expeditions in Ohio agaiust the territory 
or people of any of these United States, was 
this day indefinitely postponed. 

Custom-House Watchman Beaten to 
Death. — In New York, this day, about 
twelve o'clock at night, the police of the 
First Precinct found the lifeless body of Wil- 
liam L. Tours, a custom-house night-watch- 
man, lying upon the walk opposite No. 14 
State Street, and couveyed it to the station- 
house. An examination of the body was im- 
mediately made, which disclosed the fact that 
the unfortunate man had met a violent death. 
His skull was fractured, and several con- 
tusions were found about the body. 

His watch and chain, which he was seen 
to have a short time before by some friends, 
were gone, and there is no doubt that ihe 
murder was committed for these valuables. 
Mr. Tours was a quiet, inoffensive man, and 
it is not known that he entertained hard feel- 
ings against any person or had trouble with 
those among whom his business called him. 
The supposition is that while patrolling his 
beat in front of the Bonded Warehouses down 
town, he was quietly approached from be- 
hind by some murderous villain, who felled 
him to the pavement by a blow upon the 
head with a slung-shot or other blunt wea- 
pon, and then robbed him of his watch and 
chain. 

Mr. Tours had parted with a few friends 
only a little time before he was found, and it 
is probable that his footsteps were dogged 
until a favorable opportunity arrived for the 
consummation of the murder. His clothing 
did not appear to be disarranged ; and it is 
more than likely that the first blow had the 
desired effect, although other bodily injuries 
seem to have been inflicted. 



SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11. 

Danced to Death. — This day Miss Helen 
Pike, aged eighteen, who had been dancing 
all night at a ball in Taberg, Oneida county, 
N.Y., suddenly complained of faintness, and 
almost immediately fell to the floor dead. 

Attempted Murder. — At Allentown, Pa., 



this day, a mulatto, named Andrew Camel, 
attempted to cut his wife's throat in a house 
of ill fame. Thinking he had succeeded in 
his design, he then cut his own throat and 
immediately expired. His wife, who is a 
white woman, is not dangerously wounded. 

Fatal Accident at Jamaica, L.I. — This 
day afternoon, an Irishman, named John 
Holland, in the employ of Mr. Stephen Nos- 
trand, of Springfield, while on his way from 
Flushing to Jamaica with a load of lumber, 
fell from the wagon, the wheels running over 
him, breaking one arm and one leg, and dislo- 
cating his neck, killing him almost instantly. 
Dr. Wood, coroner, held an inquest on the 
body, and the jury rendered a verdict of 
"Accidental death." Holland has a mother 
and sister living in New York. 

Died, this day, the Rev. Dr. Proudfit, 
Emeritus Professor of Greek and Latin at 
Union College, Schenectady, N.Y., and for 
many years an honored member of the fa- 
culty of that institution. 

A Boy Convicted of Murder in the 
Second Deghee. — This day, in West Ches- 
ter, Pa., Benjamin lteyburn was convicted of 
the murder of Susan Emma Kemble. The 
actor in this fearful murder is but sixteen 
years old, and the murdered girl was but 
nine. 

After an exciting trial of more than a week, 
the jury had the case given them at noun. 
At seven o'clock this morning crowds were 
seen making their way to the court-house, it 
being understood that the jury had agreed 
upon their verdict. 

The circumstances of the case were that, on 
the 25th of October last, in the southwestern 
pari of Chester county, the little girl in ques- 
tion disappeared after being seen in the vicinity 
of the field in which Benjamin Pay burn was 
ploughing. On the next day a trail of blood 
and displaced leaves, a bloody stone of ten 
pounds' weight, and the place of an apparent 
struggle were discovered in the margin of the 
woods adjoining the field in which Ileyburn 
had been working. The trail led to a mid- 
pond, in which, at the distance of forty feet 
from the shore, the body was discovered in 
the water, which was at that place some four 
feet deep. When the body was drawn up on 
the bank, finger-marks were found upon the 
throat, the head gashed and bruised in many 
places, and the person generally bearing 
marks of violence. 

On Benjamin was found blood, his shirt 
ami his pantaloons being marked witli its 
traces. Yet, according to the testimony, he 
had done a full day's work at ploughing, « 
had gone to a religious meeting on the even- 
ing of the day of the murder, and acted 
throughout in wonderful consistency with his 
protestation of innocence. He accounted for 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



105 



the blood by saying his nose had bled, — a 
matter not difficult of belief, as he was 
ploughing land both stony and stumpy, and 
where the handle of his plough might at any 
moment have occasioned bleeding at the 
nose. 

This case is one which combined almost every 
olement of mystery, of terror, and of pathos. 
The boy's mother has been dead eight years, 
and he was reared by his uncle, who, with 
his father, sat at his side, and evinced to a 
greater extent than even the accused a pain- 
lul interest in the trial. 

The boy was manifestly not very bright, as 
when returning from the court to the jail, 
and after the painful and exciting scenes of 
the delivery of the Verdict, he asked the 
officer, with transparent simplicity, "whether 
he thought the jury wwuld convict him.'' 

Defaulting Cashier. — The "Chicago 
Press" of this date says : — 

The amount of deficiency on the account 
of J. W. Dutton, cashier of the Muscatine 
branch of the Iowa State Bank is ascertained 
to be $o3,587.5t>. The amount of stock held 
by Dutton & Patterson, of Muscatine, has 
been surrendered to the bank, which reduces 
the defalcation to about $20,000. 

Distressing Casualty. — This day Mr. 
Thomas J. English, of Selma, Ala., died from 
the effects of injuries received a few ditys 
since by falling from his buggy, with which 
his horse was running. Mr. English was 
one of the best citizens, — a man possessed of 
many noble qualities ; and his untimely end 
will throw a gloom over a large circle of 
friends. 

Destructive Fire and Fatal Accident. 
— In Philadelphia, this day, a fire broke out 
in a one-story frame building, at the foot of 
Shackamaxou Street, occupied as a sawing 
and planing mill by Messrs. Rue, Rhoads & 
Co. As it contained a large quantity of com- 
bustible materials, the flames spread with 
great rapidity, and it was soon, with its con- 
tents, except the boiler and engine, totally 
destroyed. The stock of worked and un- 
worked lumber in and about the mill be- 
longed to the customers of the firm, the 
building to the Boone estate, and was in- 
sured. Messrs. Rue & Co. had an insurance 
of $1500 on the machinery and fixtures, 
which will nearly cover their loss. From the 
mill the flames extended to a frame boat-shop, 
occupied by Mr. George Sheppard, which was 
destroyed, with a quantity of timber and lum- 
ber for boat-building, besides several skiffs 
and bateaux. His loss is estimated at $700, 
which is covered by insurance. The build- 
ings belonged to Mr. George S. Baker. To 
the north of the boat-shops are the extensive 
mills of Messrs. George B. Sloat & Co., for 
the cutting and working of lumber, and the 



manufacture of sewing-machines. The fire 
extended to a large pile of worked lumber, 
which was stored under a wooden platform 
connecting the two mills, and for a time 
burned in such a manner as to threaten the 
destruction of the westerly one, which is not 
fire-proof and in which was stored a number 
of sewing-machines. The back window- 
frames were burned out, but the building 
was not otherwise injured. The principal - 
mill of the firm, erected on the site of the 
one destroyed on the 20th of August last, 
though the flames burned violently about it 
for several hours, was not injured, which was 
due to its fire-proof character. Considerable 
of the lumber under the platform, the pro- 
perty of Messrs. Keyser & Warner, lumber- 
merchants, was burned, and also a quantity 
piled to the north of the mill, owned by 
Messrs. Gaskill & Galvin and Messrs. Bolton 
& Co., whose loss is thought to be about 
$1000 each and is covered by insurance. A 
shaving-elevator of Messrs. Sloat & Co. was 
destroyed, and some other property. Their 
loss, it is thought, will not exceed $1000, 
which is also covered by insurance. The 
fire did not cause any interruption to their 
business. The superiority of the steam- 
engines for extinguishing fire was never more 
satisfactorily shown. 

A fatal accident occurred soon after the 
breaking out of the fire, in Beach Street, 
above Shackamaxon. The unfortunate de- 
ceased was James Yardley, a book-binder, 
residing in Allen Street, above Marlborough, 
who, though not a fireman, arose when he 
heard the alarm, and assisted in dragging 
the Kensington Engine to the scene. As the 
apparatus was about to pass into a cartway 
leading to Sloat's mill, fearing he would be 
caught between the tongue and the wall of 
the office, he stepped quickly aside, and, as 
he did so, was struck by the lever and forced 
violently against the corner. He was carried 
to a neighboring tavern, where he died in a 
few minutes. Deceased leaves a wife and 
six children. 

Loss of the Bark Germantown. — This 
day the schooner Tillie, of Dighton, Captain 
Babbitt, whilst off Cape Hatteras, bearing 
n. forty miles, fell in with bark German- 
town, Pinkney, from New Orleans for New 
York, in a sinking condition, having, on the 
5th instant, in a heavy gale from n.e., 
sprung a leak ; took from her all hands, and 
landed the captain, two mates, and steward 
at Little Egg Harbor ; brought the remain- 
der to New York. The Germantown cleared 
from New Orleans January 21, and nad ex- 
perienced very heavy weather up to this 
day. 

Poisoned by Slaves. — This day an at- 
tempt was made by some of the servants of 
Mr. Frank Nevitt, of Alabama, to poison 



10G 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



his family. The "West Alabaniian" says, 
It seems that the poison was put in the 
coffee at breakfast. Mr. and Mrs. Nevitt 
and Mr. Norwood, the overseer, were the 
only members of the family who drank 
coffee, and soon after breakfast they were 
all afflicted with a peculiar blindness, dizzi- 
ness, and weakness of limbs, which con- 
vinced them of the effort which had been 
made to take their lives. A physician was 
soon called in, and they were relieved from 
the effects of the poisonous drug. We un- 
derstand that they have been unable to 
learn which servant did the fiendish act. 

Disunionist Returned. — This day Col. 
Memminger, having waited several weeks in 
vain for the response of the Virginia Legis- 
lature to the proposition of South Carolina, 
left Richmond for Charleston. 



SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12. 

Dreadful Case of Poisoning. — Young 
Lady Seduced and Poisoned by her 
Lover. — This day Miss Eleanor M. O'Reilly 
died at her residence, in St. John the Bap- 
tist Street, New Orleans, from poison ad- 
ministered by her lover, a young man named 
Galceran. An inquest was held, at which 
the following testimony was adduced. On 
the day of her death she remained in bed 
until dinner-time. At tea she complained 
of a headache, and her mother procured 
some oil of cloves for her. She gave the 
vial to her and went to bed, leaving her 
daughter and Galceran in the sitting-room. 
That was about eight o'clock. About mid- 
night her mother was awakened by the 
heavy breathing of her daughter, and found 
she was ill and dying. She called her son 
to go for a doctor, but the deceased said it 
was no use, but to send for the priest and 
Joseph Galceran. She died in about half 
an hour after that. Galceran next day told 
her that she held a promissory note of his 
to her daughter for three hundred and sev- 
enty-five dollars, (given to him in 1857,) but 
he did not say he owed her any more. 

The brother-in-law testified that he went 
to Galcerau's residence and woke him up to 
inform him of the death of the deceased. 
He did not show much surprise then, and 
did not go to the house for half an hour 
after. When the witness was going away 
from Galceran's, he said, "Damn him, it 
does not affect him much." When Galceran 
went to the house, his hand was observed 
by the ".vitness to be clammy, and he was in 
a tremor, but the witness at that time 
thought these were evidences of feeling. 
Galceran, before he was arrested, did not 
inform witness that he owed deceased any 
money at all, but, when subsequently ques- 
tioned by the witness, at the suggestion of 



the coroner, he admitted that he had re- 
ceived from her three hundred and fifty dol- 
lars more, for which she would not take a 
receipt. 

Dr. Stone was examined, and testified 
that about two weeks before Miss O'Reilly's 
death, a young lady, who did not give her 
name, but who, he is satisfied, was Miss 
O'Reilly, called to see him to make arrange- 
ments for her confinement in the hospital. 
She was in a healthy condition, had no 
symptoms of apoplexy, and did not appear 
to have any evil design. She did not ask 
him for any abortive medicine. She only 
wanted about two weeks to be confined. 
About a fortnight after this, an unknown 
man called on the doctor, and asked him for 
a certificate of death for the deceased. Wit- 
ness asked 1dm if she was pregnant, and, 
being answered affirmatively, told him that 
she could not have died of natural causes, 
as there was no reason for her sudden death 
in the condition in which he had seen her. 
He, therefore, refused to give the certificate. 
He thought at the time that there was some- 
thing wrong in the matter. 

Dr. Crawcour testified that Miss O'Reilly 
had died of poison. 

The jury returned a verdict that the 
poison was supposed to have been adminis- 
tered by Galceran, and censured the con- 
duct of Dr. Vionnet for having given a certi- 
ficate, leaving it to the grand jury to judge 
whether he ought to be considered an acces- 
sory after the fact. 



MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13. 

Destructive Fire in North Carolina. — 
This day a destructive fire occurred at 
Elizabeth City, N.C. Forty houses were 
burned, involving great loss to Messrs. Gal- 
kins, Cobb, Poole, Wheeler, and others. 
Many families are without shelter or means 
of support. The insurance is but partial. 
The fire was the work of an incendiary, and 
great excitement has been caused by it. 

Mob Violence in Chillicothe, Mo. — 
The "St. Louis Republican," of this date, 
says : — We learn that the State Savings 
Association, of this city, despatched two 
messengers, — Messrs. MeCluney and Pres- 
cott, — in charge of some $55,000 in bills on 
the Chillicothe branch of the State Bank, 
and on one of the banks at St. Joseph, with 
directions to demand the specie for it. The 
amount on the Chillicothe Bank was $29,000. 
Yesterday, the cashier of the State Savings, 
Mr. Rosenfeld, heard from these messengers 
by telegraph from Chillicothe. In their de- 
spatch they inform him that they could not 
get a dollar in specie, that the citizens pre- 
vented them, and that mob law was in the 
ascendant. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



107 



Virginia Legislature on Disunion. — In 
the Virginia Legislature, the joint committee 
on the South Carolina Mission reported the 
following resolutions : — 

Resolved, That the General Assembly of 
Virginia, recognising in our present rela- 
tions with non-slaveholding States an im- 
perative necessity for decisive measures, 
does not yet mistrust the capacity of the 
Southern States, by a wise and firm exercise 
of their reserved powers, to protect the 
rights and liberties of the people, and to 
preserve the Federal Union. For this pur- 
pose we earnestly desire the concerted ac- 
tion of the Southern States ; but the General 
Assembly respectfully submits to the con- 
sideration of South Carolina, and all sister 
States of the South, that efficient co-opera- 
tion will be more safely obtained by such 
direct legislative action of the several States 
as may be proper, than through the agency 
of an assemblage which can exercise no 
legislative powers, except to debate and ad- 
vise. 

Resolved, therefore, That, in the opinion 
of the General Assembly, it is inexpedient 
to appoint deputies to the conference pro- 
posed by South Carolina. 

Resolved, That the Governor of this Com- 
monwealth be requested to communicate the 
foregoing resolutions to the Governor of the 
State of South Carolina, and to the Gover- 
nors of each of the slaveholding States. 

The Texas Legislature this day ad- 
journed. 

The Continental Hotel, in Philadelphia, 
the largest in the country, was opened this 
day to exhibition to the stockholders. The 
building is six stories high, is two hundred 
and thirty feet on Ninth Street, and one 
hundred and seventy feet on Chestnut Street. 
It contains accommodations for one thou- 
sand persons. 

Governor Houston's Letter in Rela- 
tion to the Invasion of Texas by Cor- 
tixas. — This day Gov. Houston, in a letter 
addressed to the Secretary of War, says : — 
" I have used all necessary caution and 
prudence, and may now act upon the facts 
before me. Unless prompt measures are 
adopted by the Federal Government, circum- 
stances will impel Texas to adopt the course 
she desires to avoid. Texas cannot invade 
with impunity, but if thrown upon her own 
resources, she may not only resist, but 
adopt means to prevent a recurrence of out- 
rages, &c." 

Abuses at an Insane-Asylum. — This day 
n paper was presented to the New York As- 
sembly, asking for an examination into 
alleged abuses charged against the Utica 
Asylum for the Insane. It is stated that 



Morris Tarbell was recently placed in the 
institution for treatment. A few days after 
he died. So sudden and unexpected was 
his decease, that his friends called upon the 
coroner to investigate the matter. The in- 
quest led to the conclusion and correspond- 
ing verdict that Mr. Tarbell died from inju- 
ries received at the asylum. Five ribs were 
broken, — two of them in two places. A spe- 
cial committee was appointed to examine 
the charge. 

Philadelphian Murdered. — The "New 
Orleans (La.) Commercial Bulletin," of this 
date, says : — 

The stranger who was murdered a couple 
of weeks ago in Jefferson City, Mo., has 
been identified as James II or, a wheelwright, 
of Philadelphia, and was on his way there 
when killed. It is known that he had about 
six hundred dollars in his possession at the 
time. 

Sentenced. — Benj. Reyburnwas this day 
sentenced to eleven years and six months' 
imprisonment in the Eastern Penitentiary, 
for the murder of Susan Emma Kemble, in 
Chester county, Pa. 

Sentence of Stephens and Hazlett. — This 
day, Stephens and Hazlett were sentenced to 
be hanged at Charlestown, Va., for complicity 
in the Harper's Ferry Insurrection. The 
Baltimore "Sun's" correspondent gives the 
following account of the scene. He says: — 

The court-room was crowded to hear the 
sentence of the law passed upon Hazlett and 
Stephens. Some time was occupied by coun- 
sel in presenting bills of exception in the 
case of Hazlett, and it was twelve o'clock 
before Stephens was brought into the court- 
house. The prisoners were brought into 
court by the sheriff-jailer, and a guard of 
twenty men of the "Jefferson Guards." 
Both prisoners wore an unconcerned air, and 
seemed utterly unterrified at the awful posi- 
tion in which they have placed themselves. 

The clerk having asked the prisoners if 
they had any thing to say why sentence should 
not be passed upon them, both responded 
that they had. 

Stephens then said: — "May it please the 
court, I have a few words to say. Some of 
the testimony given against me was untrue. 
One of the witnesses stated that I said, ' Let 

us kill the of ; burn the town.' To 

those who know me it is useless to make a 
denial of this charge; but I deny here, be- 
fore God and man, ever having made such a 
proposition. I wish to say I am entirely 
satisfied with the conduct of my counsel, Mr. 
Sennott. I think he did all in his power in 
my behalf. I desire also to return my thanks 
to the officers who have had charge of me, 
for their universal kind treatmeut, and to my 
physician for the services rendered me while 



108 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



suffering from my wounds. When I think of 
my brothers slaughtered and sisters outraged, 
my conscience does not reprove me for my 
actions. I shall meet my fate manfully." 

[This reference is understood to be to the 
treatment of his Northern brethren and sis- 
ters during the Kansas broils.] 

Hazlett then spoke, as follows: — I have a 
few words to say. I am innocent of the 
charge on which I have been convicted. I 
deny ever having committed murder, or ever 
having contemplated murder, or ever having 
associated with any one with such intentions. 
Some of the witnesses have sworn to things 
which I deny, and which were positively 
false. For instance, in reference to my 
beard ; I have never in my life, until my im- 
prisonment iu jail, allowed my beard to go 
more than three weeks without shaving; and 
all testimony, therefore, as to the length of 
my beard is false. Again, Mr. Copeland tes- 
tified that I was sitting on a stool when he 
entered the cell at Carlisle ; this I deny ; I 
was sitting on a blanket, back against the 
wall, and another man was on the stool. 
Copeland also said there were only two men 
in the cell; this is false, as there were four 
other white men in the cell with me, and we 
comprised all the white prisoners in the jail. 
Others of the witnesses made false statements ; 
but I forgive them all. I have been treated 
kindly since my confinement, — much better 
than I had expected, — and I must say I think 
better of Virginia. I wish also to return my 
thanks to the counsel who have so ably de- 
fended me : they have done more in my 
behalf than Northern counsel could possibly 
have done. I repeat, I am innocent of mur- 
der, but am prepared to meet my fate." 

The prisoners having concluded, Judge 
Kinney then proceeded to read the following 
sentence, during which he was much affected, 
and at times could with difficulty give utter- 
ance to the sentence: — 

"Aaron C. Stephens, you have been indicted 
and tried by a jury of the country, and, after 
being defended with zeal and ability by coun- 
sel of your own choice, from your own section 
of our common country, you have been found 
guilty of advising and conspiring with slaves 
to rebel and make insurrection ; and for con- 
spiring with John Brown and others to rebel 
and make insurrection. And you, Albert 
Hazlett, have also been indicted by a jury of 
the country, and found guilty of murder in 
the first degree, in wilfully, deliberately, 
feloniously, and of malice aforethought, kill- 
ing and murdering George W. Turner, Foun- 
tain Beckham, and others; and you have 
also been defended by counsel of this coun- 
try, assigned to you at your request by the 
court, with an ability seldom equalled, and 
with a zeal and attention to every point in your 
case, whether of law or fact, that could not 
have been surpassed had they been defending 
a citizen of their own county. You have 



been prosecuted with great ability by the 
counsel representing the Commonwealth, and 
with an interest the magnitude of the charges 
required, yet in a manner the most fastidious 
could not except to. The painful duty is de- 
volved upon me to announce thus publicly 
the penalty the law affixes to the crime 
whereof you are now found guilty. When I 
look upon your comparative youth, your 
genteel appearance, and consider the mental 
agonies you must have endured during these 
protracted trials, I cannot help pitying you, 
and could wish, if the honor and dignity of 
Virginia, the security of her citizens and 
their property, would authorize it, the law 
imposed a less penalty than death. The 
crimes iu which you participated, and which 
were so tragical in their incipient steps, if 
carried to the extent contemplated by you 
and your accomplices and associates in arms, 
for horror and fraternal perfidy would have 
had no parallel in modern civilization since 
the massacre of St. Bartholomew's Eve. But 
I will not attempt to harrow your feelings 
by a rehearsal of the scenes at Harper's 
Ferry in October last : this is now a part of 
the history of our common country, and 
will, I hope, for years to come, constitute its 
darkest page. I prefer diverting your atten- 
tion to your awful situation, for I declare to 
you that I believe you ought not to indulge 
in any hopes of pardon or commutation of 
your punishment, or of the suspension of its 
execution, (unless there is some error in the 
proceedings of the court, or in its opinions ; 
and there is none, I think,) and to urge you • 
to devote the few days remaining to you in 
preparing to meet that Judge .before whom 
you and I, your jurors and counsel, and all, 
must appear to render an account of the 
deeds done in the body. You, who have 
been raised in the Christian world, must have 
learned that there is a gracious Redeemer, 
who invites all, even the greatest criminals, 
to believe in him, to repent of their crimes, 
and partake of the blessings of his atoning 
blood. If you can realize your awful posi- 
tion, and call on the ministers of our holy 
religion, they will cheerfully, gladly wait on 
you, — they will instruct you in the way that, 
leads to life everlasting. They will pray 
with you and for you; they will accompany 
you to the edge of the grave and commend 
you to the great Captain of our salvation, 
in whom if you confide and on him rely, by 
his 'rod and staff' he will conduct you 
safely through the 'dark valley of the sha- 
dow of death.' " 

He then proceeded to sentence each of 
them to be hung publicly on Friday, the 16th 
day of March next, between the hours of ten 
o'clock a.m. and two o'clock p.m. 

Departure of Missionaries. — This day, 
the following persons embarked on board the 
barkSmyrniote, at Boston, as missionaries : — ■ 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



109 



Rev. Amherst L. Thompson and wife ; Rev. 
Win. F. Arms and wife; Rev. A. B. Goodale, 
M.D., and wife; Rev. Zenas Goss, Miss 
Aura J. Beach, Miss Harriet W. Crawford, 
Mi^s Adelaide L. Mason. Mr. and Mrs. 
Thompson, with Misses Beach and Crawford, 
go to the Nestorian mission ; Mr. and Mrs. 
Arms are expecting to join the North Arme- 
nian mission : Mr. and Mrs. Goodale and Mr. 
Goss are destined to the South Armenian 
mission ; Miss Mason is to be connected with 
the female boarding-school in Syria. The 
services were conducted by the Rev. Mr. 
Arms, of Norwich, Ct., father of one of the 
missionaries. There was a large number of 
friends present to participate in this farewell 
service. 



TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14. 

The Legislature of Maryland. — This 
day, the Legislature had under consideration 
the measures proposed by the committee in 
relation to the free colored population. The 
House passed, nearly unanimously, amend- 
ments to an existing act, by which a contri- 
bution, amounting to $5000 per annum, to 
the Colonization Society was withdrawn. 

Consecration of a Bishop. — At Indiana- 
polis, Indiana, Rev. J. C. Talbot, D.D., was 
consecrated Bishop for the Northwest. 

The Connecticut Democratic Conven- 
tion met at Hartford. General Phelps, of 
Colebrook, was chosen president. 

An informal ballot for Governor was taken, 
with the following result : — 

Thomas II. Seymour 215 

James T. Pratt 185 

Henry C. Deming 12 

Scattering 5 

A letter from Governor Seymour was read, 
declining the nomination and favoring the 
old ticket. But the Convention paid no re- 
gard to it, and nominated him by acclama- 
tion, after taking an informal ballot, which 
was all one way. Four hundred and thirty 
votes were cast. 

For Lieutenant-Governor — Jam.es E. Eng- 
lish, of New Haven. 

Secretary of State — Nathaniel B. Sfevens, 
of Norfolk. 

Treasurer — Colonel Thomas H. C. Kings- 
bury, of Franklin. 

Comptroller — Horace Taylor, of Vernon. 
Delegates were then chosen, by districts, 
for Charleston. 

A large Convention of iron-masters, fur- 
nace-men, and capitalists met in Portsmouth, 
Ohio, this day. On a call of delegates, it 
appeared that nearly eveiy furnace and iron- 
interest in Kentucky and Ohio was repre- 
sented. After organization, a statement was 



made of the iron-interest of the two Slates, 
from which it appears that the yearly ave- 
rage produce of pig-iron from sixty-two fur- 
naoea was 155,000 tons per annum ; value of 
cold and hot blast-metal, $4,650,000; popu- 
lation supported by furnaces, 31,000; hands 
employed, 6200, &c. In the afternoon the 
committee to whom the matter was intrusted, 
reported a memorial to Congress, in which 
they represent that the iron-manufacture is 
in such depressed condition as to render the 
capital invested scarcely remunerative, and 
that relief can only be aiforded by a specific 
duty on the import of foreign iron. 

Fire in Carbondale, Pa. — This day, the 
City Hall, with the court-house and jail at- 
tached, at Carbondale, was set on fire by a 
prisoner named Higgins, and destroyed. 
Higgins perished in the flames. The fire 
extended, destroying much property. 

Slaver Delivered Up. — The slave-brig 
Virginia, of New York, captured by the Bri- 
tish steamer Viper, was delivered up to the 
U.S. steamer Portsmouth this day. She 
replaced the British prize-crew on board the 
Virginia by a crew from among her own men, 
who were placed under the command of 
Lieutenant Brown and two other officers, — 
Lieutenant Tyler, of the United States Ma- 
rine corps, and a young officer from the 
United States steamer Sumpter. The brig 
left the coast of Africa on the same day for 
the United States. 

Destructive Fire in Oswego County, 
N.Y.— This day, Whitney's block of build- 
ings, in Mexico, Oswego county, was destroyed 
by fire. The loss was heavy. 

Shoe-Factory Burned. — The shoe-factory 
of D. F. Murphy, of Franklin, N.H., was 
destroyed by fire this day. There was an 
insurance to the extent of $5000, which will 
not cover the loss. 

Death of John A. Allston. — This day, 
General John A. Allston, of South Carolina, 
died, at Winnesboro, in that State. 

Democratic Caucus for U.S. Senator. — 
This day, the Democratic caucus of the 
Maryland Legislature had nine ballots for a 
candidate for U.S. Senator, and adjourned 
without effecting a nomination. On the last 
ballot Mr. Pearce had 25 ; Mr. Long, 21 ; 
and Mr. Stewart, 10. 

Death of Captain H. B. Sawyer, U.S.N. 
— Captain H. B. Sawyer, of the United States 
navy, died in Washington this day. He was 
a native of Burlington, Vt., born in 1797, 
and was consequently about sixty-three years 
of age at his decease. He had been forty- 
eight years in the public service, — entering 



110 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



the navy as a midshipman in 1812, and hav- 
ing reached the position of a post-captain. 
He was captured, in the United States sloop- 
of-war Eagle, in the severe engagement of 
June, 1813, on Lake Champlain; was a Bri- 
tish prisoner at Halifax for more than a year ; 
was then exchanged, and was ordered to the 
Constitution, on which he served during the 
engagement which resulted in the capture of 
the British ships Cyane and Levant, in 
February, 1815. For his many "valuable 
services and good conduct" during the fight, 
and during the chase and escape of the fri- 
gate Constitution from three British ships-of- 
war, on the 12th of March, 1815, Captain 
Sawyer received a sword from the Legislature 
of Vermont, in 1856. He was, subsequently 
to the year 1816, in arduous service in the 
West Indies ; but a deafness occasioned by 
the cannonading at the capture of the Eagle, 
and injury to his naturally strong constitu- 
tion by yellow fever, contracted during ser- 
vice against pirates in the West Indies, 
compelled his retirement from active service, 
and he was subsequently stationed for a num- 
ber of years at Plattsburg, N.Y. He leaves 
a wife and five children. 

Loss of the Schooner N. Smith. — This 
day, in the night, the brig Charles Miller, 
Captain Brewer, came in contact, off Chinco- 
teague, with schooner N. Smith, from New 
York for Charleston, by which both vessels 
were badly damaged, — the latter so much so 
that she settled down and sunk shortly after 
the collision. The crew were taken off by 
the brig and landed at Norfolk. The Charles 
Miller lost her jib-boom, had her bowsprit 
knocked up, and was a good deal broken 
about the head. 

Duel. — The Principal does not appear. 
— His Friend takes his Place. — A duel was 
to have come off this day, at Shasta, Cal., 
between C. R. Godfrey and William B. Stod- 
dard. But Stoddard failed to appear, and 
his second, Marquis Levi, took his place. 
Levi was wounded. 



WEDNESDAY, FEBEUAKY 15. 

Outrage on the American Flag. — Seiz- 
ure of a Trading-Vessel as a Slaver. 
— This day the brig George W. Jones, of 
Salem, Captain Sparks, was seized at the 
entrance of the Rio Pongo, Africa, by the 
British frigate Arrogant, Commodore W. Ed- 
monton, as a slaver, and taken possession of 
by the second lieutenant, who took the brig to 
the frigate, ten miles at sea. The brig was 
half loaded at the time with hides and ground- 
nuts. The hatches were off and men at work 
in the hold. Her papers were shown to the 
lieutenant, who declared them to be fraudu- 
lent, and who, against the remonstrance of 



the mate, (who had charge at the time, the 
captain being ashore,) got under way and 
beat her out to the frigate. The British com- 
modore, when he saw her papers, sent her 
back to her berth in the river. Captain 
Sparks, who commanded the brig, is an old 
trader on the coast of Africa, and is well 
known and highly respected in Salem. His 
vessel was detained ten days in the river by 
the interference of the British. Captain 
Thompson further states that the British 
watched his vessel very closely while taking 
in palm-oil. A boat was sent alongside of 
her frequently, and the officer in charge kept 
a sharp look-out after the casks, apprehen- 
sive, no doubt, that they might contain 
negroes, or water for negroes. American 
vessels-of-war rarely or never visit the un- 
healthy places on the coast, and consequently 
cannot afford our honest traders protection. 
The British commodore appeared much an- 
noyed by the proceedings of his subordinates, 
and proceeded to Fernando Po, to explain 
the circumstances to the American commo- 
dore, and to offer such compensation to the 
brig as might be required. 

Remains of a Human Being Found. — 
This day, at Scranton, Pa., a box, containing 
the leg and two feet of a human body, was 
found in a ravine near the railroad-depot. 

Young Ladt Burned to Death in Ala- 
bama. — The "West Alabamian" of this date 
says : — 

We learn that a daughter of Mr. Henry 
F. Heritage, of this county, was burned to 
death a few days ago, under the following 
sad circumstances. The older members of 
the family were absent from home, and a 
little son set fire to a field of broom-sedge 
near the house ; and the daughter, to prevent 
the fire from reaching the fence, attempted to 
extinguish it. In the effort her clothes caught 
fire, and, no one being near to assist her, she 
was unable to put them out until she was 
fatally burned. She at last reached the 
spring, put out the fire of her burning 
clothes, and succeeded in getting back to the 
house, but died soon after from the effects of 
the burn. 

Sudden Death. — In Boston, this day, Mr. 
James Clark, an aged retired merchant, died 
suddenly in the House of Representatives, 
while listening to a debate in which he felt 
much interest. 

Death of a Trotting-Horse. — The cele- 
brated trotting-horse Whalebone, owned by 
John Cutler, of Albany, N.Y., fell dead this 
day evening, while being driven down the 
Troy road. Mr. Cutler had quite recently 
refused $2500 for him. 

Augusta (Ga.) Authorizing the City 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



Ill 



Council to Subscribe to a Railroad. — 
This day the citizens of Augusta, Ga., by 810 
majority, directed the City Council to sub- 
Bcribe $500,000 to the stock of the proposed 
railway to Macon. 

The Governor of Maryland Denies the 
Right of being Questioned by the House. 
— This day the Governor of Maryland sent 
the following message to the Maryland House 
of Delegates : — 

Executive Chamber, "1 

Annapolis, February 15, 18G0. J 

To the House of Delegates. — Gentlemen : — 
I have been informed to-day by a committee 
of your House that you have adopted an 
order reciting that, "Whereas, it appears 
from the public press of the country that the 
Governor of Maryland has placed this State 
in a false position by presenting his congratu- 
lations to Mr. Pennington, of New Jersey, — 
a Black Republican,— tipon his election to 
the distinguished position of Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and directing a 
committee, appointed by the Speaker, to in- 
quire of the Governor whether his congratu- 
lations were piSSented at all, and, if so, 
whether privately or officially." 

I cannot admit, the right of the House of 
Delegates to make such inquiry; and the 
respect which, in my opinion, ought to be 
observed by each department of the Govern- 
ment towards every other, precludes me from 
returning any answer to such a message, other 
than to acknowledge its receipt. 

Thomas H. Hicks. 

■ Robbing the Mail by a Boy of Fifteen. 
— Two Bushels of Stolen Letters Found. 
— This day a boy, named Henry D. Kunkle, 
was arrested for robbing the mail. The 
"Sandusky Register," giving an account of 
the arrest, says : — 

For some weeks past, W. S. V. Prentice, 
special agent of the U.S. Mail Department, 
has been conscious that letters have been 
extracted from the mails on the line of the 
C. & T. Railroad. He has been pursuing his 
researches for some time, to ascertain who 
the thief was, but was unsuccessful until 
yesterday. Letters were traced to Monroe- 
ville, the junction of the S. M. & N. and the 
southern division of the C. & T. Railroads, 
where they unaccountably disappeared. A 
thorough search was at once instituted, and 
on Sunday last about two bushels of letters 
were found in the vault of a privy near the 
depot. Suspicion attached to the telegraph- 
operator at that point, on the Sandusky, 
Mansfield & Newark Railroad, — a lad fifteen 
years of age, named Henry D. Kunkle ; and 
yesterday he confessed to having carried on 
a system of robbing the mails for a period 
of nearly a year past. The mails were 
changed at Monroeville from the C. & T. 



road to the S. M. & N. road, and vice versa; 
and the mail-bags frequently lay in the tele- 
graph-office, where it was customary to leave 
them, for the space of twenty-four hours, and 
sometimes longer. He said he used to shake 
the letters down to the mouth of the bag, and 
get possession of the letters by inserting a 
thumb and finger between the staples through 
which the strap passes by which the bag is 
fastened. He acknowledged that he had got 
about $150 out of the mails; but it is esti- 
mated that the sum of about $400 is missing. 
To show how expeditious he was, a draft for 
$450 was mailed at Oberlin for Mansfield, on 
.Saturday last, at ten o'clock a.m., and at ten 
o'clock a.m. the following day the letter was 
found among the other letters in the privy. 

Colonel Rush Floyd, of Virginia, brother 
to the Secretary of War, died of heart-disease 
at Washington, this day. 



THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16. 

Suicide of a Lady. — This day Miss Susan 
A. Cottle drowned herself in the Missouri, at 
Leavenworth. She was formerly from Massa- 
chusetts. No cause is assigned for the rash 
act. 

Woman Drowned. — In Philadelphia, about 
ten o'clock at night of this day, some men on 
the east side of the Schuylkill, near Chestnut 
Street, were startled by the cry of "Oh, save 
me !" made by a female, who had fallen over- 
board from the wharf on the other side, nearly 
opposite. After calling to her that they 
would come to her assistance, they hurried 
across the bridge, but not in time to save her, 
as she had sunk when they got over. On 
Friday morning the men grappled for the 
body and succeeded in recovering it, which 
proved to be that of a woman about thirty 
years old, respectably dressed, with dark- 
brown hair, and dressed in a black bombazine 
frock, chenille shawl, black crape bonnet, and 
kid boots. She had a medallion, fastened 
with a guard to her neck, and several breast- 
pins in one of her pockets. On a hand- 
kerchief about her was the name of Clara 
Dolze, No. 10. An inquest was held, and a 
verdict of accidentally drowned was ren- 
dered. The deceased took passage in a West- 
Philadelphia car, at Third and Market 
Streets, to which she was accompanied by a 
man, who there left her. The conductor on 
the West Philadelphia car saw the body, and 
recognised it as that of a domestic employed 
at the Avenue Drove-Yard, in the Twenty- 
Fourth Ward. 

Exemption Bill Passed. — The Maryland 
House of Delegates this day passed an ex- 
emption bill, securing against seizure furni- 
ture or other property to the amount of three 



112 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Fee. 



hundred dollars. An amendment was offered 
and adopted confining the immunity to white 
persons, and excluding free negroes, by a 
vote of 35 to 15. 

Lieutenant Moore Acquitted. — By a 
general court-martial, which convened at 
Carlisle Barracks this day, (and of which 
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Daniel T. Chan- 
dler, Captain 3d Infantry, was President,) 
was tried First Lieutenant Isaiah N. Moore, 
1st Dragoons, who, after a full investigation 
of all the charges against him, was honorably 
acquitted, and directed to resume his sword. 

Burning of a Woollen-Factory. — In Phi- 
ladelphia, about six o'clock in the evening of 
this day, a fire occurred in the woollen-factory 
known as the "City Mills," on Lawrence 
Street, below Girard Avenue. The weaving, 
carding, spinning, and drying departments 
are carried on in three different buildings. 

Forty-Nine Children Drowned. — A most 
terrible calamity occurred this day near the 
town of Harden, III., on the Illinois River, 
and about twenty-five miles above Alton. 
Fifty school-children, in attendance at a uni- 
versity at that place, went out upon the ice 
to play. The ice gave way, and, with one 
exception, all were lost. The village was a 
scene of universal mourning, — almost every 
family in it having lost one or more of its 
members. 

Death. — This day died the Rev. George 
Chandler, pastor of the First Presbyterian 
Church, Kensington, Philadelphia, in the 
seventy-first year of his age. For nearly a 
half-century he had labored in the ministry. 
At the dedication of the new church-edifice 
recently erected by the people of his charge, 
Mr. Chandler, in his sermon, stated that 
during his ministry in that neighborhood, 
since 1814, he had performed funeral services 
at the burial of over five thousaud persons, 
and united in marriage over three thousand 
six hundred couples. 

Stephen Whitney, a celebrated New York 
merchant and millionnaire, died, at his resi- 
dence in that city, at noon this day. The 
" Tribune" says : — 

Mr. Whitney was one of the merchant- 
princes of New York. He was born at 
Derby, Conn., in 1776, and came to this city 
when a mere boy. Obtaining a situation as 
clerk in a grocery-store, he gradually worked 
Ins way up to competency, and died the third 
richest man in New York. He has lived in 
the First Ward of this city ever since he 
landed here. For many years he dwelt in 
Pearl Street, hard by the Battery, till, thirty- 
five years ago, he built the residence on 
Bowling Green, on the corner of State Street. 
This was then the most fashionable part of 



the city. Here he lived till death closed his 
career, sturdily refusing to follow the fashion- 
able crowd, although his friends and equals, 
one by one, flew up-town-ward until he was 
left alone. Mr. Whitney married the daugh- 
ter of Mr. Hendrick Suydam, of Long Island, 
by whom he had several children. Of these 
he leaves one son, William Whitney, and 
three daughters, Mrs. J. Phillips Phenix, 
(widow,) Mrs. John Dore, and Mrs. Ferdi- 
nand Suydam. He began life as a grocery- 
man and shipping-merchant, in which he con- 
tinued many years. He also dipped into the 
China trade when it was most profitable, and 
speculated in stocks at times. When he re- 
tired he was in the Liverpool trade, owning 
several ships in the Kermitt line. Being a 
man of great sagacity, his opinion was gene- 
rally deferred to "in the street" and in the 
banking and other enterprises in which he 
took part. For many years he was a director 
in the Bank of America ; and in the Bank of 
Commerce he held that position from its 
foundation, as well as in the New Jersey 
Railroad Company, — offices which he held up 
to the period of his death. Mr. Whitney re- 
tired from active mercantile life about thirty 
years ago, then quite wealthy, and has ever 
since, by prudent investments in real estate 
and sound paying stocks, been adding to his 
wealth, till it is estimated that his accumu- 
lations amount to hard upon eight millions 
of dollars. It was characteristic of him that 
he always minded his own business, kept his 
own books, and never had anybody to take 
charge of his affairs, but always conducted 
them himself. His illness— a dropsical af- 
fection, which rendered him lame — lasted for 
three years ; but his last sickness was quite 
sudden, commencing on the 12th. He was 
attended by the family physician, Dr. Beales; 
but the case was beyond his skill. To the 
last he was methodical and business-like as 
ever, the very latest act he did being to take 
his check-book and lock it up in a drawer, 
taking the key and putting it in its proper 
place ; after which he lay down, without any 
apparent exertion or suffering, and died. 
Mr. Whitney was entirely devoted to busi- 
ness, in the transaction of which, though 
rigid, — never accepting less than seven per 
cent., — he was correct, honest, upright, and 
fair. In the great panic of 1837, having 
immense amounts of cash at his command, 
he speculated in paper and real estate 
down town. These, of course, he purchased 
at panic-prices, and, when things were re- 
stored to their original state, found himself a 
millionnaire. In 1857 he was taxed for a 
million and a half. According to the assess- 
ments on Mr. Astor, Commodore Vandeibilt, 
and other wealthy men, they are in propor- 
tion of one dollar assessment to ten dollars 
of actual property. Estimating Mr. Whit- 
ney's wealth on this perfectly safe basis, he 
died worth from $10,000,000 to §15,000,000. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



113 



Samuel D. Patterson, formerly well known 
as a politician of the Democratic school, died 
this day at Evansburg, Montgomery co., Pa., 
He was formerly Navy Agent for Philada., 
was at various times connected with the 
press, and contributed poems and other 
articles, of moderate merit, to several lite- 
rary and religious journals. 

Destructive Fire in New Bedford, Mass. 
— The night of this day, a fire broke out in 
New Bedford. Two wooden buildings, occu- 
pied for mechanics' shops and a grocery, 
together with dwellings adjoining, at the 
corner of Middle and Second Streets, were 
destroyed. Pollard & Myrick, coopers, H. 
II. Wood, and Gideon Allen, are among the 
sufferers. 

Mysterious Disappearance of Samuel 
D. North way. — This day, Samuel D. North- 
way, of South Norfolk, Conn., started to 
New York upon business connected with the 
tannery of which he is manager, intending 
to return home on Saturday, the 18th. On 
Monday the 20th, his wife, at South Nor- 
folk, received a letter from him, written at 
the Metropolitan Hotel in New York on the 
previous Saturday, stating that he would be 
home on Monday. On the following day, a 
letter was received at South Norfolk from a 
gentleman in Brooklyn, inquiring why he 
had not kept his appointment and met him 
at Brooklyn, as he had engaged to do, on 
Sunday evening. This, with Mr. Northway's 
continued absence, excited the utmost anxiety 
on the part of his wife and friends, who have 
utterly failed in their endeavors to discover 
his whereabouts or any satisfactory reason 
for absence. 



FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17. 

Suicide. — At Baltimore, this day, Dan 
Stansburg, a man extensively known among 
railroad-men throughout the country, shot 
himself through the head, and died instantly. 
Deceased had been, in early life, a printer, 
but for many years he has been connected 
with railroads. He was at one time one 
of the most popular conductors on the Bal- 
timore & Ohio Railroad. His habits be- 
came loose, and he was discharged. He 
then went to Illinois, and obtained a good 
position upon the road from Chicago; but 
his habits again caused his discharge. He 
then returned to Baltimore, and has re- 
mained here ever since, out of employ. He 
was a man of fine person and gentlemanly 
address, and had good business qualities ; 
but, like too many of his kind, he had al- 
lowed himself to be drawn into the society 
of bad associates, among whom was a noted 
woman of the town, named Jenny Murphy. 
She was a splendid-looking woman, and 



versed in all the arts of her calling, and 
soon won upon the affections of poor Dan, 
and so wound him up in her meshes as to 
render him her willing slave. He had a 
most amiable wife and several sweet chil- 
dren, all of whom were neglected through 
love for this vile prostitute. So long as his 
means were equal to her wants, he was re- 
tained in her favor; but when he became 
poor, and was unable further to furnish her 
money, she found another upon whom to 
bestow her favors. The weak mind of poor 
Dan could not brook a successful rival, and, 
goaded by his feelings of shame, as well 
from the neglect of his family as the cool- 
ness of his cruel mistress, he was deter- 
mined to kill both her and himself. For 
this purpose, he armed himself, and went to 
her house, and called her from the side of a 
companion into an adjoining room to con- 
summate the fearful deed; but when he 
looked upon her his heart failed him, and 
he withdrew the deadly weapon which he 
had aimed at her, and turned it upon him- 
self, and in the next instant his brains were 
scattered about the room, and he lay a 
ghastly corpse. 

Death from the Bite of a Cat. — A man 
named Stephen Hamel, of Cincinnati, died 
from the bite of a cat this day. He had 
endeavored to drive some cats from a garret, 
and struck one of them several blows with 
a stick, when suddenly the cat leaped upon 
him with the ferocity of a tiger, and, before 
he could free himself from its grasp, 
scratched and bit him about the face in a 
terrible manner. The next day he grew 
delirious, and his head swelled up to twice 
its natural size. In this condition he lin- 
gered till death came to his relief. 

A ScoTTisn Earl in Court. — This day, 
in New York, James, Earl of South Esk, a 
Scottish nobleman, appeared at the Mayor's 
office, accompanied by Mr. Cunard, of the 
Cunard line of steamships, and complained 
of Isaac Slover, the ticket swindler of 
Cedar Street. The complaint was, charging 
$75 more than the ticket was worth. The 
story of the earl is the oft-repeated tale of 
victimized travellers. He says that on the 
15th of February he arrived at Jersey City 
by the Erie Railroad, and inquired of a 
bystander (who happened to be a runner) 
if the steamship Asia had sailed, and was an- 
swered that she had. Another runner then 
stepped forward, — a very respectable-look- 
ing gentleman, and, above all, very accom- 
modating, — and said that he would guide the 
earl to a place where he could find out any 
thing he wished to know in relation to ves- 
sels going to Europe. He was conducted 1 
to Slover's place in Cedar Street, where he 
was told that the Canada was about to sail, 
but she was about full, and was advised to 



114 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



go by the Portland line. This he declined 
doing, and was about to leave, when he was 
called back, and a messenger was sent out 
to telegraph to the Canada to keep a cabin 
and two second-cabin berths for their cus- 
tomer. But the messenger, instead of tele- 
graphing, went and bought three tickets, 
then re-sold the tickets to the earl, over- 
charging $75. Slover was brought before 
the acting Mayor, Alderman Feck, and, 
rather than go to prison, he gave up the $75. 

Unroofing the Catholic Orphan-Asy- 
lum of New York. — This day the inmates 
of the Roman Catholic Male Orphan-Asy- 
lum, corner of Fifty-First Street and Fifth 
Avenue, were terrified by a fearful crash 
over their heads, and the children, thinking 
that the house was coming down about 
them, would brook no control, and rushed 
into the street. Their fears were to a cer- 
tain extent realized, as the entire roof and 
the heavy cornices were raised from the 
building by the hurricane then blowing, and 
dashed into the yard at the back, carrying 
with it. a part of the brickwork and render- 
ing the left wing in a very unsafe condition. 
As the children rushed out, they scattered 
all over the place, and some of them found 
their way down town, where they were 
picked up by policemen and citizens, and 
either returned to the asylum or taken care 
of by those who had picked them up. The 
Sisters collected all they could, and con- 
veyed them to the school-rooms under the 
chapel that is in the immediate vicinity, 
— when others were brought in by the po- 
licemen and neighbors. There were about 
four hundred and fifty children in the asy- 
lum at the time of the accident, and at half- 
past one o'clock there was supposed to be 
one-third of them missing. Many of them 
were taken care of by those in the neigh- 
borhood. Some of the poor little things 
were shivering in the cold when found ; and 
one, not over six or seven years of age, 
drank eagerly three cups of hot coffee to 
try to take the cold out of his body. The 
building from the front presented no un- 
usual appearance, but at the back, where 
the roof slid off, the place was covered with 
the large beams and the broken remains of 
the roof. The walls of the left wing were 
forced out of their position, and were in im- 
minent danger of falling at any moment. 
The cupola was also in great danger of tum- 
bling, as the fall of the roof started it from 
its original position and caused it to lean 
very much to one side. Had the accident 
occurred a few hours earlier, the conse- 
quences might have been very disastrous, 
as some of the heavier beams fell into the 
sleeping-rooms below, and the first floor 
was covered with broken laths and plaster. 
It was almost a miracle that none of the 
children were killed; for, had they at- 



tempted to run out at the back door, they 
must have been crushed to death instantly 
by the falling portions of the roof. As it 
was, they all, most providentially, escaped 
without a bruise. The damage was esti- 
mated at $5000. 

Burned. — In Bcment, Piatt county, 111., 
this day, the Bement Flouiing-Mills were 
burned down in the night. The loss, which 
is total, is from $10,000 to $15 000. Fully 
insured in Eastern offices. 

Death of Mr. Burton. — This day, in the 
morning, William E. Burton, the come- 
dian, died at New York, after a distressing 
illness of many weeks, his disease being an 
affection of the heart. He was the son of 
William George Burton, an eminent Biblical 
scholar of London, where he was born in 
1804. He was educated for the church, but 
early turned his attention to miscellaneous 
literature, editing a monthly magazine when 
he was but eighteen years old. He then 
engaged in amateur theatricals, and the idea 
of the church was wholly abandoned. Ulti- 
mately he became a professional actor, and, 
after a successful provincial career, ap- 
peared in London in 1832. Two years 
afterward he came to this country, and 
went to Philadelphia to reside. He became 
the most popular comedian of his time. 
He built the old National Theatre that stood 
on the site of the Continental Hotel, and 
managed it, with varying fortune, for some 
years. Then he leased the Arch Street 
Theatre, which did not prosper in his hands. 
He removed to New York in 1847, and, 
purchasing the little theatre on Chambers 
Street, known as Palmer's Opera-House, 
named it Burton's Theatre, and, in a few 
years of extraordinary success, obtained a 
handsome fortune. In 1856 he leased his 
theatre at a large rent, and took the Metro- 
politan Theatre, in Broadway. But his 
success did not follow him to the new es- 
tablishment, and he soon abandoned the 
career of manager. He has appeared on 
the stage since 1856 only at intervals. He 
has passed his winters at his residence in 
Hudson Street, New York, and his summers 
at a beautiful country-seat at Glen Cove, 
L.I. Besides being the best low-comedian 
of the day, Mr. Burton had a decided turn 
for literature. His library is extensive, and 
particularly rich in its Shakspeareian de- 
partment. He wrote several successful 
plays in his youth, edited the "Gentle- 
man's Magazine" in Philadelphia, besides a 
couple of periodicals in England, wrote 
numerous articles for other magazines, and 
compiled a clever collection of humorous 
writings, called a ''Cyclopaedia of Wit and 
Humor," published in 1858. 

A New York paper, speaking of his death, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



115 



Burton's last appearance was the only 
occasion on ■which he objected to a full 
house. It seems he had requested his phy- 
sician and executor to throw a sheet over 
him as soon as he was dead, and to allow 
no one to remove it. The family of the 
deceased obeyed his wishes, and the funeral 
was an unusually private one. 

Death op Elhanan W. Keyser. — Elha- 
nan W. Keyser, an old and respected citizen 
of Philadelphia, died this day. He held, at 
the time of his death, the office of Presi- 
dent of the Board of Guardians of the Poor. 
He was also one of the Port-Wardens, and 
a Director of the Bank of the Northern 
Liberties. Under the new city government, 
he was at one time a member of the Select 
Council ; and he also acted a prominent part 
in the old American party in the former 
District of the Northern Liberties. He was 
an active and useful member of the His- 
torical, the Horticultural, and other import- 
ant local societies. He had accumulated, 
by his industry in early life, a handsome 
fortune, of which he made a liberal and ju- 
dicious use. Few citizens possessed more 
of the regard and esteem of their acquaint- 
ances. ' 

Fight on the Floor of the New York 
House of Representatives. — This day, a 
fight occurred on the floor of the New York 
House of Representatives, between Mr. 
Milliken, a member, and Mr. Hugh Allen, 
a lobby-member. The "New York Herald" 
gives the following account of the affair: — 

Mr. Milliken, in his speech against the 
Pro Rata Bill last evening, accused the 
Clinton League of being the most gigantic 
lobby concern that had ever undertaken to 
influence legislation, and especially assailed 
Hugh Allen, the Secretary, who has been 
here the entire winter, button-holing mem- 
bers and doing all that he could to influence 
votes. This, it seems, Mr. Allen took ex- 
ceptions to, and came upon the floor of the 
House before the commencement of the 
morning session, and found that Mr. Milli- 
ken was in his seat. He asked Mr. Van 
Horn, of Niagara, to introduce him, who, I 
understand, refused. He then went and 
sat down two seats from Mr. Milliken, with 
Mr. Stilson, of Orleans, sitting between 
them. 

After sitting there a few moments, Mr. 
Stilson, at the request of Mr. Allen, pro- 
posed to Mr. Milliken to introduce him. 
Mr. Milliken objected, stating that he had 
no desire to become acquainted with a com- 
mon slanderer. Mr. Allen replied that he 
desired to explain. Mr. Milliken stated 
that he (Allen)had informed a friend of his 
(Milliken's) that he (Milliken) was the 
party to whom the writing of the letter re- 
ferred to by the Speaker was imputed, and 



remarked that any man who would repeat 
such a false charge was a scoundrel, unless 
he had positive proof of its truth, and he 
did not desire any communication with 
Allen until the imputation was withdrawn. 
Mr. Allen then replied that he had never 
repeated it to but three persons, and never 
in the lobby to a stranger. Mr. Milliken 
said he would call Mr. J. Rodgers, a perfect 
stranger to Mr. Allen, to whom he (Allen) 
had made the remark, when Mr. Allen ad- 
mitted that he might have frequently re- 
peated it, and would again repeat it, and 
that it was true. Mr. Milliken then called 
him a base slanderer and a contemptible 
scoundrel, whereupon Mr. Allen struck him 
with his fist on his right eye. Mr. Milliken 
was reaching over to get something to de- 
fend himself with, when Mr. Stilson sprang 
to his feet and separated them. Several 
persons immediately gathered around, and 
t\iQ most intense excitement followed for 
a few minutes. The Sergeant-at-Arms 
promptly arrested Mr. Allen. 

Destructive Fire in Tarrytown, N.Y. 
— The morning of this day, about half-past 
one o'clock, fire was discovered issuing from 
the grocery and dry-goods store of Mr. 
William Evans, on the dock foot of Main 
Street, Tarrytown. The flames spread with 
great rapidity. They first caught the store 
to the dwelling of Mr. Evaus, adjoining; 
from there to the large dwelling occupied 
by Mrs. Purdy and owned by Mr. Evans. It 
then communicated to the large two-story 
dwelling occupied by Mr. William Man- 
nerly ; thence to the large two-story house 
adjoining occupied by several families. The 
flames then caught and set fire to a one- 
story house on the opposite side of the 
street, and this, together with the sash and 
blind factory and the large two-story house 
owned by Mr. Jacob Storms, were soon a 
sheet of flame. No less than eight build- 
ings were burning at the same time. In 
the upper portion of the village it looked as 
if two large fires were raging. The loss is 
variously estimated, but it will probably 
not exceed $35,000. Mr. Evans's loss is 
from $12,000 to $14,000. There was a 
partial insurance upon the property. The 
origin of the fire is unknown. 

Fire in Branford, Conn. — In Branford, 
Conn., the morning of this day, the manu- 
factories of Squire & Parsons and Grilley 
& Perkins were destroyed by fire. Loss of 
Squire & Parsons, $50,000, and of Grilley 
& Perkins, $10,000. Insurance, $34,000 
and $6500. 

Arrest of a Bane-Defaulter. — This 
day, Daniel C. Kenyon, the defaulting cashier 
of the Rhode Island Exchange Bank, was 
arrested upon a charge of embezzlement, and 



116 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



committed to the jail in Kent county, R.I., 
to await his trial before the Supreme Court. 

In speaking of this man, the New York 
" Journal of Commerce" says : — 

" Any bank officer or clerk who is in the 
frequent habit of buying and selling stocks 
on speculation should be watched ;" but we 
would say that he should be placed at once 
where watching would be unnecessary, that 
is, on the outside of the institution whose 
interests are thus brought into jeopardy. 
A melancholy instance of the haste with 
which men of high standing and established 
character pursue the downward track when 
this mania for gambling possesses them, is 
found in the defalcation of Daniel C. Ken- 
yon, cashier of the Rhode Island Exchange 
Bank, and Treasurer, at the same time, of 
the East Greenwich Institution for Savings. 
He made $10,000 in his early speculations, 
and this proved his ruin. Had he lost at 
the commencement, he might have been 
cured of his folly ; but, like the first prize 
in the lottery, this opening success lured 
him on to his ultimate fall. His defalca- 
tions amount, by his own confession, to 
$108,000, completely swallowing up the 
capital of his own bank, ($60,000,) and 
robbing the widows and orphans of their 
little deposits in the Savings-Institution to 
the amount of $30,000. His bondsmen are 
his aged father and Mr. James B. Pierce, 
each $10,000, half to the bank and half to 
the Savings-Institution. The capital of 
the bank is thus lost, but the bill-holders 
and depositors will be protected. Beyond 
the $10,000, however, there is no redress 
for the depositors in the Savings-Institu- 
tion, and there the loss and consequent 
suffering will be severely felt. Kenyon 
confesses to perjury, it is said, as well as 
robbery, his sworn returns to the Commis- 
sioners having been fictitious. Well may 
humanity weep over such a ruin ; but the 
lesson should be heeded. Who in our midst 
are in places of trust while they are specu- 
lating in stocks ? 

The Virginia Democratic State Con- 
vention met this day at Richmond. They 
adjourned until to-morrow, without trans- 
acting any important business. 



SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18. 

Dreadful Fight in Ulster County, N.Y. 
— One Man Killed. — This day, a terrible 
fight occurred near Port Ewen, in Ulster 
county, N.Y., in which one man was killed 
and two others are supposed to be mortally 
wounded. The affray has caused consider- 
able excitement up the Hudson. The fol- 
lowing are the particulars of this tragedy : — 

On this day morning, two brothers, Hiram 
and Jeremiah Relyea, together with a friend, 



John Slater, while cruising down the river 
on the ice in an ice-boat, landed at Port 
Ewen, a small village, populated for the 
most part by Irishmen employed on the 
Delaware & Hudson Canal, which has its 
terminus at that point, and a community 
bearing no favorable reputation. It seems 
that Jeremiah Relyea and Slater proceeded 
some distance back of the village, while 
Hiram remained to take charge of the boat. 
While thus engaged, he was surrounded by a 
crowd of ruffians, — representatives of the 
village,— and Relyea was severely beaten 
and driven away. Thus matters stood until 
about five o'clock in the afternoon, when 
Jeremiah and Slater returned to take the 
boat, &c.j when they were also attacked, 
and, being surrounded upon all sides, were 
obliged to fight for their lives. At this 
juncture, Relyea and Slater endeavored to 
take refuge between the canal-boats near 
by, but were still closer pursued, and Rel- 
yea was felled to the ground by a heavy 
blow from Martin Silk. Instantly springing 
to his feet, he discharged a pistol at Silk, 
which took effect, the ball passing through 
his heart, killing him instantly. Relyea 
immediately fled toward Rondout, about a 
mile distant, pursued by a crowd of over a 
hundred infuriated Irishmen, which place 
he, however, reached, covered with blood, 
and his clothes nearly torn from him by the 
mob. He instantly gave himself up to the 
authorities. A scene of the greatest ex- 
citement prevailed in the village, and for 
a time it was with difficulty that a serious 
riot between the Irishmen and the citi- 
zens was prevented. Both Hiram and 
Jeremiah Relyea now lie in a very criti- 
cal condition, and doubts are entertained 
of the recovery of the latter. Coroner 
Dubois, on Saturday, proceeded to hold 
an inquest on the body of Silk, who, with 
the jury empanelled after much opposition 
by the friends of deceased, found a verdict 
in accordance with the facts as stated. The 
grand jury, at Kingston, on Tuesday, ac- 
quitted Hiram Relyea on the charge of kill- 
ing Martin Silk, upon the ground of self- 
defence. It further found bills of indict- 
ment against Pat Kinney, Tobias Butler, 
Pat Moran, and some six others, on the 
charge of " assault with intent to kill.'' 

Infamous Outrage on a German Woman 
by three Marines. — On the afternoon of 
this day, one of the most diabolical outrages 
conceivable was perpetrated on a German 
woman in the streets of Washington. The 
"Washington Star" gives the following ac- 
count of it. It says : — 

It seems that the train from Baltimore 
that reached this city at five o'clock yester- 
day evening brought as a passenger a Ger- 
man woman, who came here, a stranger, to 
seek employment. At the railroad-depot 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



117 



she met three marines, one of whom spoke 
German, and who entered into conversation 
with her. She made known her business 
here, and he informed her that he would 
conduct her to a pleasant boarding-house, 
where she could hear of a situation. She 
gratefully accepted the proposition, and the 
marine engaged the services of a hackman 
named Pat Keenan, with the understanding 
that the woman was to be conveyed to a 
house of ill-fame on the Island, kept by 
41 Dutch Mary." The woman was placed in 
the hack, and the three marines with her, 
and the hack then started off, taking a cir- 
cuitous route down New Jersey Avenue to 
K Street, and thence to the First Ward, 
making a large circuit, and finally reaching 
Pennsylvania Avenue by Fourteenth Street. 
The scenes that passed in the hack during 
this time, which occupied some hour and a 
half, are too loathsome and infamous to be 
more than hinted at. As the hack passed 
down Fourteenth Street, past Willard's 
Hotel, Police-Officer Ward heard some one 
in it scream murder, and, on looking more 
closely in the twilight, he observed a woman 
thrust her arm through the glass window 
of the carriage. The cries were repeated 
in a tone of direst suffering, and the hack 
was driven to the top of the speed of the 
horses. The officer gave instant chase, but 
the hack gained on him, and after continu- 
ing the chase some moments he met Captain 
Goddard, to whom he related his observa- 
tions. The two then proceeded to the 
watch-house, and Captain Goddard imme- 
diately caused some of the police-force to 
start out on the trail of the hack. The 
driver, it seems, had at last recollected that 
he was bound to Dutch Mary's, and, as he 
drew near the house, the poor woman had 
succeeded in forcing open one of the doors, 
and had leaped out, filling the air with her 
screams for help, and rousing the citizens 
of the neighborhood. She fell bruised and 
bleeding to the ground, and the three 
marines instantly jumped out of the hack 
and ran off before the crowd collected. 

A woman at Dutch Mary's ran to her 
assistance, and learned of the fiendish vil- 
lany that had been perpetrated upon her 
by all three of the wretched scoundrels who 
had been her companions in the carriage. 
The hackman was requested by the by- 
standers to take the woman to the watch- 
house ; but the scoundrel replied " that they 
wouldn't catch him running himself into such 
a scrape." A man and one of Dutch Mary's 
girls then took the suffering woman to the 
watch-house, where the circumstances of 
the affair were related to Captain Goddard, 
through the means of an interpreter. Officer 
Ward was instantly detached to find the 
hackman who had thus outraged the com- 
munity, and he was found at the hack- 
stand. He was arrested and taken before 



Captain Goddard, who examined him, and 
he coolly denied that he had been aware of 
any wrong-doing in the hack by the three 
marines, and that he had not heard a single 
outcry from the woman. He was instantly 
committed to a cell for the want of $500 
security, and warrants were at. once issued 
against the three marines, and a policeman 
sent to the barracks for the purpose of 
ascertaining who had been out on leave 
yesterday. 

The woman, who gives her name as Laura 
Zwingman, is apparently thirty-five or 
forty years of age, of plump proportions, 
has blue eyes, light hair, and, though her 
face is frightfully disfigured at present, has 
the appearance of considerable original 
comeliness. A patch of linen covered a 
terrible bruise upon her nose, and a band- 
age about her head covered a similar one 
upon her forehead. Indeed, every part of 
her face had been bruised and beaten by 
these villains, in the accomplishment of 
their devilish purpose, till the outline of 
her features could only be guessed at. The 
white bonnet she wore was crushed flat, 
and was discolored with blood. 

The officers were sent to the marine bar- 
racks for the purpose of arresting the three 
men. They took Keenan along with them 
for the purpose of identifying the parties, 
and returned to the watch-house, bringing 
four marines. The examination was com- 
menced by swearing the complainant, and 
Frederick Rupp was sworn as interpreter. 
She was asked to look at the men, and 
identify the three who had perpetrated 
the violence upon her person. She ex- 
amined their features, and without hesita- 
tion pointed out two, named John Eberly 
and John Hickman, saying that the third 
one was not there. The tallest man (Eberly) 
she said spoke German to her. [Eberly 
here interposed, denying that he could 
speak German.] She reiterated that he 
was the man who first addressed her, and 
spoke in German. She then proceeded to 
state that she came on in the five o'clock 
train, and went to a house near by the 
depot, and met the three men. She tried 
to ascertain if she could get a place as 
servant ; and Eberly spoke kindly to her, 
and told her he could find her a place at a 
lady's, and proposed to take her there. The 
three then went out with her, and Eberly 
and the other two proposed to carry her 
trunk to the house where Eberly's friend 
lived. They took the trunk a short distance 
and met a hackman, with whom they bar- 
gained to take her to some house. She took 
Eberly's conduct very kindly, and thought 
he only was going with her to the house ; 
but when she had got in, the two other 
marines got in also. She became alarmed, 
and desired to get out; but Eberly told her 
that they were military men, and would do 



118 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



her no harm, and that she need not be 
afraid. They then took her up some back 
streets and roads toward Georgetown ; and 
when they had got to where there were very 
few houses, they commenced to abuse her, 
and each, beginning with Eberly, violated 
her person. Hickman was the second one 
who committed the outrage, and the third 
one followed, who is not here. She screamed 
for assistance, and Eberly threatened to kill 
her, and drew a knife from his pocket. In 
committing the act they abused her very 
much, and gagged her. They were com- 
mitted to answer for the offence. 

Death of the Daughter of Stephens, 
the Poisoner. — In New York, died, this 
morning, Isabella Jane Stephens, only child 
of James Stephens, who was lately executed 
for the murder of his wife by poison. She 
was about nine years of age. She was 
examined as a witness on her father's trial. 
The "Commercial Advertiser" has respect- 
able authority for the following : — 

"After the jury had rendered a verdict, 
she jumped up and said to her father, 
'Come on, father; it's all over: now let's go 
home.' From that time the fate of her 
father has been concealed from her. A few 
weeks before the execution, the child woke 
up one night, screaming, • They are hanging 
father!' and it was with great difficulty that 
she was pacified. From that time the child 
has pined away until this day, when she 
died." 

"Wreck of the Bark Sea-Nymfh. — This 
day, the bark Cornelia L. Bevan, Penderson, 
which arrived at Hong Kong from Kanagawa, 
brought down three of the crew of the late 
American bark Sea-Nymph, from whom it 
has been learned that she struck on a sand- 
bank, about four miles from the shore, and 
about a day's sail from Kanagawa. She was 
very soon surrounded by Japanese boats. 
They were of great service in discharging her 
cargo, which was fortunately nearly all saved, 
together with a large amount of treasure. 
Three of the crew, (Americans,) and one 
passenger, named Carl, were lost overboard 
from one of the junks. The captain and 
remaining crew stayed upon the island 
thirteen or fourteen days, where they were 
well treated ; but the chief officer, Mr. 
Owen, had suffered so considerably that he 
had to be carried to the junk, on board of 
which he expired a few hours after. His 
remains, and also the bodies of the three 
men who were washed overboard, were 
buried on shore, and nothing particular 
occurred until their safe arrival at Kana- 
gawa. On leaving the island the ship was 
breaking up fast, the sea making a clean 
breach over her. The wreck of the Lady 
Inglis took place, as near as could be 
judged, about forty miles from where the 



Sea-Nymph struck, and when passed in the 
junk the hull appeared to be nearly level 
with the sea. 

Slaves Returning from Freedom to 
Slavery. — This day, according to the Cin- 
cinnati "Commercial," the Tecumseh took 
down a family of six persons — mulattoes — 
on their way to Helena, Arkansas, to enter 
again the service of their old master. There 
was something remarkable and unusually 
attractive in the appearance of this group, 
who, despite the obvious tinge of the Afri- 
can in their complexion, were fine-looking 
men and women, with graceful, well-rounded 
forms and eyes sparkling with intelligence. 
They were manumitted about six years ago, 
since which time they have been living in 
New York, and now, strange as it may 
seem, having tasted of the sweets of liberty, 
voluntarily return to bondage. 

Died. — In Beaver, (Pa.,) John R. Shan- 
non, Esq., for over fifty years a lawyer of 
eminence in that county. Mr. Shannon 
came to Beaver, from Washington county, 
in 1806, studied law with the late James 
Allison, Esq., and several times represented 
Beaver county in the Legislature. 

Fire and Loss of Life in Boston. — This 
night, a fire broke out in the curled hair 
and leather establishment of Manning, 
Glover & Co., Nos. 49 North Market Street 
and 42 Merchauts' Row, whose loss amounts 
to about $20,000. Fully insured. 

The lower portion of the. main building, 
which was saved, was occupied by Francis 
E. Hathaway, boot and shoe dealer, whose 
stock was badly damaged by water. Rich- 
ards & Lincoln, E. D. Eldridge, Hiram Col- 
burn, and W. W. Ayers, all shoe-dealers in 
the immediate locality of the fire, suffered 
more or less damage by water. Total loss, 
estimated between $40,000 and $50,000. 

At three o'clock Sunday morning, when 
the firemen had about closed their labors, a 
portion of the wall fell outward, instantly 
killing Charles Carter and Charles E. Dan- 
ton, both highly-respected members of the 
lire department. In thirty minutes both 
bodies were dug from the ruins, shockingly 
mangled. Several others were injured, but 
not dangerously. 

Carter and Danton each leaves a wife 
and three children. 

Died from Taking Poison by Mistake 
for Liquor. — This day, a man named 
Gantt, in Bedford county, (Miss.,) died 
under singular circumstances. He was a 
dissipated man, and had been on a spree 
for a couple of weeks. He was in the drug- 
store of Rome & Nance, and on passing out 
he saw a glass jar on the counter, filled 
with muriatic tincture of tin, which he 



18(30.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



119 



supposed to be whiskey. Pie seized the jar, 
and, before he could be prevented, swal- 
lowed a large quantity of the contents, and 
was dead instantly. He was a man of 
wealth, but had been a great drinker for a 
long time. 

Bloody Tragedy in Pontotoc County, 
Miss. — A Negro Kills his Daughter. — 
This day a bloody tragedy occurred on the 
plantation of Mr. Henry Gilmer, near Toco- 
pola, Pontotoc county. A negro man belong- 
ing to him made an assault upon one of his 
own (the negro's) daughters with a hatchet, 
— a full-grown woman. He struck her with 
it a heavy blow on the left angle of the back 
portion of the head, the hatchet being half 
buried in the skull. The desperate man then 
stabbed himself with a knife in two places, 
one wound being inflicted in the throat, and 
the other in the left side. 

The woman was not dead at last accounts, 
but not the slightest hope was entertained for 
her recovery. The man failed to kill him- 
self, as he unquestionably intended, the 
wounds not being fatal. 

The cause alleged for this murderous af- 
fray was a suspicion on the part of the father 
that some of the neighborhood negroes had 
attempted to poison him and had used his 
daughter as an instrument to carry out the 
design. 

He was taken to Pontotoc, and, after a pre- 
liminary examination, committed to jail to 
await the action of the criminal court. 

Adjournment of the Mississippi Legis- 
lature. — The Mississippi Legislature ad- 
journed this day, after a session of sixty-six 
days. General Peter B. Starke, of Bolivar, 
was appointed a commissioner to proceed to 
Virginia, and, in the name of Mississippi, to 
communicate to her, through her organized 
authorities, the sympathy of Mississippi 
with Virginia in the recent invasion of her 
soil, to assure her of the readiness of Mis- 
sissippi to aid her in case of future invasion, 
and to solicit her co-operation in the mea- 
sures now pending for a conference of South- 
ern States, in June, at Atlanta, Georgia. 

The Virginia Democratic State Conven- 
tion, in session from yesterday, after several 
exciting debates and much noise and con- 
fusion, adjourned without expressing a pre- 
ference for any Presidential candidate, but 
adopted a resolution to support the nomi- 
nation of the Charleston Convention. 

The majority of the convention favored a 
Southern Conference. 

After the adjournment a mass meeting was 
held, composed principally of members of the 
convention; and the following resolutions 
were adopted: — 

Resolved, That every suggestion of patriot- 
ism and policy favor a concerted State action, 



as a measure of security for constitutional 
State rights. 

Resolved, That the General Assembly of 
Virginia should respond favorably to the 
invitation of the State of South Carolina, by 
the appointment of commissioners to the 
United Southern Conference. 

After the mass meeting had adjourned, the 
crowd waited on Gen. Starke, the cominis- 
sioner from Mississippi to Virginia, who 
arrived yesterday. In his speech he said 
that Mississippi wanted the conference for 
the Union, and not for disunion. The South 
would not go out of the Union, but, if not 
protected by the Federal authority, would 
seize upon the Federal property within her 
limits and defend herself. The speech was 
received with great cheering. 

The Alleghany County (Pa.) Bond Case. 
— In the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, 
this day, the case of the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania against the Commissioners of 
Alleghany county was called up. The facts 
briefly set forth are, that the county of Alle- 
ghany, through its commissioners, subscribed 
six thousand shares to the capital stock of 
the Pittsburg & Steubenville Railroad Com- 
pany; and the certificates of loan or bonds 
of said county, having coupons attached, in 
the gross amount of $300,000, or in amounts 
respectively of $1000, were issued in pay- 
ment of such subscription, on which certifi- 
cates of loan or bonds there is now, and has 
been for some time past, due and payable to 
the several holders of said bonds a large 
amount of interest. 

Joseph F. Thomas, of Philada., one of the 
holders, is possessed in his own right of two 
of said certificates of loan, representing 
$2000. He applied some months ago for a 
writ of mandamus to compel the commis- 
sioners to pay the interest due upon his two 
bonds. In giving a judgment, the court 
commanded the commissioners to make full 
and ample provision in their estimates for 
raising money to pay the interest on the cer- 
tificates of loan or bonds ($300,000) which 
should be at the time due and unpaid, and 
which should become due thereon, in the next 
year succeeding the next annual meeting. 

To this the commissioners paid no heed, 
but in their return they set forth that it did 
not appear in the affidavit or alternative writ, 
or in any of the proceedings of the case, that 
any of the certificates of loan or bonds have 
ever been transferred by the Pittsburg & 
Steubenville Railroad Company except the 
two described certificates of $1000 each, al- 
leged to be in the possession of Mr. Thomas ; 
and that in this and other material respects 
there is a manifest variance between the said 
writ and that upon which they have pre- 
viously shown cause. For these reasons they 
have declined to lay a tax to pay the interest 
on all the certificates, as commanded, and 



120 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



hence the present rule to show cause why 
they should not be attached. 

After looking at the papers, the chief- 
justice inquired if the commissioners were 
present in court. 

Mr. Williams, of Pittsburg, replied that 
they were not, but that he represented them. 

Chief-Justice Lowrie thought they ought 
to be here in person. 

Mr. Williams. — To compel them to appear 
in person would be to close the commissioners' 
office. 

Chief-Justice Lowrie. — That makes no dif- 
ference, if they choose to put themselves in 
such a position as renders it necessary. 

Mr. Williams. — I can assure your honor 
that they mean no contempt by not appearing 
in person. 

Chief-Justice Lowrie. — They appeared in 
court several times when they were not 
wanted, and yet, when there is a cause in 
which they are directly interested, they ab- 
sent themselves. 

Justice Woodicard. — This is a criminal pro- 
secution, in which it is alleged that they have 
been guilty of a public offence. It is a rule 
to show cause why they should not be at- 
tached for contempt ; and I never heard that 
a man charged with a crime could appear in 
court by a substitute. And I do not intend 
to sit and hear any special pleading or argu- 
ment to prove that such is not the fact. 

Mr. AVilliams, in reply to this, said he did 
not intend to indulge in any special pleading. 
He came to court looking upon this case as a 
civil proceeding, aud he protested against any 
issue between the Commonwealth and the com- 
missioners. He took it as an issue between 
Mr. Thomas and the defendants. 

Some private discussion then ensued among 
the judges, afterwhich Mr. Williams continued 
his argument, urging that the proceedings 
were of a civil and not of a criminal nature. 
In the course of a somewhat desultoi-y dis- 
cussion which followed, Justice Lowrie re- 
marked that it was a shame that large public 
bodies, like the commissioners of Alleghany 
county, did not perform their duty, instead 
of troubling the court, time after time, with 
technical objections, and compelling the 
judges to write opinion after opinion upon 
mere technicalities. Why did they not come 
up manfully to their duty ? 

It was finally agreed (Justice Woodward 
having left the bench) to proceed with the 
argument as though the commissioners were 
present. Nearly all the morning was occu- 
pied with the case. It was then submitted. 

Fire in Cincinnati. — The morning of 
this day, a fire occurred in the liquor-esta- 
blishment of C. A. Berseng, No. 53 Broad- 
way. The building was damaged to the 
,«iovAt of $12,000. 

1 fiCArJATlOS FOR MAYOR OF CHICAGO. — 



This day, the Republicans of Chicago (111.) 
nominated John Went worth for Mayor. 



SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19. 

Horrible Accident. — A Little Giel 
Burned to Death while at Prayer. — The 
night of this day, a shocking camphene ac- 
cident occurred at the residence of Mrs. 
Eckles, on Poplar Street, Cincinnati, by 
which an only child (a little girl about five 
years old) was fatally injured, and her mo- 
ther badly burned. The child had just con- 
cluded its evening prayer, preparatory to 
retiring for the night, when the mother 
picked up a camphene lamp, which fell 
from her hand, and, breaking, the contents 
were thrown all over the clothing of the 
girl. She was almost immediately enveloped 
in a sheet of flame, and, before it could be 
extinguished, was so shockingly burned 
that she died soon after. The mother, in 
her efforts to save the child from the de- 
vouring element, was also badly burned 
about the body and arms. 

Convicted of Forgery. — Lane, the Ful- 
ton Bank defaulter, (who fleeced the bank 
of that name of some $50,000 or $60,000, 
by forging checks upon his father, who was 
cashier of the institution, — all of which, 
with a confederate, he spent on fast horses, 
crack yachts, and fancy women, in the 
course of a single twelvemonth,) was this 
day convicted. His counsel gave notice of 
his intention of applying for a new trial 

Major A. W. Gaines, paymaster U.S. 
Army, died at Fort Smith, Arkansas, where 
he was stationed, this day, and was buried 
there with all due military honors. The 
major was thrown from his buggy on Christ- 
mas-day by his horse running off, receiving 
some internal injury from which he never 
recovered. Major Gaines was a universal 
favorite in the army, and particularly on 
the frontier where he died. He was a man 
of indomitable energy and perseverance in 
his professional duties. 

Death of a Boston Citizen. — Simon 
Wilkinson, Esq., one of the oldest and most 
respectable citizens of Boston, died at his 
residence, this day, at the advanced age of 
eighty-three years. Mr. Wilkinson was dis- 
tinguished for his integrity and generous 
spirit. He had held a seat at the Board of 
Aldermen, been a member of the Legisla- 
ture, of the City Board of Health, Director 
of the Tremont Insurance Company, &c. 

Destructive Fires in Baltimore. — The 
morning of this day, in Baltimore, the four- 
storied fancy and notion store of F. Horner 
& Brothers, in Baltimore Street, near Liberty, 



* 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



121 



Baltimore, Maryland, was damaged by fire 
to the amount of $10,000, which is fully 
covered by insurance. In the evening, a 
three-story building, occupied by Patrick 
Roney as a grocery and liquor-store, and 
Messrs. Price & Taylor, oyster and fruit 
packers, was destroyed by fire, with its con- 
tents. The aggregate loss is about $20,000. 
An adjoining lumber-yard was frequently 
on fire ; but the flames were soon brought 
under by the steamers. 

Loss of an Unknown Vessel, with all 
her Crew, on Muskeget Rocks, near 
Boston. — The night of this day, an un- 
known brig went ashore on Muskeget Rocks, 
with the signal of distress flying. Her crew 
were seen clinging to the masts. No assist- 
ance could be rendered, on account of the ice. 

Loss of the Brig Ann Tyler. — This 
day, the brig Ann Tyler, from Turk's 
Island for Portland, was abandoned at sea. 
The crew were taken off by a Dutch brig. 
The captain, second mate, and one man 
were taken to Norfolk ; the rest of the crew 
to other places. 

A married woman, named Elizabeth Barth, 
died, this day, at her residence in Treaty Ave- 
nue, Phila., from the effects of intemperance. 



MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20. 

A Horrible Murder was committed in 
the town of Elba, near the village of Colum- 
bus, Wisconsin, this day. The Columbus 
"Journal" says: — 

A woman, named Catherine Crook, was 
brutally murdered on the night of the 20th 
inst., about two miles from this place, on 
the Danville road, by her husband, Patrick 
Crook, an old man, being now in his seven- 
tieth year. 

The murder was discovered by a boy, who 
gave the alarm; and those who visited the 
house, says that paper, found, upon enter- 
ing, no person except Crook and his mur- 
dered wife, who was stretched upon the 
floor weltering in her own blood. Mr. Crook 
was in his bare feet, mopping up the blood 
and wringing it from the mop into a pail, 
apparently very unconcerned. They went 
to the body and found it lifeless, and began 
to interrogate him. He told them that he 
had laid down on the lounge about seven 
o'clock and went to sleep, and, when he 
awoke, found his wife, Catherine, as they 
now beheld her ; that probably she had 
fallen from her chair against the stove or 
logs, and had died from the effects of the 
fall; and that he was not aware that any 
person had been in the house till little 
Michael Traynor came. 

The head of the murdered woman was 



mangled in the most shocking manner : the 
scalp was clove from the skull ; the fore- 
head was cut and bruised horribly. The 
hands and arms were wounded, as if she 
had raised them to prevent the blows from 
falling upon her head. Upon the post- 
mortem examination, it was found that there 
were seventeen blows struck, — thirteen on 
and about the head, and four on the hands 
and arms. Two or three blows upon the 
head were sufficient to produce almost im- 
mediate death. The skull was not frac- 
tured. From the appearance of blood in 
various parts of the house, it would indi- 
cate a severe struggle on the part of the de- 
ceased to escape the attack: pieces of flesh, 
locks of hair, and blood were upon the wall 
of the house, on the table, on the lounge, 
and on a pile of bags that were in the room. 
It was indeed a sickening scene. 

Death of David E. Hubbard. — This day, 
died David E. Hubbard, at Glastenbury, 
Conn. The "Hartford Times" says: — 

We rarely have occasion to mention the 
death of a worthier man than David E. 
Hubbard, of Glastenbury, who died in that 
town at the ripe age of eighty-two. Judge 
Hubbard was known and esteemed by a 
large circle of friends. More than forty 
years ago, he took an active part in the 
public affairs of our State, having been in 
the memorable political revolution of 1818, 
and a member of the convention of that 
year which framed the "new Constitution." 
We believe that, with the exception of Wil- 
liam Hungerford, Esq., of this city, he was 
the only surviving member of that body. 

Steamer Sunk. — The steamboat Ports- 
mouth, which left St. Joseph's for Kansas 
City, struck a snag off Leavenworth, this 
day, and sunk in twelve feet water. No 
lives were lost. 

The Wreck on Muskeget Rocks, near 
Boston. — The morning of this day, the 
masts of the unknown vessel on shore at 
Muskeget Rocks were gone. All hands had 
perished. 

Fatal Fall. — In Philadelphia, Aaron 
Shinns, who was injured by falling from the 
mast of a brig, at Cooper's Point, on Tues- 
day afternoon, died, from the effects of said 
injuries, on this day. 

Hanged. — Thomas, an Indian, was this 
day hanged at Los Angeles, California, for 
murder. 

An Heroic Wife although a Poetess. 
— This day, according to a North Groton 
(New Hampshire) correspondent of the 
Concord " Patriot," Dr. Patterson, a dentist 
in that place, while engaged in splitting 



122 



VINCENT S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



■wood before his door, was assaulted by two 
men, (father and son,) named Wheat. The 
elder Wheat rushed upon him with a shovel, 
which the doctor knocked from his hands 
with his axe, at the same time losing his 
hold of the axe. The elder assailant then 
attempted to get him by the throat ; but 
the doctor knocked him down, when young 
Wheat, rushing upon the doctor with the 
axe and striking him upon the head, stunned 
and felled him to the ground. The father 
then seized him by the neck and called upon 
the son to strike. The son was about to 
comply with the murderous request, when 
the wife of Dr. Patterson, almost helpless 
with long disease, rushed from her bed to 
the rescue of her husband, and, throwing 
herself before their intended victim, seized, 
with unwonted strength, the son who held 
the axe, and prevented him from dealing 
the intended blow. Help soon came, the 
assailants fled, and the feeble but brave 
wife was carried back to her bed. She is 
the author of several popular poems, — such 
as "The Grave of Ringgold," "Death of 
Col. Ransom," "My Mother in Heaven;" 
but, for some years past, her physical suf- 
ferings have compelled her to lay aside 
her pen. 

Loss of the Steamship Hungarian, with 
All her Passengers and Crew. — Not a 
Life Saved. — This day, the "Hungarian," 
of the line of Atlantic steamers, which sailed 
from Liverpool to New York, via Halifax, 
was wrecked on a reef known as the "Horse- 
Race," near Cape Sable, Nova Scotia, and 
every soul on board perished. The Yar- 
mouth (Nova Scotia) "Ti-ibune," in giving 
an account of the affair, says : — 

At three o'clock, a man named Barry 
Nickerson, residing on Cape Sable, descried, 
exactly in the direction of the reef known 
as the "Horse-Race," what he took to be 
the lights of a steamer. These lights when 
first seen were stationary, and remained 
immovably in the same position for more 
than half an hour, when they appeared to 
move very swiftly in a northwesterly direc- 
tion, and, in the course of ten or fifteen 
minutes, became once more stationary. 
Mr. Henry Nickerson, who resides on Fish 
Island, states that he first saw the light in 
the position which the wreck now occupies, 
at four o'clock, and, comprehending that 
some unknown vessel was in distress, 
aroused his son and a neighbor, crossed in 
a fishing-skiff the inlet which divides the 
island from Cape Sable, and, in the hope of 
attracting the attention of the crew, ex- 
hibited a lighted lantern from the highest 
point of land that could be found. 

The light of the unknown vessel continued 
to be visible until daybreak, when it disap- 
peared, probably in consequence of the fall 
of the mast to which it was attached. As 



day dawned, the hull of a large ship was 
plainly discernible on the "Great Rip," a 
dangerous ledge about two miles southwest 
of Cape Sable, the foremast gone, the miz- 
zenmast and smoke-pipe only standing, and 
the sea making a constant breach over the 
ship. The rigging of the mainmast had the 
appearance, according to the statement of 
our informants, of being crowded with hu- 
man beings to the number of between fifty 
and sixty, — a supposition we see no reason 
to discredit. About half an hour after sun- 
rise the mainmast was seen to go overboard, 
the smoke-pipe disappeared soon afterward, 
and the mizzenmast followed about ten a.m. 
The spectacle is described by those who wit- 
nessed it as one of terrific grandeur, — the 
sea around white with breakers, the doomed 
ship rolling heavily as surge after surge 
broke against her iron sides, the spray dash- 
ing in volumes to the height of her mast- 
head, and the billows pouring in ceaseless 
cataracts over her decks. The violence of 
the sea during the morning and the early 
part of the day was so great that no at- 
tempt could be made to approach the ship. 
Not even a life-boat, it is affirmed, could 
have been got with safety through the 
breakers which environed the coast. 

This unknown ship, from the materials of 
the wreck washed on shore, proved to be the 
" Hungarian." 

Only three bodies were found : one, that 
of a woman ; one, that of a man, supposed 
to be a fireman ; and one, that of a child 
two years old. The cargo and materials of 
the steamer are scattered, along the shore, 
from Tasket, around Cape Sable, as far east 
as Ragged Island. There were six very su- 
perior life-boats on board the vessel, one of 
which was found complete, with the oars 
lashed to the thwarts, bottom up, at Fort 
Latour. Several pieces of the other boats 
have been picked up off Cape Sable. 

The crew numbered seventy men. The 
passengers, it is supposed, numbered fifty- 
nine. The following is the best list that 
has been obtained, viz.: — 

Rev. Mr. Kins, of Buxton, 

Mrs. King, of Buxton, 

Mr. W. H. Day, of Chatham, 

Mr. James Richardson, of Chatham, 

Mr. Bramah, of A. Robertson & Co., 

Mrs. Bramah, 

Mr. Baillie, of James Baillie & Co., 

Mr. Morrison, of Morrison & Empey, 

Mr. Roy, of Roy & Dufort, 

Mr. Grant, Director of Grand Trunk Company, 

Mr. Talbot. M.P.P., 

Mrs. Talbot, 

Mr. Dawson, M.P.P., 

Mr. Wilson, 

Capt. Harlow, of Duxbury, Mass., 

Mr. Charlesworth, 

Mr. Henry Fowler, 

Mr. Thompson, 

Mr. Watson Taylor, 

Hu S h McCaffrey, 

Richard Madden, 

Wm. Kerby, 

John Daly," 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



123 



Martin Denners, 
AlU-ii Sheehan, 
Win. Voi;le, 
Geo. McDermott, 
Michael Lacy, 
John Delancy, 
F. Richardson, 
Patrick McGivnin, 

Mr. Wni. Boultenhouse, Sackville, N.B., 
Dr. Barrett, of New York, 
I Mr. J. E. Wilson, of Toronto, 
Margaret Robertson, of Montreal, 
Robert Martin, of Toronto, 
Mr Wm. 11. Crocker, of Norwich, Conn., 
Mr Jared F. Crocker, of Norwich, Conn. 

The following is a list of the passengers 
booked per the "Hungarian" at the agency 
of the Grand Trunk Railway, in England: — 

Mr. Kyatt, of Sherbrook, one adult, first class, 

Mr. Childs, of Bowmansville, two adults and infant, 

second class, 
Mr. Evans, of Montreal, two adults, first class, 
Mr. Cameron, of Montreal, one adult, first class, 
Mr. .Stuart, of Montreal, one adult, first class, 
Mr. r.almer, of Montreal, two adults, first class, 
Mr. Wilson, of Toronto, one adult, first class, 
Mr. Richardson, of Toronto, two adults, second class, 
Mr. Morrison, of Toronto, one adult, first class, 
Mr. Martin, of Toronto, one adult, second class, 
Mr. Shank, of Toronto, one adult, second class, 
Mr. Woods, of Cornwall, one adult, first class, 
Mr. Bartlett, of Quebec, one adult, second class, 
Mr. Sarricuras, of Niagara Falls, two adults, second 

class, 
Mr. Sagg, of Milwaukee, one adult, second class. 

Possibly some of these may not have been 
on board, having been prevented from join- 
ing the steamer by business or other causes. 
Numbers of others may have been on board, 
cf whom no mention is made. Every soul 
being lost, it will be] impossible ever to ob- 
tain a correct list. One passenger, a Mrs. 
Delano, was undoubtedly on board, of whom 
no mention is made in the list, in relation 
to whom the "Star of Goventz," a Welsh 
newspaper relates the following distressing 
incident. It says: — 

Captain Delano, of the American ship 
Pocahontas, happened to enter the office 
of Messrs. Nash, at Cardiff, when one of 
the members of the firm mentioned to him 
the painful intelligence he had just read of 
the steamer, little imagining that the unfor- 
tunate captain had a wife and child on 
board. The consternation and anguish de- 
picted upon the countenance of Captain 
Delano soon told the tale of sorrow to those 
vho happened to be present. It appeared 
that the captain brought his wife and child 
from America to Liverpool, and, on leaving 
lhat port, he sent them back again by the 
above-named ill-fated steamer, rather than 
expose them to the hazards of a long voyage 
to Rio de Janeiro. The Pocahontas was 
expected to sail on Tuesday last. We un- 
derstand that the mental anxiety of the un- 
fortunate master will incapacitate him from 
taking charge of her until he can learn 
full details of the fate of those so near and 
dear to him. The mate will, it is stated, 
take charge of the vessel, as he is fully 



qualified to do so, having recently been 
offered the charge of another American 
ship. It is a somewhat singular coinci- 
dence that Captain Beckford, of the Alle- 
ghanian, from Callao, who is now in this 
port, lost his wife a short time since under 
very similar circumstances. On touching 
off Queenstown, he accidentally received the 
melancholy tidings of his wife's demise. 

Loss of the Bark Kepler. — This day, 
the bark Kepler, from Appalachicola for 
Providence, was becalmed on the bar while 
going out. The current set her ashore on 
Flag Island, where she thumped hard all 
night. She commenced leaking, and settled 
rapidly in the mud, until she was full of 
water, with only one rail out, and the sea 
breaking over her. The weather was very 
heavy, and lighters could not go alongside: 
the cabin and house are gone, and the vessel 
will be a total loss. The cotton was all dam- 
aged. The cargo of cotton was valued at 
about $80,000, and was insured in Provi- 
dence for $48,000, as follows: — Commercial 
office, $14,000, Merchants', $10,000, Ame- 
rican, $10,000, Roger Williams, $10,000, 
and Gaspee, $4000, — with insurance in Bos- 
ton and New York of about $30,000 in addi- 
tion to the above. The Kepler was an A 2 
vessel of five hundred and fifteen tons, built 
of oak, at Medford, Mass., in 1847, and cop- 
per-fastened. 

Wreck of the Ship Sebastopol. — This 
day, the ship Sebastopol, McGrath, from 
Newcastle, N.S.W., for San Francisco, 
(coals,) struck on a reef thirty miles n.w. 
of Glory Bay, (Chatham Islands,) during a 
fog. Every thing on deck and part of cargo 
were thrown over, but she remained on 
shore, and on the next day had parted in 
three places. The crew were saved. 



TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21. 

Singular Death of a Woman by the Use 
of Whiskey. — The wife of Julius M. Smith, 
Esq., of Concord, Mass., came to her death 
this day under somewhat singular circum- 
stances. Wishing to have a number of teeth 
extracted, she desired the surgeon to admi- 
nister to her whiskey, in order to render her 
insensible during the operation. After some 
objection, which was overruled, a tumbler 
and a half was administered to her during 
an hour. The teeth were then extracted, 
and for ten or twelve hours the woman pre- 
sented only the ordinary symptoms of in- 
toxication, except that for a few minutes 
she appeared like a person in an apoplexy, 
but soon recovered. About an hour after 
drinking the whiskey, she vomited freely, 
without pain or unusual difficulty. Her 
pulse and breathing, says the "Boston Tra- 



124 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



veller," were natural, and the family and 
friends who called in the course of the day 
and evening felt no apprehension till twelve 
o'clock this night, when the doctor — who, 
feeling some anxiety in consequence of the 
symptoms of apoplexy manifested, had re- 
mained with her during the greater part of 
the evening — requested that another physi- 
cian be called for the purpose of holding a 
consultation. Nothing, however, could be 
done, and she expired without having shown 
any sign of returning consciousness or of 
suffering. An effort at the start was made 
to have her take ether or chloroform, which 
she appeared to think would injure her; 
whereas it is probable these substances, par- 
ticularly ether, would have proved power- 
less. She was about thirty years old. 

Heavy Blow at New Orleans, La. — 
This day, about noon, it blew a terrific gale 
at New Orleans, La., lasting about an hour. 
Several buildings in course of erection were 
prostrated, and signs and shutters blown 
away, to the imminent danger of pedes- 
trians. On the river, several steamers lost 
their smoke-stacks, and vessels of every de- 
scription were blown adrift, some of which 
suffered considerable damage by being 
driven against the wharves or each other. 
It was rumored that the engineer of the 
steamboat Relief was killed, and that three 
men were blown off the Eclipse and drowned; 
but there was no certainty about it. 

Congressional. — Mr. Seward introduced 
a bill for the admission of Kansas in the 
Senate this day. Mr. Mason, of Virginia, 
reported a resolution instructing the Ser- 
geant-at-Arms to bring Thaddeus Hyatt be- 
fore the bar of the Senate for contempt, in 
refusing to testify before the Harper's Ferry 
Committee. After some discussion, the reso- 
lution was adopted by a vote of 43 to 13, 
Mr. Seward voting in the affirmative. 

A Dreadful MrjRBER in Crittenden county, 
Arkansas, was committed near Marion, about 
ten miles from Memphis, this day, in the 
dwelling of a man named Robinson, no one 
being in the dwelling but Robinson and his 
wife. Just as he was retiring for the night, 
a shot fired by some person outside came 
crashing through the window. It was well 
aimed, and the unfortunate man fell before 
his wife a corpse. Who could have done so 
hellish a deed was a mystery. 

Murdered. — James Whitfield murdered 
Edward Sheridan in San Francisco, Cali- 
fornia, this day. 

Beautiful Girl Frozen to Death from 
Drunkenness. — This day, the body of a 
beautiful and accomplished young woman of 
Rockland, Maine, named Mary Cutler, was 



found near that place, and, on an inquest 
being had, it transpired that she had be- 
come intoxicated, aud had fallen and frozen 
to death on her way home. 

Horrible Tragedy in Georgia. — The 
"Rome (Ga.) Courier" gives the following 
account of a dreadful murder committed in 
Sugar Valley, Georgia, this day. It says : — 

Vie learn that a Mr. Robert Thompson 
and wife were brutally butchered ou the 
night of Tuesday, the 21st ult. Mr. Thomp- 
son was a merchant and postmaster at Sugar 
Valley, and was a deformed man. On Wed- 
nesday morning his remains were found 
near his store, his face much bruised, and 
his skull split open. Near by was a bloody 
axe and an extinguished torch. His wife 
was found in bed, and, from all appearances, 
was killed with a sledge-hammer, or per- 
haps with the head of the axe. This couple 
occupied as a sleeping-apartment a room in 
the rear of the store, and there were no other 
persons in the house. A lady living in a 
house a short distance off heard persons 
talking in the night, but, her suspicions not 
being excited, she fell asleep again. There 
is an intense excitement in the neighbor- 
hood where this foul outrage was committed. 
The affair is all wrapped in mystery, and no 
clew discovered yet by which the murderers 
can be detected. Mr. Thompson was an in- 
dustrious citizen, and highly respected. It 
is supposed the scoundrels stole about sev- 
enty dollars to compensate them for their 
villany. 



■WEDNESDAY, FEBHUAEY 22. 

A Tremendous Storm in Cleveland and 
other Parts of Ohio. — This day, about 
sundown, a tremendous storm of wind and 
rain broke over the city of Cleveland, Ohio, 
destroying chimneys, roofs, sheds, and fences 
by hundreds, and up-rooting trees in all 
directions. Churches, hotels, railroad-de- 
pots, stores, and dwellings were unroofed, as 
if by magic, and the air was filled with 
joists, shingles, tin, and zinc. A woman 
was lifted bodily up and dropped in the 
river, but was, fortunately, supported by 
the buoyancy of her dress until rescued by 
a Mr. Thomas Walters. Several persons 
were hurt; but no fatal injuries were re- 
ported. This tornado, which lasted about 
an hour, was also very violent in Norwalk, 
in Grafton, in Shelby, in Sandusky, and 
other towns in the Lake counties of Ohio, 
doing an immense amount of damage, but, 
so far as heard from, without any loss of 
life. 

Death of a Centenarian. — This day, Mr. 
Thomas Wilmarth, aged one hundred and 
two years, died, at Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



125 



Wilmarth emigrated to Cincinnati in the 
year 1805, from the District of Columbia, 
and settled at the Ludlow station. He has 
ever since lived in the county, engaged in 
agricultural pursuits, and was the father of 
eleven children, besides grandchildren and 
great-grandchildren too numerous to be 
easily reckoned up here. 

The Indiana Republican State Con- 
vention met at Indianapolis this day, and 
organized by the choice of Fleasant A. 
Hackleman as President, and M. C. Garber 
and L. Q. Hoggat as Secretaries. They 
nominated the following State ticket: — 

For Governor, Henry S. Lane, Mont- 
gomery county. 

For Lieutenant-Governor, Oliver P. Mor- 
ton, Wayne county. 

For Secretary of State, Wm. A. Peelle, 
Randolph county. 

For Treasurer, Jonathan S. Harvey, 
Clarke county. 

For Auditor, Albert Loange, Vigo county. 

For Attorney-General, James G. Jones, 
Vanderburg county. 

For Supreme Court Reporter, Benjamin 
Harrison, Marion county. 

For Supreme Court Clerk, John P. Jones, 
Lagrange county. 

For School Superintendent, Miles J. 
Fletcher, Putnam county. 

Delegates to the Chicago Convention were 
nominated. 

An Electoral ticket was then selected, as 
follows : 

At large — Will. Cumback, John L. Mans- 
field. 

1. C. M. Allen; 2. John W. Ray; 3. 
Morton C. Hunter ; 4. John H. Farquhar ; 
5. Nelson Trussler ; 6. Reuben A. Riley ; 
7. John Hanna; 8. Judge S. H. Huff; 9. 
James N. Tvner; 10. Isaac Jenkinjon ; 11. 
D. 0. Dailey. 

A State Central Committee was then ap- 
pointed, as follows: — - 

Alexander H. Conner, Chairman, [Indi- 
anapolis;] Robert B. Duncan, John A. Bu- 
chanan, Thomas Cottrell, George F. Meyer, 
Samuel Hall, Thomas H. Collins, D. C. 
Branham, S. S. Harding, John Schwartz, 
John S. Lyle, Robert N. Hudson, H. S. 
Hazlerigg, Thomas S. Stanfield, Benj. W. 
Oakley, and Thomas J. Harrison. 

Singular Case.— On the 26th of last De- 
cember, a little son of Thomas Crandall, of 
McKean township, Erie county, Pa., aged 
ten months, while playing on the floor, was 
suddenly attacked with symptoms of chok- 
ing, and was supposed to have partly swal- 
lowed a piece of almond-husk. The little 
fellow, although temporarily relieved, con- 
tinued to pine away until this day, when he 
died. A post-mortem examination was 
made, and in the windpipe, below the 



breast-bone, was found a spiral coil of brass 
wire, seven-eighths of an inch long and five- 
twelfths in diameter, completely embedded 
in the membrane. It was the spring of a 
clothes-pin, and retained all its elasticity 
and power. 

Strike of the Shoemakers of Massa- 
chusetts. — This day commenced one of the 
greatest strikes among the shoemakers of 
that State that has occurred in the annals 
of the country. 

Great Fire in Danville, Ky. — This day, 
Danville, Kentucky, was the scene of a tre- 
mendous conflagration, which involves the 
loss of nearly $300,000 in property, and has 
ruined many worthy persons. Upwards of 
eighty buildings were consumed, including 
the court-house, Butterton Hotel, three or 
four churches, and the business houses of 
the place, together with their contents. 
Three squares, comprising the most valuable 
property in the place, are in ashes. The 
wind was blowing a perfect gale when the 
fire broke out, which swept every thing in 
its path. 

Accident at Pittsburg, Pa. — Man's 
Arm Blown Off. — Others Injured. — While 
the Duquesne Grays were firing a national 
salute of thirty-three guns, at the foot of 
Pitt Street, a most lamentable accident hap- 
pened. After they had fired the fourth 
round, and when preparing for the fifth, a 
premature discharge of their cannon took 
place, which resulted in injury to three 
members of the corps. Mr. Glaucus H. 
Bonnafon was ramming the charge home, 
Mr. John H. Stewart was acting as powder- 
monkey, supplying the charge and cartridge, 
Mr. Charles Porter was at the vent-hole, 
and Mr. Frederick Houck was officiating as 
match-holder. While Mr. Bonnafon was 
ramming home the charge, a premature dis- 
charge took place. Mr. Bonnafon's right 
hand was blown off by the ramrod, and the 
arm was so shattered that amputation, four 
inches below the elbow, was deemed neces- 
sary, and effected by Drs. Dixon. Mr. 
Stewart had his left hand bruised and cut, 
and Mr. Charles Porter had his right thumb 
rent in twain. Mr. Neeper had always 
acted as rammer until yesterday, but re- 
fused then on account of the solicitations of 
his family, and, there being none to take his 
place, Mr. Bonnafon determined to do the 
duty himself. The first four rounds were 
fired in forty-five seconds. The sad acci- 
dent seemed to depress the spirits of the 
"Grays" to the lowest ebb, and, after at- 
tending with kindly care to the wounded, 
they marched directly to their armory and 
dispersed. 

After Mr. Bonnafon was wounded, he was 
carried to Dr. Addison's office, and Drs. J. 



126 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



and T. Dixon were sent for by Captain 
Campbell. Thence he was removed to 
Mercy Hospital, by direction of Drs. D., who 
considered it the place where he could re- 
ceive the most reliable attention. Drs. 
Dixon there amputated his wrist, with the 
hope of saving the remainder of the arm ; 
but, having subsequently ascertained that 
the bone was shattered within four inches 
of the elbow, they again amputated the arm 
at that point. Mr. Bonnafon bore the ope- 
ration most manfully, and, after it was over, 
was declared to be doing well. He was not 
injured internally, and recognised all who 
called to see him. 

Hurricane at New Orleans. — A hurri- 
cane occurred at New Orleans this day, 
which caused serious damage to the ship- 
ping and steamboats. Five persons were 
drowned. 

Partial Destruction of a Church. — 
Fifteen Persons Injured. — During the 
gale this day, the gable end of the Lutheran 
Church, West Brookfield, Ohio, was forced 
in and the roof carried off. At the time a 
service was being held, the congregation 
numbering between three and four hundred. 
Fifteen persons were injured four having 
fractured limbs. 

The Washington Statue (of Clark Mills) 
was this day inaugurated at Washington, 
with imposing ceremonies. An eloquent 
oration was delivered by the Hon. Thomas 
S. Bocock, of Va. There was a large civic 
and military display, including the Seventh 
Regiment from New York, and other com- 
panies from Baltimore, Washington, and 
Richmond. 

A Convention of the soldiers of the War 
of 1812 was held in the State-House in 
Philadelphia, this day. 

The People's Pennsylvania State Con- 
vention met at Harrisburg this day. The 
representatives from the various counties 
reported the following Electoral ticket : — 1st 
district, Edward C. Knight; 2d, Robert P. 
King; 3d, Henry Bumm ; 4th, Robert M. 
Foust; -5th, Nathan Hilles ; 6th, John M. 
Broomall ; 7th, James W. Fuller ; 8th, Levi 
B. Smith ; 9th, Francis W. Chaist ; 10th, 
David Mumma, Jr. ; 11th, David Taggart ; 
12th, Thomas R. Hall; 13th, Francis B. 
Penniman ; 14th, Ulysses Mercur; 15th, 
George Bussier ; 16th, A. B. Sharpe ; 17th, 
Daniel 0. Gehr ; 18th, Samuel Calvin ; 19th, 
Edgar Cowan ; 20th, William McKermon ; 
21st, John M. Kirkpatrick; 22d, James 
Kerr; 23d, Richard P. Roberts; 24th, Henry 
Souther ; 25th, John Grier. James Pollock 
and Thomas M. Howe were selected as Elec- 
tors at large. The Convention then chose 



eight delegates at large to the Chicago Con- 
vention, and adjourned to meet to-morrow. 

The Michigan Democratic State Con- 
vention, for the election of delegates to 
Charleston, met this day at Detroit. After 
the election of delegates, resolutions were 
passed reaffirming the Cincinnati platform, 
acknowledging the binding force of the 
decisions of the Supreme Court, denouncing 
John Brown's raid, and charging it un- 
equivocally upon the Republican party ; 
presenting Stephen A. Douglas as the choice 
of Michigan and the Northwest, and ex- 
pressing the belief that he can and will 
support the country, and denouncing the 
present and past State administrations. 
The convention was very full and harmo- 
nious. The delegates were elected by accla- 
mation, and the resolutions were unani- 
mously adopted. 

TnE Wisconsin Democratic State Con- 
vention met this day at Madison. Resolu- 
tions endorsing the course of Senator 
Douglas were adopted by 165 to 22. 

The Convention elected delegates to 
Charleston. 

The New Jersey State Union Conven- 
tion met this day at Trenton and elected 
delegates to Baltimore. Alternates also were 
appointed. Strongresolutions were adopted 
in favor of the Union and against the Repub- 
licans ; also in favor of a Union party in 
every State for separate and independent 
action. Hon. Mr. Harris, M.C., of Mary- 
land, Hon. Jos. F. Randolph, and Col. Peter 
J. Clark addressed the Convention. 

Tins Virginia Opposition Convention 
met this day at Richmond. Mr. Janny, of 
Loudon, was chosen President. The speeches 
were strongly Union, and in opposition to 
a Southern Conference. 

Over one thousand delegates are regis- 
tered, representing seventeen counties. 

In the Alabama Legislature, it was this 
day announced, a bill passed exempting all 
goods imported at Southern ports from 
taxation when sold in Alabama. Also, a 
bill to call a Convention for the reform of 
the State Constitution. 

Fracas between Philadelphia Lawyers. 
— This day, during the hearing of a libel 
suit instituted by the editor of the " Penn- 
sylvanian" against the "Sunday Atlas," a 
fracas occurred between Robert Tyler, re- 
presenting the former, and James C. Van 
Dyke, counsel for the latter. The police in- 
terfered, preventing a serious collision. 

Lynching of the Murdeber of Dr. J. W. 
Keitt. — This day, the slave Lewis, charged 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



127 



■with being accessory to the murder of his 
master, Dr. J. W. Keitt, brother of Congress- 
man Keitt, was taken from jail by a mob 
and hung. The Osceola (Florida) "Com- 
panion" says: — 

The most positive testimony of his guilt 
being adduced, he was immediately sentenced 
and hung. He confessed his guilt, but re- 
fused to make any statement implicating 
others, — though it was evident that he had 
not performed the diabolical act alone. He 
expressed no sorrow for having committed 
the awful crime, and viewed the prepara- 
tions for his execution with stolid indiffer- 
ence. He was tried by a committee, con- 
sisting of twelve freeholders, appointed for 
that purpose by a large meeting of the citi- 
zens of this county, held on that day. The 
trial was conducted with great care, at the 
place where the murder was committed. 
Two others were committed to jail. 

Sailor Lost at Sea. — This day, per 
schooner Lightning, Capt. Daniels, in lat. 41° 
25' S., Ion. 62° 05' W., off the coast of Pata- 
gonia, George J. Smith, the second officer, 
while reefing the mainsail, fell from the 
main-boom overboard and was lost: sup- 
posed to be a native of Norway. 

Loss of the Steamer E. A. Ogden. — This 
day, the steamer E. A. Ogden was sunk in 
the Missouri River, above Jefferson City. 
She was a total loss ; and the cargo, which 
wis very valuable, is considerably damaged. 
The boat, was valued at $16,000, and insured 
in Pittsburg offices for $10,000. 

Sailor Killed by Falling from the 
Mast-Head. — This day, as the ship Helen R. 
Cooper, of Boston, was making the harbor 
of New York, John Fick, a native of Water- 
ford, Ireland, fell from the main-yard to 
the deck and died from the injuries received. 

Loss of the Ship Sea-Ranger. — This 
day, the ship Sea-Ranger was wrecked on a 
small island near Ruggles, (one of the Falk- 
land Islands.) The following is a report of 
the wreck: — 

Ship Sea-Ranger, Burnham, from Liver- 
pool for San Francisco, when off River 
Plate, about Jan. 25, lat. 35° 20 / S., Ion. 57° 
10 / W., experienced a heavy gale of wind, 
causing the ship to leak very badly, starting 
plankshear, &c. The leak increasing, the 
cut-water being started, and several chain- 
plales being broken, it was determined to 
keep her off for the nearest port. When up to 
the Falkland Islands, the crew being nearly 
exhausted and refusing to pump any longer, 
was obliged to run the ship ashore on a 
small island within a half-mile of Ruggles 
Island, one of the West Falkland group. 
She struck her bows on a rock, (Feb. 22,) 
with six feet of water in the hold at the 



time, and shortly after bilged. There were 
six fathoms of water under her stern, which 
was under water, the ship hanging by her 
bows on the rock, which made it difficult to 
save much of her cargo. Whale-ship Thos. 
Dickason, which was lying at Port Stanley, 
went to her assistance, and succeeded in 
saving some of the articles, which were taken 
to Port Stanley and sold at auction. She 
was built in Richmond, Me., in 1853, was five 
hundred and fifty-nine tons register, i*ated 
A 2, and owned by James Butler, of Boston. 



THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23. 

Died, this day, at Hoboken, N. J., Edmund 
Charles, Esq., a well-known citizen, after a 
brief illness, in the sixty-second year of his 
age. Deceased had held several offices of 
public trust, such as Superintendent of 
Public Schools, President of the Board of 
Water Commissioners, and Associate Judge 
for Hudson County. 

Loss of the Bark Dirigo. — This day, the 
bark Dirigo, from New York for New 
Orleans, with general cargo, was totally 
lost on Gingerbread Ground. Part of the 
cargo has been saved and taken to Nassau, 
N. P., in a damaged condition. The 
Dirigo was built at Portland in 1849, five 
hundred tons, rated A 2, and owned by 
Dunham & Dimon: valued at $18,000, and 
partially insured. 

The People's Party Pennsylvania State 
Convention reassembled this morning in the 
State-House at Harrisburg, and proceeded 
to nominate a candidate for Governor. 
Mr. Davis nominated Thomas M. Howe. 
Mr. T. J. Coffey nominated John Covode. 
Mr. Feller nominated Samuel Calvin. 
Mr. Booth nominated David Taggart. 
Mr. Palmer nominated Henry K. Strong. 
Mr. Haines nominated Lemuel Todd. 
Mr. Mann nominated A. G. Curtin. 
Mr. Fisher nominated Levi Kline. 
Mr. Fletcher nominated Geo. W. Scranton. 
Mr. Darlington nominated J. Haines. 
Mr. Irwin read a letter from Mr. Todd 
withdrawing his name. 

The list of delegates was then called, and 
the ballot resulted as follows : — 

Curtin 56 

Taggart 16 

Kline 12 

Haines 5 

Covode 22 

Howe 13 

Scranton 4 

Calvin 5 

Necessary to a choice, 67. 
Mr. Scranton's name was then withdrawn, 
and a second ballot had, which resulted aa 
follows: — 



128 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



Curt in 74 

Taggaxt 11 

Kline 7 

Covode 27 

Howe 10 

Haines 4 

Calvin 1 

When the ballot had been concluded, and 
before the result had been announced, it -was 
ascertained that Mr.Curtin lacked but a single 
vote of the nomination; whereupon Messrs. 
Frailey, Mumma, Gwin, Swope, and several 
other gentlemen changed their votes to him. 
Mr. Curtin was thereupon declared nomi- 
nated, and on motion the nomination was 
made unanimous. A resolution was adopted 
instructing the delegates to the Chicago 
Convention to vote for Simon Cameron for 
the Presidential candidate as long as he 
remains a candidate before the Convention. 
The resolution was adopted, by 128 yeas 
to 4 nays. The four voting against it were 
friends of Cameron, but did not consider 
the instructing resolution strong enough. 

Sudden Death. — This day, Mrs. McCor- 
mick, mother of the coroner of Dauphin 
county, Pa., while engaged in devotion at 
the "mourners' bench," in the United 
Brethren Church, at Highspire, suddenly 
fell to the floor in a fit, and expired in five 
minutes' time. 



FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24. 

Respectable Citizen Murdered by a 
Loose Woman. — A correspondent of the "Bal- 
timore (Md.) Sun," writing from Metomp- 
kin, Accomac county, Va. says Thomas T. 
Budd, a "worthy and respected citizen," 
was murdered by Betsy Simpson, "a loose 
woman." The woman was arrested. 

The North Carolina Opposition Con- 
vention has nominated, by acclamation, 
John Poole, of Pasquotank, for Governor, 
and adjourned sine die. 

Ship Lost. — The ship Jane Welsh, from 
Sunderland for Havana, foundered at sea. 
Her crew were saved. 

At Charleston, S.C., a Democratic meet- 
ing was held, at which it was unanimously 
resolved that, in their opinion, it was right 
and proper that South Carolina should be 
represented in the Charleston Convention. 

Vetoed the Bill Abolishing Slavery. 
— Governor Medary has vetoed the bill abo- 
lishing slavery in the Territory of Kansas. 

Fire at Richmond, (Va.) — On the after- 
noon of this day, John Stewart Walker's to- 
bacco-factory was burned. The loss amounted 
to $25,000. 



The Virginia Opposition Convention, 
which continued its session at Richmond 
from the 22d, passed resolutions deprecating 
all party organization and measures tending 
to interfere with the powers conferred on the 
General Government by the Constitution; 
holding it to be the duty of the Federal 
Government to promote the interest and 
prosperity of all the States, and asserting 
that the General Government has no right to 
interfere with slavery in the States ; reite- 
rating the Compromise Measures of 1850, re- 
lative to slavery in the Territories ; con- 
demning the reopening of the slave-trade ; 
expressing immovable attachment to the 
Union; condemning the recommendation of 
the President in 1858 that Congress invest 
him with war-making and treaty-making 
power, &c. ; advising retrenchment and reform 
in the Government expenditures ; denouncing 
the Black Republican party ; recognising 
the duty and obligations of this country in 
its intercourse with foreign Governments; 
and approving of the address of the National 
Central Union Committee only so far as it 
recommends sending delegates to the Na- 
tional Convention at Baltimore. 

Arrested for Murder. — Mrs. Robinson 
was this day arrested, charged with being 
privy to the murder of her husband, in Crit- 
tenden county, Arkansas, on the 21st inst. 
The wretched woman, overcome with horror 
and fear, sought to save herself by denounc- 
ing others, and made a full confession. She 
stated that she had formed an intimacy with 
a man and wished to marry him, and for 
one hundred dollars she hired his brother to 
do the deed of death, by which she might be 
set free from her husband. He performed 
his task only too well. 

Two Brothers Drowned. — In the night 
of this day, John and Wm. O'Neale, brothers, 
while crossing the West Branch, on the 
Minehill Road, near Coalcastle, Pa., fell 
through the open work of the bridge and 
were both drowned. 

Melancholy Catastrophe. — A stable be- 
longing to Ezra Sayers, in Waynesburg, 
Pa., was destroyed by fire, and two sons of 
Mr. Sayers, aged respectively two and four 
years, were burned to death in the building. 

Burned to Death. — The daughter of Mr. 
James Matthewson, of Providence, R.I., 
was burned to death, through igniting her 
clothes while playing with matches. 

Shocking Casualty. — Two sons of Rev. 
J. S. Weize, at Lithopolis, Fairfield county, 
Ohio, this day, were playing in a room of 
their father's house, when one of them, 
eleven years old, took up a gun which was 
standing in the corner, and playfully re- 



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UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



120 



marked to his brother, six years old, that he 
would shoot him, and, levelling the gun, 
fired, blowing half of the little fellow's 
head off, and killing him instantly. The 
older brother did not dream of there be- 
ing a load in the gun, only raising and 
levelling it in sport; but it was heavily 
charged with shot, and the aim was too true. 
Mr. Weize was in Columbus at the time of 
the accidental fratricide. Mrs. Weize was 
nearly frantic with her great grief, and the 
surviving brother will not be consoled. The 
gun was kept loaded to shoot pigeons. 

An Old Lady Burned to Death.— In 
Washington, D.C., this day, Mrs. Knott was 
burned to death whilst warming some medi- 
cine for a sick grandchild. 

Family Desolation. — Four of the children 
of Mr. Mercer, of Waterloo, Seneca county, 
N.Y., died of putrid sore throat this day. 

Suicide. — A lady named Lilien Stehn 
quarrelled with her husband, and imme- 
diately committed suicide, on this day. 

Mutiny on Board the Slave-Bake: Vir- 
ginia. — This day, a mutiny took place 
on board the slave-bark Virginia, which 
was suppressed as follows. A man named 
Maguire, who belonged to the crew of the 
United States ship Portsmouth, got into a 
quarrel with the mate of the captured vessel, 
talked loudly to him, and called him abusive 
names. Being directed to discontinue by 
the officer of the deck, he refused ; and the 
officer thereupon called for assistance to put 
him in irons. It was not, however, until 
all the officers appeared with their revolvers. 
&c, and showed a determination to use 
them in case of resistance, that Maguire was 
made a secure prisoner. In the mean time, 
three of the men who formed the crew of 
the slaver came to where the struggle took 
place on the deck, and roughly demanded 
what Maguire was to be ironed for. Ma- 
guire also struck the officer from the United 
States steamer Sumter a severe blow with 
the manacles which were bound upon his 
hands. Finally, all the men who partici- 
pated in the mutiny, to the number of four, 
were bound in irons and subsequently gagged 
to suppress their language, which was 
abusive to the officers ; and they were then 
put below, where they were confined to the 
end of the voyage to Norfolk. 

Romance in Real Life. — This day, a poor 
forlorn young girl engaged in service with 
Mrs. Briggs, of Winfield, N.Y., who proved 
to be the daughter of a Canadian gentleman 
of great wealth, who was a member of Par- 
liament, magistrate, and postmaster. She 
left home, about two years since, in an angry 
pet, and strayed away to Buffalo, where she 



found employment to do In usework, and re- 
mained there until the spring of 1859. The 
"West TV infield Standard-Bearer, " in giving 
an account of the affair, says: — 

She formed the acquaintance of a canal-boat 
captain's wile, who solicited her to go with her 
the first trip in the spring, to assist in taking 
care of a sick child. She came as far as Little 
falls ; but, not liking life on the canal, she left 
the boat and went into a factory, and worked 
several weeks. Not satisfied with that, she 
left and started on foot for Utica, having 
heard of the mills near there. She appears 
to have found a place in a family named 
Clark, where she remained until a lady from 
Winfield met her and obtained a place for 
her with a farmer in the northern part of 
that town. This was in August last ; and 
she remained with the farmer until the 21th 
of February, when she went to live with a 
Mrs. Briggs, to whom she gave the name of 
Harriet Ladona Greybell. Mrs. Briggs noticed 
that she was absent-minded and sad at times ; 
so much so as to render her heedless in the 
performance of her duties. Reproof did no 
good, and, with woman's intuitive perception, 
her confidence was won, and her real name, the 
residence of her parents, and a history of her 
wanderings, were revealed for the first time 
in eighteen months. The parents were writ- 
ten to, and the letter was immediately an- 
swered by them with hearts full of joy and 
gratitude that their child was alive and well, 
whom they had spent large sums of money 
in search of without success. Sufficient 
money accompanied the letter to take the 
daughter home. 

She was put under Mr. Gates' charge en route 
for Uion, where he procured her tickets, and 
saw her start in safety for home, there to meet 
father, mother, brothers, and sisters, who 
were anxiously awaiting the prodigal's return. 

Wicked Attempt to Murder. — This day, 
William W. Fletcher Rogers, an intelligent 
and influential citizen of Enon, Ala., was 
badly wounded by a pistol-shot inflicted by 
his overseer, 'John Johnson. The " Colum- 
bus Times" says : — ■ 

The circumstances, we are informed, were 
about these. Mr. Rogers had discharged his 
overseer about a week since, and employed 
another in his place, whereupon his overseer 
of the plantation, determining to revenge 
himself, called at the residence of Mr. Rogers 
with a friend on the evening of the 24th inst. 
His purpose was made known to Mr. Rogers, 
that he had come to give him a "whip- 
ping," when an altercation ensued, in which 
the overseer, Mr. Johnson, fired several 
shots at Mr. Rogers, neither of which took 
effect. In the melee, Mr. Rogers ran into 
his room for a gun, to defend himself, and, 
while closing the door upon his antagonist, 
the latter shot at him, the ball of the pistol 
penetrating the head of Mrs. Rogers, who 



130 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



was assisting her husband to drive away the 
intruder. Mr. Rogers seized a rifle, which dis- 
charged its load in the ceiling while he was 
endeavoring to use it. Mr. Rogers then met 
the overseer with a knife, inflicting upon 
him, it is thought, a slight wound. Return- 
ing to his room after the contest was over, 
Johnson, the overseer, appeared, and with 
his pistol near the side of Mr. Rogers, shot 
what is supposed to be the fatal wound. 
The ball entered the left side of Mr. Rogers, 
ranging through the body. Mrs. Rogers is 
suffering much from the wound she received. 
The whole affair is considered a brutal at- 
tempt to take the life of an honorable man 
for a slight offence, — Johnson having no 
cause to be aggrieved, and having been very 
properly discharged. 

Rencontke and Murder in Farmers- 
ville, Miss. — This day, a man named Isaac- 
Newton was killed at Farmersvillc, Lowndes 
county, Miss. The " Dallas Gazette" gives 
the following account of the affray. It 
says : — 

Newton was a blacksmith, and had in his 
employ another blacksmith, named Hend- 
rick. On the day of the killing, Hendrick 
stopped work, and was walking about, but, 
Newton objecting, the former replied that 
he was taking a little exercise. Newton re- 
torted that he had hired him to work, and 
not to idle about. From this a quarrel 
arose. Hendrick left the shop and went to 
a grocery in the place. Newton went to the 
house where both men boarded and got his 
bowie-knife, telling Hendrick's wife, who 
was there, that he intended to kill her hus- 
band. Hendrick was shut up in the gro- 
cery. Newton broke open the door, and 
was in the act of passing the threshold when 
Hendrick tired upon him with a shot-gun, 
inflicting a mortal wound. Newton lived 
long enough, however, to cut Hendrick 
badly with his knife ; and it is doubtful 
whether the latter will live. 

The deceased is the same person who was 
charged with negro-stealing a year or two 
since, and was in our jail for a long time. 

A Most Terrific Hurricane this day 
passed through Demopolis, Marengo coun- 
ty, Ala. Its course was very nearly from 
west to east, passing through the town of 
Jefferson. The residence of Mr. John Ivey 
Westbrook, in which were himself and fam- 
ily, consisting of his wife and two children, 
was completely demolished ; and so resist- 
less was the force of the wind, that articles 
of furniture, such as bureaus, &c, were 
blown away, and fragments of them picked 
up at the distance of half a mile from the 
house. His smoke-house was demolished, 
and a portion of the meat it contained found 
at the distance of a quarter of a mile. Mr. 
Westbrook lost all the money he had in the 



house, and every article of clothing, bed- 
clothing, &c, except the articles he had 
on. The Primitive Baptist Church, at Jef- 
ferson, was completely demolished, and 
other buildings seriously injured. The hur- 
ricane passed on through the cane-brake, 
blowing off the top of the gin-house of 
Hon. F. S. Lyon, and also blowing down 
the stables on the plantation of Hon. A. P. 
Calhoun and killing live of his mules. Seve- 
ral of his negroes' houses were also blown 
down. Fortunately, neither the family of 
Mr. Westbrook, nor any one else, received 
any personal injuries. 

FiRE' at West Trot, N.Y. — In Troy, this 
day, a quantity of lumber in the yard of 
Messrs. Smith & Craig was consumed by 
fire. The loss amounted to $8000. 

Killed by a Bridge. — Arthur Root, a 
brakesman on the New York Central Rail- 
road, was struck by a bridge near Palmyra, 
N.Y., and instantly killed, on the evening 
of this day. 

Wreck of the Feanklix Treat. — This 
day, the schooner Franklin Treat, from 
Lewes, for Franklin, Me., went ashore on 
Block Island. She became a total loss. 

Wreck of the Baek Helper. — This day, 
it was announced that the bark Helper went 
ashore below Appalachicola. The vessel was 
a total loss, and her cargo of cotton badly 
damaged. The cargo had an insurance of 
$50,0U0. 

Wrecked Schooner found Floating 
at Sea. — This clay, the bark Frank, from 
Boston, reports having passed, thirty miles 
east-northeast of Cape Henry, the wreck of 
a schooner about one hundred tons burden, 
hailing from New York. The carved work 
on her stern was painted white, with a gilt 
eagle in the centre; 

Last Rail of the Atchison & St. 
Joseph Railroad Laid. — It was this clay 
announced that the last rail of the Atchi- 
son & St. Joseph (Mo.) Railroad had been 
laid. This event brings Atchison in direct 
railroad-communication with all the princi- 
pal cities of the Union. The running-time 
to St. Louis is placed at seventeen hours. 



SATURDAY, PEBEUAEY 25. 

Affray in the Maryland Legislature. 
— This day, Mr. Gordon, a member of the 
lower House from the mountain county of 
AUeghany, approached Mr. Freaner, who 
hails from the county of Washington, after 
the House had adjourned, and, whilst the 
latter gentleman was conversing with some 
friends in the hall, Mr. Gordon remarked, in 



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UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



131 



rather an abrupt way, that his (Mr. Frea- 
ner's) course with regard to a certain mea- 
sure then pending before the committee 
having the case of Judge Stump in hand, had 
been rather discourteous towards himself. 
Mr. Freaner replied that the present man- 
ner of Mr. Gordon was ungenteel. To which 
Mr. Gordon hastily and angrily rejoined 
that, he (Mr. Freaner) was a "blackguard." 
Mr. Freaner instantly pronounced him a 
" liar," and threw himself into a fighting- 
position. Mr. Gordon then struck Mr. 
Freaner, who immediately struck back, 
knocking down Mr. Gordon, who fell, 
striking his head against one of the mem- 
bers' desks, inflicting a severe gash in his 
skull. They were immediately separated 
by those present. 

FORGER AND MURDERER SENTENCED. 

In New York, this day, Judge Ingraham sen- 
tenced Wm. J. Lane, Jr., convicted of for- 
gery on the Fulton Bank, to imprisonment, 
with hard labor, at Sing Sing, for three 
years and three months. Mortimer Shay, 
convicted of the murder of John Leary in 
October last, was then brought up and sen- 
tenced to be hung on the 20th of April next. 

Death of Prof. Goodrich, of Yale 
College. — The Rev. Chauncey Allen Good- 
rich, D.D., Professor of Pastoral Theology 
at Yale College, died, at his residence in 
New Haven, on this day, of paralysis. His age 
was about seventy. He was at one time set- 
tled as pastor over a Congregational church 
in Middletown, Connecticut. In 1817 he 
was elected Professor of Rhetoric and Ora- 
tory at Yale. This position he held until 
18-°>9, when he was transferred to the Pro- 
fessorship of Pastoral Theology, which he 
retained until his decease. In 1820 he de- 
clined the offered Presidency of Williams 
College. During the last thirty years he 
has been extensively known as the compiler 
of a Greek grammar, " Latin Lessons," and 
"Greek Lessons," and as the editor of the 
" Quarterly Christian Spectator." Of late 
years he has devoted himself chiefly to the 
editorship of the Dictionary of his father- 
in-law, Dr. Webster. 

Married and Died the same Day. — 
A Dayton (Ohio) paper publishes the mar- 
riage of Mr. Stephen H. Dogget to Miss 
Emma L. Harris, both of that city. The 
ceremony took place this day at nine o'clock 
a.m. In the same paper appears the notice 
of Mr. Dogget' s death on the day of his 
nuptials, at half-past twelve o'clock p.m. 
The deceased was in his twenty-first year. 

Sale of the Marietta Railroad. — The 
Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad, with its 
effects, was sold at Chillicothe this day, in 
accordance with the decree of court, and 



was purchased by Noah Wilson, David Gib- 
son, and others, as trustees under the agree- 
ment for the capitalization. It was sold for 
$200,000. 

Terrific Gale at Cleveland, Ohio. — 
This day, in the evening, Cleveland was 
visited with a terrific storm. Men were 
lifted from their feet and carried several 
rods ; chimneys were torn off, and build- 
ings unroofed and moved from their founda- 
tions ; carriages were turned quickly over ; 
hats sailed through the air like kites ; win- 
dows were smashed ; people who were out 
when the gale commenced rushed wildly 
hither and thither, having apparently lost 
their senses. Old citizens say there has 
never been such a gale as this since Cleve- 
land was founded. The damage was great, 
although it is believed but one death oc- 
curred from it. 

Attempted Burglaby. — Feaeful Leap. — 
In New York, some burglars entered the 
store of Dexter & Lambert's silk and fringe 
warehouse, No. 540 Pearl Street ; but it so 
happened that a clerk slept, in the store, and 
thus the designs of the burglars were frus- 
trated. He had been out in the evening to 
see some friends, and, returning about half- 
past ten, he observed that the store had 
been broken into. Without entering the 
premises or causing any alarm, he went in 
search of a policeman, and soon found Officer 
Huggins, of the Sixth Precinct. Two other 
officers of the same ward also soon came to 
the ground. Two of the officers entered the 
store, while one kept watch outside. On the 
second floor they saw two men, one of whom 
attempted to raise and leap from a window 
to the sidewalk, but Officer Huggins called 
to him to desist, or he would shoot him. At 
the same time the officer discharged one 
barrel of his revolver, whereupon the fel- 
low fled to the top story, opened the scut- 
tle and reached the roof of the store, which 
is a five-story building. The three police- 
men and also the prisoner called to the 
man on the roof, demanding him to stop 
and submit to arrest ; but, disregarding 
their demands, the desperado instantly re- 
solved to make a fearful plunge, in hopes of 
regaining his liberty. Thereupon he jumped 
to the roof of a building some twenty feet 
beneath where he stood, from which he 
rolled and fell between the buildings to the 
pavement. 

The officers, who were near when the 
reckless plunge was taken, hurried down, 
and there found the burglar in the most 
horrible condition. In the fall he sustained 
a compound fracture of the right thigh, the 
bones of the leg having been driven through 
the flesh at right angles; the left leg was 
broken below the knee, and his head and 
face were terribly cut and bruised. This 



132 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



victim to his own recklessness, who preferred 
death to captivity, and whose prospects 
were the serving of a term of years in Sing 
Sing should he fall into the clutches of the 
officers, was taken and conveyed to the New 
York Hospital, where he still remains in a 
very precarious condition. The attending 
surgeon, who has decided that the fractured 
• thigh must be amputated, has very little 
hopes of his patient's recovery. 

The name of this man is said to be Charles 
Murphy. That of his associate, who sub- 
mitted quietly to the officers, is Louis Ber- 
nowski, a Polish Jew, who has served a 
term in the State prison. The burglary 
was committed in the old-fashioned way : 
padlocks were torn off, doors were driven 
in, a hole was made through the ceiling of 
the roof, through which they entered, and 
packed up about $4000 worth of goods, 
which they were ready to depart with when 
disturbed by the clerk, Mr. Wagner. 

Woman Roasted to Death. — This day, 
a most horrible affair took place in Pitts- 
burg, Pa. A woman named Mary Watson 
was literally roasted alive at her residence 
on Saw Mill Run, in Chartiers township, in 
the evening. It appeared from the testi- 
mony that about eight o'clock in the evening 
one of her neighbors smelt something burn- 
ing in the house, and, on entering, to ascer- 
tain what it was, found the deceased lying 
on the floor, her body burned to a crisp. 
The fire was extinguished; but the deceased 
was then past human aid, and all efforts to 
restore animation proved useless. The hus- 
band was absent at the time, and, as there 
was no one but the woman in the house, it 
is impossible to say positively how the ac- 
cident occurred. It is probable, however, 
that her clothes caught fire, and that, un- 
able to help herself, she in this way per- 
ished. The deceased was nearly seventy 
years of age, and well known in the neighbor- 
hood where she resided. 

Death or a Centenarian. — In Cincin- 
nati, this day, died Mrs. McCabe, a resident 
of the Thirteenth Ward, at the extraordi- 
nary age of one hundred and six years. She 
was a native of Ireland, and the mother of 
Alexander McCabe, a well-known leather- 
dealer in that city. 

A Triple Tbagedy in Henry County, 
Virginia. — Three Brothers Killed. — The. 
subjoined account of one of the most despe- 
rate affrays that ever occurred (which took 
place this day) appears in the "Petersburg 
(Va.) Express." It says: — 

It appears that some years since, a grand- 
daughter of the venerable and talented Vin- 
cent Witcher, Esq., of Pittsylvania county, 
married a gentleman from the adjoining 
county of Henry, whose name was Clemmens. 



His Christian name we have been unable to 
ascertain. The maiden name of Mr. Witch- 
er's grand-daughter was Smith. The parties 
lived happily together until about eighteen 
months since, when, upon the most un- 
founded suspicions, as we have been informed, 
Mr. Clemmens desired a separation from his 
wife, and immediately instituted proceedings 
for a divorce, at the same time impeaching 
her honor as the grounds for his course. 

Last Saturday was set apart for the taking 
of depositions, and the parties met at a magis- 
terial precinct in Henry county. Mr. Witcher 
appeared to defend the suit and protect the 
honor of his grand-daughter. The taking 
of the depositions progressed, and, after the 
plaintiff had finished with a witness, Mr. 
Witcher asked a question, which greatly ex- 
asperated the husband, Mr. Clemmens. He 
immediately arose, drawing a pistol at the 
same time, and fired at Mr. Witcher. Mr. 
Witcher, it seems, also quickly rose, and 
drew a pistol from his pocket, and as the ball 
of his antagonist grazed around the abdomen, 
he fired, striking Clemmens in the forehead 
and killing him instantly. 

A nephew of Mr. Witcher, and a Mr. 
Smith, brother of Mrs. Clemmens, hearing 
the firing, rushed into the room. A brother 
of Mr. Clemmens, who had also been at- 
tracted by the pistol-reports, fired at a 
nephew of Mr. Witcher, the ball taking 
effect, and producing, it is feared, a fatal 
wound. Upon seeing his nephew shot, Mr. 
Vincent AVitcher again fired, striking Clem- 
mens No. 2, and killing h'im instantly. 

At this stage of the sanguinary affair, Mr. 
Smith, a brother of Mrs. Clemmens, drew a 
bowie-knife, but had scarcely unsheathed the 
blade when he was fired upon by a second 
brother of Clemmens, the ball taking effect 
in the shoulder, and producing a painful 
wound. Infuriated by his wound, Mr. Smith 
rushed upon his antagonist, and with one 
powerful thrust of the knife completely dis- 
embowelled Clemmens No. 3, the unfortunate 
man falling dead on the spot. 

Three of the parties dead, and the other 
three all wounded, the horrible tragedy here 
ended. 

Vincent Witcher, Esq., the chief actor in 
this truly terrible affair, is widely known 
throughout Virginia. He served for many 
years in the lower House of the Legislature, 
and subsequently represented his district in 
the State Senate with signal ability. He is 
a prominent member of the Whig party, and 
his name has been repeatedly mentioned in 
connection with the office of Governor of the 
Commonwealth. He succeeded Whitmell P. 
Tunstall, upon the death of that gentleman, 
as President of the Richmond & Danville 
Railroad. After two years' service, he re- 
signed the presidency of the road, and has 
since been engaged in the practice of his pro- 
fession, — that of a lawyer. 



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UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



133 



Our inform nnt states that throughout this 
painful suit, which Mr. Witcher believes to 
have been instituted against an innocent 
grand-daughter, he has acted with great for- 
bearance, and the part he has been compelled 
finally to act will be with none a source of 
deeper regret than himself. 

The same paper, of a later date, contains 
some further particulars in relation to this 
dreadful tragedy. It says: — 

As we anticipated, the hurried account we 
gave yesterday of the killing of the three 
brothers Clement — and not Clemmens, as 
stated by us — contained a few errors, regard- 
ing locality and names, which we hasten to 
correct. This we are enabled to do through 
the kindness of a gentleman now residing in 
our midst, who ouce lived in the section of 
country where the horrible tragedy was 
enacted, and is intimately acquainted with 
all the parties who participated in this most 
deplorable and truly bloody affair. 

The feud existing between the Witcher and 
the Clement families is of long duration, — 
some twelve months or more, — and grew out 
of the marriage of Mr. James Clement, who 
is the youngest of five brothers, with Miss 
Victoria .Smith, a daughter of the late Dr. 
Albert Smith, and a grand-daughter of Vin- 
cent Witcher, Esq. The parties are all 
wealthy, and occupy a high social position 
in the respective counties which they repre- 
sent, the Clements belonging to Franklin and 
the Witchers to Pittsylvania county. 

The marriage between Mr. James Clement 
and Miss Victoria Smith was solemnized 
about two years ago last fall, and the nup- 
tials were celebrated with great eclat, a bril- 
liant party being given in honor of the event, 
which was attended by the elite of the two 
counties, who flocked in large numbers, by 
invitation, from all parts of that section, to 
do honor to the joyous occasion. For seve- 
ral months the wedded pair lived together 
with naught but the most unalloyed happi- 
ness shining on the rosy pathway of their 
early matrimonial career. At length the 
"green-eyed" monster, jealousy, reared his 
horrid front in the household of the happy 
couple, and ultimately placed such restric- 
tions upon the young and confiding wife as 
to render her very existence a burden too 
intolerable to be borne. 

She finally resolved to leave the roof of her 
husband, and removed to the residence of her 
mother, Mrs. Dr. Albert Smith, in the county 
of Pittsylvania, where she now resides, and, 
by the advice of her friends, during the fall 
of 1859, instituted suit against her husband 
for divorce. Soon after the institution of the 
suit, the parties met at Sandy Level, Pittsyl- 
vania county, for the purpose of taking 
depositions. Here a charge was made by 
the husband, Mr. James Clement, which in- 
volved alike the honor of his wife and that 
oi Mr. William P. Gilbert, a young gentle- 



man present, which was resented by Mr. 
Gilbert on the spot. Pistols were drawn, 
and nine shots exchanged, five of which 
took effect, injuring Mr. Gilbert and his 
brother, as well as two of the Messrs. Cle- 
ment, but none of them seriously. 

This serious affray, of course, greatly in- 
creased the ill feeling which had been engen- 
dered between the parties ; and the matter 
finally became so much talked of that most 
of the citizens of the two counties were in- 
volved in the difficulty, each party having its 
warm and zealous adherents. 

Added to other causes which had so 
estranged the two families, some time since 
Mr. James Clement, the husband, by some 
means obtained possession of a sprightly 
child, the only issue of the marriage, and 
placed it with his own relatives. The grand- 
father, Captain Witcher, and a large party 
of friends, deeming this act an outrage, and 
believing that the mother was the proper 
custodiau of the offspring, by due process of 
law recovered the infant and restored it to 
its maternal parent. 

Last Saturday, the 25th instant, as stated 
yesterday, the parties all met at a locality in 
Franklin county, (some say Brooks's and 
others Dickinson's store,) to take further 
depositions to be used iu the suit now pend- 
ing for divorce. A question propounded by 
Captain Witcher so exasperated Mr. James 
Clement, the defendant in the suit, that he 
resorted to the use of his pistol for an 
answer, but fired too quickly to make sure 
of his aim. Captain Witcher returned the 
fire, and killed the husband of his grand- 
daughter on the spot, the ball striking in the 
forehead. Ralph Clement, rushing to his 
brother's aid, shared the same fate, from the 
discharge of a pistol in the same hands 
which had sped the messenger of death with 
such unerring certainty to the braiu of his 
brother James. Johnson Clement, another 
brother, fired at Mr. John Archer Smith, a 
grandson of Mr. Witcher, who was present, 
and brother to Mrs. Victoria Clement, se- 
verely wounding him in the shoulder. The 
wounded man then rushed upon Johnson 
Clement with a bowie-knife, and made a 
fatal thrust into his bowels, the unfortunate 
victim falling dead on the spot. The other 
party to the affray, engaged on the Witcher 
side, was a Mr. Samuel Swauson, Jr., also a 
devoted grandson of Mr. Witcher. Mr. Swan- 
son was wounded, but will recover. Mr. 
Smith, the brother of Mrs. Clement, it is 
thought, will die of the severe wound received 
in the sh lUklcr. 

Mr. James Clement was about twenty-eight 
years of age, and the youngest of five bro- 
thers. He was a farmer by occupation. 
His brother Ralph was a lawyer, and John- 
son, the other brother killed, was, like 
James, also a farmer. Two other brothers 
emigrated West several years ago. The fa- 



134 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



ther of the unfortunate young men who have 
thus met such violent deaths is Dr. George Cle- 
ment, a very wealthy and prosperous farmer. 
He formerly resided in Franklin county, but 
has recently removed to Pittsylvania. 

Mrs. Victoria Clement (formerly Miss Vic- 
toria Smith) is said to be a lady of about 
twenty-one years of age, possesses extra- 
ordinary personal beauty, and is highly ac- 
complished. She is a daughter of the late 
Dr. Albert Smith, who died leaving a large 
estate and five children, two sons and three 
daughters. His widow still survives, with 
whom Mrs. Victoria Clement has resided 
since she left the home of her husband. 

Captain Vincent Witcher is, perhaps, as 
widely known in Virginia as any man within 
the limits of the Commonwealth. For twen- 
ty-one consecutive years, iu the popular 
branch as well as in the Senate of our State 
Legislature he has played no unimportant 
part. His speeches in the Legislature al- 
ways commanded the undivided attention of 
that body, and were characterized by a force 
of logic and power of reasoning that ren- 
dered them wellnigh irresistible. 

We understand that up to the time of the 
difficulties growing out of the unfortunate 
marriage between the two families, Dr. Cle- 
ment and Vincent Witcher, Esq., were what 
may be termed bosom-friends. They fre- 
quently visited one another, counselled 
t igether, and interchanged opinions con- 
cerning all the ordinary transactions of life. 

Fatal Affray Between Students at 
Emory and Henry College, Virginia. — 
This day, a fatal affray occurred between two 
students of Emory and Henry College, Vir- 
ginia, — one named Reese, whose father re- 
sides near Columbus, Ga., the other, John 
B. Brownlow, the son of Rev. W. G. Brown- 
low, of Knoxville, Tenn. The young men 
had had an altercation in consequence 
of opprobrious language used by young 
Brownlow. After they had been parted by 
the bystanders, Brownlow unexpectedly 
struck Reese a blow above the right tem- 
ple with a very large club, from which he 
died in the course of the next day. 

The Rev. W. G. Brownlow, in the last 
number of his paper, the "Knoxville Whig," 
gives the following particulars of the affray. 
It appears that his son was a much smaller 
boy than his antagonist, and had been 
knocked down and cruelly kicked in the face 
before he gave the fatal blow, which was in- 
flicted with a stick that lay within his reach. 
He adds : — ■ 

He did not leave until after the physicians 
pronounced the deceased in no serious dan- 
ger, and until my son was arraigned before 
the Faculty and acquitted and ordered to go 
to his studies. He will return to Abingdon 
at the proper time, aud surrender himself up 
to the proper authorities, and await his trial 



under the laws of Virginia. As he is not and 
never was a quarrelsome young man, and in 
morals will compare favorably with the bet- 
ter class of young men at college, I respect- 
fully suggest to newspaper editors and their 
correspondents the great injustice of visit- 
ing upon him the political or personal sins 
of his father, over whom he has never 
exercised any control. 

Mortimer Sfiay Sentenced for Mur- 
der. — In New York, this day, sentence was 
passed upon Mortimer Shay, convicted of 
the murder of John Leary. The judge 
spoke as follows : — 

"Mortimer Shay, you have been convicted 
of the murder of John Leary, in October 
last, at the liquor-store known as Crown's 
grocery, at the Five Points. Of your agency 
in taking the life of the deceased there can 
be no doubt. Although a quarrel existed 
between him and Smith, you had no right 
to interfere except for preserving the peace. 
Instead of doing so, you became a principal 
in the affray ; and, when the deceased ran 
from you, you pursued him with an open 
knife, and struck a blow with such force as 
to drive the blade of the knife so firmly in 
the temple that you were unable to pull it 
out, and you then fled, leaving the knife in 
the wound. The consequences that follow 
from these acts are only chargeable to your- 
self. You frequented the place where this 
happened for the purposes of drink, asso- 
ciating with the vilest portion of the com- 
munity, in a den of vice which should be 
suppressed by the public authorities, if they 
have the power, and there your passions 
became aroused and you perpetrated the 
act for which you are now to suffer. The 
frequency with which such affrays are ori- 
ginated, and the disposition of so many to 
engage in them without regard to the con- 
sequences, call for punishment. If young 
men like yourself and in your class of life 
would devote themselves to honest industry 
in this country, they may always rise to 
respectability and independence; but if, 
instead of so doing, they resort to houses 
of drinking and prostitution, spending their 
days in vice, degradation, misery, and ruin 
must be their portion. During the present 
term of this court, three persons have been 
before me for murders committed on these 
premises. In all the cases of murder tried 
at this court, the prisoners have been young 
men whose crimes are to be traced to their 
habits and associations ; and, in fourteen 
cases of homicide which have been before 
me, the crimes may all be traced to the use 
of liquor and the frequenting of places for 
its sale. Do not place too much reliance 
upon the efforts that may be made in your 
behalf, but rather endeavor to prepare your- 
self for that death to which the law con- 
demns you, that, when your life here is 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



135 



terminated, you may find forgiveness be- 
yond the grave. The sentence of the court 
is that you, Mortimer Shay, for the murder 
of which you have been convicted, bo taken 
hence to the prison from which you came, 
ami there, on the 20th day of April next, 
between the hours of nine o'clock in the 
morning and two in the afternoon, you be 
hanged by the neck until you be dead. 
And may God have mercy on you." 

There was no apparent emotion in the 
prisoner's manner. 

Are est of a Man charged with com- 
mitting an Unmentionable Crime. — In 
Louisville, Kentucky, this day, a man, call- 
ing himself John Haskell and hailing from 
Massachusetts, but who is said to be an 
Englishman and a sailor, recently from New 
Orleans, was arrested for committing an 
outrage on three boys. A crowd gathered 
about the court-house, increasing in num- 
bers till two o'clock, when the mayor 
ordered a steam fire-engine to the spot to 
drive them away. This was temporarily 
successful; but, toward dark, the crowd 
swelled till it numbered several thousand, 
and an attack upon the jail and application 
of lynch law to the prisoner was appre- 
hended. 

The military were ordered to hold them- 
selves in readiness. Two pieces of cannon 
were placed inside the jail and the police 
marshalled. The latter kept the square in 
front of the jail clear, and arrested several 
intoxicated and turbulent persons. 

The Catholic Bishop of Tennessee 
Dead. — This day, Bishop Miles, of Ten- 
nessee, died at Nashville. He was seventy 
years of age, and had performed the duties 
of bishop twenty-five years. 

Senatorial Democratic Caucus. — This 
day, a caucus of the Democratic United 
States Senators was held at Washington ; 
and, among other resolutions bearing on 
the subject of slavery, were the following : — 

" Resolved, That neither Congress nor a 
Territorial Legislature, whether by direct 
legislation or legislation of an indirect and 
unfriendly nature, possesses the power to 
annul or impair the constitutional right of 
any citizen of the United States to take his 
slave-property into the common Territories; 
but it is the duty of the Federal Govern- 
ment there to afford for that as for other 
species of property the needful protection ; 
and, if experieije should at any time prove 
that the Judiciary does not possess power 
to insure adequate protection, it will then 
become the duty of Congress to supply such 
deficiency. 

''Resolved, That the inhabitants of an 
organized Territory of the United Slates, 
when they rightfully form a Constitution to 



be admitted as a State into the Union, may 
then, for the first time, — like the people of 
a State when forming a new Constitution, — 
decide for themselves whether slavery, as a 
domestic institution, shall be maintained or 
prohibited within their jurisdiction ; and if 
Congress shall admit them as a State, 'they 
shall be received into the Union with or 
without slavery, as their Constitution may 
prescribe at the time of their admission.' " 



SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26. 

Fight with Cutlasses on a United 
States Vessel. — This clay, a quarrel oc- 
curred between Lieuts. Meade and Field, 
on the quarterdeck of the Saranae, in which 
cutlasses were drawn and a fight ensued ; 
but, those present interfering, an end was 
put to the strife. It is said the quarrel was 
of old standing. 

Desperate Affray in Baltimore. — In 
Baltimore, this day, a desperate affray took 
place at Hewell's restaurant, in South Paca 
Street, in which pistols were used, and 
Nicholas Manly (a brother of the Deputy 
Police-Marshal, Stephen Manly, and also 
of Captain John Manly, Captain of the 
Southern District Station) was shot through 
the breast, and is supposed to be fatally 
wounded. It appears that Manly and a 
man named John Bangs (formerly a police- 
officer) went into the house of Hewell, and, 
both being in liquor, they became noisy 
and quarrelsome, and got to breaking things, 
and at length forced their way into an upper 
room, where a party were playing cards. 
They were ordered out by Hewell and his 
son-in-law, Charles Hews, who is his bar- 
keeper. A fight was the result ; when Hewell 
discharged two barrels of a revolver at Bangs 
and Manly, — the last of whom was shot, as 
above stated. Bangs narrowly escaped, — 
the bullet taking effect in his coat-skirt. 

Inhuman Butchery of Two Hundred In- 
dians. — In California, this day, a most cow- 
ardly and brutal butchery was enacted on 
the islands in Humboldt Bay, in the ranche- 
rias along Eel River and on the shore to the 
south and west of Eureka. The victims were 
Indians, including men, women, and children, 
and the perpetrators abody of white men who 
inhabit the surrounding country. It seems 
that the farmers and stock-owners, having 
failed to obtain the sanction of Governor 
Downey to war against the miserable sa- 
vages, (who have been for a long time in a 
starving condition in consequence of having 
been driven from their hunting-grounds 
into the mountains by the white settlers,) 
organized, secretly, a vigilance-committee 
and divided their forces into several gangs, 
who, at a given hour, were to attack the 
various Indian villages and spare neither 



136 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



age, sex, nor condition. The design -was 
carried out in a fearful manner, as the fol- 
lowing particulars disclose: — 

At Indian Island, (opposite the town of 
Eureka, and distant but a few hundred 
yards,) more than forty Indians were killed, 
three-fourths of the number being women 
and children. On the beach, south of the 
entrance to the bay, forty or fifty Indians 
were also killed. Report says all that were 
there — -every one — were killed. A simul- 
taneous attack was made upon the villages 
on Eel River. From what was known in 
Eureka, not less than two hundred Indians 
— men, women, and children — were killed 
on the Sabbath morning. 

Mr. Van Ness, the sheriff" of Humboldt 
county, says that the butchei - y on Hum- 
boldt Bay was committed by some forty 
men who had come from Eel River on horse- 
back. They hitched their animals at the 
south end of the bay, and seized a boat be- 
longing to Captain Bulme, the pilot, with 
which they crossed to the opposite shore 
and entered upon their hell-work. Before 
daylight, they had slaughtered every man, 
woman, and child they could find. They 
then proceeded to Indian Island, up the 
bay, and re-enacted the bloody tragedy 
which they had performed on the main- 
land, and returned to where they had 
hitched their horses, and rode off. The 
sheriff estimated the number of Indians 
slaughtered along the bay at eighty, in- 
cluding women and children. It is probable 
that the butcheries committed in these places 
constitute but a portion of the horrid slaugh- 
ter of that morning. These forty men were 
evidently detailed for bay-duty, while other 
divisions of the gang prosecuted their fiendish 
part of the work in the interior. 

The citizens of Eureka and around the 
bay were bitter in their feelings toward 
those engaged in this slaughter, and were 
anxious to bring them to punishment. 

Death of a Young Girl in Cincinnati 
from attempting to procure an abor- 
TION. — In Cincinnati, this day, a young and 
handsome woman, named Cornelia A. Caw- 
kins, met her death at No. 26 Fifth Street, 
by taking medicines to procure an abor- 
tion. The deceased was eighteen years of 
age at the time of her death. She went 
there some few months ago, with a younger 
sister, where they engaged themselves to 
one of the theatres as "ballet-girls." She 
became accpaainted with Charles Young, 
whose mother kept a boarding-house, and 
through him she became a boarder, where 
she had been for some time. An intimacy 
sprang up between them, and for some 
weeks it was known about the house that 
she was in a state of pregnancy. Charles 
Young sent his brother William, some days 
ago, to get some oil of tansy, which he 



gave to Charles, not knowing what it was 
wanted for. Cornelia acknowledged to her 
sister and others that she had taken oil of 
tansy, and that Charles Young had matfe 
an effort to produce an abortion. About a 
week ago she was taken very sick and was 
in great agony. She continued to get worse, 
and Dr. Fowler was called in, when he ad- 
ministered ginger-tea and white hazel, as 
the only means of saving her. The result 
was a speedy death. 

The jury brought in a verdict that she 
came to her death by using medicines given 
her by Charles Young for the purpose of 
producing j>remature parturition. 

Loss of the Steamer Portsmouth. — 
This day, the steamer Portsmouth, for 
Kansas City, witli a cargo of lumber and 
other stuff', struck a snag and sunk, when 
near Leavenworth, in twelve feet of water. 
The boat is a total loss, and is insured. 
Most of her cargo will be recovered. 

Burning of a Tobacco-Factory. — This 
day. the tobacco-factory of George Walker, 
near Glasgow, Missouri, was destroyed by 
fire. The loss amounted to $5000 in to- 
bacco, and $5000 in bank-notes which were 
in the safe. 

Boy Killed. — In Hudson, Michigan, this 
day, three buys were engaged in playing 
upon a pile of logs on the roadside, in front 
of Ocobock & Foster"s spoke-factory, when 
one of them — a son of George Bate, aged 
about twelve years — lost his knife between 
the logs. In order to get the knife, the 
attempt was made to pry the logs apart. 
Two of the boys pryed from the top of the 
pile, while young Bate stood at the bottom 
or on the side of the pile, assisting, when 
the log which they were prying suddenly 
gave way, and was precipitated down the 
pile with great velocity, knocking the un- 
fortunate lad down and rolling over his en- 
tire body, resting upon his head. His skull 
was crushed, and he died almost instantly. 

A Railroad-Accident occurred on the 
Marietta road, about eleven miles from Cin- 
cinnati, at Vincent's Station, of which a 
correspondent of the "Cincinnati Gazette'' 
gives the following account. He says : — 

"The train was the eastward-bound ex- 
press, and was going at the rate of (say') 
fifteen miles an hour, when all at once a 
sharp ' toot' of the engineer's whistle warned 
us of our danger. The bra]g3smen instantly 
put down brakes : a second more, and we 
were witnesses of a dreadful accident. The 
passengers thought, from the hissing of 
steam, that another train was approaching 
with fearful rapidity, and that in an instant 
more we would all be in eternity, but were 
joyfully disappointed. A tremendous crash, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



137 



and our train stopped, ■which we thought 
was only to give us warning of a fearful 
death. 

" The cars did not move ; the passengers, 
as calmly as could be expected, commenced 
leaving the car, when a sight sickening to 
the very heart was before us. The train 
was approaching a high trestle, when our 
engineer saw that a rail had been removed ; 
but his warning was not in time; for the 
locomotive and tender had gone down about 
thirty feet, and was as total a wreck as 
nian ever saw. The tender was on the 
ground, broken to atoms ; the locomotive 
was on the back end, a perfectly inde- 
scribable mass. It was as if by magic that 
the bystanders removed the timbers from 
off the men ; when the engineer, Alfred 
Riddlow, said, ' Boys, be not alarmed : I 
am still alive, with only an arm, leg, side, 
and head broken.' We soon disentangled 
him, and then helped the fireman out, who, 
though terribly bruised, was able to stand, 
and even walk to the cars, where he was 
made as comfortable as possible." 

The engineer makes this statement : — 
" Some three miles from where the accident 
occurred, the train passed over two fence- 
rails that had been placed across the track, 
no doubt with the intention of throwing the 
train oft" the track; but the engine was so 
heavy that it cut them in two, and the train 
passed in safety. This was on a very high 
trestle, and was a sort of warning not to 
proceed too fast." He further says that 
when lie was about fifty yards from what is 
known as the Hartshorne Trestle, which is 
very high, he discovered that a rail had 
been removed, or, rather, misplaced, about 
afoot. It was too late to stop the train: 
but he did his duty ; and though it was in 
his power to leap from the danger and land 
safely, he did not do it, and went down at 
his post. 

A few days since, the Legislature passed 
a bill for the sale of the road ; and yester- 
day the act was put into effect by the road 
being sold to an English company, who, it 
is understood, will at once go to work to 
make it a No. 1 road. When the result of 
the sale was despatched along the route, it 
is supposed that some ignorant person, 
thinking that they would lose some claim 
that they hail against the old company, re- 
moved the rail as a sort of retaliation. 

Destructive Fire in Charleston. — The 
morning of this day, a little before four 
o'clock, the citizens of Charleston, South 
Carolina, were aroused by an alarm of fire, 
which was found to proceed from t lie build- 
ing known as the Cannonsboro Rice-Mill, 
situated at the foot of Mill Street, in the 
northwestern part of the city. This was 
one of the first rice-mills ever put up in 
Charleston, and its engine and machinery 



were built in England. In latter years it 
had become the property of a joint stock 
company, and was in excellent order, tinn- 
ing out some of the finest rice brought to 
market. The watchman on the premises, at 
the hour above mentioned, seeing smoke 
issuing from the eastern side of the mill, im- 
mediately awoke the superintendent, who 
slept upon the premises, when they both 
entered the mill and found the inside en- 
veloped in flames. After burning for some 
hours, (a considerable portion of it being 
wood,) the whole building became a black- 
ened mass of ruins. With it were consumed 
about five thousand bushels of rice. 

The fine residence of Mr. Edward S. Lu- 
cas, some distance to the south, also took 
fire from the sparks which blew over from 
the mill, and the entire roof and upper story 
were destroyed, while the balance was much 
injured by water, &c. The elegant furni- 
ture, books, and paintings wereremoved, but 
much of it considerably injured and bruised ; 
and about seventy dozen of fine old wine, 
belonging to the estate of T. 13. Lucas, was 
destroyed or plundered. Some of the 
smaller buildings in the yard were injured. 
The building may possibly be repaired for 
$2000. 

The mill was insured in the Firemen's In- 
surance Company fur $10,000, as also Mr. 
Lucas's house in the same, for $10,000 ; but 
there was no insurance on the furniture, li- 
brary, or pictures. 

As there was no fire in the engine-room, 
and as the superintendent saw many things 
disarranged and in different positions when 
he entered the mill from what they were 
when he closed it at half-past eleven o'clock, 
the impression is that it was the act of an 
incendiary. 

Death of C. M. Jackson. — Gen. C. M. 
Jackson, ex-Speaker of the House of Repre- 
sentatives of Georgia, died, this day, atAu- 
gusta. 



MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27. 

Removal of General Jackson's Re- 
mains. — This day, Gov. Harris, of Tennes- 
see, sent a special message to the House 
of Representatives, enclosing the following 
letter from Major Andrew Jackson, remon- 
strating against removing the remains of 
General Jackson from the Hermitage. The 
Senate had already passed a bill for that 
purpose : — 

Sea-Song, Bat of St. Loms. ") 
Shieldsborough, Feb. 22, 1860. / 

Sis Excellency Governor Harris : — I was 
called from my old home, the Hermitage, a 
few weeks sine 1 , to the South, my present 
residence, on some business, and expected 
to return before the adjournment of the pre- 



138 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



sent Legislature, -which perhaps I cannot 
do. I now write you, sir, for the purpose 
of expressing the dying sentiments of my 
venerated father, to me and Mrs. Jackson, 
just before his decease, as I perceive a 
movement has been made in the Legislature 
to have his and Mrs. Jackson's remains re- 
moved to the State Capitol grounds at Nash- 
ville. He called me and my wife up to his 
bedside and said, "My son and daughter, 
it may become necessary for you to sell or 
dispose of the Hermitage grounds hereafter ; 
but I beg of you to let my remains and 
those of my dear wife remain together at 
the Hermitage, — a sacred spot tome, — there 
to rest in peace and quiet until the final day 
of judgment, when our Lord and Master 
will call for us," &c. &c. 

I have written you rather hastily, Gov- 
ernor, upon the subject; and will you do 
me the favor to present the expression I 
have here used of the dying request of my 
father, to the members of the Legislature 
generally ? Perhaps they may, under the 
circumstances, reconsider the matter. I 
trust so. I, nor any member of my family, 
have been consulted in the matter. There- 
fore, we all earnestly ami respectfully pro- 
test against it. Oh, let his bones ami ashes 
repose at his own chosen and loved Hermit- 
age ! Do plead with the members about it, 
and oblige your distressed friend, 

Andrew Jackson. 

Violating a Child. — In New York, this 
day, Patrick Loughlin, a bricklayer, was 
tried in the Sessions, charged with having 
committed an outrage on the person of a 
little girl, seven years of age. The offence 
was committed on the 3d of January last, 
at No. 304 Mott Street. The mother of the 
girl left the child with the prisoner for 
about half an hour, and when she returned 
she found her daughter and the prisoner in 
a room together, with the door locked. 
When the door was opened, she met her 
little girl partially intoxicated, and crying. 
Upon asking the cause, the child said she 
had been abused. An examination of the 
child showed an outrage had been commit- 
ted, and that she was probably maimed for 
life. The child was taken to a physician, 
who examined her, and who was of the same 
opinion as the mother. The defence* intro- 
duced character to show improbability, and 
one witness swore that he offered money to 
the child's mother — a hard-working woman 
— if she would abandon the case. The bribe 
— of twenty-five dollars — was not accepted. 
The jury, after an absence of about a quarter 
of an hour, returned with a verdict of guilty. 
The Recorder sentenced the prisoner to 
eleven years and six months' imprisonment. 
During the trial there were forty ladies in 
the court, who seemed to gloat over the pro- 
ceedings ; and one woman, after sentence 



was pronounced, got up in her seat and 
waved her handkerchief. 

The Missouri Legislature met this day, 
in obedience to the proclamation of the 
Governor, who called thern together in 
extra session, — the cause of which was the 
neglect to provide for the railroads at the 
last session. 

Smoke-House Burned Down. — This day, 
the smoke-house of Hoe & Co., in St. Louis, 
with a large quantity of bacon, was de- 
stroyed by fire. Loss, $25,000. 

SuprosED Murder. — The body of an un- 
known white man was found floating in the 
Delaware, above Philadelphia, near Ta- 
cony, this day. As the jaw was broken in 
two places, and the head otherwise much 
cut and bruised, there was no doubt that 
death w r as the result of design. A post-mor- 
tem examination was made on the body by 
Dr. S. P. Drown, who testified to the nature 
of the injuries, and to his conviction that 
they were purposely inflicted witli a design 
to take life. Deceased appeared to have 
been in the water but a few hours. He was 
five feet four inches high, stout and muscu- 
lar, with black hair and heavy sandy whis- 
kers. His dress was heavy black overcoat 
with blue lining, dark pants, white woollen 
drawers, with white woollen and red and 
black striped under-shirt. 

Fire in Philadelphia.- — Woman Burned. 
— About six o'clock in the evening of this day 
a fire occurred in the drug-manufactory of 
Charles Ellis & Co., No. 7-4 Market Street, 
in the following manner : — Mrs. Rebecca 
Ilaslam, employed in the finishing-depart- 
ment, was directed to prepare a small phial 
of "cantharidal collodion." and went into 
a room adjoining, and obtained a large 
bottle of collodion, which is very inflammable 
and explosive. In returning, she struck 
the bottle against a table and broke it, and 
the contents were spilled over her dress and 
apron. Unthinkingly, she raised her apron 
and shook it into a gas jet, setting it on fire. 
The room contained a large quantity of 
straw T , which was set on fire, and the flames 
spread rapidly. All the operatives made 
their escape uninjured, except Airs. Ilas- 
lam, who was shockingly burned about the 
head and body ; so much so that her reco- 
very is doubtful. She was taken to thehos- 
pital. The fire in the manufactory of 
Messrs. Ellis & Co. was confined to two of 
the stories. It did not. extend to the front 
building, and will not interfere with the 
business of the firm. Their loss is from 
$5000 to $10,000. and is covered by insu- 
rance. The stock of Dr. Armstrong, botanic 
physician, occupying the adjoining build- 
ing, was damaged by water. Also that of 



18C0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



139 



E. P. Mover & Bro., saddlers and harness- 
makers, in the rear. The building in which 
the fire originated is owned by Joseph Ilar- 
l-i-oii, Jr., whose loss is covered by insu- 
rance. 

Lawyf.k Convicted of Forgery. — This 
d.i v. Benjamin Kimball, member of the Pe- 
nobscot bar, Maine, was convicted of forg- 
ing a deposition by which he obtained a 
divorce from his wife. 

Murderers of Mr. Warren.— In Mis- 
sissippi, this day, David and Lewis Castle- 
man were arrested on suspicion of having 
committed the atrocious murder on the 
store-boat near Diamond Island. The 
'• Vicksburg Whig" says: — 

Their examination was held before Rob't 
Burney, Esq., justice of the peace in Madi- 
son parish, and was concluded the following 
day. The accused were bound over in the 
sum of $2500 to appear before the circuit 
court of Madison parish. The evidence 
i it the young men is stated to have 
been exceedingly meagre, while the defence 
offered evidence proving that they were 
twelve miles distant on the night the mur- 
der was committed. The magistrate con- 
cluded, however, to send them to the circuit 
court 

Two Wives Claiming the American Pu- 
gilist — Mrs. Adah I. Menken, who has 
heretofore been supposed to be the wife of 
Heenan, has her claims disputed. His real 
wife publishes the following, addressed to 
the husband of Mrs. Menken, who, it ap- 
pears, is yet alive : — 

New Orleans, Feb. 27. 

Mr. A. J. Menken. — Dear Sir:— I trust you 
will pardon the liberty I take in writing 
you, an entire stranger to me save by re- 
putation. On looking over '-Wilkes' Spirit 
of the Times," I saw your letter denying 
Adah I. Menken's marriage with John C. 
Heenan, and claiming her as your wife, 
which statements are perfectly correct, un- 
less (as you say) it is lawful for a man to 
have two wives. I think it my duty as a 
wife, in my husband's absence, to make 
known to you facts which you should have 
learned long since. By doing so, I hope to 
convince you of my husband's innocence in 
this matter. First, allow me to state that 
1 was married to John C. Heenan, Novem- 
ber 14, 1859, in Christ Church, Boston, 
Mass., and have lived with him since that 
time until his departure for Europe, Janu- 
ary 6, 1801); and, as the Atlantic Cable did 
not succeed, I don't think either party can 
be charged with the crime of bigamy. He 
never made Mrs. Menken's acquaintance 
until last fall, although she had been wri- 
ting him for the past year. To quote her 
own words, "a loving sister might write a 



beloved brother." She telegraphed him 

from this city, last July, I think, that she 
would leave here on the 15th. She wrote 
him from Alexandria, Va.,and several times 
from Cincinnati. At the latter place she 
named a yacht for him, and says the Club 
presented her with a large picture of him. 
She also sent to the " Clipper" office a set 
of American colors, with the request that 
he would wear them in his next fight, which 
request was not complied with, as they are 
seen hanging in Rock Cottage, Blooming- 
dale Road. She wished him to direct his 
letters to Edwin F. S. Price, M.D., thus 
using a physician's name now practising in 
Shreveport. Poetry has appeared in the 
"Clipper" at different times with thisname, 
but containing too much sentimental non- 
sense to emanate from a gentleman's pen. 
She tells him in one of her epistles that she 
is unhappily married, and wishes their cor- 
respondence kept secret, giving as a reason 
that she had applied for a divorce, and that 
you, her husband, were endeavoring to ob- 
tain property belonging to her. Of these 
family matters I wish toknow nothing, and 
milv mention them as items from her letters. 
My husband, as soon as he learns of this 
woman's audacity, will, through the medium 
of the press, refute her lies, and make 
known his marriage with myself. It has 
marred my happiness not a little to hear his 
name spoken of in connection with this wo- 
man, and had I not unbounded faith in his 
honor I should indeed be wretched. 

Hoping you will not deem me bold for 
writing you, I remain 

Yours respectfully, 

Josephine Heenan. 

Adjournment of the Alabama Legisla- 
ture. — This day, the Alabama Legislature 
adjourned. The Governor failed to approve 
of the Convention bill. 

The Massachusetts Strike. — This day, 
six hundred shoemakers (about two-thirds 
of the number employed) at Haverhill or- 
ganized for a strike for higher wages. 

Murder of Mr. Boshe Woods, in Cali- 
fornia.— This day, a Mr. Boshe Woods, living 
on Richland Creek, San Saba county, was 
killed by Indians, having been shot through 
five times. 

Heroic Instance of Female Presence of 
Mind. — This day, a little daughter of Mr. E. 
D. Reese, residing near Starksville, Miss., 
fell into a cistern sixteen feet deep to the 
water. Her eldest sister Ann, being at a 
short distance and seeing the accident, im- 
mediately ran to the spot, and, wrapping the 
rope tightly round her waist, descended, 
caught the child in her arms, and was safely 
drawn to the surface by a negro woman 



140 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



whom she called before she went down. 
Neither was injured. 

Sale of the Steamships Moses Taylor 
and Illinois. — This day, in New York, the 
steamships Moses Taylor and Illinois were 
resold at auction, at the Merchants' Ex- 
change. Commodore Vanderbilt was the 
purchaser. Twenty-five thousand dollars 
each was paid for the vessels. 

Extra Session of the Missouri Legis- 
lature. — This day, the extra session of the 
Missouri Legislature, called by the Governor 
to take action on the railroad bills, met at 
Jefferson City. The organization was effected 
by the election of Christopher Kribben. of 
St. Louis, as Speaker of the House. 



TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28. 

Loss of the Bark Excelsior. — This day, 
the bark Excelsior, of New Haven, was lost 
while on her passage from New York to Bar- 
badoes. The ship Hartford, Captain Davis, 
from Liverpool, bound to Charleston, S.C., 
took off Captain Willard and crew, as also a 
passenger, named George Petit. The Hart- 
ford has also experienced heavy gales, during 
one of which — on the 30th of January, when 
in latitude 49° 10', longitude 13° 12'— Albert 
Steady, a seaman, fell from the fore-toD-yard 
and was drowned. 

Burning of the Ship Phosnix. — This day, 
the ship Phoenix, of New York, bound to 
London, was totally destroyed by fire in Mel- 
bourne Bay. The Phoenix was built at Cape 
Elizabeth, in 1854 : twelve hundred and 
seventy-six tons, rated A 1|, and owned by 
C. Carey & Co., of that city. The "Mel- 
bourne Age" gives the following particulars 
of the burning of the ship: — 

About one o'clock yesterday morning, the 
master (Captain Hoxie) was aroused by the 
second officer informing him that the ship 
was on fire. He immediately went on deck, 
and, seeing flames issuing from the fore- 
hatchway, ordered the bell to be rung as an 
alarm. Captains Thorndike, Creesy, and 
Dunbar arrived in their boats very shortly 
afterward, as also officers and crews of the 
ships Southampton and Oithona. Every 
effort was made by them to extinguish the 
flames, but by this time they had gained so 
great an ascendency that the force-pump 
was completely enveloped by them. Orders 
were then issued to scuttle the vessel ; but 
she rose so fast out of the water that the 
holes put in were of no avail. At half-past 
one, Mr. Fullerton, the deputy harbor-master, 
got alongside ; shortly after which the fore- 
mast, mainmast, and niizzen-topmast went 
overboard together with one crash. This 
lightened the vessel considerably, and brought 



her full fifteen inches above the scuttle-holes. 
Mr. Fullerton then got the volunteers to make 
fresh attempts at scuttling, but it proved 
again unsuccessful. At half-past two the 
foreman and carpenters of the marine-yard 
arrived, and, under the direction of Mr. 
Fullerton, had in fifteen minutes two scuttle- 
holes, eighteen inches square, cut into her 
side below the water-line. These holes they 
continued cutting larger as the vessel filled, 
until she took the ground, at four o'clock, in 
twenty-five feet of water. The steamer Her- 
cules was kept in readiness ; for, in case of 
the scuttle-holes not being effective, Mr. 
Fullerton intended to have the chains cut 
and the vessel towed clear of the harbor. 
She now lies sunk in four fathoms of water 
at low tide, the main-deck being awash. If 
immediate steps are taken, she will be got 
afloat, and the remainder of the cargo re- 
covered with but little difficulty. The whole 
of the fire on the upper part of the vessel 
was extinguished by the engines of the South- 
ampton and Hercules. The Phoenix was to 
have sailed on the following day for London, 
having on board a valuable cargo, consisting 
of upwards of two thousand bales of wool, 
three hundred tons of hides, and a quantity 
of tallow. Fortunately, the gold, amounting 
to fourteen thousand ounces, ten thousand of 
which bills of lading had been signed for, 
was not on board, yesterday afternoon being 
the time fixed for shipping it. No idea as to 
the origin of the fire can be formed ; but, let 
it have occurred how it may, a strict investi- 
gation ought to be held on it. It is the 
general opinion that very little of the cargo 
or the lower part of the ship will be found to 
be damaged by fire, as it seemed to be en- 
tirely confined to the upper part. Mrs. 
Hoxie, with her infant and servant, were 
rescued by the boats of the Southampton, 
taking with them only a very small quantity 
of clothes. Captain Norman, officers, and 
crew of her Majesty's steam-sloop Victoria 
were on board shortly after the fire first 
showed itself. 

Wreck of the Brig Victoria. — This day, 
the brig Victoria, from Cardenas to Baltimore, 
went to pieces off Wicomico. She had pre- 
viously run ashore. 

Loss of the Steamer Challenge. — The 
night of this day, the steamer Challenge, from 
St. Louis for the Illinois River, was sunk 
near St. Louis. Her cargo has been saved, 
but the boat, which was valued at $8000, is 
a total loss. 

Fire at Girard, Pa. — This day, four stores 
were destroyed by fire in the town of Girard, 
involving a loss of $10,000. The tenants 
were S. H. Bepey, C. F. Rockwell, Hinds & 
Battles, L. Loveridge, S. Kepell, J. Berker, 
and W. Piatt. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER, 



141 



The Excitement in Louisville. — This 
day, John Haskell, whose arraignment for ex- 
amination yesterday on the charge of having 
committed a heinous crime caused such an 
excitement, was held in bail for the sum of 
$6000, which, failing to procure, he was re- 
committed. 

Killed by a Falling Tree. — This day, Dr. 
A. G. Howard, of Graniteville, S.C., was 
found dead, having been killed by a falling 
tree. His horse was near by, alive, but 
badly crippled. The doctor had been miss- 
ing for several days. He was highly esteemed 
for his many good qualities. 

Death of a Poet. — This day, Howard H. 
Caldwell, many of whose poems give evidence 
of uncommon powers, died at his birthplace, 
Newberry, S.C., aged twenty-eight years and 
five months. He was a son of Chancellor 
James J. Caldwell, and studied law, but soon 
abandoned it for literary pursuits. His first 
volume, '•Oliatta, and other Poems," was pub- 
lished in 1855, and was much admired, but 
equally condemned for its many faults. His 
second effort, the collection issued by Ticknor 
& Fields, of Boston, three years later, was 
more successful, and was commended by the 
leading Reviews,— rather, however, for the 
promise that it afforded for the future, than 
for its excellence as a whole. The "New- 
berry Conservatist," in its obituary, says, 
"Few persons possessed a more engaging 
address than did Howard Caldwell. He was 
quick to make friends, but too often lost 
them by indiscretion." 

Reply of Secretary Floyd in relation 
to Indian Outrages in Texas. — This day, 
Secretary Floyd replied to a letter from 
Governor Houston in relation to Indian out- 
rages in Texas. He says "that immediate 
action will be taken by the Government, and 
able officers despatched to take command of 
the Department of Texas. A strong rein- 
forcement will also be sent as soon as the 
season allows." 

The Kansas Legislatube. — It was this 
day announced that the bill abolishing slavery 
in Kansas had been passed by the Legislature 
of that Territory over the veto of Governor 
Medary. 

Trial of a Celebrated Forger. — This 
day, in Philadelphia, a celebrated forger, 
named J. Buchanan Cross, was placed on 
trial, charged with forgery. Cross sustained 
in the dock the character he has borne all 
through the period he has been before the 
public. His dress was in the latest style, 
and his hands were encased in nicely-fitting 
kid gloves. He was on trial on two bills. It 
is charged in one bill that he was the prin- 
cipal in the commission of the forgery of a 



check on the Consolidation Bank for $770.50. 
The check is signed Gaul & Austin. In the 
other bill he is charged as an accessory in 
another forgery. 

AVilliam H Webb, the paying-teller at the 
Consolidation Bank, testified that he paid the 
check for $770.50 on the 28th of September, 
1859. 

Mr. Gaul testified that the $770.50 check 
was a forgery. He also testified that a check 
for $11.50, wdiich was produced, was genuine ; 
that check was given to one Adolph Bishop, 
who was convicted some time since of passing 
a forged check upon the same parties. Adolph 
Bishop came to the witness's store as Charles 
Miller, and ordered a barrel of ale, which was 
to be sent to Burlington. He paid in gold, 
and requested the change to be given in a 
check, ($11.50,) to be transmitted through 
the mail. The ale was sent to Charles Mil- 
ler, at Burlington. 

Officer Bartholomew testified that he went 
to Burlington to search for Charles Miller ; 
found no Charles Miller, but did find the ale, 
which nobody claimed. 

John Hass, a clerk in the store of J. Gar- 
rison, recognised Bishop; he came to the 
store under the name of Henry Meyer ; 
Bishop bought ten gallons of gin, and asked 
for a check in change, — a check for $13.50 ; 
the liquor was to be sent to Burlington. 

Officer Bartholomew found the gin at Bur- 
lington, but no claimant, 

Adolph Bishop was next placed on the 
stand. [He is now awaiting sentence.] He 
testified as follows: I lived in New York; 
came to this city ; recollect going to Gaul & 
Austin's and Garrison's; when I went to Gaul 
& Austin I was living in Market Street, 
alone; had no friends here; I was sent to 
Gaul & Austin by Mr. Beech, [who is now in 
New York under a charge of forgery;] I 
gave him the check I got in change ; Beech 
was alone when I gave him the check ; Beech 
was always alone when I gave him checks; 
I know Mr. Cross ; saw him in Philadelphia 
first ; I believe he was here when I got the 
checks; I saw him with Mr. Beech; he was 
not with Mr. Beech when I gave him the 
check ; I got $500 from Beech as my share ; 
never got any money from Cross ; I did not 
draw the forged checks; Cross never spoke 
to me about these forgeries; Cross had no- 
thing to do with the $500 transaction; I was 
arrested in Boston ; Cross was arrested at 
the same place ; I was arrested before he was. 

Officer Buckley testified that he knew no- 
thing of Cross's agency in these forgeries. 

Officer Schlem testified that he arrested 
Cross ; they were all arrested in Boston ; 
Cross was discharged ; Beech was held by the 
New York authorities to answer a charge of 
forgery of $4000 upon Mr. Bonner, of the 
"New York Ledger." Cross Avas afterward 
arrested in Pittsburg ; he denied having any 
thing to do with these forgeries. 



142 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



Mr. Powell, a hotel-keeper, testified that 
Cross stopped at Ids house on November 18 ; 
that was the only time he was there; his 
servant was there afterward; don't know any 
thing of his whereabouts in September last. 

Henry Allen testified that he knew Cross ; 
witness was here in September ; Cross was 
not here then ; no knowledge of his where- 
abouts in September. 

This closed the case for the Commonwealth, 
without a word of cross-examination of any 
of the witnesses ; and the counsel for the 
defendant (Messrs. F. C. Brewster and Cas- 
sidy) submitted the case to the judge, who 
then said that there was no evidence upon 
which he could enter a judgment in case of 
a conviction. 

The jury returned a verdict of not guilty. 

Cross's counsel then applied for informa- 
tion as to the other bills against their client. 
After some discussion, Judge Ludfow said 
that he did not feel warranted in discharging 
the defendant now, or requesting the District 
Attorney to submit the other bills (three in 
number.) There might be other testimony 
obtained ; and for the present he would re- 
quire him to find bail in the sum of §2500. 



WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29. 

Two Men Hung by Lynch Law. — The 
two men implicated by Mrs. Robinson, of 
Crittenden county, Arkansas, in the murder 
of her husband, were arrested and conveyed 
to jail. The jail was afterward broken 
open by an exasperated mob, who dragged 
the criminals from the jail to the woods, and 
there hung them up until they were dead. 
The woman was reserved ; but it was the 
intention of the citizens to hang her on the 
2d of March. 

Wisconsin Republican State Conven- 
tion. — This day, the Wisconsin Republican 
State Convention, which met at Madison, 
instructed their delegates to the Chicago 
Convention to vote for the nomination of 
Mr. Seward for the Presidency. 

A State Convention was held at Jeffer- 
son, Missouri, to forward the claims of Mr. 
Edward Bates to the Presidency. 

California Democratic Convention. — 
This day, the Democratic State Convention 
met at Sacramento. On the preliminary or- 
ganization, Philip Moore was chosen chair- 
man, when the Convention adjourned till 
evening. On reassembling, a desperate 
struggle took place over the election of a 
permanent President. Mr. Kirkpatrick. a 
Latham man, and Mr. Merritt, a Gwin and 
Weller man, were the candidates. Neither 
could be elected ; when both finally withdrew 
their names, and Philip Moore was unani- 



mously elected, he being satisfactory to both 
part ies. A committee of forty was appointed 
to draft resolutions, Senator Sharp, of San 
Francisco, a sympathizer with Douglas, 
being the chairman, when the Convention 
adjourned to March 1. 

Assaulting a House. — One of the As- 
saulters Killed. — In California, this day, 
a Mr. Connor, of Poverty Hill, was killed at 
Yorktown, under the following circum- 
stances. There has long existed among the 
people of Poverty Hill a feeling of hostility 
against Chinamen, which has manifested 
itself on several occasions, in attempts to 
drive the Celestials from their homes, by 
destroying their cabins and mining-imple- 
ments. In all of these acts of aggression 
Judge Brunton has always taken the part of 
the Chinamen, several of whom were living 
in cabins belonging to the judge and situ- 
ated within his enclosures. At two o'clock in 
the morning a crowd of men surrounded his 
house and commenced firing pistols. Judge 
Brunton was from home. The family con- 
sisted of Mrs. B., who was sick abed, her 
daughter, and two boys, aged about seven- 
teen and nineteen years respectively. On 
the first alarm they held a consultation, and 
resolved to defend their position; got out 
an old rifle and commenced firing, which 
soon aroused the neighbors, two of whom 
shortly arrived at the scene, and saw the 
marauders retreating, carrying one of their 
comrades, who died in a few hours. 

Elopement Frustrated. — This day, in 
Boston, an intended elopement by a musi- 
cian of that city, who has a wife and child, 
with a young lady, was prevented, in conse- 
quence of a timely discovery by the injured 
wife. During the temporary absence of the 
wife from home, he packed up his clothes 
and drew from a savings-bank what money, 
he had, and, it is believed, was intending to 
leave the country with the girl, with whom 
he has been suspiciously intimate for some 
months. A friend of the wife watched his 
proceedings, and, giving her notice of what 
was going on, he was compelled to abandon 
his designs. 

Elopement. — James Owens, of Vincennes, 
Indiana, was this day arrested by the police 
of New Orleans, charged with eloping with 
Mrs. Smith, his brother-in-law's wife. The 
"New Orleans Bee" gives the following ac- 
count of the arrest : — 

In January last, James Owens, of Vin- 
cennes, Indiana, sold out and went to St. 
Louis, from whence the report shortly came 
that he was drowned. He "left" six chil- 
dren to the care of James Smith, whose 
sister he had married. On the 28th ult., 
Mrs. Smith left her husband and joined the 
late drowned Owens in a flight to New 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



143 



Or ans. The disconsolate husband tele- 
graphed to all points for her, including that 
city. 

Meanwhile the guilty pair were on board 
the Cora Anderson, enjoying a fancied se- 
curity, and passing the time in singing 
psalms. To such an annoying extent did 
they carry this devotional singing, that the 
other passengers were obliged to complain 
of them to the officers of the boat, and Cap- 
tain Bofinger had to prohibit the exercise, 
except in a subdued tone of voice. 

Their intention was to take passage on 
the first Red River boat, to leave after their 
arrival at New Orleans, and locate some- 
where in Northern Louisiana or Texas. The 
Cora Anderson came to her landing on Wed- 
nesday night, and the police, finding the 
party on board, took them into custody, and 
gave them, with Mrs. Smith's children, 
apartments in the First District Police-Sta- 
tion. Owens, who has been travelling under 
the name of Patton, indignantly denied the 
charge brought against them, and protested 
it was all a cruel mistake ; but they were 
detained, nevertheless. The same night 
Smith arrived in the city by the Jackson 
Railroad, and went to see his wife and 
children in the lock-up. 

The scene that followed, as can well be 
imagined, was a touching one, although the 
predominant emotion in the breast of Mrs. 
Smith appeared to be that her husband 
would injure Owens, as, indeed, he declared 
outside that he would shoot him on sight. 
The guilty woman has determined to return 
home with her husband, whose love for her 
appears to be inextinguishable, — though her 
only motive for so doing seems to be the 
fear of having her children taken from her 
otherwise. Mrs. Smith is twenty-six years 
of age, and an exceedingly plain-looking 
woman. Owens will be left to his own con- 
science and memory, which will be sufficient 
retribution, perhaps. 

Fire in St. Louis. — This day, a fire oc- 
curred in the mill of Messrs. Babros & Ellis, 
on Cherry Street, which, with the Pike's 
Peak Saloon, was entirely destroyed. The 
boiler-manufactory of Edward Boyle was 
considerably damaged. Loss, $6000 : par- 
tially insured. 

Lynch Law at Pike's Peak. — This day, 
Mr. W. W. Watkins, who was wounded by 
Sheriff Rehler, a short time since, in at- 
tempting to escape from being arrested, was 
hung by a party of regulators. 

Lynch Law. — Hanging of Pennstltuck 
at Pike's Peak. — The night of this day, a 
notorious desperado, named Pennsyltuck, 

was hung by the Vigilance Committee at 
Missouri City, in the Pike's Peak gold-re- 
gion. A correspondent of the " AVestern 



Mountaineer" thus describes the execution. 
He says : — 

About three hundred m n went to the 
residence of Pennsyltuck. Gaining admit- 
tance, they pushed aside the doctor and 
went to Tuck's bed and dragged him out. 
Another person in the house begged them 
not to hang him. Entreaty was unavail- 
ing: fate, with firm grasp, held its victim 
above the power of mercy. The miserable 
man sought to speak with Kehler, and his 
last words were, "O Lord!" He was then 
gagged, and taken to a tree and hung. In 
the morning some workmen beheld the poor 
wretch still hanging where the Vigilants had 
left him, a warning and example to all who 
violate the rights and privileges of others. 

The Pennsylvania Democratic State 
Convention continued its session this day 
from yesterday. A vote was taken for 
chairman. George B. Smith received 68 
votes, and William P. Schell 58. D. V. Der- 
rickson, from Erie and Crawford counties, 
was accepted as a delegate, and Wilson Laird 
rejected. From the First Congressional Dis- 
trict Charles M. Leisenring was accepted 
and Thomas Jones rejected. 

The Mountain Meadow Massacre. — 
Horrible Confession. — The "Salt Lake 
Valley Tan," of this date, contains a state- 
ment from William H. Rogers in regard to 
the massacre at Mountain Meadows in Sep- 
tember, 1857, when one hundred and twenty 
men, women, and children, emigrants from 
Arkansas, were murdered by Mormons. In 
company with Dr. Forney, Superintendent 
of Indian Affairs for Utah Territory, Mr. 
Rogers, about a year since, traversed the 
district of country where the massacre oc- 
curred. The scene of the tragedy is thus 
described : — ■ 

When we arrived here in April, 1859, 
more than a year and a half after the mas- 
sacre occurred, the ground, for a distance of 
more than a hundred yards around a cen- 
tral point, was covered with the skeletons 
and bones of human beings, interspersed in 
places with rolls or bunches of tangled or 
matted hair, which, from its length, evi- 
dently belonged to females. In places the 
bones of small children were lying side by 
side with those of grown persons, as if pa- 
rent and child had met death at the same 
instant and with the same stroke. Small 
bonnets and dresses, and scraps of female 
apparel, were also to be seen in places on 
the ground there, like the bones of those 
who wore them, bleached from long expo- 
sure, but their shape was in many instances 
entire.. In a gulch or hole in the ravine by 
the side of the road, a large number of leg 
and arm bones, and also of skulls, could be 
seen sticking above the surface, as if they 
had been buried there, but the action of the 



144 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



water and Jigging of the wolves had again 
exposed them to sight. The entire scene 
was one too horrible and sickening for lan- 
guage adequately to describe. 

On the authority of information commu- 
nicated in his presence to Judge Cradle- 
baugh by a participant in the massacre, 
Mr. Rogers describes the attack on the emi- 
grants, the protracted siege which they en- 
dured, and, finally, the treacherous artifice 
by which they were induced to surrender, 
when all were brutally murdered. He says: — 
As soon as it became known that Judge 
C. intended holding a court and investi- 
gating the circumstances of the massacre, 
and that he would have troops to insure 
protection, and enforce his writs, if neces- 
sary, several persons visited him at his 
rooms at late hours of the night, and in- 
formed him of different facts connected with 
the massacre. All those that called thus 
staied that it would be at the risk of their 
lives if it became known that they had com- 
municated any thing to him; and they re- 
quested Judge Cradlebaugh, if he met them 
in public in the daytime, not to recognise 
them as persons that he had before seen. 

One of the men who called thus on Judge 
Cradlebaugh confessed that he participated 
in the massacre, and gave the following ac- 
count of it. Previous to the massacre there 
was a council held at Cedar City, which 
President Ilaight and Bishops Higby and 
Lee attended. At this council they desig- 
nated or appointed a large number of men 
residing in Cedar City, and in other settle- 
ments around, to perform the work of de- 
spatching these emigrants. The men ap- 
pointed for this purpose were instructed to 
resort, well armed, at a given time, to a 
spring or small stream lying a short dis- 
tance to the left of the road leading into the 
Meadows, and not very far from Hamblin's 
ranch, but concealed from it by intervening 
hills. This was the place of rendezvous; 
and here the men, when they arrived, painted 
and otherwise disguised themselves so as to 
resemble Indians. From thence they pro- 
ceeded, early on Monday morning, by a path 
or trail which leads from the spring directly 
into the Meadows and enters the road some 
distance beyond Hamblin's ranch. By 
taking this route they could not be seen by 
any one at the ranch. 

On arriving at the corral of the emigrants, 
a number of the men were standing on the 
outside by the camp-fires, which, from ap- 
pearances, they had just been building. 
These were first fired upon, and, at the first 
discharge, several of them fell dead or 
wounded. The remainder immediately ran 
to the inside of the corral, and began forti- 
fying themselves, and preparing for defence 
as well as they could, by shoving their wa- 
gons closer together and digging holes into 
which to lower them, so as to keep the shots 



from going under and stinking them. The 
attack continued, in a desultory and irregular 
manner, four or five days. The corral was 
closely watched, and if any of the emigrants 
showed themselves they were instantly fired 
at from without. If they attempted to go to 
the spring, which was only a few yards dis- 
tant, they were sure to fall by the rifles of 
their assailants. In consequence of the al- 
most certain death that resulted from any 
attempt to procure water, the emigrants, 
before the siege discontinued, suffered in- 
tensely from thirst. The assailants, be- 
lieving at length that the emigrants could 
not be subdued by the means adopted, re- 
sorted to treachery and stratagem to accom- 
plish what they had been unable to do by 
force. They returned to the spring where 
they had painted and disguised themselves 
previous to commencing the attack, and 
there removed their disguises and again 
assumed their ordinary dress. 

After this, Bishop Lee, with a party of 
men, returned to the camp of the emigrants, 
bearing a white flag as a signal of truce. 
From the position of the corral, the emi- 
grants were able to see them some time be- 
fore they reached it. As soon as they dis- 
cerned it, they dressed a little girl in white, 
and placed her at the entrance of the corral, 
to indicate their friendly feelings to the per- 
sons bearing the flag. Lee and his party, 
on arriving, were invited into the corral, 
where they stayed about an hour, talking 
with them about the attack that had been 
made upon them. Lee told the emigrants 
that the Indians had gone off over the hills, 
and that if they would lay down their arms 
and give up their property, he and his party 
would conduct them back to Cedar City ; 
but if they went out with their arms, the 
Indians would look upon it as an unfriendly 
act, and would again attack them. The 
emigrants, trusting to Lee's honor and to 
the sincerity of his statement, consented to 
the terms which he proposed, and left their 
property and all their arms at the corral, 
and. under the escort of Lee and his party, 
started toward the north in the direction 
of Cedar City. After they had proceeded 
about a mile on their way, on a signal given 
by Bishop Higby, who was one of the party 
that went to the corral with Lee, the 
slaughter began. 

The men were mostly killed or shot down 
at the first fire, and the women and chil- 
dren, who immediately fled in different direc- 
tions, -were quickly pursued and despatched. 
Such was the substance, if not the exact 
words, of a statement made by a man to 
Judge Cradlebaugh, in my presence, who, 
at the same time, confessed that he partici- 
pated in the horrible events which he re- 
lated. He also gave Judge C. the names of 
twenty-five or thirty other men living in the 
region, who assisted in the massacre. He 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



14,-, 



offered also to make the same statement in 
court and under oath, if protection was 
guaranteed to him. He gave as a reason 
for divulging these facts that they had tor- 
mented his mind and conscience since they 
occurred, and he expressed a willingness to 
stand a trial for his crime. 

Incendiarism and Loss of Life in Cin- 
cinnati. — In Cincinnati, the night of this 
day, the feed-mill of George N. Ellis & Bor- 
doar, at the corner of Second and Cherry 
Streets, was burned to the ground, as well 
as the adjoining buildings belonging to Mr. 
Boyle. Michael Rittman's "Pike's Peak 
Saloon'" was also destroyed. Mr. Wm. Rose, 
a river-engineer, lodging at the Pike's Peak 
Saloon, was burned to death. His remains 
were collected and buried by the Pilots' 
Association. Mr. Rose leaves a wife and 
two children living in Illinois. Cap!,: in 
Cousins, the Chief Eire- Warden of the city, 
arrested Mr. Ellis, charging him with hav- 
ing set fire to his mill in order to secure an 
insurance of $5000, while it is claimed that 
his stock did not amount to half the sum. 



EVENTS OCCURRING IN FEBRU- 
ARY, THE EXACT DATE OP WHICH 
COULD WOT BE ASCERTAINED. 

Frozen to Death. — The dead body of a 
little girl, about ten years old, was found 
on the ice in Muskegan Lake, Michigan. 
She had been across the lake to church, and 
on her return had lost her way, and event- 
ually her life, on the frozen lake. 

In Olmstead, Ohio, a child of three or 
four years was strangled by his cloak catch- 
ing on the limb of an apple-tree, into which 
his father had lifted him to look at the ope- 
ration of killing and dressing hogs. Among 
the number busily engaged, no one noticed 
his suspension until too late. 

Lady Burned to Death. — A young lady, 
daughter of Mr. H. F. Heritage, of Mobile, 
Ala., was burned to death while endeavor- 
ing to extinguish some brushwood close by 
the house, which had been set on fire by 
her little brother. She extinguished her 
flaming clothes at the spring, which she 
managed to reach, and crawled home, but 
only to die. 

Attempted Suicide of an Alleged Swin- 
dler. — John Prosknner, of Philadelphia, 
convicted, in the Hudson County Court, of 
swindling J. Deegan & Co. out of about 
$1000 worth of goods, attempted to destroy 
his life by swallowing poison. He was 
taken to a drug-store and forced to swallow 
an antidote, which saved his life. 



A Suicide from unrequited love took 



place in Georgetown, Ky. The victim was 
Mr. Thomas Lucas. 

Suicide by a Boy. — Henry Blaisdell, 
aged eighteen, was committed to jail in 
Woodstock, Vt., for some trifling offence, 
and was found dead in his cell the follow- 
ing morning, having committed suicide by 
banging himself to the bar of his cell- 
window. 

Suicide by an Insane Lady. — A lady, 
by the name of Phoebe Williams, aged about 
forty years, committed suicide by hanging, 
at Portage, N.Y. For some years she had 
been partially deranged. While breakfast 
was being prepared, she ascended to the 
garret, and, attaching a cord to one of the 
rafters, made a slipping-noose at the other 
end, in which she placed her neck and in 
this way hung herself. When found, her 
feet rested partially on the floor; but she 
was dead, and in her hand was clasped her 
knitting-work. 

Attempted Suicide in Church. — At 
Sumner, 111., while in church, a young man 
named William Barlow, seated in the con- 
gregation, attempted to commit suicide by 
cutting his throat with a pocket-knife, lie 
first cut the principal artery in each arm, 
and then inflicted a horrible gash in the 
throat, aiming, no doubt, to cut the jugular 
vein, but, not knowing its precise location, 
missed it. The unfortunate man assigned 
no reason for his rash act; but the general 
impression is that he was laboring under a 
fit of insanity, or, more probably, religious 
excitement. Mr. Barlow is about twenty- 
two years of age, a strictly temperate man, 
and much respected by those who know 
him. 

Suicide of a Shoe-Manufacturer. — Mr. 
Edmund D. Wiley, an extensive shoe-manu- 
facturer of South Reading, Mass., commit- 
ted suicide by hanging himself. He had 
been for some years engaged in the busi- 
ness, and had a salesroom at No. 100 Pearl 
Street, in this city. A short time since he 
had a large and costly manufactory erect- 
ed at South Reading, near the Boston & 
Maine Depot, and made a general enlarge- 
ment of his business, at considerable out- 
lay ; and it is supposed that he had either 
suffered, or that he had anticipated, heavy 
losses, as he has been for some days de- 
ranged. His residence was at Montrose ; 
and he committed the deed in a barn near 
his house. — Boston Traveller. 

A Woman in Louise county, Iowa, com- 
mitted suicide because her husband was 
involved in a law-suit. 



10 



At Lebanon, Ohio, a man named Eli 



14G 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



Stout was arrested for the murder of his 
wife, a few months since. The silly tattle 
of his child about "burning its mother" 
caused the arrest on suspicion and impri- 
sonment. The lady, however, "turned up," 
having been on a visit to friends in Ken- 
tucky. 

Sentenced. — Lewis Lane, indicted at 
Washington, Pa., for an attempt to poison 
his wife, was convicted and sentenced to 
six years' imprisonment in the Peniten- 
tiary. 

Killed in a Foul Well. — A man named 
John Lore, at Mount Vernon, Ohio, went 
down a well by means of a rope, to recover 
his hat, which had fallen into it, The 
noxious gases overpowered him, and he lost 
his hold and fell to the bottom. His rescue 
was attempted by a neighbor, but he was 
drawn up insensible. The unfortunate Lore 
was afterward drawn up, quite dead. 

An African Traveller Killed. — Mr. 
Herman, Consul at Tripoli, has just in- 
formed the family of Dr. Vogel that the 
unfortunate traveller was assassinated im- 
mediately after his entrance into the Wady. 
He had his information from the Sultan of 
Bornou. 

Killed by a Blow. — At Oconomewoc, 
Wis., a small party of men were playing 
cards, when one of them, Joseph Mills, ac- 
cused another, named Eagen, of cheating. 
Eagen struck him a powerful blow under 
the jaw-boue with his fist, and Mills fell 
dead on the floor. 

A Dreadful Attempt to commit murder 
was made in Greenfield, Mass. A man 
named Merriam awoke his wife by his draw- 
ing something across her throat. She sprang 
from the bed and rushed to another room, 
when she found she was bleeding from two 
wounds in her throat. She immediately 
roused some neighbors, who returned with 
her to her husband's room, when they dis- 
covered, to their horror, his dead body, 
frightfully gashed across his throat, lying 
on his bed. He had been subject to fits of 
insanity, and this, no doubt, was the result 
of the same disease. 

"Murder will Out," says the proverb. 
This is confirmed by a case in Rocky Hill, 
Conn., of a woman who was buried List 
September, and whose body, on being dis- 
interred after three months and a half, is 
found marked with proofs of violence. Joel 
T. Green, in whose family she lived at the 
date of her death, has been arrested on sus- 
picion of being the guilty man. 

Murder of Mr. Keitt's Brother. — Mr. 



Keitt received a despatch announcing that 
his elder brother, a physician, residing at 
Pilntka. had been murdered in his bed by 
some of his negroes, who almost severed his 
head from his body. He was at the time 
confined to his bed by illness. 

Lynching in Maryland. — The "Alexan- 
dria (Va.) Gazette" says that a son of Dr. 
Boyle, of Upper Marlborough, Md., was re- 
cently stabbed by a free negro man, from 
the effects of which he died in a few mo- 
ments. The negro was arrested and com- 
mitted to jail, but the indignant citizens 
broke open the jail, took out the negro and 
hung him. 

Suit for the Destruction of an Abo- 
lition Paper, — William S. Bailey, pro- 
prietor and publisher of the "Free South," 
at Newport, has commenced suit against the 
parties engaged in the destruction of his 
newspaper-press and printing-apparatus on 
the 20th of October last, laying his damages 
at $15,000. 

Sentenced for Negro-Stealing. — Oliver 
Dennison, a young man and a native of 
Essex, Conn., has been sentenced to fifteen 
years' imprisonment in the Alabama State 
Prison, for stealing a negro woman in New 
Orleans and trying to sell her in Mobile. 

Pardoned when Sentenced to Death 
for Assisting a Slave to Escape. — The 
Governor of South Carolina has pardoned 
Francis Mitchell, porter of the steamer 
Marion, who was sentenced to be hung for 
aiding in the escape of a slave. 

Expelled from the Grand Jury. — Mr. 
Franklin Davis, residing near Charlotte, 
says the " Bulletin" of that place, has been 
expelled from his seat as a grand-juryman, 
"for having expressed sentiments in oppo- 
sition to the institution of slavery. He was 
immediately bound over in the penal sum 
of $1000 for his appearance at the next 
sitting of the Superior Court," which meets 
in May. 

Negroes Incited to Kill their Over- 
seer. — Jasper Murray, overseer of Samuel 
M. Carter, of Georgia, who has recently 
settled a plantation in Arkansas, was killed 
by the negroes on the place a few days since. 
Inquiries instituted developed the fact that 
the crime was committed at the instigation 
of a man named Sneed, who promised the 
negroes that if they would kill the overseer 
and get his money he would carry them to 
a free State. Five of the negroes and the 
white man were arrested and pdaced in jail 
at Hamburg, Ashley county. 

Murder of a Wife, and Suicide. — A 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



147 



man in Jonesville, Pa., who had separated 
from his wife a few days since, went to the 
house where she lived, stabbed her all over 
the body, and cut his throat. 

Found Guilty of Murder. — In Somer- 
set County (Pa.) Court, Henry Pritts, in- 
dicted for the murder of Eli Weimer, was 
tried last week and found guilty of murder 
in the first degree, — being the second case of 
the kind that ever occurred in the county. 
Prills is sixty-four years old, and has re- 
sided in the county all his life. The two 
went out hunting for deer together. When 
deep in the woods, Pritts got the gun and 
shot his neighbor, and returned to his 
house. The body was subsequently found 
and Pritts arrested. 

Mi'Rder in Illinois. — At Honey Point, 
111., (near St. Louis,) Charles Honelz and 
George Stockton engaged in a drunken 
fracas, during which Stockton drew a pistol 
and fired at Honelz, inflicting a wouud 
which produced death iu a short time. 
Stockton then fled. 

Schoolboy Killed. — A boy named Wads- 
worth was kicked to death recently at Ox- 
ford, Maine, by a schoolmate named Ridlon. 
The latter was committed for trial. 

Mysterious Death of a Citizen of 
Clearfield County. — The " Clearfield (Pa.) 
Republican" says: — "We have been in- 
formed that William Housler, a citizen of 
this county, residing generally in Karthaus 
township, lost his life in Lock Haven, in a 
somewhat mysterious manner, one night 
last week, giving rise to suspicions that he 
had been murdered and robbed. The cir- 
cumstances, as we have heard them, are 
that Mr. Housler had been to Philadelphia, 
where he had received a sum of money 
amounting to about $250 ; that he had been 
followed by two men from that place on his 
return; that they had been in company 
with him in Lock Haven, and on the night 
in question he was found in one of the 
hotels in a dying condition, with evident 
marks of violence upon him. One of the 
men had disappeared, and the other at- 
tempted to explain that the injuries to Mr. 
Housler had been caused by his falling 
down-stairs, — a statement which the dying 
man had only breath to contradict, but not 
to give the real facts." 

Murder for Money. — A shocking murder 
was perpetrated recently at Jackson, Ohio. 
The victim was Daniel Winchell, an old re- 
sident of Jackson township, and the assassins 
were one of his sons, a son-in-law, and a 
nephew. As he was about entering his 
door, one of the above party knocked him 
down, when the accomplices seized him and 



carried him a short distance from the house, 
cut his throat with a knife, and then held 
him over a hole already dug in the ground 
for the reception of his blood. His body 
was then tied up in a sheet and thrown into 
a neighboring creek, where it was found by 
some of the neighbors. A little son of the 
deceased gave the information which led to 
the discovery of the above facts. The mur- 
derers are now in jail. Their object was to 
obtain possession of the old man's property, 
of which they were heirs. 

Heroic Boy. — A boy named Hersham, 
living near Chicago, in the absence of his 
father and mother, saved his brothers and 
sisters from burning up, the other night. 
The house took fire while they were asleep. 
He afterward broke open a window and 
rescued the family Bible, that lay on a stand 
near the window, — the only thing saved from 
the burning house, except their lives,— and, 
finding nothing more could be done, took the 
babe in his arms, and, by coaxing and lead- 
ing the others, succeeded in getting them to 
the nearest neighbor's, some half a mile or 
more, travelling over the frozen ground of a 
cold January night in their night-clothes. 
Here the brave little fellow could hardly be 
persuaded to stay and have his wounds cared 
for, but insisted on going for his father, 
showing an unconquerable spirit and perse- 
verance hard to be excelled in one so young. 
The young hero had all the hair burned off 
his head. 

A Smart Boy. — A few days ago, a boy, 
ten years of age, returning from school, 
near Conemaugh, Pa., saw a large rock on 
the railroad-track, when, taking a little red 
cap that his sister wore, he raised it, and 
ran waving it up the road, along which a 
train was then thundering. The train was 
fortunately arrested in time, or the conse- 
quences must have been fearful. 

Died. — Mr. John W. Schlosser, an old 
and respected citizen of York, Pa., died. 
The York "Press" says: — He was a native 
of this place, and, having been engaged in 
Baltimore as a journeyman mechanic at the 
time of the breaking out of the late war with 
Great Britain, he enlisted as a privateer on 
board of the Highflyer, under the American 
flag. He was taken prisoner by the British 
and conveyed to the Bermudian Islands, 
where he was retained until released by an 
exchange of prisoners. 

A Centenarian. — A servant-woman, the 
property of Mr. E. B. Powers, of Wythe 
county, Va., died at the advanced age of one 
hundred and five years. 

Death of Adnah Sackett. — The Provi- 
dence "Post" announces the death of Mr. 



148 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



Adnah Sackett, a resident, of that city and a 
man greatly esteemed. The "Post" says:— 
Mr. Sackett. was a native of Westfield, Mass.. 
but came to this city when a lad, and, with- 
out money or friends, apprenticed himself 
to learn the trade of a jeweller. A few years 
following his majority, he established him- 
self in that business on his own account, in 
which he continued, with various partners 
and under different firms, to the time of his 
death. By his industry, punctuality, perse- 
verance, and integrity, he early established 
for himself a reputation that secured for him 
the fullest confidence of the community, and 
complete business success. In 1848 and 
1849 he was the Democratic candidate for 
Governor of Rhode Island. For some ten 
years past he has been one of the State Pri- 
son Inspectors, and the great, success which 
has attended the management of that insti- 
tution of late years is largely attributed to 
him by those with whom he has been asso- 
ciated. He has been President of the Bank 
of America from the date of its organiza- 
tion. 

Nearly Lost.— Mr. A. J. DeWitt, of Ot- 
tavia City, had his attention attracted by 
cries which appeared to come from a long 
distance out on Lake Erie. Procuring as- 
sistance, he got a boat, and, following the 
direction of the sound, found, on a cake of 
ice, about a mile from the shore, Captain 
Henry Fox. While walking on the ice, the 
portion on which Captain Fox chanced to 
be broke from the main body and carried 
him out on the lake. 

Killed. — Mr. William Ecnner, of Altoo- 
na, Pa., was killed last week by a railroad- 
truck falling on him. 

Life or Suffering. — Theodore Rougeot 
recently died in Bangor, Me., after a life of 
singular suffering. When thirteen years of 
age, he was taken with inflammatory rheu- 
matism, and was almost helpless for two 
years : he then recovered, but in two years 
thereafter he was attacked again, and con- 
tinued entirely helpless and confined to his 
bed for eighteen years ! There was but one 
joint (that of one thumb) that he could move. 
He was obliged to be bolstered up in bed in 
one position, partly in a sitting posture, for 
the eighteen years ; he could talk and read 
well, but. could not. otherwise stir or move ; 
his food was made very fine, and sucked up 
or mumbled over in his mouth, as his jaws 
were immovable. He was nothing but skin 
and bone : yet his appetite and general 
health were good. His mind was clenr, his 
memory good, and he was a person of con- 
siderable intelligence and quite a reader. 
He lived with his parents a couple of miles 
from Bangor, and was kindly cared for by 



a patient and attentive mother and other rela- 
tives during his long and tedious illness. 

Death of a Girl from Hydrophobia. — 
A daughter of Mr. John Carhart, of Hickory 
Grove township, Iowa, aged twelve years, 
was bitten on the arm in November last. 
The dog, it was supposed, was rabid; but the 
wound soon healed, and, until recently, cre- 
ated no uneasiness. Within a few weeks, 
however, the disease broke out, and she died 
in convulsions. 

A Wild Cat Killed. — The Lewisburg 
(Union co., Pa.) "Chronicle" says: — A wild 
cat was recently killed in East Buffalo town- 
ship, after having been heard howling for 
several nights, being cornered in an ore-drift. 

Hydrophobia from the Milk of a Cow. 
— The Milwaukie "News" says the members 
of a family residing near that city have 
lately evinced unmistakable signs of hydro- 
phobia, caused by the use of milk from a 
cow which was bitten some time since by a 
mad dog. One of the children, a boy, be- 
gan to show symptoms of hydrophobia, and, 
during one of his fits, succeeded in inflict- 
ing several wounds on the father. Physi- 
cians give it as their opinion that, if the 
boy's madness was caused by theuse of milk, 
the whole family must suffer a horrible 
death sooner or later. 

Nearly Killed by a Boa Constbictor. — 
Mr. Bemis, the keeper of the boa con- 
strictor on exhibition in Boston, came near 
losing his life a few days ago. Mr. Bemis 
was engaged in giving the serpent one of 
his customary warm baths preparatory to 
an exhibition of feeding him, when the ven- 
omous animal seized him by the wrist and 
inserted his deadly fangs. The attendants 
fled in horror, but were soon recalled by the 
outcries of the struggling man, the reptile 
having also commenced to coil around him. 
All other means to disengage him proving 
unavailing, the snake was pounded upon the 
head with a hammer until he was forced to 
release his victim. Mr. Bemis was severely 
bitten, but, by the immediate medical atten- 
tion given him, it is hoped no fatal conse- 
quences will ensue. 

A Max Wooes his own Daughter, and 
xeaely Maheies her. — The Cleveland 
" Herald" records the following romance in 
real life, which for startling interest and 
incident almost surpasses the daring con- 
ception of the novelist: — 

About seventeen or eighteen years since, 
a young man, an American, resided in the 
city of Rochester, N.Y. There he wooed 
and won a young and blooming German 
maiden. Shortly after his marriage he be- 
came acquainted with some other young 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



149 



men, who " lived fast," and thus was thrown 
sometimes among doubtful company. Some 
months after marriage a forgery was com- 
mitted, and, suspicions pointing strongly at 
him, a warrant was issued for his arrest. 
He escaped, and for years nothing more was 
heard of him. Some time afterward his in- 
nocence of the crime was discovered by the 
confession of the guilty person. 

Three months after the disappearance of 
her husband, the young wife gave birth to 
a girl. By her own efforts, and the assist- 
ance of kind friends, the mother was en- 
abled to support herself and her child for 
three years, when she died, and the little 
girl was left an orphan. A German family 
living in the neighborhood took the child 
to their home and adopted it as their own. 
About ten 3*ears since they moved to this 
city with the intention of settling here, but, 
soon after their arrival, received letters that 
led to their return to the old country. The 
girl, now, about seven years of age, was left 
in this city with a German family named 
Kiengenhiefcr, the foster-parents hoping 
that the father would appear some day to 
claim her. With this family she has lived 
to the present time, and has grown to a 
handsome young lady of some sixteen or 
seventeen summers. 

The father, on leaving Rochester, had left 
for South America, and led a roving life 
among the different countries of the South- 
ern continent. Eventually he turned up 
in Sonora, having been attracted thither by 
the reported richness of its mines. Being 
naturally of a restless disposition, he took 
part in the domestic troubles of the State, : 
and was engaged on the Liberal side in sev- 
eral revolutionary movements. When the 
regular Governor, Gavalando, obtained the ; 
mastery, our American adventurer was com- | 
pelled to fly for his life and take refuge in 
United States territory. After all his wan- j 
derings and adventures, he became anxious 
to see his wife once more, if still alive, and to 
learn something of what had transpired after 
his flight. He was still ignorant of the fact 
that his innocence had been established, and 
knew nothing of the existence of a daugh- 
ter. Travelling under an assumed name, ] 
and trusting to the effect of years and hard- 
ships to conceal his identity, he set out for 
New York State. 

About six weeks ago he came to this city, 
on his way to Rochester, intending to re- 
main two or three days. He fell in with 
Mr. Kiengenhiefer ; and, as the latter had a 
brother in Sonora, an acquaintance sprang 
up between them, which led to Mr. K. in- 
viting his new acquaintance to his house on 
Kinsman Street. Here he met with the 
young lady, who bore the name of her fos- 
ter-parents, and became at once deeply in- 
terseted in her. Instead of proceeding at 
once to Rochester, he remained in Cleve- 



land, fascinated by the charms of the young 
lady. Having met some Rochester people, 
who did not recognise him, and learned thai 
his wife had died years since, he abandoned 
his idea of visiting Rochester, and paid as- 
siduous attention to the young lady who 
had so smitten him. The result was, that 
he offered her his hand— still under the as- 
sumed name he had borne for years— and 
was accepted. 

The marriage was fixed for Monday even- 
ing last. 

On Sunday evening the intended bride- 
groom was talking with the intended bride, 
when his attention was attracted to a locket 
which she wore. His curiosity was grati- 
fied by the locket being opened, and a mini- 
ature portrait of a lady was revealed. He 
turned pale at seeing it, and could scarcely 
speak. It was the portrait of his wife, taken 
about a year before her death. Further in- 
quiries disclosed the fact that it was the 
portrait of the young lady's mother, and 
that the man had been almost miraculously 
saved from the horrible crime of marrying 
his own daughter. 

We suppress the names of the parties in 
this extraordinary transaction, out of re- 
spect to the feelings of the young lady. 
The father and daughter, unable to remain 
in a place containing such cruel recollec- 
tions, left for a Western State. 

Born with Whiskers. — A male child was 
born in Standisfield, Mass., healthy and 
well formed, with "a well-defined pair of 
soft, silky whiskers stretching from ear to 
ear." 

A Queer Love-Trance. — A young lady 
in Springfield, 111., recently became " en- 
gaged," and spent a good time at home with 
her lover. Said lover resided in Cincin- 
nati, and, at last, had to say "good-bye." 
The second day after his departure, the girl, 
to the great surprise of her parents, sud- 
denly disappeared, and all efforts to ascer- 
tain whither she had gone were unavailing. 
After spending a day without learning any 
thing of her whereabouts, they telegraphed 
the fact to her lover, who immediately re- 
turned to assist in unravelling the mystery. 
To his great joy, he found her once more 
among .her friends, and learned the particu- 
lars of her mysterious disappearance and 
recovery, which are substantially as fol- 
lows : — 

After their separation a few days before, 
she felt an unaccountable inclination to fol- 
low her lover; but, knowing how imprudent 
such an act would be, she battled against it 
with all her will till the next day, when 
some irresistible power impelled her to this 
course. Hastily collecting a few articles of 
clothing, she made her way, unobserved, to 
the railroad-depot, and took the cars for La- 



150 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



fayette, Intl., where she knew her betrothed 
would remain two or three days on his way 
home. From this time until her arrival in 
Lafayette, she seems to have been in a state 
of partial unconsciousness, and has no dis- 
tinct recollection of any thing that trans- 
pired. After walking about the streets of 
that town for some hours, the proprietor of 
the Bramble House, who had more than 
once observed her singular manner, kindly 
took her in, and after partaking of some re- 
freshments, and a few hours' sleep, she re- 
turned to consciousness, and was at first not 
a little surprised to find herself among 
strangers so far from home. Suddenly, she 
remembered what she had done, and in- 
forming Mr. Dale, her protector, of the facts 
of the case, he placed her in the first train 
for Springfield, and notified her friends by 
telegraph that she was on her way home. 
Their joy on meeting her again was indescri- 
bable. 

Four Bots at a Birth in Neweern, 
N.J. — A Newbern paper says that Mrs. 
Alice Day, of that city, was lately delivered 
of four sturdy boys. 

Claimed Insurance. — The owners of the 
Pemberton Mills have made claim upon the 
insurance-companies for the entire amount 
of the insurance, nearly $420,000. 

Gross Injustice to Ladies. — Damages 
Recoveeed. — The "New York Herald" 
gives the following account of an act of 
gross injustice done to ladies in Hudson 
county, N.J., and the recovery of damages 
for it before the court: — 

A suit was tried in the Hudson County 
Court, before Judge Ogden, in which two 
sisters, Caroline and Louisa Bates, residing 
at Bull's Ferry, brought action to recover 
damages against David C. Dyer and John 
J. Earle — the latter named a justice of the 
peace— for an alleged false imprisonment. 
It appears that Mr. Dyer held a promissory 
note against the plaintiffs for the sum of 
$100, and, under some pretence, early last- 
spring, he went before Justice Earle, at 
Union Hill, and procured a warrant for their 
arrest. Mr. Dyer, accompanied by a con- 
stable, proceeded to the house of the ladies 
and endeavored to induce them to secure the 
debt by a bill of sale of some household ef- 
fects. The constable, becoming impatient, 
stated that he had a warrant to take the la- 
dies before a justice of the peace, and inti- 
mated that he must use force, if necessary. 
The plaintiffs were accordingly taken in an 
open wagon, some three or four miles, to the 
justice's court, which was held in the upper 
part of a lager-beer saloon. Here, after be- 
ing detained some four or five hours, it was 
ascertained that the note was not yet due 
by some two months. The prisoners were 



then discharged, and taken home during a 
rain-storm, in the open wagon. It was al- 
leged that the excitement and exposure re- 
sulted in sickness: for this, as Avell as the 
illegality and the disgrace attendant upon 
the arrest, a suit was brought to recover 
damages. Judge Ogden, in his charge to 
the jury, called their attention to the law 
which expressly forbids the arrest and im- 
prisonment of females in cases similar to the 
above. The jury, after being out nearly 
two hours, rendered a verdict against the de- 
fendants, and awarded $400 damages. 

Vast Quantities of Fish in Minnesota. 
The Albert (Minnesota) "Sea-Eagle" says: 
— Incredible as it may appear to many of 
our readers, the water-wheel connected with 
Ruble's grist-mill, in this place, has act- 
ually been stopped several times during the 
past two weeks by the fish crowding on it 
in great numbers. Hundreds and hundreds 
of dead pickerel can be seen almost every 
morning in the race below the mill. 

Hog-Cholera. — This disease raged ex- 
tensively among the swine of Chambers and 
Autauga counties, Alabama, and large num- 
bers died of it. 

Death of an Indian Princess. — The 
New Haven "Register" says that Eunice 
Manwee, an Indian princess of the Pish- 
gachtigok tribe, died hist week in Kent, 
Litchfield county, Conn., at the age of one 
hundred and three years. Gideon Manwee- 
semum, her father, is said to have been a 
good ruler, compelling the Indians to work, 
and prohibiting drinking, a habit which is 
fatally fascinating to the Indian. They are 
said to have greatly prospered under his 
reign. On the death of Gideon, the office 
of chief became vacant, though Eunice in- 
herited the blood and distinction of royalty. 
During the Revolution the tribe was quite 
numerous, furnishing a hundred warriors ; 
now only nine families of half-breeds (about 
fifty in all) remain. 

A Sheriff Removed tor taking a Pri- 
soner to Vote. — The sheriff of Tioga coun- 
ty, N.Y., recently took a prisoner he held, 
from the prison to the election-polls to vote, 
and then returned him to prison. Governor 
Morgan at once removed the sheriff from 
office. 

Horrible Attempt at "VVife-Murder. — 
In the morning, between two and three o'clock, 
Edward Vineau, a locksmith by trade, living 
on Circus Street, between Perdido and Gra- 
vier Streets, made a horrible cold-blooded 
attempt to destroy his wife, who was enceinte 
at the time ; and, unfortunately, his attempt 
will undoubtedly prove successful. The 
woman, it seems, has been permitting a dis- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



151 



graceful intimacy on the part of a free 
mulatto boy, the knowledge of which roused 
Viueau to a perfectly incarnate frenzy. He 
first tired a shot at his wife with a single- 
barrelled pistol, but the ball missed her, 
though the weapon was fired so close that her 
face aud hair were burned by the powder. 
He then took a dirk-knife and thrust it into 
her abdomen, inflicting a fatal wound. 

The woman's shrieks and the cries of her 
two little children aroused the neighbors, 
and a man and woman living close by got up 
and ran into the house. As they were going 
in they saw a man coming out whom they 
supposed to be a policeman. They asked 
him what was the matter; but he brushed 
past them and went off. This was undoubt- 
edly VineaUj who has made his escape. He 
passed by a gentleman, who knew him, a few 
squares off, and the gentleman asked, " Where 
are you going in such a hurry, Vineau?" 
The man replied, in an unconcerned manner, 
"There is nothing the matter," and kept on 
at the same quick pace. This is the last 
time he has been seen. 

On entering the house, a shocking sight 
met the eyes of the alarmed neighbors. Mrs. 
Vineau, enceinte, with a fearful gash in her 
abdomen, was lying on the floor, with pools 
of blood around her, while her two little 
children were screaming with terror and 
grief. The wounded woman was at once 
conveyed to the Charity Hospital, where it 
was considered that she had not long to live. 
The children were taken in charge by some 
of the neighbors. It is said that Vineau has 
been in the habit of cruelly treating his wife 
for several mouths ; though if her intimacy 
with the colored boy, which was notorious 
in the neighborhood, be the truth, it can be 
easily understood how her husband became 
wrought up to such a desperate pitch of 
mind. — New Orleans Bee. 

A Fatal Blow. — P. F. Shesken and 
Henry McAuley had a quarrel about a lady, 
in a saloon in Chicago, Illinois, in the course 
of which Shesken struck McAuley in the face 
with his fist, from the effects of which Mr. 
McAuley died the next evening. Shesken 
was arrested. 

Dangerous Fun. — Some boys in a school 
at Trenton, Ky., a few days since, persuaded 
one of their number that a lad, named Sebree, 
had been threatening to kill him ; whereupon 
the lad procured a pistol, and, walking de- 
liberately up to young Sebree in the school- 
house, shot him dead. The murdered lad 
was a son of Col. Elijah Sebree, of Todd 
county. 

Wicked Murder of a Wife. — Two men, 
named McClellen, were arrested at Milton, 
Florida, on a charge of having murdered the 
wife of one of them. She was much older 



than her husband, and possessed considerable 
property. They enticed her into a boat, 
and, having tied her under the seats, drowned 
her, and left her to float out to sea; but, un- 
fortunately for their plans, the tide carried 
her ashore and revealed every thing. 

Sentenced. — Richard Jones, recently con- 
victed of the manslaughter of his wife, at 
Pittsburg, Pa., was sentenced to six years' 
imprisonment in the Penitentiary. 

Murderer Convicted. — Henry Pritts, 
aged sixty-four, indicted for the murder of 
Eli Weimer, in Somerset county, Pa., was, 
last week, convicted of murder in the first 
degree. 

Convicted of Manslaughter in Cali- 
fornia. — Thomas McKinney, tried at Marys- 
ville for the murder of a man named Rice, 
was found guilty of manslaughter. 

Fatal Accident. — James Wells, aged 
fifty-five, fell from a grain-stack, in Sandis- 
ton township, Sussex county, N.J., and, 
striking a fence, a broken rail penetrated his 
abdomen, causing death soon afterward 

Fatal Results from the Use of Chlo- 
roform. — Nicholas Collins, a laborer, fell 
into the hold of the ship Illinois, and frac- 
tured his right thigh. He was carried to 
the Charity Hospital and placed in Ward 7. 
About nine o'clock the next morning the 
physician of the ward proceeded to administer 
chloroform to the man, for the purpose of 
operating upon the fracture. Collins obsti- 
nately resisted succumbing to the influence of 
the anaesthetic agent, and while it was being 
applied to his nostrils on a sponge his head 
fell back and he suddenly became rigid in 
death. Evei-y means was instantly used to 
reanimate him, including the action of a 
powerful galvanic battery; but it was too 
late. — New Orleans Bee. 

Heavy Robbery. — $30,000 Worth of Dia- 
monds Stolen.— About $30,000 worth of 
diamonds were seized on board one of the 
Cunard steamers at Jersey City, by the 
United States Marshal, as they were being 
smuggled ashore by two Spaniards, who 
claimed to be the owners of the jewelry. By 
order of the Marshal, the property was stored 
in the bonded warehouse, No. 12 Broad 
Street, New York, kept by Messrs. Mcln- 
tyre, Bixby & Co. A few days since, on 
examining the cases containing the jewels, it 
was found that they had been opened and 
that their contents were missing. Suspicion 
fell on the foreman of the establishment, 
one Michael Murphy, who has been missing 
since last Friday, when, as has since been 
ascertained, he took the train for Boston, 
from which city, in all probability, he sailed 



151 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



for England. Murphy is said to have been 
possessed of a considerable amount of pro- 
pertj', which, before leaving New York, he 
disposed of, and thus realized quite a large 
sum of money. Very little doubt is enter- 
tained that the jewels are in Murphy's pos- 
session. 

Pkompt Justice. — Before the Court of 
Common Pleas and General Sessions, for 
Charleston, S.C., Hon. Thomas J. Withers 
presiding, one Mier was put upon trial for 
selling liquor to slaves. While the case was 
pending, two of the jurors, named Culleton 
and Dyer, were seen in conversation with 
two of the witnesses for the defence, and 
subsequently with the defendant himself, in 
his own store, when one of the jurors said 
he would starve before he would convict, 
and another offered to bet that Mier would 
not be convicted. 

These facts being submitted to the court, 
Judge Withers, after a long, able, and scath- 
ing address to the .jurymen, fined them both 
one hundred dollars and ordered them to be 
imprisoned for one month. 

Heavy Damages for Mistakes in Tele- 
graphing. — The long-pending suit of John 
C. Hobson against the Washington & New 
Orleans Telegraph Company, which was 
caused by a mistake of the operator in order- 
ing more cotton at Mobile than Mr. Hobson 
desired, has been finally decided by the 
Virginia Court of Appeals. The amount of 
damages awarded to Mr. Hobson under the 
decision of the court is $6864 13, with in- 
terest from the 1st of April, 1854. 

Alleged Fraudulent Conveyances in 
Albany, N.Y. — The "Albany Statesman" 
says that statements were published some 
weeks since in regard to a deed obtained by 
Mr. llutger B. Miller from Mrs. Blandina 
Dudley, by whieh deed she conveyed a large 
portion of her estate to llutger Bleecker 
Miller, Jr. Mrs. Dudley has commenced 
proceedings in the Supreme Court to have 
this deed set aside. In her sworn complaint 
she sets forth that, although the deed bears 
her signature, it was not her act nor deed. 
She states that her name was procured 
thereto by imposition and by fraudulent con- 
cealment, devices, and representation by the 
said Rutger B. Miller, he alleging that the 
paper to which he procured her signature 
was merely a power of attorney authorizing 
him — said Miller — to transact certain busi- 
ness for her with Thomas W. Olcott, Esq. 

Great Skating. — A fifteen-mile skating- 
match came off at Portsmouth, N.H. James 
Avers made the distance in forty-seven 
minutes; George W. Marston, in forty-seven 
minutes and six seconds; and Jacob Had- 
dock, in fifty minutes. Ayers and Martin 



each skated one mile in two minutes and 
twenty seconds, — which is within one-fourth 
of a second of Flora Temple's best time. 

Jumping on Skates. — Tall Skating. — 
The Auburn "Union" boasts of a skater in 
that city, by the name of Henry Carr, who 
jumped twenty feet on skates, and skated a 
mile in two minutes. 

Mr. Fred. S. Lyon, formerly of New Jer- 
sey, jumped on skates, on the ice at Cayuga 
Bridge, nineteen feet and four inches by 
actual measurement. 

Church Refused. — The Young Men's As- 
sociation were refused the use of the Hud- 
son Street Methodist Episcopal Church, the 
trustees not desiring to have Wendell Phil- 
lips speak therein. 

Discovery of a Cave in Virginia. — A 
cave has been discovered on the farm of Mrs. 
Otterback, near the mouth of Qnantico Creek, 
in Prince William county. Some bottles, 
bones, &c. were found in it, and dates so far 
back as 1718 marked on the sides of the 
cave. 

Disappearing of a Lake. — "Silver Lake," 
a pretty little sheet of water in the heart of 
the town of Albany, Ga., has commenced to 
disappear through one of those curious sub- 
terranean passages which seem to penetrate 
the earth in the low country and connect 
with the streams leading to the Gulf. 

Quicksilver-Mines. — Advices from Cali- 
fornia say that the rage for discovering new 
mines continues. Three silver-mines have 
been discovered in Calaveras county within 
a week, which are represented as being very 
rich. 

In Napa county, what was at first regarded 
as a silver-mine, producing such an excite- 
ment that one thousand people congregated 
there, turns out to be a very extensive quick- 
silver-mine. About four hundred people 
have taken possession of it, and are continu- 
ing their examinations. 

The Almaden Quicksilver-Mine. — Judge 
McAllister had refused to dissolve the in- 
junction in the Almaden Quicksilver-Mine 
case, thus making it necessary to keep the 
works closed until the United States Supreme 
Court shall pass upon the matter. 

Post-Office Sold. — The New Haven Post- 
Office building has been sold to the Elm City 
Bank for $28,000. 

The Maryland & Delaware Railroad. — 
At a meeting held in Smyrna, Del., it was 
stated that a contract had been entered into 
by the Maryland & Delaware Railroad Com- 
pany with Messrs. Mitchell & Maffit, of 



I860.] 



Pennsylvania, to build the road from Smyrna 
station to Oxford for less than $10,000 per 
mile, of which over sixty per cent, is taken by 
the contractors in the bonds and stock of the 
company, leaving less than forty per cent, to be 
paid in cash. Mr. Powell also showed that 
the company have now the means, with 
an additional stock subscription of about 
$30,000, to complete the road to Greensbo- 
rough, Maryland, which sum is asked of the 
citizens of Delaware and Maryland along 
the line of the road to that point. 

Maine Railroad. — The citizens of Bath 
have unanimously voted to loan the credit of 
the city to the amount of $200,000, in aid of 
the construction of the extension of the An- 
droscoggin Road from Leeds Junction to 
Brunswick. The vote stood — yeas, 325; 
nays, none! 

Economy in Railroad-Speed. — On the 
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad the speed of 
heavy freight-trains was reduced nearly 
forty per cent., or to eight and nine miles 
an hour, and that of passenger-trains to 
twenty and twenty-five miles per hour. 
Though the decrease in gross revenue was 
$272,003.50, the decrease in working-ex- 
penses was $927,958.95; making an increase 
in the net earnings of $659,054.55. 

Arkansas Coal-Mines. — The valuable 
coal-mines of that State are now being 
worked, and measures are in progress to 
transport large quantities of the coal to the 
New Orleans market. 

An Immense Iron-Contract. — James Bo- 
gardus, Esq., the iron-architect in New York, 
has obtained from a warehousing-company in 
Havana, Cuba, a contract for an immense 
iron structure, to be erected as soon as prac- 
ticable, for the storage of sugar, in that city. 
The building will be eight hundred feet long, 
fronting on the bay, seven hundred deep, 
and thirty high. Three years will be re- 
quired for its construction. It will, it is 
stated, cost at least twelve hundred thousand 
dollars. 

The Gold Deposits at the Mint at Phi- 
ladelphia for this month amounted to 
$1,838,578. Silver deposits and purchases, 
$23,459. Spanish and Mexican fractions of 
a dollar to the amount of $12,112 were re- 
ceived in exchange for new cents, and $2875 
of old copper cents were received in like 
exchange ; making the issue of new cents 
for the mouth nearly one million and a 
half! The gold coinage for the month was 
$1,632,160, all in double-eagles. The silver 
coinage was $21,600, in quarters, dimes, and 
half-dimes. The whole number of pieces 
coined during the month is 2,661,608, of the 
value of $1,677,760. 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



153 



California Silver-Mines. — Advices from 
Carson Valley continue to speak favorably 
of the Washoe gold and silver mines, a claim 
having been sold in a silver-lead for $42,000. 

The Camel-Experiment. — The introduc- 
tion of camels into the Southern States has 
been attended with great success. vVt a re- 
cent ploughing-match in Montgomery, Ala., 
the strength of the camel, compare I with 
that of the mule, was tested. The result in 
this particular case was decidedly in favor 
of the camel. 

Discovery of an Unsafe Roof. — A Detroit 
paper says the opportune discovery that the 
roof of St. Paul's Church, in Detroit, was un- 
safe, has probably prevented a great catas- 
trophe. The timbers were found to be so 
decayed that the wood could be reduced to 
powder by the simple compression of the 
hand. 

Five Thousand Volumes of Siiakspeare. 
— The library of the late Wm. E. Burton, 
comedian, contained over 15,000 volumes, 
whereof fully one-third consists of the vari- 
ous editions of Shakspeare, and commentaries 
on his works, published for the last two 
centuries. 

Condition of Utah. — An officer of the 
United States army gives the following pic- 
ture of the state of things in Utah : — 

I have not mentioned the fact that ' ; The 
Church" requires, by its creed, revelations, 
and teachings, polygamy, aud incest. I have 
not mentioned the fact that uncle and niece 
are married, cohabit, and breed children; 
nor that half brother and sister, step father 
and daughter do the same; neither the fact 
that a widow, with all her daughters, by a 
deceased man, are married to the same man, 
and breed children by him. I have omitted 
to detail the extent and character of this 
incest and brutality, first, for want of time, 
and, lastly, because you would throw down 
my letter and say, "Oh, my friend is im- 
posing on my credulity." I say, my dear 
sir, that you would not believe the truth 
were I to tell it to you ; and therefore I say 
unto thee, come hither and see, and then 
examine thine own eyes and understandings. 
Our wives and children in the East do not 
believe us when we tell them the truth, and 
why should a friend ? The Government don't 
want to believe the whole truth ; the Ameri- 
can people don't believe it. So mote it be ! 
Nevertheless, the day will come when the 
United States will blush as a nation at the 
festering full-grown ulcer that Utah is des- 
tined to become in the body politic, in the 
social family and domestic circle. 

Arrested. — Charged with Adultera- 
ting Acids. — Dr. Robert P. Chase, formerly 



154 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



of St. Louis, was arrested on the charge of 
adulterating the acids used for refining gold 
at the San Francisco Mint, thereby render- 
ing a considerable quantity valueless. It is 
alleged that his object was to injure the 
manufacturers of the acids, and that he pro- 
posed to establish an acid-manufactory, and 
hoped to secure the patronage of the mint 
through the depreciation of the acids made 
by his rivals. 

Acquitted of Killing. — In New Orleans, 
a man named Phillips, according to the cor- 
respondence of the New York "Police Ga- 
zette," was put upon his trial at the Crimi- 
nal Court for the shooting and killing of Jim 
Hersey, at the corner of Second and Apollo 
Streets, some five weeks ago. Hersey was 
proved to be the aggressor: both himself and 
his brother made an attack upon Phillips, 
who protected himself, and in so doing killed 
Hersey. Phillips proved a good character, 
while the whole community knew that Jim 
Hersey was a notorious, trifling fellow. 

Three Widows Claiming Burton's (the 
Actor) Estate. — The New York " Tribune" 
says: — 

It is understood that the claim of Mrs. 
Elizabeth Burton will be strongly contested. 
The case now stands in this position. By 
his will Mr. Burton left $1000 to Jane Living- 
ston Burton, but it is stated that he never 
was married to her. Since then, Mrs. Eliza- 
beth Burton, of England, has appeared as a 
contestant, on the ground that she is the 
widow of the deceased. It now appears that 
there is another widow in Philadelphia. 
While Mr. Burton was in that city, his wife 
in England went there and commenced legal 
proceedings against him, in the course of 
which a collateral question was raised as to 
the validity of his marriage with her, (the 
English wife,) which was declared to be void. 
Subsequently, the marriage with the Phila- 
delphia lady was annulled. Thus, as it now 
stands, there are three apparent widows, while 
it would seem that there is not one in reality. 

Marine Disasters in February. — The 
number of American vessels (not includ- 
ing river or lake craft) reported during the 
month as totally lost or missing was 38 ; 
namely : — 1 steamer, 5 ships, 6 barks, 8 
brigs, 17 schooners, and 1 sloop. Of these, 
25 were wrecked, 3 foundered, 2 burned, 2 
abandoned, 3 missing, 2 sunk by collision, 
and 1 capsized. Of foreign vessels bound to 
or from United States ports, 8 were reported 
during the same period ; 6 of which were 
wrecked and 2 abandoned. 

The total value of the American vessels 
enumerated above is estimated at $518,000. 

The loss of life by the above disasters was 
very great, numbering about two hundred 
souls. Thirty-eight persons were lost with 



the steamer Northerner ; five with the schoon- 
ers Frank Day and Eliza Jane ; about twenty- 
five were on board the missing vessels Dirigo, 
Nortli Wind, and Elzira ; and the balance 
(calculating the passengers at about eighty) 
were lost with the steamship Hungarian. 

Missing Vessel. — Brig Elzira, Captain 
Malcolm, sailed from Cienfuegos on the 24th 
of September last for New York, since which 
time she has not been heard from. The 
Elzira was built at Belfast, Maine, in 1849; 
was 195 tons burden; rated A 2£; and is 
owned by Mora Bros., Navarro & Co., of this 
city. 

Three Vessels arrived at San Francisco 
from Japan, being the first vessels that have 
arrived in the United States from that coun- 
try. One of the vessels was loaded with a 
full cargo of fancy-ware, toys, &c, while 
the two others brought cargoes of rapeseed- 
oil, tobacco, isinglass, copper-ware, peas, 
pears, &c. The oil is said to be of very 
superior quality, and a large portion of 
tobacco equal to the best Havana. There 
was also a great variety of manufactured 
articles, many of them of exquisite work- 
manship. 

Wire Bridge in California. — A wire 
suspension-bridge, one hundred and eighty 
feet long, has been completed over Molonula 
River, at Poverty Bar. 

Expulsion of Feee Negroes. — The bill 
for the expulsion of free negroes from Mis- 
sissippi, which passed the House of Repre- 
sentatives, was defeated in the Senate, and 
the Legislature has adjourned sine die. 

Ohio Legislature. — The House of Re- 
presentatives of Ohio passed a bill which 
provides that no man shall own, keep, or 
harbor a dog of any description over six 
months old, except by a license from the 
town-clerk, to be taken out annually before 
the 1st of May. The license is to cost fifty 
cents a head. Each dog is to wear a metal 
collar, with the word "licensed" and his 
owner's name engraved thereon. Any dog 
without a collar may be killed by anybody, 
and it is the duty of certain officers to kill 
him; and any dog that worries sheep is to 
be killed, and his owner fined five dollars. 

In the Virginia Legislature, the House 
has passed a bill appropriating two millions 
and a half of dollars to the Covington & 
Ohio Railroad. 

Kentucky Legislature. — A bill was 
lately defeated — G9 to 17— in the Legisla- 
ture, providing for the erection of an Exe- 
cutive mansion. It is believed that this 
indicates an intention of removing the seat 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER 



155 



of Government from Frankfort to some 
more central spot. 

The Legislature has fixed $150 as the 
sum to be charged as license for the first 
billiard-table, and $100 for each other. 
One party was in favor of taxing each $500, 
and another of not taxing the game at all. 

Maine Legislature. — In the Maine Le- 
gislature there was an interesting exhibition, 
by a procession through the Senate-Chamber 
and Representatives' Hall of eight giant 
men, viz. : Gen. Henry P. Cotton, Sheriff of 
Lincoln County, two hundred and ninety-one 
pounds; N. A. Farwell, of Rockland, two 
hundred and thirty-five pounds ; Sumner 
Whitney, of Presque Isle, of the Senate, two 
hundred and sixty-two pounds; Samuel C. 
Hamilton, of Biddeford, of the House, two 
hundred and thirty-five pounds ; Raymond 
S. Rich, of Thorndike, of the House, two 
hundred and fifty-four pounds ; Enos Phin- 
ney, of Jay, of the House, two hundred and 
fifty-four pounds ; Mr. Morrison, of Farming- 
ton, two hundred and fifty pounds; and J. 
W. Davis, of East New Portland, two hun- 
dred and forty-five pounds. 

In the Legislature of Nebraska a 
bill authorizing a Convention to frame a 
State Constitution passed both Houses, and 
received the signature of the Governor. 

The Council of the Cherokee Nation, 
at their recent session, concluded to dispose 
of their ''Neutral Land." A committee for 
that purpose was appointed to proceed to 
Washington. At the same council a law 
prohibiting the residence of free negroes in 
the Nation was passed, and vetoed by the 
chief. 

The Massachusetts Legislature con- 
sists of sixty Senators and two hundred and 
forty Representatives. Of this aggregate, 
twenty-four are lawyers, fifty-six are farmers, 
thirty-one are merchants, about fifty are 
manufacturers, eight are physicians, three 
are clergymen, and five are editors. 

The Men in Congress. — A correspond- 
ent of the New York "Tribune" says three- 
fourths of the members of the House of Con- 
gress are lawyers ; the other fourth is com- 
posed of manufacturers, merchants, and busi- 
ness men. Nearly all the great business in- 
terests of Massachusetts are represented. 

The Minnesota Legislature passed a 
usury-law. The bill fixes the legal rate of 
interest at seven per cent., but permits special 
contracts to be made as high as twelve per 
cent.. 

Col. Meminger's Hotel-Bill while stop- 
ping at Richmond amounted to above nine 



hundred dollars, which was paid by the 
Virginia Legislature. 

Damages for Persons Killed. — A bill 
has passed the Legislature of Texas, giving 
the heirs and legal representatives of persons 
killed by negligence of common carriers a 
civil remedy for damages. The provisions 
of the bill also give the remedy against any 
person who wantonly, and without cause, 
kills another ; the like remedy is for 
damages. 

Attach^ to Vienna Embassy. — Our Mi- 
nister to Austria appointed Albert G. Law- 
rence, son of Governor Lawrence, of Rhode 
Island, an attache to the Vienna Legation. 

Killed. — The son of the Hon. L. D. 
Campbell, baggage-master on the Cincinnati, 
Hamilton & Dayton Railroad, was instantly 
killed at Hamilton, Ohio, by being run over 
by a heavy freight-train. Mr. Campbell 
was passing through the train, which was a 
large one, there being two locomotives at- 
tached, when he slipped and fell from the 
cars upon the ti-ack. One locomotive and 
six cars passed over his body, cutting him 
literally in two. 

Imprisoning an Innocent Man. — Judge 
Russell, of New York, has been the means of 
releasing from prison a young man who was 
wrongfully convicted in Boston last August. 
It appears that Mr. Evans went to England 
last year to bring over his mother. On their 
arrival in Boston he was accused of robbing 
a passenger, and was convicted on the mate's 
evidence. From a revelation made by the 
cook of the vessel, there was no question 
that the mate had committed the robbery 
himself. An investigation convinced Judge 
Russell that this was the case, when he im- 
mediately wrote to Governor Banks and 
procured for the innocent man a full par- 
don. 

Physician Convicted of Burglary. — 
Harvey M. B. Prentiss and Dr. Moore were 
tried in Lorain county, Ohio, for bur- 
glary, and convicted. The jury were absent 
a little over an hour, and returned with a 
verdict of guilty. Prentiss and Moore were 
indicted for breaking into the shoe-shop of 
A. S. Hovey, in Camden, in October last, 
and stealing therefrom sundry articles of 
leather, shoes, &c. He had resided in Cam- 
den from his boyhood, and previous to this 
occurrence his character was above reproach. 
About four years ago he left home, and has 
visited various parts of the Western country, 
where, it is feared, he formed the acquaint- 
ance of evil men and was led into the com- 
mission of crime. His friends and neighbors 
testified to his upright character; but the 
testimony pointed to him as one of the per- 



156 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Feb. 



petrators of the crime, and liis former good 
character availed him nothing. 

No Eight to Keep Samples.— The Su- 
preme Court of Appeals in Virginia has 
affirmed the judgment of the Circuit Court 
of Richmond, which decided that inspectors 
of flour, spirits, cotton, and other articles 
of freight have no right to retain samples 
as perquisites of office. The decision was 
called out by a suit against a flour-inspector, 
who, it appeal's, had in the course of a few 
years accumulated, from drafts of flour taken 
from barrels, a quantity valued at $25,000, 
including interest. 

Pardoned. — Governor Packer has par- 
doned John S. Jackson, Esq., editor of the 
"Sunday Transcript," who was convicted of 
a libel, and sentenced, a fortnight ago, to 
four months' imprisonment and a fine of one 
hundred dollars. 

Libel-Suit. — A deacon of Mount Carmel, 
Connecticut, named Dickerman, has just re- 
covered one cent damages in an action of 
libel against his pastor. Three weeks were 
consumed in the trial, and the jury took one 
week to agree upon a verdict. 

Remembering her Hirelings. — Mrs. 
Mary Dale, of Philadelphia, lately deceased, 
in her will bequeaths fourteen thousand dollars 
to James Baxter, a colored servant, who had 
been in the service of herself and husband 
for twenty-three years, the sum of one 
thousand five hundred to her waiting-maid, 
and provides a trust fund to pay the board 
of her " old horse Sam," and the further 
sum of fifteen dollars per month for taking 
care of the said horse. 

Died from Bad Vaccine Matter. — A great 
many persons in Westport, Mass., have been 
seriously affected after being inoculated from 
matter obtained from a Boston physician. 
One gentleman, Mr. Fletcher, died, his arm 
swelling badly and mortification ensuing. 

Successful Banker. — Daniel Ball, Esq., 
a banker at Grand Rapids, Michigan, has 
bought the controlling interest in the Penin- 
sula Bank ($157,000) at Detroit. It is esti- 
mated by his neighbors that he is worth 
from $300,000 to $500,000 ; and it is said 
that about fourteen years since his stock in 
trade amounted to a jack-knife, a clay pipe, 
and a plug of tobacco, at the time he entered 
the Grand River Valley, in Michigan, where 
he superintended a gang of hands in opening 
up the plaster-beds at Grand Rapids, leading 
off with the spade himself. 

Daring Escape of a Girl. — A girl, 
named Mary Fuller, made her escape from 
the fifth story of the Columbus (Ohio, State 



Prison, by passing out of her window and 
along the side of the building upon a cornice, 
or water-table, about eighteen inches broad. 
Passing along the front of the building at 
the immense height of fifty or sixty feet 
from the ground, with nothing to hold to, 
and upon the projection scarcely visible 
from the ground, she reached, at a distance 
of about forty feet from her room-window, a 
place where it was necessary for her to jump 
about twelve feet to the roof of the west 
wing. The leap was taken, proved a safe 
one, and the dauntless woman next fastened 
to the coiner of the roof a rope, which she 
manufactured of her bedding, grasped it in 
her hands, and, swinging from the roof, 
passed down on the outside of the wall to 
the ground, a distance of forty-five feet. 

Curious Case of Poisoning. — A re- 
markable case of wholesale poisoning, says 
the "St. Louis Bulletin," occurred, hj which 
one person, it is feared, will lose his life, 
and three others were brought near to death's 
door. A party of four Frenchmen lately 
purchased a piece of ground out on the 
Bellefontaine road, four or five miles from 
the city, where they went to work as gar- 
deners. One of them, named Champelle, 
who acted as cook for the party, bought a 
quantity of fish, which he proceeded to fry 
for dinner, first rolling them in what he 
took to be flour, contained in a paper in a 
cigar-box. The party ate heartily, and none 
more so than Champelle. Soon they were 
all taken deadly sick, and discovered that 
what had been used for flour was really 
arsenic. Dr. Folger, of this city, was sent 
for, who administered antidotes, and, by 
emptying the stomachs of the men, barely 
saved the lives of three. The cook is 
thought to be in a very dangerous condition: 
probably he will not recover. 

Cincinnati Whiskey. — Dr. Hiram Cox, the 
official inspector of whiskey, says an article 
he saw sold at a tavern, for whiskey, was 
analyzed by him, and he found it had seven- 
teen per cent, alcoholic spirits by weight, 
when it should have had forty per cent, to 
be proof, and the difference in percentage 
was made up by sulphuric acid, red pepper, 
politory, caustic, potassa, and brucine, one 
of the salts of nucis vomicce, commonly 
called mix vomica. One pint of such liquor 
would kill the strongest man. 

President of Harvard College. — Cor- 
nelius C. Felton, just elected President of 
Harvard College, is the twentieth gentleman 
who has filled the office during the two 
hundred and twenty years that have elapsed 
since the university was founded. • Four 
of the ex-Presidents survive ; namely, Josiah 
Quincy, Edward Everett, Jared Sparks, and 
James Walker. 



1860. 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



157 



Testimonials for Saving Life. — The 
Life-Saving Benevolent Association of New 
York have presented medals to Edward R. 
Dusenberry, Alexander Shaw, and David M. 
Dusenberry, in testimony of their courage 
and humanity. These three young men 
saved, at great risk, the lives of two young 
ladies~who, while bathing at Ravenswood, L.I., 
were carried by the tide far out of their 
depth. 

Mammoth Elk. — In Fond du Lac county, 
Wisconsin, a mammoth elk was killed lately, 
whose antlers measured over live feet and 
had six prongs. 

Elopement of a Youth with a Widow. — 
The Sag Harbor "Corrector" reports the 
elopement from that village of a youth of 
eighteen, named J. Keves, with a widow of 
twenty-eight, one Margaret Martin, "hav- 
ing an advanced pledge of affection, in the 
shape of a daughter." 

Shot for Being too Attentive to a 
Gentleman's Wife. — In New Orleans, Mon- 
sieur Roubiens, a wealthy coast-planter, met 
Dr. Jaubert in the street, and shot two balls 
into him from a revolver. Mr. Roubiens 
charged the doctor with being too intimate 
with his wife. He immediately afterward 
walked to the watch-house and gave him- 
self up, and was liberated on bail. 

Infamous Outrage on a Daughter by a 
Father. — Richard Grindle, of Sedgwick, 
Maine, who has for several years run a 
little wood-coaster between Sedgwick and 
Rockland, last summer took his eldest 
daughter, fourteen years of age, to serve as 
cook. It now ajtpears that Grindle forced 
his daughter to submit to the passion of 
himself, and probably of the man who 
sailed with him, and since returning home 
has attempted to continue his atrocious 
conduct in his family. If his daughter 
resisted, she was beaten until she yielded; 
and if the mother interfered, she met with 
like abuse. Having borne this fiendish 
treatment as long as possible, — hoping to 
shun the disgrace of exposure, — the girl at 
last went to a neighbor and exposed the 
whole matter. Her father was then arrested 
and examined before a justice of the peace, 
when he pleaded guilty, and offered to go to 
jail alone, saying that he knew the way 
and was not afraid. 

Fined for Kissing. — Dr. Becker, of 
Albany, has been fined three dollars for 
kissing Mrs. Roar. He wanted to put her 
asleep, and when she refused he filched a 
kiss from her, saying that he cured his 
patients by love. 

Whipping a Young Lady. — A young man 



named Baldwin, a school-teacher in Ohio, 
has been arrested for beating a young lady 
of eighteen, who was one of the pupils in 
the public school. It appears that, wish- 
ing to go home for an hour or so, she re- 
quested his permission as a matter of form, 
which he refused to grant except she ex- 
plained the reason. She therefore went 
without ; and on her return he took a heavy 
stick and beat her severely. Her friends 
have had him arrested, and he is held to 
bail to take his trial for the assault. 

Elopement. — A Mr. At wood, tailor, spirit- 
ualist, and free-lover, living at Barton, Vt., 
recently discovered that there was no spirit- 
ual affinity between himself and his wife, 
with whom he had lived twenty years, and 
told her so. He eloped with a married 
woman, named Colliston, with whom he had 
a true spiritual affinity. 

Elopement of a Doctor. — Dr. John B. 
Williams, residing in De Kalb county, Mo., 
recently eloped with a Miss Treel, the 
daughter of a widow lady of that county, 
leaving a wife and two children behind 
him. 

Elopement. — -A married man, named 
John Moore, who resided in Cayuga county, 
N.Y., eloped with a servant-girl who had 
been employed in the family. The wife of 
the guilty husband followed the amorous 
couple to Detroit, and then gave up the 
chase. 

Eloping with a Negro. — The Chatta- 
nooga "Gazette" says the officers of that 
city arrested at the passenger-depot a 
woman dressed in men's clothes, en route to 
a free State with a big fat negro. They 
were from Adairsville, Ga., the woman 
married, and the negro a slave of a gentle- 
man of Cass county, Ga. They were com- 
mitted to jail to await the sitting of the next 
Superior Court. 



THURSDAY, MARCH 1. 

The Ohio Republican State Conven- 
tion assembled this day, at Columbus, and 
resolved that Salmon P. Chase was their 
first choice for the Presidency. They ap- 
pointed delegates to Chicago. 

The California Democratic State Con- 
vention again met this day, and passed 
resolutions endorsing the Cincinnati Plat- 
form, approving the Dred Scott decision, 
and endorsing the Administration of Mr. 
Buchanan. A resolution declaring Douglas 
the last choice of the Convention was voted 
down. The following resolutions were passed 
in relation to the Pacific Railroad : — 



158 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March. 



That we most earnestly recommend the 
immediate passage by Congress of a Pacific 
Railroad Telegraph bill, regarding the con- 
struction of such a road-telegraph to be the 
only method by which the Federal Govern- 
ment can extend to the State of California 
that protection in time of war which is 
guaranteed by the federal compact to each 
State. 

That we regard it a matter of the first 
importance to California that the overland 
mail-lines should be fostered by the Govern- 
ment, and that we urge upon our Senators 
and Representatives in Congress the neces- 
sity of using all honorable means to that 
end. 

Burning of Steamboats Cherokee and 
Calhoun. — Two river-steamers, the Chero- 
kee and Calhoun, were destroyed by fire at 
the wharf, in Rome, Ga., this day. The 
Courier, in relation to the accident, says: — 

Captain Coulter, with his little son, was 
sleeping on the Calhoun; and so rapid was 
the spread of the fire that after being 
awakened they barely had time to escape 
with their lives. 

There was but little freight on either of 
the boats, yet this little, and all the furni- 
ture, was burned with the boats, all being 
either completely consumed or entirely 
ruined. 

The loss in the Cherokee, owned by the 
Alabama Planters' Steamboat Company, is 
about $14,000, $4000 of which is covered 
by insurance. This boat cost $17,000, and 
has run fourteen months. The Calhoun, 
owned by the Oostenaula Steamboat Com- 
pany, was a new boat, having run only 
three or four weeks on the Oostenaula 
River, cost $0000, and was not insured 
at all. 

Mr. D. C. Daniel, of Blue Pond, Ala., met 
with a very severe loss in the papers be- 
longing to the estates of G. J. Williamson 
and J. P. Webber, deceased. Mr. Daniel is 
administrator on these estates; and. as we 
are informed, all the papers, amounting to 
some $30,000 or $40,000, were burned on 
the boat. 

A Board of Naval Surgeons met in 
Philadelphia, on this day, for the examina- 
tion of candidates for admission into the 
Medical Corps. 

The Glover Rescue Case. — Sherman M. 
Booth was this day arrested (for being en- 
gaged in this case) in Milwaukie, Wis., by 
the United States Marshal. 

Destructive Fire in New York. — Loss, 
$120,000. — The extensive warehouse, No. 
90 Front Street, in that city, was destroyed 
by fire this morning. It was occupied by 
Messrs. Ross, Wood & Co., Augustus Notte- 



burn, D. Guilder, Meister, Gillets & Noyes, 
and Makenrie, Beatie & Co. 

The united loss of these parties, together 
with that on the warehouse-property, is 
estimated at $60,000. 

The warehouse at the corner of Yesey 
and Greenwich Streets was also burned at 
the same time. The occupants were Messrs. 
T. H. Fink, C. H. Campbell, Henry Tange- 
man, and Star & Dobb. Loss, $60,000. 

Dreadful Affair. — Fall of the Wall 
of a Catholic Church. — Thirteen Men 
Killed. — The morning of this day, about 
eight o'clock, as the workmen were engaged 
in tearing down St. Brancis Xavier's Catho- 
lic Church, on Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, 
the walls fell, burying fourteen men in the 
ruins. The "Cincinnati Gazette," speaking 
of this matter, says : — 

The city was thrown into a state of great 
excitement, in consequence of an appalling 
catastrophe, which occurred about eight 
o'clock in the morning, at the St. Francis 
Xavier Church, on Sycamore Street, be- 
tween Sixth and Seventh. The church has 
lately been undergoing demolition, prepa- 
ratory to the erection of a new and more 
commodious one, and is at the present 
time more than half torn away. Some 
thirty or forty laborers, mostly Irish, were 
engaged in the process of razing, thirteen 
of whom, at the time of the accident, were 
at work on one of the northern walls, ar- 
ranging to tumble it down ; but of a sudden 
it tottered, and, without a moment's warn- 
ing to the unfortunate workmen, it fell in- 
wardly, burying all of the thirteen beneath 
the ruins. The news of the sad calamity, 
so unusual and so terrible in its details, 
spread through the length and breadth of 
our city like wildfire, and scarce a half-hour 
had elapsed before there were drawn to the 
spot fully fifteen thousand spectators. Hun- 
dreds of people with picks and spades lent 
their aid, and quickly the bodies of the 
men were exhumed, exhibiting in their 
mangled appearance a most horrible and 
revolting spectacle. Brains, pieces of skull, 
&c. were scattered about here and there, 
and the bodies generally were so mashed 
ami disfigured as to preclude immediate 
identification. Fathers, mothers, wives, 
sisters, and brothers of those known to be 
employed at the church, flocked to the 
ground, and, by their piteous waitings, 
mingled cries and prayers, frantic ejacula- 
tions, and, in some cases, the most terrible 
suspense, all formed a pageant of sorrow 
and desolation that we hope never again to 
witness. 

The bodies were removed, as fast as the 
work of disinterring proceeded, to a subter- 
ranean apartment at the St. Xavier school, 
a building adjoining. The first one taken 
out from the crumbling mass of brick and 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



150 



mortar was identified by a woman close at 
hand as being that of her husband. As it 
■was borne away, she threw herself upon 
the corpse and clung to it with the greatest 
tenacity, the whole time giving vent to the 
most unbounded grief, that must have 
touched the sympathies of those around. 
She was led away, but heeded not the 
caressing kindness of friends ; a ghastly 
smile was perceptible about her lip, and her 
eye was lustreless, and wandered in frenzy 
from object to object. She muttered inco- 
herent sentences, and ever and anon would 
pause and fold her hands to heaven as if in 
prayer. At dusk in the evening she was a 
maniac : the awful reality of the day was 
too much for her. 

One of the killed, a young man from 
Brown county, Ohio, had just been em- 
ployed : scarce an hour had elapsed from 
the time of his setting to work before his 
death. He came to this city for the pur- 
pose of studying book-keeping, and com- 
pleted a course of instruction at one of the 
colleges last week : being without friends 
and without money, he availed himself of 
an opportunity of going to work as a laborer. 

With the exception of the above men- 
tioned, all the parties were married and 
leave families, who are in the most abject 
circumstances, depending upon the meagre 
pittance of a dollar a day for subsistence. 
With commendable benevolence, the Society 
and Church of Jesus (Jesuits) have deter- 
mined upon aiding and caring for the 
families of the deceased. 

The following are the names of the killed, 
viz.: — 1. Timothy Sullivan; leaves a wife 
and family. 2. Patrick Gallagher, ex-police- 
man of the Sixth Ward ; leaves a wife and 
two children. 3. Timothy Shay ; leaves a 
wife and six children. 4. Daniel Brady ; 
leaves a wife and one child. 5. John Duffy ; 
leaves a wife and two children. 6. James 
Keanen ; unmarried. 7. Stephen Claskin ; 
leaves a wife and three children. 8. Daniel 
Fitzgerald; leaves four children. 9. Thomas 
Sayers ; leaves a wife and one child. 10. 
John Manly ; leaves a wife and four chil- 
dren. 11. Thomas Masters ; leaves a wife 
and two children. 12. John Sullivan ; leaves 
a wife and three children. 13. John Rus- 
sell ; leaves a wife and five children. 

Wreck of the Esther May. — This day 
the ship Esther May, from Nagasaki for 
Shanghae, went ashore on Youj Trye, Cape 
Mar, and was a total loss. The Esther May 
was built at Bristol, R.I., in 1857, four hun- 
dred and ninety tons, rated A 2, and owned 
by J. S. Crufts and others, of Boston. 

She afterward floated off the bank and 
sunk in seven fathoms. Crew and part of 
cargo saved ; lower hold cargo lost. 

Murder and Suicide. — A correspondent 



of the " Providence Journal," writing from 
Woonsocket under this date, furnishes the 
following details of a terrible domestic 
tragedy : — 

Mrs. David Davenport, residing on the 
" Globe Side," poisoned her infant, (five 
months old,) and then committed suicide by 
poisoning herself. Both mother and child 
died at an early hour this morning. There 
are various versions respecting the cause 
of this sad deed. Family troubles are at 
the bottom of it. Mrs. Davenport attempted 
suicide previous to her marriage, about a 
year since. 

Land to Minnesota. — Regents of the 
Smithsonian Institute. — It was this day 
announced that the Commissioner of the 
Land-Office has certified to the Secretary 
of the Interior an aggregate of over three 
hundred and eighteen thousand acres, for 
the benefit of the Minnesota & Pacific 
Railroad, under act of Congress. This is 
the first instalment for that object. It was 
also announced that Speaker Pennington 
had appointed Hon. William H. English, of 
Indiana, Hon. Benjamin Stanton, of Ohio, 
and lion. L. J. Gartrell, as Regents of the 
Smithsonian Institute on the part of the 
House of Representatives. 

The Pennsylvania Democratic Conven- 
tion continued its session this day, from 
yesterday. The Convention proceeded to 
nominate a Governor. 

Mr. Cessna, of Bedford, (A.-L. Dem.,) 
nominated Hon. Wm. H. Witte, of Philadel- 
phia. The other nominations were made 
as follows : — 

George Sanderson, of Lancaster ; John L. 
Dawson, of Fayette; Jacob Fry, Jr., of 
Montgomery ; Jeremiah Schindel, of Le- 
high ; Nimrod Strickland, of Chester ; Wil- 
liam Hopkins, of Washington ; Hendrick B. 
Wright, of Luzerne; A. S. Wilson, of Mif- 
flin; John Cresswell, Jr., of Blair; Henry 
D. Foster, of Westmoreland. The nomina- 
tions were then closed. 

The names of Messrs Wilson, Foster, and 
Dawson were withdrawn. 

The Convention then proceeded to a vote, 
which resulted as follows : — 



first ballot. 

Whole number of votes 135 

Necessary to a choice G8 

Witte 49 

Sanderson 11 

Fry 30 

ScMndel 4 

Strickland 8 

Hopkins 13 

Wright 12 

Cresswell 4 

Foster 4 



1G0 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March. 



Messrs. Cresswell and Schindel were with- 
drawn. 

SECOND BALLOT. 

Necessary to a choice 69 

Wm. H. Witte 56 

Jacob Fry, Jr 85 

Sanderson 11 

Hopkins 10 

Wright 5 

Strickland 5 

Foster 11 

Mr. Johnson re-nominated Henry D. Fos- 
ter, and advocated his nomination. 

The President ruled that lie could not be 
re-nominated, but that he could be voted 
for. 

THIRD BALLOT. 

Witte 54 

Fry 30 

Strickland 4 

Sanderson 7 

Hopkins 8 

Wright, 6 

Foster 24 

There being no election, Mr. Dietrich, of 
Lycoming, now rose, and, in a loud, em- 
phatic voice, moved that Henry D. Foster, 
of Westmoreland, be nominated by acclama- 
tion. 

On the vote being taken, every delegate 
answered the name of "Henry D. Foster." 
The following Electoral ticket was nomi- 
nated : — 

1. Frederick A. Server ; 2. Wm. C. Fatter- 
son ; 3. Joseph Crockett, Jr. ; 4. John G. 
Brenner; 5. G. W. Jacoby ; 6. Charles Kel- 
ley ; 7. Oliver P. James ; 8. David Schall ; 
9. Joel Lightner; 10. S. S. Barbour; 11. 
Thomas IL Walker; 12. S. S. Winchester; 
13. Joseph Laubach; 14. Isaac Reckkow; 
15. George D. Jackson; 16. John AM; 17. 
Joel B. Donner ; 18. Jesse R. Crawford ; 19. 
II. N. Lee; 20. Joshua B. Howell; 21. N. 
B. Fetterman; 22. Samuel Marshall; 23. 
William Beck; 24. D. B. Hamlin; 25. Gay- 
lord Church. 

They also adopted a series of resolutions 
reiterating the fundamental principles of 
the party; deprecating the agitation of 
slavery : denying the right of Congress to 
legislate for the people of the Territories ; 
maintaining that the legality of slavery 
therein is a judicial instead of a legislative 
question: that the doctrine of an irrepress- 
ible conflict between North and South is 
fraught with danger; that the Union is 
above and beyond all price ; that the States 
are sovereign and independent within their 
own limits; that any intermeddling of one 
with the domestic institutions of another 
ought to be frowned down ; that the acts of 
State Legislatures to defeat the fugitive- 
slave law are subversive of the Constitution 
and revolutionary; that the domestic and 
foreign policy of Mr. Buchanan has been 



eminently pure, patriotic, conservative, and 
just; that they concur in the recommenda- 
tions of Governor Packer to deliver up 
fugitives who participated in the Harper's 
Ferry outrage, and calling for additional 
protection to coal, iron, wool, and other 
great staples, also endorsing Mr. Buchan- 
an's views on specific duties. 



FRIDAY, MARCH 2. 

Young Brown's Yi'ife. — The young wife 
of Oliver Brown, who was killed at Harper's 
Ferry, died this day at North Elba, N.Y., of 
child-birth. The infant died soon after birth. 
She was but eighteen years old, and had been 
married only about five months when her 
husband went to Harper's Ferry. 

Singular Attempt to Destroy the Town 
of Napoleon, Arkansas. — This day, the 
citizens of Napoleon were thrown into in- 
tense excitement by the discovery of a plot 
aimed at the ultimate destruction of that place 
from the action of the current of the Arkan- 
sas River. The town itself is situated on a 
sort of peninsula at the junction of the Mis- 
sissippi and Arkansas Rivers. For a distance 
of several miles in its rear, a narrow strip of 
land, about four hundred yards in width, 
separates the two rivers, and connects the 
town with the main shore. This day, a train 
of powder was placed across this neck or 
slip of land, and a match was applied, 
causing a terrific explosion, which tore up 
the earth to such an extent as to permit the 
water from the Arkansas to pass entirely 
across and empty into the Mississippi. The 
result has already been the introduction of a 
strong current through the pass thus formed, 
which is rapidly widening and deepening, 
and threatens to isolate the town entirely 
from the mainland and at no very distant 
day sweep it entirely away. What evil-dis- 
posed person perpetrated the act is unknown ; 
but suspicion is said to attach to a planter 
residing in the vicinity, whose property would 
be greatly benefited by the change. 

Railroad-Property Destroyed by Fire. 
— In Boston, the engine-house and repair-shop 
of the Worcester Railroad was burned to-day, 
together with six of the engines. The loss 
amounted to $75,000. 

Writs of Mandamus to compel a De- 
faulting City to Pay its Interest. — Thi? 
day. the writs of mandamus ordered to issuf 
by the Supreme Court, against the member 
of the Select and Common Council of the ci' j 
of Pittsburg, to compel them to levy a tax U 
pay the interest on certain railroad-bonds 
issued by the city, was served by the sheriff" 
of that county. These writs are made re- 
turnable on the first Monday of March, at 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



161 



Philadelphia. They are for a peremptory 
mandamus. Those against the commission- 
ers are writs of attachment for alleged con- 
tempt in refusing to obey a writ of peremp- 
tory mandamus. The councils have until 
the fourth Monday of the month to make up 
their minds whether they will obey the 
peremptory mandamus or not. The commis- 
sioners having already neglected or refused 
to obey this writ, their presence in propria 
personie will be required in Philadelphia. 

Maryland Senator Elected. — The Mary- 
land Legislature, this day, re-elected Hon. 
James A. Pearee as U.S. Senator from Mary- 
land, for six years from the 4th of March, 
1861. 

Dreadful Accident. — This day, a man 
named John Deninger, employed in the coal- 
mines of the Pittsburg & Youghiogheny Coal 
Company, near Gufly's Station, was killed 
by the falling of an immense bank of ^horse- 
back" from the roof of the entry in which 
he was working. The handle of the pick 
with which he was working was driven 
through his body. 

Heavy Lift. — This day, Dr. George B. 
Winship, of Boston, the lecturer on physical 
culture, lifted, with his hands, 1136 pounds. 
and is quite sanguine that within twenty days 
he will be able to raise with ease 1200 
pounds. 

Battle between Indians and Whites in 
San Saea County, Texas. — This day, Mr. 
R. W. Vaughan, of Cherokee Creek, San Saba 
county. Text-, went out early in the morning 
to look for a mule he had staked out on the 
prairie, but. on arriving at the place, found 
that lie had been driven off with four horses, 
and saw a fresh Indian trail on the spot. He 
immediately returned to his house, and, com- 
municating the news, was joined by five of 
his neighbors, — Capt. John Williams. Isaac 
Williams. Matthew Kuykendall, Milton Han- 
ner, and Edmund More, — with whom he 
went in pursuit of the Indians. After fol- 
lowing the trail a considerable distance, they 
overtook them about sunset in a very rough 
and wild country. The Indians were eight 
in number, well armed with guns, bows, and 
shields, and stood their ground manfully for 
about half an hour, — by which time they 
lost three of their number. The citizens 
charged upon them, when the Indians dis- 
mounted and ran into the timber, carrying 
with them their fallen comrades. The whites 
then took possession of their horses, and, not 
being able to follow the Indians farther, on 
account of the approach of darkness, re- 
turned to their homes. None of the citizens, 
fortunately, were hurt in the fight, but Cap- 
tain Williams had his horse shot through the 
body with a rifle-ball. 



Free Negro Kidnadped. — The night of 
tins day, John Brown, a free man of color, 
in Chester county, Pa., was kidnapped by 
four men and taken away in a northwest 

direction. 

Murder in Dayton, Ohio. — This day, in 
Dayton, Ohio, John and David Witsell, John 
Barker, John Turner, and others, rushed 
into an Irishman's grocery, in Frenchtown, 
and, without any provocation whatever, com- 
menced blowing out the lights and knocking 
down the landlord, and stabbed one man, 
named Michael Joyce, who breathed his last 
a few minutes after the fatal stab was given. 

Sentences for Murder and Perjury in 
Cincinnati. — This day, Peter Gaudolpho was 
sentenced to imprisonment for life, in the 
Penitentiary, for murder in the second 
degree. 

Wendall Sevier, convicted of perjury, in 
swearing to an affidavit of being stabbed by 
one Buler, was sentenced to three years in 
the Penitentiary. 

Thomas Reed was convicted of manslaugh- 
ter, for the murder of John McCarthy, and 
received a sentence of seven years in the 
same institution. 



li 



SATURDAY, MARCH 3. 

Perils of Ballooning. — This day, Pro- 
fessor Wells attempted an ascension from 
Wetumpka, Ala., in a balloon, which came 
near proving disastrous to him. The balloon 
having been inflated, he stepped into the 
basket, and gave the word to "let go," and 
was not obeyed; but immediately afterward, 
when he was not ready, they did "let go," 
an '<. the wind blowing from the west, the 
balloon, with lightning speed, was borne up- 
ward, he swaying forward and back, with 
but one foot in the basket. It first struck a 
wood-pile, then a fence, then the side of 
Hall kitchen, then the eaves of.the 
kitchen, knocking off the shingles, and atter- 
ward the eaves of Coosa Hall, when it 
threw him some feet from the basket, and he 
dangled in the air, holding mainly by his 
hands to the ropes. With great presence of 
mind, on arriving just over Coosa Hall, 
while some eight feet from the roof, he swung 
loose from the balloon and dropped on the 
roof. Had he not done this, he would have 
been borne into the air, and a horrid death 
would have awaited him. as he was holding 
by his hands, whose strength must soon have 
given out. A large crowd was present, 
anxious to see the ascension, and all were 
greatly relieved when he alighted safely. 

Found Drowned. — In Philadelphia, this 
day. an inquest was held on the body of an 
unknown man, aged apparently forty-five 



162 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March 



years, which was found in the Delaware, at 
Prime Street wharf. Deceased was bald on 
the top of the head, had black hair, no 
whiskers, and was dressed in a blue knit 
jacket, dark pants, red flannel shirt. It was 
supposed that he had been in the water two 
or three months. 

California Silver. — In relation to the 
newly-discovered silver-mines in Utah, the 
late intelligence from California says that, 
on this day, twelve tons of silver-ore from 
the Spanish and Ophir leads were shipped to 
San Francisco, valued at $140,000. The 
wealth of the main leads of the Comstock 
vein is unsurpassed. Good leads have been 
opened at several other localities. The 
prices of the principal lodes in market are as 
follows :— -Comstock lode, from $100 to $6000 
per foot ; Gold Hill lode, $300 to $3000 per 
foot; Emigrant lode, good, not in market: 
Sucner lode, $50 to $75 ; Rodgers's lode, 
$100. Many of these leads have adverse 
claims, and are involved in legal processes. 
The discoveries of gold are extensive, — equal 
to the best of California. The Mormon laws 
are entirely abrogated, and no law but that 
of sufferance exists. 

Assessment of Pennsylvania. — The Board 
of Revenue Commissioners of Penna. finished 
their labors and adjourned this day. They 
fixed the aggregate valuation of taxable pro- 
perty in that State at $560,049,995. Of this 
amount, $563,577,795 is subject to a tax of 
two and a half mills on the dollar ; $5,290,336 
to a tax of one per cent. ; and $181,864 to a 
tax of two per cent. The following is the 
valuation of the city of Philadelphia: — Pro- 
perty subject to a tax of two and a half 
mills, $164,556,282; to a tax of one per 
cent., $2,780,793; to a tax of two per cent., 
$59,650. The aggregate increase of the 
valuation of all taxable property in the city 
of Philadelphia since the assessment of the 
last board, three years ago, is $4,41 7, 072. 
It will appear that Philadelphia pays nearly 
one-third of the two and a half mill tax ; more 
than one-half of the one per cent, tax, and 
one- third of the two per cent. tax. 

Murder. — In Philadelphia, this day, John 
Parker, a carter, was attacked by two young 
men in Kent Street, between Twenty-Fifth 
and Garvin Streets, and so badly beaten that 
he died in about two hours. But one witness 
could be found to give the facts, and he saw 
but a portion of the occurrence. This wit- 
ness, Patrick Halligan, states that, when he 
first saw the parties, Parker was in his cart, 
while "Tip" Magee was engaged in striking 
him about the body and feet with a stick of 
wood. The witness was not near enough to 
hear the words that passed. Magee jumped 
into the cart and knocked Parker down with 
the stick; and then Joseph Riley, who was 



acting with Magee, struck the deceased a blow 
with his fist. Both then walked off, and, as 
they passed Halligan, that individual remon- 
strated with Riley upon his rough usage of 
Parker, when he was told to mind his business. 
Parker's cry of murder brought out those 
working in the neighboring factories, and he 
was found in a fainting condition. He soon 
revived, and, when requested to give the 
particulars of the assault, merely said he 
had been whipped, but he did not know the 
names of the men. Parker was then taken 
home, at Twenty-Second and Spruce, where 
he remained in a semi-conscious condition 
until about twelve o'clock, when he died. 
The post-mortem examination disclosed the 
fact that, although there were no external 
marks of violence, yet the skull was fractured 
on the right side of the head. The coroner's 
jury returned a verdict that the deceased 
came to his death from a blow or blows in- 
flicted by Michael, alias "Tip," Magee, and 
Joseph Riley. Parker was a native of Prus- 
sia, about twenty-seven years of age, and 
unmarried. His employer, and those who 
knew him, represented him as a very quiet 
and inoffensive man. 

Fight and Loss of Life between French 
and Chinese. — In California, this day, on 
Jackass Creek, Siskiyou county, a party of 
Frenchmen and Chinamen quarrelled about 
a mining-ditch. A fight ensued with shovels, 
picks, bars, rocks, &c. The result is that 
two Frenchmen are badly wounded, one 
likely to die, and two Chinese so injured that 
their lives are in danger. 

Elected Printer. — The U.S. House of 
Representatives, this da}', elected Mr. Ford 
printer. The vote stood thus: — 

Whole number of votes 187 

Necessary to a choice 04 

Mr. Ford 96 

Mr. Glossbrenner 72 

Mr. Seatun 9 

Death. — In Philadelphia, this day, Dr. 
Joseph Kane, a practitioner in the lower 
section of that city, died, at his residence, 
on Second Street, below Queen, of paralysis 
of the brain. He had visited a patient at a 
late hour on Friday night, and was appa- 
rently in good health. 

Death of J. G. Boker. — Died, in New 
York, this day, Mr. J. G. Boker, a wealthy 
retired merchant of that city, the " origina- 
tor," as the "Post" says, of the collection 
of pictures known as the " Dusseldorf Gal- 
lery." Mr. Boker acquired an unpleasant 
notoriety, a few years back, by his daughter's 
elopement with and marriage to John Dean, 
Mr. Boker's coachman. His remains were 
taken to Germany for interment. By his 
will, as originally drawn, he left his whole 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



103 



property, understood to be of quite large 
value, to his widow for life, and to his four 
children after her death. But by a codicil he 
disinherits his son Walter and his daughter 
Mary Ann, who married John Dean. 

Murder in Cincinnati. — This day, in the 
Cincinnati Hospital, died William Cooney, 
from the eifects of a fractured skull, caused 
by being struck over the head with a shovel 
by Martin Davy a few days before. 

Fire and Accident in Philadelphia. — 
This day, in the afternoon, the back-roof of 
Lodge's steam-sawmill, Dock Street, below 
Second, was partially destroyed by fire. 
While the Delaware Engine Company was on 
the way to the fire in Dock Street, the hand- 
engine being drawn by horses, and several 
members standing and sitting upon it, it was 
overturned at Sixth and Fine Streets by 
coming in contact with the railroad-track, 
and James Taylor was severely injured, one 
of his legs being shockingly lacerated. 
Joseph Henderson, another member, had one 
of his hands injured. Taylor, who is mar- 
ried, was taken to the hospital. The engine 
had one of the wheels crushed and the tongue 
and an axle broken. 

Mill Burked. — This day, the planing and 
flouring mill of the Glasscook Mills Company, 
at Hannibal, Missouri, was burned. Loss, 
$10,000: uninsured. 

A Man comes to Life at his own Fune- 
ral. — This day, a Mr. Morris, of Louisville, 
Ky., came to life while dressed in his grave- 
clothes and the funeral at the door. A Louis- 
ville paper, speaking of this affair, says: — 

We are informed of a curious circumstance 
that took place last week up town. Saturday 
the papers contained an obituary notice of 
the death of a Mr. Morris, and an invitation 
to his friends to attend his funeral from the 
corner of Market and Brook Streets. Satur- 
day morning the hearse and carriages were 
at the door. The body of the dead man had 
been clothed in the funeral raiment and en- 
closed in a coffin. Numbers of friends had 
assembled. Suddenly the man in the coffin 
gave signs of life. Rumor states that he 
kicked the coffin lid off. At any rate, he was 
saved from a death by burial alive, and is 
doing well. It is said that he took laudanum 
Friday, whether by accident or purposely we 
know not, and was thrown into a stupor in 
which he was nearly entombed. 



SUNDAY, MARCH 4. 

Fire in Sacramento. — This day, the most 
destructive fire that has occurred in that city 
since the great conflagration of 1854 broke 



out, in the morning, at four o'clock, in Wes- 
ton's brick building, near the corner of K 
and Seventh Streets. It was occupied by 
A. Searle, as a carriage-shop. Eight ve- 
hicles were burned. The basement was 
used as a store-room for hay by J. R. Toll, 
twenty tons of which were burned. The 
fire next extended to Toll's brick stable, and 
above by the old County-Court-buildings, 
which he was fitting up as a hotel. Six 
horses were burned in the stable. Two sa- 
loons adjoining were damaged by water. 
Weston's loss is $4000 ; no insurance ; 
Searle's, $2000 ; Dr. Morgan, four buggies 
and harness, $2000 ; Stevens & Steward, 
lawyer's library, $2000 ; J. R. Toll, build- 
ing, stable, horses, harness, and hay, 
$10,000— insured for $4000. A portion of a 
wall fell suddenly, and three or four fire- 
men came near falling into the flames. It 
is said that the fire was caused by incen- 
diaries. Several of the engines' bell-ropes 
were cut, which delayed the general alarm. 

Burning of the Ship Saarh. — Captain 
Merritt, of the ship Sarah, of New York, 
gives the following account of the burning 
of his vessel, which took place this day : — 

About eight o'clock in the morning I 
discovered smoke coming up through the 
cabin-floor and around the mainmast. Sup- 
posing the ship to be on fire, I immediately 
commenced clearing away the boats, the 
smoke increasing all the time. I saw a 
schooner under our lee quarter : so we set 
our colors and hove the ship to. The 
schooner bore up for us, when our boats 
were launched, and such things as we could 
get at put in them. Considering it impru- 
dent to remain longer on board for the 
safety of our lives, we all got into the boats 
and proceeded to the schooner, which proved 
to be the Lewis S. Davis, of Brookhaven, 
the captain and crew kindly receiving us on 
board. The schooner, at Captain Merritt's 
request, lay by the ship until ten o'clock 
p.m., when we went on board the ship 
again, as the smoke did not seem to increase. 
We found the ship's sides and deck quite 
hot, and a hole burned through in the deck. 
On lifting one of the hatches we found that 
the ship was all on fire. It being useless to 
try to quench the flames, we all went on 
board the schooner again, reaching her at 
two o'clock a.m. At three o'clock a.m., the 
smoke was coming up out of the ship in 
immense volumes. At four o'clock a.m., the 
fore and main masts went by the board, the 
ship being completely enveloped in smoke 
and flames. Finding it useless to remain 
any longer by the burning vessel, the 
schooner bore away on her course for Sa- 
vannah. 

The Sarah was built in Portland, Maine, 
in 1843, and owned by G. J. T. Smith, 
of Boston. 



164 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March. 



Singular Case of Insanity. — Mabrting- 
Mania. — The Boston correspondent of the 
"Springfield Republican" relates two curi- 
ous occurrences which took place on this 
day in a town in Middlesex county. In one 
case, a young man, who has had slight 
attacks of aberration of mind, and who had, 
during the day, been reading one of Andrew 
J. Davis's books, went, about midnight, to 
a neighboring house, called up the mistress 
of it, and asked to see a young lady, a 
school-teacher, who was boarding there. 
She was called, and he said he had been 
directed by the spirit of George Washington 
to marry her, and had come for that pur- 
pose. The young man was taken care of, and 
has been sent to an asylum for the insane. 

On the same evening, another young man 
called upon one of the clergymen of the 
town, and requested that he would go with 
him three or four miles to a house where 
another young lady, also a school-teacher. 
boarded, for they were going to be married 
and wanted his services. Arrived there, the 
teacher was informed of his errand, and 
received the summons with unmistakable 
symptoms of surprise, and the clergyman 
soon saw how the matter stood. The second 
young man is also in an ayslum for the in- 
sane. The truth of these remarkable coin- 
cidences is vouched for by persons cogni- 
zant of the facts. 

Elopement. — This day, in Boston, Wil- 
liam H. Cundy, an Englishman, eloped with 
a Mrs. Gardiner, known as a " California 
widow." Before leaving, Mr. Cundy dis- 
posed of a portion of his property, and took 
with him all his clothing. He left a note 
with his wife, with a small sum of money, 
and gave her to understand that she would 
never see him again, but that, if she desired, 
he would support her child, a little girl two 
years old. The wife, who is a quiet, re- 
spectable woman, is left in destitute circum- 
stances, and is in a condition that should 
have commended her to his sympathy. It 
is supposed the parties have gone to New 
York, where the deserting husband can 
readily find employment, as he is a superior 
musician. 

Burned.— Near Cincinnati, a daughter of 
John Stratton, living on the Montgomery 
turnpike, was burned to death this day. 

Murder. — In Baltimore, this day. a white 
boy, about twenty years of age, deliberately 
murdered a colored woman in the western 
part of the city, by shooting her while she 
was standing in her own doorway. 

Died.— This day, Mrs. Abigail E. Wil- 
liams, daughter of the late Chief-Justice 
Oliver Ellsworth, of Connecticut, died in 
Hartford. The Hartford "Courant" thus 



speaks of her : — Mrs. Williams was one of 
the few remaining links that connect the 
present generation with the era of George 
Washington. Being the eldest child of Oli- 
ver Ellsworth, she accompanied her father 
to Philadelphia in Washington's first term 
as President, and retained various souvenirs 
of the receptions and parties given by Wash- 
ington and his lady at the time when her 
father was representing this State as Senator 
in Congress from 1789 to 1796. She was 
born in August, 1774. 

Death of William B. Foster. — This day, 
died William B. Foster, a prominent citizen 
of Philadelphia, best known as the Vice- 
President of the Pennsylvania Railroad 
Company, — an office which he filled worthily 
for some years. Previously, he had been 
engaged as one of the principal assistant 
engineers in the construction of that great 
work, with which he has, therefore, been 
intimately associated from its beginning to 
the day of his death. Mr. Foster was born 
in Pittsburg, and was about, fifty years of 
age. Educated for a civil engineer, he was 
long employed upon the public works of this 
State. He was elected a member of the 
Canal Board, and served in it efficiently for 
three years, ending in January, 1847. A 
few years ago he was a member of the Select 
Council from the Ninth Ward. He was an 
upright, amiable gentleman, a good engineer, 
and an excellent officer of the railroad with 
which he was so long connected. 

Extraordinary Escapes of a Lunatic. — 
This day, a lunatic, named Wheedon, was 
caught and taken back to the Northern Ohio 
Lunatic-Asylum, from which he had esca ped. 
The Cleveland (Ohio) "Herald" gives the 
following strange account of him and his 
escapes. It says : — 

Among the inmates of the Northern Ohio 
Lunatic-Asylum is a person named Wheedon, 
once a highly-respectable citizen in good 
circumstances, and said to have been a 
member of the former coal-firm of I. C. Pen- 
dleton & Co. He has been in the asylum 
for some time. 

For some time past he .has manifested a 
strong disposition to escape, and the utmost 
care and vigilance have been exercised to 
frustrate his designs, but not always with 
success. Before being placed in his sleep- 
ing-room at night, he has always been 
stripped and carefully examined, to prevent 
the secreting of any instrument, and all his 
clothes, but his shirt, pantaloons, and 
I stockings, taken away. In spite of these 
! precautions, he has succeeded three times 
I within a few days in escaping from his 
I room. 

About two weeks since, he took a set of 
j false teeth out of his mouth, and, by con- 
1 stant work, contrived with them to saw a 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER, 



165 



hole through the floor of his chamber, suffi- 
cient to admit of bis dropping through into 
another part of tbe bouse, and then 
escaping. He was traced and caught at the 
house of Mr. Pendleton, on Euclid Street. 

•A few days since he secreted a pin, and 
with that exceedingly unlikely instrument 
managed to pick the lock of bis door and 
escaped into tbe hall, where he was fortu- 
nately arrested. He then stated that a pin 
was of more value than ten thousand dollars 
when he wished to escape from a room. 

Last Saturday night he was carefully ex- 
amined, as usual, before being placed in his 
room, but succeeded in secreting a small 
brass ring, split at one part, in his hair. 
On being locked up for the night, he set to 
work, and, with tbe ring, he cut through 
tbe window-sash and shutter, so as to 
enable bim to remove them from the win- 
dow. He then took the coverlet of tbe bed 
and tore it into strips, with which he made 
a rope reaching nearly to the ground, — a dis- 
tance of some twenty-five or tbirty feet. 
Some of the cotton batting with which the 
coverlet was wadded, be placed in his 
stockings, to protect his feet, as he had no 
shoes. Then, dressing himself in shirt, 
trousers, and stockings, he slid down the 
rope and escaped. 

Striking across the country to Eight Mile 
Lock, he then took the tow-path of tbe canal 
and walked down to University Heigbts, 
where he arrived yesterday afternoon. The 
officers of the asylum on his track came on 
him yesterday ( Sunday) afternoon. He was 
very quiet when arrested, and spoke freely 
of his escape, and made no resistance to 
being taken back to tbe asylum. We ques- 
tion whether this series of extraordinary 
escapes can be well matched. 



MONDAY, MARCH 5. 

Steamer Burned. — This day, the steamer 
Hickman was burned by lire, when eighteen 
miles below Little Rock. The vessel and her 
cargo are a total loss. 

Two of the passengers perished in the 
flames ; the rest and the crew barely escaped 
with their lives. The books, papers, &c. of 
the boat were all lost. 

Lane sent to Sing Sing. — This day, Lane, 
the Fulton Bank defaulter, was sent ofl" to 
Sing Sing, to work out his sentence of three 
years and six months' imprisonment in that 
institution. 

A Murderous Affray occurred this day 
at Dry Creek, San Juan county, Cal., be- 
tween William Webb and W. F. Lamb, in 
regard to a trifling lawsuit. High words 
passed, when Lamb drew a pistol and fired 
three shots, all of which took effect on Webb, 



one passing directly through tne body of 
AVebb, near tbe abdomen. After Webb bad 
received the fatal shot, he fired his pistol 
twice at Lamb, but without effect. 

Breach of Promise. — This day, commenced 
the famous Carstang and Shaw breach of pro- 
mise case, in the St. Louis (Mo.) court. 

Petition by the Legislature of Mary- 
land to Remove a Judge. — This day, the 
Maryland House of Representatives adopted 
an address requesting the Governor to remove 
from office Judge Stump, of the Criminal 
Court of Baltimore. One of the witnesses, 
who had been twenty-one days a juror in the 
court over which this judge presides, swore 
that the judge was on the bench drunk every 
day. 

Murder at a Ball. — The night of this 
day, two drivers of the Baltimore city pas- 
senger-cars had a fracas at a ball, in which 
one of them, named Bosley, was fatally shot. 

Dreadful Affair. — A Son Kills a Drunk- 
en Father in Defence of Himself and Mo- 
ther. — This day, Mr. Joseph Rutledge, of 
Talladega county, Ala., was killed by his own 
son. The " Talladega Reporter" gives the 
following account of it : — • 

We learn that Mr. Rutledge went home 
drunk and compelled his wife, who was in 
bed sick, to get up, and then commenced 
abusing her. His son, coming in, remonstrated 
with him against the abuse of his mother. 
Rutledge swore he would kill the whole of 
them, and turned on the son and commenced 
beating him. In the scuffle the son fell, and, 
while Rutledge was on him, the son drew bis 
knife and inflicted the wounds which caused 
Rutledge's death in a few minutes after. 
Rutledge got up, however, and, holding on 
to his stick, swore that he would kill them 
all. His wife caught hold of him, and in a 
moment after he sank down and died. These 
are the circumstances as we have heard them 
detailed. An inquest was held and a verdict 
of justifiable homicide rendered, — the de- 
cision being that he killed his father in 
defence of himself and his mother. 

Letter from the Pope to the American 
Bishops. — This day, the following letter from 
the Pope was addressed to the under-named 
Catholic bishops: — 

To our Venerable Brethren, John, Archbishop 
of New York; John, Bishop of Albany; 
John, Bishop of Boston ; John, Bishop of 
Buffalo ; John, Bishop of Brooklyn; 
James, Bishop of Newark ; Louis, Bishop 
of Burlington ; Francis, Bishop of Hart- 
ford ; and David, Bishop of Portland. 

Venerable Brethren, Health and Apostolic 
Benediction : We can scarcely express in 



166 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



■words the rejoicing and gladness which your 
letter of the l'Jth of January afforded us, in 
the midst of our greatest sadness and tribu- 
lation. You hastened, venerable brethren, 
to write to us immediately on your meeting 
for the celebration of your Provincial Coun- 
cil, in order that, assembling together under 
the invocation of the Holy Spirit, and in 
mutual consultation, you might provide still 
mure for the welfare of the dioceses commit- 
ted respectively to your episcopal zeal and 
guidance. For in your letters shine forth on 
every side bright evidences of your great 
attachment and special devotion to us, and 
of your reverence, love, and obedience to 
this chair of St. Peter, and, in like manner, 
your bitter sorrow on account of our tribu- 
lations, universally known, brought on by 
the counsels and intrigues of men who, hos- 
tile to this Apostolic See, and opposed to the 
civil principality which belongs to it, by 
sacrilegious daring have attempted to destroy 
the patrimony of St. Peter, and to extinguish 
entirely its rights, as well divine as human. 
These they hope and labor to destroy utterly. 
Most grateful to us has been this evidence of 
your great sympathy, so truly worthy of 
Catholic prelates, and so worthy to be dis- 
tinguished by praise and publication. 

We, indeed, although afflicted with un- 
speakable grief, witnessing the evil warfare 
which, with immense detriment to the sal- 
vation of souls, is being carried on by im- 
pious men against our divine religion, still 
place all our hope and confidence in God our 
Saviour, knowing well that he has ever been 
present with prompt aid in support of his 
church ; that the same church has never been 
more glorious than when men have en- 
deavored to extinguish it ; that it has never 
been more secure than when the must violent 
squalls of persecution, excited by its ene- 
mies, have seemed to agitate it the most. 

It has been truly consoling to us to see, by 
your letter, with what ardent attachment you 
and your clergy, as well as the faithful laity, 
have not ceased to oiler up fervent prayer 
to the Father of Mercies, according to our 
desire and for our intention. 

We have full confidence that you, venerable 
brethren, relying upon the Divine support, 
will proceed with even greater alacrity and 
energy in contending against this great in- 
iquity of the times, that you will fulfil all 
the duties of your ministry, that you will 
sustain and defend energetically the cause of 
the Catholic Church, and take measures both 
for the protection of the flocks committed to 
your care, and to expose the fallacies, refute 
the errors, and repel the assaults of wicked 
men. 

While, however, we congratulate you from 
our heart for the pastoral solicitude which 
prompted the celebration of your late Pro- 
vincial Council, the acts of which, according 
to canonical right, you rejoiced to submit to 



our supreme judgment and that of this Holy 
See, know that, without any delay, we have 
directed that they should be inspected by our 
sacred congregation for the propagation of 
the Christian faith, in order that it may ex- 
amine the acts of your council and report 
them to us, so that in regard to them it shall 
communicate to you the proper response. 

Finally, be most assured that we, in the 
humility of our heart, continue to pray and 
implore the God of mercy that he may pour 
out upon you the richest gifts of his good- 
ness, and also that these same shall descend 
upon the dear members of the flocks com- 
mitted to your care. And, as evidence of 
this, no less than as a certain pledge of our 
great affection for you, venerable brethren, 
we impart to you and to all the clergy and 
laity of the several dioceses respectively com- 
mitted to your care, our most affectionate 
apostolic benediction. 

Given at Rome, from St. Peter's, 5th day 
of March, 1860, in the fourteenth year of our 
Pontificate. Pius P. P. IX. 

Ship on Fire at Sea. — This day, the U.S. 
mail steamship Cahawba, Captain ^mith, from 
New York to New Orleans, discovered a burn- 
ing vessel. The captain says: — 

At four a.m., latitude 35° 50', longitude 74° 
43 / , discovered a vessel on fire; ran down to 
and found her to be a large ship, burned to 
the water's edge; could not make out her 
name, as it was dark ; saw no one near ; 
threw up rockets, and kept a bright look-nut 
for boats; at daylight could hud nothing 
living about ; appeared to have been on fire 
for some time; saw spars and bulwarks 
( panels painted white) floating about. Those 
who were on board of her have no doubt been 
rescued by some passing vessel. 

The burning vessel is supposed to have 
been the ship Sarah, bound from Charleston 
to Boston, which took fire and was abandoned 
on the 4th. 

Mutiny of Coolies ox Board the Ame- 
rican Ship Kitty Simpson. — One Coolie 
Killed. — This day, a mutiny occurred on 
board the American ship Kitty Simpson, of 
which the officers make the following re- 
port : — 

Lat. 8° 49' N., Ion. 110° 47' E., 5.45 p.m. 

The officers of the ship were in the cabin 
at supper, when there was heard a rush on 
deck, accompanied with much shouting and 
noise. The master was in charge of the deck, 
and sentries on the barricade and on the 
forecastle. The head man had charge of the 
main-hatch, with orders not to allow any 
more coolies on deck than were up at said 
time. When we went to supper, there were 
on deck in all forty coolies, with cooks (eight 
in number) included. As soon as the row 
began, there were on deck in all one hundred 
men, who had scrambled up in defiance of 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



1G7 



the head man's endeavors to keep them below: 
the ladder, fortunately, was away at the time, 
or no doubt many more would have succeeded 
in reaching the deck. The attack commenced 
with coolie No. 98 (since dead from the effect 
of wounds received) rushing aft, watching 
the instant the sentry was looking another 
way, and making desperate attempts to 
wrench the musket away from him. 

As soon as the rush was made by No. 98, 
he was quickly joined by about thirty other 
Chinamen, who attempted to force open the 
barricade. The captain was the first one to 
arrive at the scene of trouble, with nothing 
else in his hands than a Malacca cane. He 
made several blows at the coolie No. 98, who 
still continued to struggle but was finally 
overpowered and made prisoner; also coolie 
No. 209 was captured in attempting to force 
through the barricade. It was a well-planned 
attack, there can be no doubt; for, upon the 
first rush being made aft, the coolies No. 77 
and No. 50, with many others who were not 
recognised, surrounded the forecastle, and 
endeavored to keep the watch below confined 
therein, by closing the doors, and it was with 
much difficulty they made their exit there- 
from ; and, in doing so, many of them re- 
ceived blows with pieces of wood. Most of 
them, however, managed to get aft. The 
seaman on the forecastle was attacked by 
four or five: being armed, he inflicted many 
wounds, but was wounded in the thigh him- 
self. 

A seaman, named Pratt, in endeavoring to 
escape from the deck, was severely beaten 
with handspikes, pieces of firewood, &c. It 
was very fortunate that two of the seamen 
were aloft at the time, and that we were pro- 
vided with arm-chests in each top ; otherwise 
we would have had, no doubt, a hard struggle 
and great odds against us. The seamen aloft 
did not know what to make of the noise until 
the man in the maintop saw the struggling 
aft and several coolies rush out from the 
cook-house with firebrands and pots of scald- 
ing water. The seaman in the maintop, 
named Bennett, taking up a rifle, aimed at 
coolie No. 2o4, whom he plainly saw heave two 
earthen-ware pots of scalding water aft, and 
shot him through the shoulder. He leaped 
down the main hatch and fell lifeless. There 
was also a shot fired from the foretop ; but it 
did no damage. As soon as the shots came 
from aloft, they at once began to retreat in 
great confusion, leaping one over the other 
down the main-hatch. After we got them all 
down below, they commenced to pull down 
the main-hatch barricade below, and to arm 
themselves therewith. 

After a few shots were fired down among 
them, they retreated aft, and the head man, 
No. 5, went down and slung the dead coolie, 
No. 234. After all was over, we found three 
of them over the bows, hanging to a rope, — 
namely. No. 77, No. 152, and No. 50. Great 



credit is due to the crew tor the coolness and 
courage they exhibited, and the prompt and 
attentive manner in which they obeyed the 
orders issued by the captain and officers ; for, 
had it been otherwise, much blood must have 
been shed and many innocent lives lost. As 
soon as the hatches were on and secured, and 
order restored on deck, the prisoners in cus- 
tody were brought up, and to each the fol- 
lowing punishment was awarded : No. 98, 
ringleader, one hundred lashes ; No. 77, 
attempt to block house door, one hundred 
lashes; No. 152, barricade, fifty lashes; No. 
50, ringleader, one hundred lashes ; No. 209, 
ringleader, one hundred lashes. The above 
prisoners were then secured in irons on the 
house on deck, and a guard placed over 
them. Of the crew, there is one slightly 
stabbed, one much bruised and beaten, with 
chief officers, carpenter, and one seaman 
slightly scalded. 



TUESDAY, MARCH 6. 

A Pacific Railroad Convention was held 
this day at Sacramento, Cal. It was com- 
posed of about seventy members, representing 
California, Oregon, and Washington Terri- 
tory. Its object was to concentrate public 
sentiment. It was resolved to send me- 
morials to Congress on the subject, and legis- 
lative action on the part of California and 
Oregon was also recommended. 

A resolution was unanimously adopted 
urging the California Legislature to ofl'er a 
bonus of six thousand dollars to any com- 
pany that shall first complete an overland 
telegraph to the United States, and four 
thousand dollars to the company completing 
a second line by a different route, provided 
both lines shall be finished in eighteen 
months. 

The Chicago (III.) Municipal Election 
took place this day. Hon. John Wentworth, 
Republican, for Mayor, had 1248 majority; 
the balance of the Republican ticket was 
elected by about the same majority. The 
total vote was 18,800. The Common Council 
stands twelve Republicans to eight Demo- 
crats 

Ithaca (N.Y.) Municipal Election. — 
This day, the Republicans elected their en- 
tire ticket, with the exception of one trustee. 

Murder of a Wife. — In Cincinnati, this 
clay, an Irishman, named Patrick McHugh, 
approached his wife while she was at a 
friend's house, placed his arm around her 
neck, and cut her throat with a razor. The 
stroke was given with so much power as to 
cut away even a part of the vertebra?. The 
woman died almost instantly. McHugh had 
recently been liberated from the penitentiary, 



168 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



where he had served a sentence for a deadly 
assault upon his wife. 

In the same city, John Miller was fatally 
stabbed in a street affray, R. B. Bayard fell 
suddenly dead in the street, and a woman 
was found dead in her bed, on the corner of 
Pearl Street and Western Row. 

Protection of Female Emigrants. — In 
Congress, this day, the bill for the protection 
of female passengers on board emigrant-ves- 
sels was passed with amendments, providing 
that process can be issued against offenders 
in the English, French, or German language, 
and that suit can be brought within one year 
from the time of the arrival of the vessel in 
port. 

Reduction of Congressional Mileage. — 
The bill reducing the mileage from forty to 
twenty cents a mile was passed by a large 
majority. The distance of travel is to be 
computed by a straight geographical line. 

Rev. Mr. Stockton, of Philadelphia, was 
elected Chaplain of the House, on the second 
ballot, by a majority of sixteen. 

The Louisiana Democratic State Con- 
vention met at Baton Rouge this day, and 
selected delegates to the Charleston Conven- 
tion. The convention expressed their pre- 
ference for Mr. Slidell for the Presidency. 

Indian Massacre in Texas. — This day, 
according to a letter to a mercantile house in 
Houston, Texas, the Indians in that State 
massacred six families of whites. The letter 
says : — 

The Indians killed six families on Hog 
Creek, twenty-five miles from Waco, in the 
upper part of this county and lower part of 
Bosque county. Captain J. M. Smith leaves 
here at two o'clock to-day, with a company, 
for the scene of action. 

The frontier is full of Indians, and there 
is great excitement through all the counties 
above there. 

The Indians are indeed coming down al- 
most into the lower country. The people 
will have to turn en masse to the frontier to 
repulse them. 

Explosion of a Steamboat-Boiler. — At 
Easton, Pennsylvania, this day, the shores of 
the Delaware River below the bridge were 
crowded with persons to witness the Alfred 
Thomas, a little steamer which has been 
built at that place to run between Belvidere 
and Port Jervis. 

At eleven o'clock the steamer started, and 
made her way up the river against a swift 
current, having on board about a hundred 
men. At the bridge she stopped, when a 
number got off, leaving about forty persons 
on board. The steamer then continued her 



trip up the river, and, on arriving at the falls, 
a short distance above the bridge, she was 
moored for a short time. When all was ready 
to start again, the boiler exploded with a 
terrible crash, the pieces flying in every 
direction, and the boat becoming in an in- 
stant a complete wreck. Some of the pass- 
engers were thrown fifty feet into the air, 
others were blown off into the water and 
slightly injured, and others were dreadfully 
mangled. 

The sight upon the land was truly heart- 
rending. The torn limbs of the poor suf- 
ferers, and the presence of those who were in 
search of friends supposed to be among the 
dead, formed a sight to make the stoutest 
heart feel sad. 

The physicians of the borough hastened to 
the assistance of the sufferers, and did all in 
their power to alleviate their sufferings. 

The following is a list of the killed and 
wounded, which is believed to be full and 
correct : — 

KILLED. 

Samuel Yates, of Easton. 

George Smith, of Easton. 

Joseph \\ eaver, of Easton. 

Richard Hi tcomb, of Belvidere. 

J. Shaeff, (engineer,) of Easton. 

George Shaeff, of Easton. 

Edward Mclntyre, (colored,) of Easton. 

Stewart Beatly, of Easton. 

Arthur Kessler, of Easton. 

William Sharp, Jr., of Belvidere. 

W0UXDED. 

Eugene Troxell, of Easton, injured about the head 
ami legs slightly. 

William Diehl, of Easton, slightly. 

John Smith, of Belvidere. badly; will hardly recover. 

Sul. Mclntyre, (colored.) of Easton. slightly. 

Joseph Losey, ol Washington, N.J., slightly. 

Yal. Scholey, of Easton, slightly. 

Andrew Mellick, of Belvidere, slightly. 

William Parks, of Easton. arm broken. 

Benjamin Youells, of Easton, leg broken in two 
places, and otherwise injured. 

Henry Medler, of Easton, slightly. 

Richard Williams, of Easton, slightly. 

ltobert Burrell, of Easton, slightly. 

P. Bercaw, of Easton, slightly. 

An unknown man from Belvidere, badly. 

The scene on shore after the explosion it is 
altogether impossible to describe. Women, 
who were fearful that their relations were on 
board, ran up and down almost distracted, 
questioning almost every one they met in 
regard to the fearful affair. 

The dome of the boiler was too small to 
keep a sufficient quantity of steam and water 
on hand : the consequence was that after the 
first trial to get up the rapids they exhausted 
the steam, and had to lie to, to generate 
steam. In doing so, the flues became heated 
red-hot, and the pressure was upwards of 
one hundred and twenty-five pounds to the 
square inch. Upon the signal being given 
to start, the engineer commenced pumping 
cold water, and the motion of the boat 
brought the cold water in contact with the 
overheated flues. The consequence was an 
explosion. 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



169 



Statement of C. C. Burk, Esq. — Previous to 
the explosion I was in the engine-room. Judge 
Sharp and two strangers were in the room, 
looking at the gauge. One of the gentlemen 
exclaimed, " My God! there is a pressure of 
one hundred and twenty-five pounds of steam 
too much!" I immediately passed to the 
forward part of the boat, upon the upper 
deck, and crossed over the boiler to the stern 
of the boat, and told the captain, " Labar, 
there is one hundred and twenty-five pounds 
of steam-pressure now." 

He immediately struck the bell to start the 
boat, and ordered the boat to be cast loose, 
which was done, the boat remaining about 
two minutes after the bell was rung. The 
steam commenced passing through the trunk. 
I then seated mj'self on the stern, and the 
explosion occurred. The engineer was not 
in the engine-room when the captain rang 
the bell; I saw him at the side of the boiler, 
trying the stop-cock. 

Death of Major Donald Fraser.- — This 
day, Major Donald Fraser, U.S.A., died in 
Brooklyn. He served in the War of 1812; 
was aid to General Brown, and also to Gene- 
ral Pike, being within six feet of the latter 
when he fell at Little York. As a partisan 
officer, he was without a superior, and always 
at the head of the forlorn hope 

Murder in California. — This day, a mur- 
der took place in Tuolumne county, Cal., at 
Cherokee Camp, by which William Rice was 
killed by one Lewis Carley. 

It appears that the parties had been shoot- 
ing at a mark and drinking fighting-whiskey. 
A quarrel arose, and Carley, who was known 
as Grizzly, advanced on Rice with his gun 
and a large bowie-knife. Bice, who had a 
loaded gun in his hand at the time, told him 
to keep off, or he would shoot him. Carley 
continued to advance, and Rice snapped his 
gun at him. Carley then knocked Rice's 
gun aside with his own, and also knocked 
him down and got on him, and with his knife 
inflicted several wounds, one in the region 
of the heart, another between the seventh 
and eighth ribs, one on the left side of the 
head, and several flesh-wounds. Mr. John 
Mallory ran to the assistance of Rice, and 
struck Carley with his fist. The latter then 
left Rice and ran after Mallory, and was in 
the act of stabbing him, when Mr. A. Ripley 
ran up and knocked Carley down with a gun. 
He was then bound and kept in custody till 
the sheriff arrived. 

Carley is from Indiana, and about fifty 
years of age. Rice is a native of Bourbon 
county, Kentucky, lived for a number of 
years in Pike county, Missouri, from whence 
he removed to Texas. He was generally 
known among his companions by the nick- 
name of Texas, aud at the time of his death 
Was fifty-six years of age. 



Storming a Tannery in Luzerne County, 
Pa. — This day, a tannery in Goldsborough, 
Pa., was stormed under the following circum- 
stances : — 

Mr. Lee, surviving partner of the firm of 
Charles M. Leupp & Co., went to Golds- 
borough and took possession of an extensive 
tannery belonging for the most part to the 
firm which he represented. The foreman 
acknowledged his authority, and proceeded 
to obey his orders. Mr. Gould, another 
swamp-dealer, who appears to have had an 
interest in the concern, collected a company 
of two hundred men, armed with axes, mus- 
kets, rifles, &c, and attacked the tannery. 
Some fifteen or twenty men, also armed, had 
been collected inside to defend the place; but 
the invading force was so overwhelming that 
they beat in the doors and captured the 
place. During the melee four persons re- 
ceived gunshot-wounds, and others were 
bruised more or less seriously. Several of 
the defenders were flung out of the upper- 
story windows. 

Sudden Death in Cincinnati. — This day, 
Dr. R. B. Bayard, a dentist of that city, re- 
turning home, having reached his residence, 
on Seventh Street, between Main and Walnut, 
fell upon the door-step a corpse. Coroner 
Carey held an inquest upon the body. The 
verdict was "death from congestion of the 
brain." The deceased was about thirty-five 
years of age, and leaves a wife and one 
child. 

Capture of two Mexican Steamers by 
the Saratoga. — This day, whilst Com- 
mander Jarvis and a United States squadron, 
consisting of the Saratoga, Savannah, and 
Preble, were lying in the harbor of Vera 
Cruz, in which city Juarez, who claimed to 
be President of Mexico, was beseiged by 
Miramon, who also claimed to be Presi- 
dent, two steamers entered the harbor, 
and continued, under full steam, rapidly to 
advance. They passed behind the castle 
of San Juan de Ulloa, in the direction of 
Sacrificios, and finally ran into Anton 
Lizardo. They bore no flags whatever 
when they passed the castle; nor did they 
hoist them either then or at Sacrificios, 
though they were ordered so to do, first by 
a shot from the fortress and afterward by 
the U.S. sloop Savannah. The French, 
Spanish, and English vessels at Sacrificios 
did not notice the suspicious steamers, or, 
at least, did not order them to show their 
colors. Capt. Jarvis, of the sloop-of-war 
Savannah, the senior U.S. officer at Vera 
Cruz, ordered the Saratoga, with detach- 
ments from the Savannah and Preble, on 
the steamers Indianola and AVave, to pro- 
ceed to the anchorage and ascertain the 
character of the two strange steamers. 
They had just cast anchor at Anton 



170 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



Lizardo when the Saratoga came up with 
them. They still had steam up, however, 
and seemed to have taken a position as if 
to put at once to sea in case of being over- 
hauled. The Saratoga, however, seems to 
have taken them unawares, though the 
moon was shining brightly, and at once 
took a position to cut off all retreat. 
They proved to be two Mexican steamers 
which had cleared from Havana as Spanish 
vessels, one named the General Miramon, 
the other the Marques de la Habana, under 
the command of Commodore Marin. 

Upon nearing the steamers, one of them 
was seen to be moving off, when a shot was 
fired ahead of her to bring her to, and the 
steamer Indianola was sent to overhaul 
her. 

The hail from the Indianola was answered 
by shot from the guns of the Gen. Miramon, 
accompanied by a volley of musketry; 
whereupon the Saratoga tired a broadside 
into the Miramon. The Indianola also re- 
turned the fire, and her crew boarded the 
Miramon at the point of the bayonet. A 
portion of the Indianola's deck was carried 
away by the shot. The Miramon was then 
run aground, and the Saratoga brought the 
Marques to. 

The officers and crew were removed to 
the American squadron. When Marin came 
on board, Capt. Turner asked him why he 
fired on the American vessels without pro- 
vocation. Marin replied that his men 
could not be controlled. He knew the 
nationality of the Saratoga, and under- 
stood her signals. The men fired contrary 
to his orders. Capt. Turner replied, "You 
are entirely responsible for the outrage." 

There were several Frenchmen on board, 
also some Americans: the rest were Mexi- 
cans and Spaniards. In all they contained 
two hundred and fifty men. Their killed and 
wounded amounted to forty. The India- 
nola and Wave had eighty men each. 

The first engineer of the Marques, an 
American, was killed. 

The Miramon received three broadsides 
from the Saratoga, besides an innumerable 
number of rifle-shots from the Indianola, 
during the engagement; and it is surprising 
that the loss of life, in any case great, was 
not still greater. Every thing bears witness 
to the bravery and determined resistance 
of her commander. He yielded, however, 
very gracefully to adverse fortune. Retir- 
ing at once to his cabin, he divested himself 
of every portion of his uniform, except a 
richly-tasselled commodore's scarf, and at- 
tired himself in a plain but elegant suit of 
black. 

Miramon's two sons were on board at the 
time. They had just completed their course 
at the College of Havana, and were return- 
ing home as passengers. 

Marin had a large quantity of powder 



on board, destined for President Miramon. 
No sooner did the former see that he was 
about to be captured than he had it all 
thrown overboard, together with many 
other articles. Some of the powder has 
been recovered, and is said to be the same 
as that which is stored in the arsenal at 
Havana. A number of boxes with sliding 
covers, tin tubes containing papers, and 
other articles, have been picked up. 

Both the Marques de la Habana and Gen. 
Miramon were old Spanish mail-steamers, 
plying on the Cuban coast. The latter was 
formerly known as Correo No. 2. The ex- 
pedition cost $300,000, which was mostly 
furnished in Havana by the Government, in 
accordance with a secret article of the 
Almonte treaty. 

Accoi'ding to the evidence, the assertion 
of Marin, that the crew fired the guns, was 
untrue. Four Frenchmen, named Cunby, 
Danty, Durand, and Anby, who were made 
prisoners at the capture, declare on oath 
that they had been engaged as sailors; 
that they left Havana on the 20th of Feb. 
Some days after, they met the Vera Cruz 
mail-steamer and communicated with her. 
The sailors then discovered, by hearing 
cries of "Hurrah for Miramon!" that they 
had been deceived. The cannon and small- 
arms which had been concealed in the hold 
were raised to the deck and loaded ; cloth- 
ing was distributed to the sailors, and hats 
bearing ribbons, with the inscription "Gen. 
Miramon." Some. of the crew were unwill- 
ing to receive the uniform, but were com- 
pelled to do so. When approaching land, 
Hitlers were sent from the Marques de la 
Habana to exhibit no flag. Every shot was 
fired by the officer: the captain fired the 
gun placed on the bow of the vessel, while 
the chief of the artillery touched off one of 
those on the sides. 

The Government fully approved of the 
action of the naval authorities in the matter. 
A letter from Mr. G. I>. Russell, who was on 
board the Saratoga, gives the following ac- 
count. It says: — 

Two large steamers, showing no colors, 
were seen from here making down the 
coast. A shot was fired from the castle for 
them to show their colors, but they took no 
notice of it, and kept on. We (the Saratoga) 
immediately got under way, with two small 
American steamers chartered by the Juarez 
party. The smallest, a little steam-tug called 
the "Wave," of Jersey City, took us in 
tow. The other, the "Indianola," a small 
steamer, received on board from the U.S. 
ships Savannah and Preble about twenty 
armed seamen and marines. Also on board 
of her were several officers of the Liberal 
party in this city. 

We then proceeded down the coast, leav- 
ing here about six p.m., the "Wave" towing 
us, and the "Indianola" in company. It 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



171 



■was a bright, moonlight night, and almost 
clear as day. About twelve o'clock that 
night, when nearly off the small town of 
Anton Lizardo, we saw the two steamers at 
anchor. On getting nearly abreast of them, 
one of them slipped her cable and attempted 
to run. We fired a shot across her bows for 
her to heave to and show her colors : she 
instantly fired a shell at the "Indianola." 
We then fired five or six shots into her, and 
cast loose from the "AVave," ordering her 
and the "Indianola" to give chase and 
capture her, while we, being at this time 
broadside on to the largest steamer, fired into 
her. She then attempted to slip cable and 
escape, firing into us, when we poured two 
broadsides into her, while our boarders and 
marines gave her several volleys of musketry. 
Some time during the flight she hoisted Span- 
ish colors, but after our second broadside 
she hauled them down and surrendered. 
In the mean while our two little steamers 
had run the chase aground, when they 
boarded her, and, after some • twenty 
minutes' pretty severe fighting, she sub- 
mitted. Our party on board the little 
steamer had a hard time of it; for, having 
no guns on board, and only their small-arms, 
they had to contend with more than their 
own numbers, and who had five heavy guns 
and several field-pieces, from which they 
kept firing grape and canister,— the ugliest 
kind of shot in an engagement of that kind. 
Besides, we could only look on, without being 
able to assist them, afraid to fire, for fear 
of hitting our own steamers, being at an 
anchor, and having to keep our guns to bear 
on our own prize until we could send a 
force on board to take possession of her. 

The one we took proved to be the 
"Marques de la Habana," and the other 
was the "Gen. Miramon." Our party only 
had one man mortally and seven slightly 
wounded. Their loss was two killed, four 
mortally and ten or twelve severely 
wounded. We then received from the 
prizes (which had on board a large quan- 
tity of guns and ammunition for Miramon) 
some sixty prisoners, whom we have now 
onboard. One of the generals of the Liberal 
party, who was with us, was badly wounded 
in the head by a piece of shell. Most of 
the grape fired by the "Gen. Miramon" at 
the small steamer passed over them and hit 
us, though, strange, not a person on board 
of our ship was seriously hurt. During the 
fight, a number of Miramon's officers who 
were on board the "Gen. Miramon" made 
their escape ashore. We saw them as they 
left the steamer, but, as we only wanted the 
vessel, we let them go. The following morn- 
ing we returned to this city in tow of our 
prize, leaving the small steamers to haul 
the "Gen. Miramon" off the bar, where she 
was hard aground. 



WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7. 

Affray in Washington. — This day, an 
encounter occurred in Washington, of which 
the "New York Herald" gives the following 
account. It says: — 

An affray occurred between Col. Fred. W.' 
Lander, of Massachusetts, superintendent of 
the Overland Wagon Load Expedition, and 
W. M. F. Magraw, of Missouri, freight-con- 
tractor, and late superintendent of the 
same expedition. It will be recollected 
that an attack was made last winter, in the 
rotunda of Willard's Hotel, by Mr. Magraw 
upon Col. Lander. In this difficulty, it is 
said, Col. Lander, after having received 
four terrible blows, — the first struck while 
his back was turned, — at last reached 
Magraw, knocked him down, and beat him 
until pulled off by the bystanders. Magraw 
went West, and, while Col. Lander was 
absent in the Rocky Mountains, stated in 
St. Louis that ho had whipped him in the 
fight, and at the same time applied oppro- 
brious epithets to him. Directly after the 
occurrence, Magraw sent two gentlemen to 
Col. Lander, begging him not to renew the 
difficulty, which had originally grown out 
of Magraw's refusal to fight Col. Lander a 
duel, or make the required apology. Colonel 
Lander returned from California about two 
months ago. Magraw arrived yesterday. 
To-day Col. Lander met Magraw in front 
of Kirkwood's Hotel, at which he is 
stopping. Magraw got out of a hack, with 
some friends. Lander was accompanied by 
Major Yates, the gentleman to whom 
Magraw had made the aforesaid remarks. 
Col. Lander said, "I demand of you an ex- 
planation of your remarks to this gentle- 
man." Magraw stepped back upon the 
steps of the hotel, followed up by Lander. 
Magraw put his hand to his pocket and 
muttered something. Lander struck him 
upon the breast, pushing him back, saying, 
" Speak up ; and speak loud, sir !" On this 
Magraw said, "Let me go into the hotel." 
"Yes," said Lander, and followed up. 
Within the hotel Magraw attempted to go 
into the entry. Lander stopped him, say- 
ing, "Turn round now, sir, and face me, 
and answer me," at the same time turning 
him rudely round by the shoulder. Hereon 
Mr. Kirkwood, the proprietor of the hotel, 
in the most gentlemanly manner, inter- 
posed, requesting Lander not to create a 
disturbance in the house, telling him that 
ladies on the floor above were seriously 
alarmed at the noise of the altercation. 
This for an instant parted the combatants, 
and permitted Magraw to retire some ten 
feet. He immediately drew his pistol, and, 
pointing it at Lander, said, "Approach me 
again, sir, and you are a dead man." Lander 
jumped to attack him, saying, at the same 
time, "I am unarmed, you scoundrel, but 



172 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



no matter." Mr. Kirkwood again inter- 
posed. Col. Lander said, "Come out on 
the avenue again, sir; relieve this gentle- 
man from this affray here; take your pistol, 
and I will meet you as I am, unarmed. 
Come on." Magraw refused. Lander then, 
after stigmatizing him as a liar, thief, black- 
guard, and scoundrel, requested any one of 
the crowd to step forward — of whom there 
were more than forty — and take up the 
quarrel, if a friend of Magraw. None speak- 
ing, Col. Lander retired. The last state- 
ment heard was, "You have refused my 
challenge ; you have refused to name your 
time and place and your own weapons, 
and meet me ; you have struck me with a 
billy, and were whipped by me for it, and 
have lied to the contrary ; and now, you 
scoundrel, you refuse a scratch fight, — you 
with a loaded pistol and I unarmed ! I shall 
never notice you again." Col. Lander then 
made his apologies to the proprietors of the 
hotel, offered to wait on the ladies and 
apologize, and retired. Col. Lander was 
accompanied by Major Yates, and during 
the altercation was joined by his nephew, 
W. H. West. 

Hanged. — Dennis Manony was hung, this 
day, at Mariposa, California. He was found 
guilty of the murder of John Kilburn. The 
homicide took place last September, during 
the progress of a drunken quarrel. 

Killed. — In California, this day, a dis- 
pute arose between two Chinamen, at San 
Juan, Nevada county, about two bits, when 
one of them became enraged, and plunged 
a knife into the other, killing him almost 
instantly. 

Farewell of Fanny Kemble to Boston. 
— The night of this day, Miss Fanny Kemble 
gave her last public reading in Boston, it 
being her intention to retire from the stage 
forever. In retiring, she said : — 

Friends, my work is done : but I could 
not bid you adieu without saying a few 
words, especially as I have been obliged to 
decline an honor conferred upon me by a 
request not to take a final leave of you this 
evening. It is time that the book should 
be shut and the lips closed. I have now 
been before the public five-and-twenty 
years. Few women would care to be re- 
membered in public for a longer period. 
Shakspeare may find better and abler in- 
terpreters, but, I believe, none more willing. 
I esteem it my good fortune that I am per- 
mitted to close my labors in Boston, where 
so long ago I appeared. Possibly some of 
my audience now present may remember 
me at that time. I cannot be too grateful 
for the kind indulgence always accorded to 
me in this city. Long live this noble land, 
this glorious New England ! May Heaven's 



richest blessings descend upon you ! May 
peace, prosperity, and plenty attend you 
and your homes ! I respectfully, gratefully, 
and regretfully take my leave of you. Fare- 
well! Farewell! 

Death of an Old Citizen of Mobile. — 
This day (says a Mobile paper) Mr. Daniel 
Quigley, one of our oldest and most valuable 
citizens, died at his residence, on Joachim 
Street, on Wednesday night, after a linger- 
ing illness, at the advanced age of eighty- 
five years. Mr. Quigley, we learn, was a 
native of New Jersey, whence he removed 
to Mobile over thirty years ago. Since 
that time he was scarcely ever away from 
the city, and -was always an excellent and 
highly-respected citizen. Owing to extreme 
age, he had not for the last four or five 
years given much personal attention to 
business. He was an example of temper- 
ance and correct deportment in all things. 

A St.Louis Forger Pardoned. — The cor- 
respondent of the "Police Gazette" of this 
date says : — 

Some four years ago, Mr. M. A. AVolf, a 
member of the banking-house of Presbury 
& Co., was convicted of forging land- 
warrants, and sentenced to the State 
prison for five years. Last week, United 
States Marshal Bryant received a pardon 
from the President of the United States. 
Mr. Wolf was young and inexperienced in 
rascality, but was found a pliant tool in 
the hands of older villains, who used him 
and his position, then left him to pay the 
piper after they had had their fill of the 
dancing. A petition largely signed — headed 
by his Excellency Governor Stewart — was 
sent to the President in his behalf, some 
time ago ; but, inasmuch as President 
Buchanan had so long remained silent upon 
the subject, all hopes were given up of his 
ever receiving a pardon, except by his 
faithful wife, who, to her praise be it said, 
never forsook him nor his interest, — not 
even when the walls of the State prison 
stood between them, — but, like a true and 
noble wife, persevered, travelled all the 
way to Washington and besought the Presi- 
dent to pardon her husband, and finally 
obtained the long-looked-for document, ami 
now has the satisfaction of knowing that 
her honest and persistent efforts have re- 
leased the partner of her bosom from a 
loathsome prison and eternal disgrace. 



THURSDAY", MARCH 8. 

Brutal Murder by Negroes. — This day, 
one of the most atrocious cases of murder 
occurred in Madison county, Florida. Mat- 
thew D. Griffin, overseer for Major Watts, 
of that county, was most brutally murdered 
by nine of Major Watts's negroes. Six of 



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UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



173 



them confessed the act. The murdered man, 
who was greatly esteemed, was knocked 
on the head with an axe, and the body sunk 
in the middle of a lake some distance from 
where the horrible deed was committed. 

Killed by tiie Cars. — This day, a man 
named Rogers, a shoemaker, belonging to 
"Wilmington, Del., purchased a ticket in 
Philadelphia for Chester, and when the con- 
ductor came around, he gave it up. After 
the train had passed Chester, however, the 
conductor found him still in the cars. He 
told him he must got ofi' at Marcus Hook. 
Accordingly, when they reached the latter 
station, he went to Rogers and conducted 
him from the train. It is supposed that he 
attempted to get on again, and, in the effort, 
lost, his balance and fell between the train 
and the platform. His arms were both 
broken, as well as several of his ribs, and 
his body was horribly bruised. He man- 
aged, however, in his maimed condition, to 
crawl to a house near by, where medical 
attention was procured for him. The phy- 
sicians were unremitting in their attention, 
but all attempts to save his life proved 
fruitless, and he expired about daylight the 
next morning. 

Sentenced foe Rape on nis Daughter. 
— This day, Orlando B. Merrill pleaded 
guilty to a rape on his daughter, and was 
sentenced to thirty months' imprisonment 
in the State Prison. Some six months ago 
he was convicted of the same otfence and 
sentenced to twenty years in the State Pri- 
son. He was brought before the Supreme 
Court at the expiration of six months and 
was granted a new trial. The case was heard 
on this day, and, the court refusing to take 
the plea of nolle contredire, he pleaded guilty. 

Coal-Vein Discovered. — The San Fran- 
cisco (California) "Weekly National" of 
this date says : — A coal-vein was recently 
discovered near lone City, Amador county. 
The stratum, says the Calaveras "Chroni- 
cle," is ten feet thick, and equal in hard- 
ness and quality to the Peacock coal in 
Pennsylvania. Several tons have been 
tested, and found to be a good and cheap 
substitute for wood, and fit to be used for 
making steam. 

The New Jersey Opposition State Con- 
vention met at Trenton this day, and ap- 
pointed delegates to the Chicago Convention. 

A Female Miser and her Savings. — 
Sarah Holdridge, a maiden lady, died this 
day in Ledyard, Conn., at the age of sixty- 
eight years. She had always represented 
herself to be very poor and needy, and, con- 
sequently, was the recipient of many chari- 
table gifts and favors from those who took 



compassion upon her needy circumstances. 
She had lived alone for many years in an 
old one-story house, in an out-of-the-way 
place, and, a few days before she died, she 
expressed fears that she might have to go 
to the poor-house. After her death, her 
friends, thinking it highly probable that she 
had money concealed in the house, com- 
menced searching the premises. A tin pail, 
filled with silver, was found under her bed, 
and a kettle full of specie was also disco- 
vered. Some of it was mouldy and dusty 
with age, evidently having been undisturbed 
for years. The amount of specie thus 
discovered is $1G00. In addition to this, 
a thorough examination of the premises has 
brought to light a quantity of the old Conti- 
nental money, laid down in tobacco-leaves. 
As this is of no value, it was not counted. 
All her property goes to a relative,- — the only 
survivor of a once numerous family. This 
accumulation is supposed to have extended 
over a period of nearly fifty years. 

Ship De Witt Clinton Wrecked. — The 
ship De Witt Clinton, from Liverpool to 
New York, with passengers, went ashore at 
Squan Inlet, N.J., during a snow-storm, 
and bilged. The passengers were all got off 
in safety. 

Boy Killed by a Raileoad-Train. — 
This day, the night-express east struck 
three boys six miles east of Buffalo, killing 
one instantly and injuring one of the others 
badly. The third one is uninjured. The 
boys were aged about fifteen years. 

Elopement with a Widow and his 
Wife's Negroes. — This day, a man named 
Stephen G. Kennedy eloped from Memphis, 
Tenn., with a Mrs. Calhoun, taking with him 
six of his wife's negroes and his little daugh- 
ter. Mrs. Kennedy advertises $1000 reward 
for the negroes. She will pay nothing for 
the recovery of her husband. 

Dreadful Suicide from Jealousy. — A 
Father Poisons Himself and Two Chil- 
dren. — This day, in Syracuse, N.Y., a man 
named Peter Tinker killed himself and two 
children by taking poison. He first, poisoned 
his two children, aged about eight and six 
years, and, having laid them out and folded 
their hands upon their breasts, he left, them 
in an unoccupied room, where some of his 
furniture was stored, and went to his hotel 
and took poison himself, and soon after- 
ward died. 

The previous Tuesday he poisoned a horse 
belonging to Dr. Searles ; and it. is supposed 
he intended to shoot the doctor, as a loaded 
pistol was found on him. The cause was 
the estrangement of his wife, and her sup- 
posed intimacy with Searles under the influ- 
ence of free-love principles. Great excite- 



174 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



ment existed. Searles was locked up in the 
penitentiary, to protect him from the indig- 
liaiion of the citizens. 

After Tinker's death, the following let- 
ters were found : — 

Syracuse, February 27, 1860. 

Dear Friends : — I have lived long enough 
in this world, and am ready to die. I had 
a good wife as could be in the world, but 
she was coaxed away from her family. The 
doctor told her to make up her mind before 
she broke up, and not have it on her mind, 
then she could take comfort. As long as 
she worried she could not. This I heard 
myself, but I didn't think it wrong, for we 
never had any trouble since we were mar- 
ried. I was blind. I didn't think anybody 
could coax her away from her children. 
This is hard. She doesn't appear to care 
any more for her children than if they wasn't 
hers. How could a mother be so cruel? 
She said she didn't care where the children 
went — she was going where she was a mind 
to. She had made up her mind not to be 
troubled with them. The doctor commenced 
running out about Elder Seely and the 
church before she could sit up. He talked 
about spiritualism, and wanted her to go 
and hear the spiritualists lecture when she 
was able, and she said she would. I was 
in the same room, but they didn't know it. 
It was a double parlor. She never said 
"fetch the children's clothes, so I could see 
if they wanted any mendin': " no, she would 
rather see them run half naked. I could not 
stand that. If she can take comfort, let 
her. I hope they will take him and tar and 
feather him and her, and send him back to 
the Mormons, where he was four years; 
then he can run at large. It is a pity he 
didn't stay there. Lucinda, my oldest 
daughter, would come to me and say, " papa, 
I wish I was dead." "Everybody says your 
ma is to Dr. Searle's." "Papa, didn't we 
use to have a good home ? Flora and I used 
to keep school, and we had a nice time. I 
don't take comfort now; I am in one place 
and Flora in another." 

I hope this will come out in print, so they 
both can read it. I hope Amelia will not 
have any of my things that I leave behind, 
for she is not worthy of them. 

F. Tinker. 
March 7, 1860. 

To my Friends: — Here I am, on my dying 
bed. You will find my children in the Med- 
ical College. They are both asleep, and 
I want to go with them. Don't let that 
woman go with us. The children said she 
couldn't be their mother : if she had been, 
she wouldn't have gone and left us. Good- 
bye. P. Tinker. 

At the inquest held on the bodies, Dr. 
Searles and his wife, Mrs. Searles, indig- 
nantly denied his ever having any illicit in- 



tercourse with the wife of Tinker. He also 
denied calling upon her at unseasonable 
hours, or oftener than her disease required 
his attendance as a physician. 

Ship Musconomo fired at by a Spanish 
War-Steamer. — This day, the ship Musco- 
nomo, Captain Swansey, from Liverpool, 
while he was passing off Cuba, was chased 
and fired at by a war-steamer carrying 
Spanish colors. He hove to, and was ques- 
tioned by the steamer whither he was 
bound. The steamer then sailed away with- 
out giving any explanation. The Musco- 
nomo had American colors and private sig- 
nals flying all the time. 



FRIDAY, MARCH 9. 

Another Harper's Ferry Victim. — This 
day, was buried at Charlestown, Ya., Mrs. 
Allibone, the eldest sister of George W. 
Turner, who was slain by John Brown and 
his associates, by the side of her brother. 
She died at Mount Hope Lunatic-Asylum, 
whither she was taken shortly after her 
brother's death. She never rallied after 
his murder, but continued to sink until her 
broken spirit burst its earthly bonds and 
returned to its Maker. Another murder to 
be added to the Harper's Ferry list. 

Arraigned before the Senate for Con- 
tempt. — This 'day, Thaddeus Hyatt was 
brought before the Senate, for the purpose of 
receiving his final answer to the questions of 
the Harper's Ferry Committee, to wit: why 
he had refused to obey the summons of the 
committee, and whether he was now willing 
to answer such questions as the committee 
might propose. 

Mr. Hyatt submitted a long written argu- 
ment in response. He denies the power of 
the committee to call him before them. He 
goes into an argument to show that the 
Senate have not the power to coerce a wit- 
ness. But he generally says that he is now 
willing to appear before the committee and 
answer questions. A doubt existed, how- 
ever, as to the nature of the answer. The 
answer is, as Mr. Mason said, that he will 
make no answer. 

But the Senate, instead of suffering the 
paper to be read, went into a discussion of 
the question whether it was not a contempt 
to give reasons, — that is, to plead to the 
jurisdiction. 

Col. Lee was appointed to the command 
of all the troops of. the United States on the 
Rio Grande, this day. 

Murderous Assault in California. — 
In Santa Cruz, opposite San Francisco, 
angry words occurred between Philip Leg- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



173 



gett and a married woman, when Leggett 
drew a pistol and shot her, the ball grazing 
her head and passing through her wrist. 
He was taken into custody. 

Oil-Works Burned in Boston, and Loss 
of Life. — This day, the Chemical Oil-Works 
in East Boston, owned by Page & Mitchell, 
were destroyed by fire, and a young man, 
named Francis Dunbar, perished in the 
flames. 

The Massachusetts Republican State 
Convention met this day, for the selection 
of delegates at large to the Chicago Conven- 
tion, at Worcester. The delegates chosen 
were divided between Seward and Banks in 
their preference for the Presidency. 

Murder and Robbery in Greene County, 
Ala. — This day, a man named Hirschfield, 
proprietor of a small store at Hollow Square, 
was found murdered about three-quarters 
of a mile from his place. His neck was 
perforated with a bullet, and his skull frac- 
tured, apparently with the butt of an axe 
or some other heavy instrument. When 
Mr. Hirschfield was last seen by his friends, 
he had $700 in his possession, and when 
the body was found it was missing. This 
induces the belief that he was killed for the 
purpose of robbery. 

Duel between Governor Bliss and Dr. 
Stone, under the Rocky Mountains. — A 
duel was this day fought between Governor 
Bliss, of Jefferson Territory, and Dr. Stone. 
member of the Legislature, which resulted 
in the death of the latter. The first offence 
was given by Governor Bliss, in a toast at a 
dinner-party, and, singularly enough, con- 
sidering the time and place, was deliberate, 
and designed as a personal reflection and 
insult. This was avowed upon the spot, 
and of course it only remained for the 
parties to settle the terms of the meeting. 
These were shot-guns, loaded with a single 
ball ; distance, thirty paces ; time, three 
o'clock in the afternoon ; place, the High- 
land side of the Platte River. 

At the appointed hour the principals took 
their stations. The sun, which was ob- 
scured by flying clouds, was over Mr. Bliss's 
left shoulder. The wind was over Dr. Stone's 
left shoulder, and blowing, in light, fitful 
gusts, directly in the face of Mr. Bliss. Dr. 
Stone removed his coat and vest, leaving 
only a close-fitting suit of dark cloth. Mr. 
Bliss wore a loose sack of brown cloth, but- 
toned down in front, but very loose and 
flowing. The word was given by Mr. War- 
ren two or three times in practice, when 
the arms were presented the combatants, 
the seconds and surgeons retired, and the 
final word was then given. 

The report of Dr. Stone's gun followed 



immediately the word "fire." Mr. Bliss's 
was an instant later, and perfectly distinct. 

Dr. Stone fell to the ground, supposed to 
be mortally wounded, the ball of his oppo- 
nent entering the left thigh, penetrating the 
bladder, and passing through his entire 
body. The ball of Dr. Stone struck the 
ground some ten feet in advance of his op- 
ponent. Dr. Stone declining a second fire, 
the parties were then removed from the 
ground. 

The duel was a public affair, there being 
about six hundred persons present when it 
was fought. Stone, as well as being a 
member of the Legislature, was Secretary 
of the Territory, and Judge of the Miners' 
Court. 

Burial of P. Tinker and his Children. 
— This day, was buried P. Tinker, the un- 
fortunate man who yesterday committed 
suicide in Syracuse, N.Y. The ''Syracuse 
Journal" says : — 

The funeral took place at two o'clock in 
the afternoon, from the Medical College, in 
presence of not less than fifteen hundred 
people. 

Mrs. Tinker attended the funeral. On 
entering the room where the corpses of her 
husband and children lay, she wept a little 
over the first child, kissing it; she then cast 
but a single glance at her husband, who lay 
between the children, and wept a trifle over 
the remains of her other little daughter. 

Stage Burned. — Narrow Escape of the 
Passengers. — This day, according to the 
"Pittsburg Post," the coach carrying the 
mail from Lock Haven to Tyrone took fire 
between Lock Haven and Bellefonte, and 
was entirely consumed, together with the 
mails and the baggage belonging to the 
passengers. The accident occurred through 
the negligence of one of the passengers in 
throwing a lighted match into the straw in 
the bottom of the coach. In an instant 
every thing was enveloped in flames. It was 
with difficulty that the passengers escaped 
from the stage unhurt ; and, to make mat- 
ters worse, the horses took fright and ran. 
Before they could be stopped, the coach was 
so much burned that neither mails nor 
baggage could be saved. 

Destructive Fire in Eufaula, Ga. — 
Early on the morning of this day, a destruc- 
tive fire occurred in that city, destroying an 
entire block in the principal business por- 
tion of the city. The loss is estimated at 
about $40,000. Cory & Barrington, Fenn 
& Lewis, carriage-makers, E. H. Hunter, 
G. Ramser, furniture-dealers, D. C. Heidt, 
book and job printer, are among the princi- 
pal sufferers. The wind was blowing quite 
a gale at the time, and, though strenuous 
efforts were made to arrest the flames, they 



176 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



were unavailing 
sumed. 



until a block was con- 



Affray between a Maryland Judge and 
Member of the Legislature. — In the City 
Hotel, at Annapolis, Md., this clay, Judge 
Stump, while passing Col. McKaig, of Alle- 
ghany, was spoken to in a friendly way by 
that gentleman. He replied that he would 
speak to no man who had signed a rejiort 
without reading it, (meaning the report 
against the judge.) Col. McKaig said if he 
meant to say that he (Col. McKaig) had so 
signed any report, he (the judge) lied. The 
judge immediately struck the colonel over 
the head with his cane, who immediately 
struck the judge with a light stick he had 
in his hand. The judge, stepping back, 
fell over a stick of wood, when friends 
interfering, prevented any serious injury. 

Dreadful Murder in St. Louis. — This 
day. George Busch murdered his friend, 
Frank William Schmidt, in his boarding- 
house, Green Street, St. Louis. 

When Schmidt was found, his throat had 
been cut, and there were several severe 
gashes on his head and hands, showing that 
he had fought desperately for his life. 

Having thus foully murdered his friend, 
Busch stole from him $1900 in twenty-dollar 
gold pieces, and immediately fled to Cin- 
cinnati. 

Busch and his victim were intimate 
friends. They first became acquainted in 
California, where Schmidt had amassed a 
large sum of money. Busch wishing to 
return to the States, Schmidt kindly fur- 
nished him with the means, and took pass- 
age for New York himself in the same 
vessel. 

All the way from Sacramento until they 
reached St. Louis, the twain were insepa- 
rable, Schmidt the while furnishing any 
funds that Busch needed for his actual ex- 
penses, which kindness he requited by mur- 
dering and robbing him, as .stated above. 

Murder of Myers in St. Louis. — In St. 
Louis, this day, a man named Myers was 
murdered by a man named Henry Dugan. 
The circumstances, as related by the St. 
Louis papers, are as follows: — ■ 

Williams, who boarded at the house of 
one Myers, in the rear of Second Street, 
while in a drinking-saloon, carelessly ex- 
hibited between fifty-five and sixty dollars 
which he had in his wallet. A fellow known 
as Henry Dugan noticed this, and, with three 
or four companions, broke into Williams's 
room very early in the morning, and took 
the money from his coat, which was hang- 
ing at the foot of the bed. As they were 
going out, Myers, the landlord, woke up 
and pursued the robbers into the yard, at 
the same time calling for the police. He 



was immediately fired upon by one of the 
villains, the ball penetrating his heart and 
killing him almost instantly. The police, 
who had been alarmed by Myers's cries, 
followed the gang into their house and cap- 
tured them, not, however, before Dugan 
had shot at them, — happily, without effect. 



SATURDAY, MARCH 10. 

Great Fire in Houston, Texas. — About 
one o'clock the morning of this day, the 
largest fire that ever occurred in Houston 
commenced in Hudgpeth's eating-saloon, 
corner of Main and Congress Streets. The 
flames spread rapidly to the adjoining build- 
ing, which, being wooden, were soon one 
mass of flames. All the buildings in the 
block above Congress and west of Main 
Street were destroyed, except four. From 
the west side the fire crossed Main Street, 
destroying the entire block, with the excep- 
tion of six buildings. The " Houston Tele- 
graph" newspaper office was saved, as well 
as the large wholesale house of Kelsey, 
Stiles & Co. The morning was clear, and 
no wind. Had the wind been blowing, the 
loss would have been over one and a half 
million. It is now variously estimated at 
$350,000 to $500,000. 

estimated losses, etc. 

James Robertson, saloon, $8000: no in- 
surance. 

L. J. Latham', furniture, $50,000 : insu- 
rance, $15,000. 

J. R. Morris, hardware, $50,000 : no in- 
surance. 

J. B. Gallagher, dry-goods, &c, $32,000: 
insurance, $1500. 

E. L. Bremond, groceries, &c, $20,000: 
no insurance. 

D. M. Cutter, dry-goods, $30,000 : insu- 
rance unknown. 

J. S. Taft, books, &c, $15,000: insurance, 
$10,000. 

W. A. Van Alstyne, $20,000: fully in- 
sured. 

A policeman, named Foley, was shot and 
instantly killed, by a man named Flake. 
Flake is in custody. 

S. Meyer, liquor and cigars, $12,000 : 
partly insured. 

Hudgpeth's eating-house, $2500. 

F. Bauss, jeweller, $4000 : no insurance. 
H. Fleishman, clothing, $5000: insurance, 

$2800. 

A. D. McGowan, drug-store, $3000 : in- 
surance, $3000. 

A. J. Hay, drug-store, $15,000 ; insurance, 
$10,000. 

C. E. Gregory, $8000: insurance, $6000. 

J. H. Evans, furnishing-goods, $10,000 : 
insured in full. 

J. E. Clute, sewing-machines, $5000 : no 
insurance. 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



V, 



R. Dowling, saloon, $5000 : insurance, 
$1500. 

J. Riorden, provisions, $3000 : no in- 
surance. 

Church Destroyed by Fire. — This clay, 
at Alton, Illinois, the Baptist Church was 
burned. Loss, $10,000. 

A Whole Family Poisoned. — The " Chi- 
cago (HI.) Press,*' of this date, says: — 

The citizens of Napierville, Dupage county, 
have been having a mad-dog excitement 
lately. One day this week, a gentleman, 
whose name we have not learned, went to a 
drug-store to get some poison for the pur- 
pose of exterminating a part of the canine 
community, and, while there, purchased 
some chewing-gum for his children. He 
put both packages in his pocket and returned 
home. By mistake he gave the wrong pack- 
age to his children, and baited the dogs with 
the gum, in consequence of which the former 
very soon died. Not long after, his wife also 
expired from the effects of a small portion 
of the supposed gum, and the man was him- 
self taken dangerously ill, he having taken 



a taste of the poison under the same mis- Gazette" gives the following account of the 



take. Our informant states that the child 
of another man has been poisoned in the 
same town by eating a soda-cracker pre- 
pared for a dog. 

Beaten to Death. — The morning of this 
day, in New York, Richard Guerckin, a Ger- 
man emigrant runner, residing in the First 
Ward, received a terrible beating in the 
liquor-saloon No. 04 Washington Street, 
which resulted in his death. Deceased, at 
the time, was under the influence of liquor, 
and quarrelled with Dannman, the bar- 
tender. He struck Dannman, who, getting 
the worst of it, seized a club and hit Guerc- 
kin two powerful blows on the head, which 
floored him. As soon as he got on his feet, 
he staggered home, and was put to bed, 
when he went, apparently, into a sleep, from 
which lie never awoke. In the morning he 
was Found dead, and, from an examination 
of the body, it was shown that death re- 
sulted from a fracture of the skull. Dann- 
man fled, but was afterward arrested. 

Adjournment of the Maryland Legis- 
lature. — This day, the Maryland Legisla- 
ture adjourned at midnight, concluding the 
most exciting session ever held. 

The appropriation bills were passed du- 
ring the last few hours of the session. 

The City Passenger Railroad question was 
left without legislation. 

They settled the contested-election cases, 
by turning out the Baltimore delegates, de- 
claring the clerkship of the Circuit Court 
vacant, and declaring Mr. Jarrett, Demo- 
crat, elected Comptroller of the State. 



The Governor signified to the House that 
he would comply with the request of the 
Legislature and remove Judge Stump. 

They also passed a stringent bill to sup- 
press lotteries. Persons dealing in lottery- 
tickets are liable to a fine of one thousand 
dollars and imprisonment. Those who buy 
lottery-tickets, or any other device to de- 
liver to the purchaser any money, property, 
or evidence of debt on the happening of any 
contingency in the nature of a lottery, may 
recover from the seller, as small debts are 
recoverable, the sum of fifty dollars for every 
ticket, &c. purchased. The renting of a 
house for selling lottery-tickets is a finable 
offence, as is also printing the advertise- 
ments of a lottery. 

Affray in the Rotunda of the Mary- 
land House of Representatives. — The 
evening of this day, a desperate affray oc- 
curred in the rotunda of the Maryland 
House of Representatives, between Mr. 
Thomas Gardner, clerk of the Criminal 
Court in Baltimore, and a Mr. John W. 
McCoy, also of that city. The Baltimore 
correspondent of the New York "Police 



12 



affray, lie says, (speaking of Gardner 

He has exerted himself very strenuously 
as a lobby-member and right-hand man of 
Jonathan Brock, the Railway King, and 
worked for the Brock bill. But that mea- 
sure was defeated. Smarting under his 
disappointment, he attacked a Mr. McCoy, 
of this city, an opponent of the bill, and 
knocked him down in the rotunda of the 
State Capitol. Mr. McCoy, to defend him- 
self, drew a revolver and fired twice, wound- 
ing Gardiner in the thigh. McCoy was at- 
tacked, while on the ground, by some of 
Gardiner's friends, (some of the roughs who 
were brought down in a special train for 
such purposes as this by Brock and Gardi- 
ner,) and dreadfully beaten and kicked. 
He was also arrested and taken before a 
magistrate, and put under bail to answer 
for an assault with intent to kill. This 
affair created much excitement among the 
members of the House. Many rumors had 
spread that the Baltimore clubs were coming 
down to make them repeal the police bills ; 
but, after a short time, the members became 
quiet. A few hours afterward, however, 
the House was again disturbed by rumors. 
Members were seen making for the doors, 
and some threats were heard against the 
Speaker, Mr. Kilbourne. During the con- 
fusion, one of the members moved to ad- 
journ the House sine die, which was carried 
in the confusion of the moment. Some of 
the legislators, fearing an attack was to be 
made upon the Speaker, escorted him to his 
hotel. Had the House adjourned one hour 
later, there is no doubt in my mind that 
there would have been an assault made upon 



ITS 



V I N CENT'S SEMI -ANN I' \ I. 



[March 



oral prominent members, by parties who I Studley, of Massachusetts, wore drowned 

.. . .1 ■ .1 . ,:... i- ,1. .. '.. i • 'IM .' :..• :o, .1 i.. .,...1 r. 



-o\ ei ftl pi 

were there al the time of the adjournment, 
drinking and carousing around the restau- 
rants, to get themselves heated for bloody 

Wei I.. 

A Lad's ff< rsbwhips \ Gentleman.— The 
evening of this day, in Union Square, New 
York, a gentleman was horsewhipped bj a 
lady. In giving an account of the affair, 
the ■• Now York Express" says: — 

At about dusk, a well-dressed and, to all 
appearance, fashionable lady, was observed 
entering I nion Square, in company with a 
gentleman of the ban ton order,— that is. if 
garments of the latest and most approved 
fashion can be taken as sufficient evidence 
o\' the fact. The two were talking in an 
earnest manner, and both seemed rather ex- 
cited to about the only looker-on. who says 
that the lady was weeping. When the pair 
had got a little waj beyond the railing, 
the female suddenly stopped. Her com- 
panion moved on, however, as it' to escape 
from her company, when she drew what 
seemed to be a delicate row hide from under 
a heavy shawl, and, grasping him bj the 
arm. laid the whip on with considerable 
strength. He made no noise, but unsuc- 
cessfully attempted to escape, the flagella- 
tion being continued with a determination 
which proved that the woman had made up 
her mind to do the "job" in a delightfully 
artistic style. In about two minutes, the 
recipient of these painful honors grasped the 
eowiiide and succeeded in securing it. The 
female then, thoroughly enraged, slapped 
him violently in the face, hastily arranged 
her dress, and, emerging' on Fourteenth 
Street, proceeded down Broadway at a rapid 
rate, and was lost sight of after being fol- 
lowed for a couple of blocks. The gentle- 
man stood still for several minutes and 
looked around to see if there had been any 
observers, then picked up his hat, which 
had be d knocked offbj the infuriated wo- 
man, and. addressing himself to the by- 
stander who alone had observed the scene, 
said that •• sin- was a perfect tiger." thrust 
the whip in his pocket, and went down West 

Sixteenth Street. Who the parties are, it is 
impossible to say; but the probability is 

that some down-town girl has boon badly 
treated by an up-town dandy, and took this 
means ^>\' •• getting square." 



SUNDAY, MAECH 11. 

Loss or tim: BRIG RlVER Belle. — This 
day. the ship Forest King, eight miles south- 
east of ("ape Antonio, came in collision with 
the brig River Belle, Captain Haines, from 

CienfuegOS, bound to New York. The brig- 
was sunk in less than five minutes. Cap- 
tain Haines and his two children, and Wm. 



The oaptain's wife, the mate, and five men 
wore saved and brought to New Orleans by 
the Forest King. The River Belle had a 

cargo o\' molasses for New York. 

Destruction of the Steamer Belle. — 

This day. the steamer Belle, from Peoria, 
with a full cargo, was burned at Sharp's 
Landing. Throe doek-hauds perished. The 

boat was insured for $15,000. 

Destructive Fire at Naples, III. — This 
day. the Great Western Railroad depot, two 

hotels, and grocery adjoining, were burned, 
at Naples, Illinois. 



MONDAY, MARCH 12. 
Steamboat-Explosion. — Loss of Lite. 

— The night of this day. the steamer S. M. 

Manning, for Hawkinsville, on the Ocmul- 

gee Liver, exploded. All the crow are 
missing. Captain Taylor is sale. Light 
negroes and live whites wore lost, and seve- 
ral others wounded. Among the white pass- 
engers known to be killed are Joseph 
\\ illiams, John Harrell, and Jacob Parker, 
all citizens of Telfair county. All the heavy 
freight on board the Steamer was saved, and 
the light freight ruined. The steamer was 

not insured 

The Homestead Bill this day passed 
the House. It provides that any person 
who is the head o\' a family, or who has ar- 
rived at the age of twenty-one years, and 
is a citizen of the United States, or who 
shall have filed his intentions to become 
SUCh, shall be entitled to enter, free of cost, 
one hundred and sixty (160) acres of the 
public lands, upon which the said person 
may have filed a pre-emption claim, or 
which may at the time the application is 
made be subject to pre-emption at one dol- 
lar and a quarter, or less, per acre, or 
eighty acres at two dollars and a half per 

acre. No certificate to be given or patent 
issued until after the expiration of five 
years from (he date o\' said entry; and 
OH the payment of ten dollars, the rights 
secured by the actual settlers shall issue to 
the heirs and devisees. The land thus ac- 
quired is in no case to become liable to the 
satisfaction of any debts contracted prior 
to the issuing of the patent. 

Engineer Killed. — The morning of this 
day, William Ritchie, an engineer on the 
Central Railroad of New Jersey, was run 
over by a train of cars near New Hampton, 
and instantly killed. He was a single man, 
and highly esteemed, being considered one 
of the best engineers in the country. 



I860.] 



D N l I i; D ST \ I B8 BEG rSTE B. 



170 



Mi : 'iin? in C ILIVOBHIA. — 

This day, a difficulty occurred in Sacra- 
mento, in the night, between D. 0. Brown, a 
dealer in hides, and Mr. Keating, a printer. 
Keating assaulted Brown, irhen the latter 
i knife and inflicted a wound in the 
neck of hie antagonist. Bum was the i 

Di 

B i:v Fun;. — Eighteen l.ivi.s si P- 

■ ro be Lost. teamer 

Judge Porl er, from M y (Ala.) to 

New * I 

nine o'clock, when about one mile from the 

ad of the Carrollton < ; c Jeff 
Railroad. The Judge Porter had on 

fifteen passengers and about eighl 
hundred bales of cotton and The 

fire commenced in the engine-room, sup- 
posed to have been causi 'I bj the friction of a 
iiain. In about five minutes after the 
fire was firs! discovered, the entire boat 
Lveloped in flames, and all aboard had 
to take to the water. The second engineer, 
cook, and .Mr. Farrar, the 
sing. It is sup] 
thai they cither perished in the flames or 
were drowned. 

Of the passengers, but one is known 
to have been saved. Ee, together with 
i ;: nd crew, was picked up by 
near 
by. The pilot, Mr. Henderson, was the las! 
e the boat, which he did after head- 
ing 1 slightly burned 
ting off. The boa! and cargo, together 
iv i i li the books and baggage, are a total Loss. 
The Judge Porter was owned by her com- 
and insured in 
3000. 

dies were after- 
ward washed on shore and inque 
thorn. 

clerk, aged 
it, a native of England and a 
young man 
ir on the Lei near the 

'ex ion and red hair. No. 
?>. A ■ dark hair, appa- 

rently dyed, i to beJoseph Smith, a 

La. No. 4. 

one, red hair. 

No. "i. Walter, the colored steward of the 

■ to a gentleman of Mont- 

gomei an of the boat, 

lined Flat-nosed Jack. No. 7. Sup- 

•v. Sullivan, known by the 

name of Big Ned, five feet high, several 

' the letters E. S. tattooed on 

his body. No. 8. A m 

implexion, blac n Ly-colored 

moustache and goatee; had what appeared 
to be a railroad baggage key, with the let- 
ters L. V. II. It. 00 

igh, black hair and heavy bl ick ' 
about forty years of age, dark complexion. 



No. 10. A man six feet high, brown hair, 
slight beard on chin, a bo I o. 11. 

,\ young man twenty-five year- ol 
brown hair, slight moustache and - 

No. 1-. A man about thirty years ol 
dark hair, heavy Long beard, first joint of 
left thumb amputated. No. 13. Old man 
aged fifty-five, suppo from Ala- 

bama, no whisk . had back 

pari of black frock-coal with velvet collar 
burned off. No. 1 I. A man sii feel high, 
thirty-five years of age, brown hair, 
mou stache, had I 
Left arm a heart, pierced by 
]■'>. Supposed to he Dr. Hudson, about 
ty-five years of age, auburn hair, had 
Lancets, a cross-shaped hair breastpin set in 
gold, and a gold watch. 

Tkrkible Explosion iv THI Atlantic 
.; v. BbOOKLTK. — This day. the boiler 
of the Atlantic Foundry. Brooklyn, ex- 
ploded, doing a great deal of damage to the 
property, killing John Hazelton, the engi- 
neer, and injuring four others. 



TUESDAY, MAECH 13. 
Destrttctios or iin: Babe Martha 

:;■ LlGHTHIVG. — This 
•lay, the bark Martha, whilst on her \ 
from Charleston for Boston, was struck by 
lightning, which, setting fire to her load of 
cotton, destroyed the vessel. The follow- 
in'.'' is Captain Hoffman's report: — 

On Monday, the 13th, at 10.20 A.M., was 
: by Lightning, setting the 
deck on fire, and in Beveral places in the 
hold ; threw a portion of the deck-load 

. and threw water with buckets on the 
Continued to work until 5 a.m.. Tues- 
day, 14th, when flames came through the 
main hatch. At 6.15 a.m. left the bark in 
our boats, thirteen in all, including the 
captain's wife, saving nothing. At 11 a.m. 
bead. At L2 picked 

up by the schooner Wave, off Egg Harbor, 
and brought to the harbor. After we were 
taken on board, the schooner stood for the 
bark, and found her at '.) P.M. enveloped in 
. At midnight, could just see the fire, 
and in half an hour after she went down. 

The Martha was built at St. John, N.B., 

in 1853, and owned by J. W. Caldwell, of 

Charl or hundred and 

ty tons, burden, and rated A 2. The 

cargo is valued at $75,000. 

M\tt.s Gives op, Charged with Mirder 

[LOBS. — This day. Gordon Hire- and 

Edmund V. Lane, mat"- of the American bark 

Anna, were delivered into the custody of the 

United States Marshal on a warrant under 

tradition T the Mayor 

ithampton, England, and the Hon. 



180 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Makch, 



George M. Dallas, Minister to England. 
The prisoners are charged with cruelties on 
six of the crew of the Anna, which resulted 
in the death of John Armstrong, John Tut- 
hill, Frank Layton, David Peggins, AVilliam 
Pomroy, and AVilliam Johnson. 

Letter from the Secretary of the 
Navy Prohibiting the Blockade of Vera 
Cruz. — The following letter from the Secre- 
tary to Captain Jarvis had not reached him 
at the time of the capture of the Miramon 
steamers : — 

Navy Department, March 13, 1857. 
Si R: — With a view to afford the protection 
due our citizens at Vera Cruz, the President 
has directed the Hon. Mr. McLane, should 
a hostile force approach that place, and he 
should consider the American citizens there 
in danger from its operations, to request 
the commanding officer of the United States 
vessels-of-war on that coast to land such 
forces as may be needed, and can be spared 
from indispensable duties, and to employ 
them for the protection of our citizens 
whose persons or property he may believe 
to be in danger. Should Mr. McLane, there- 
fore, make of you, as senior commanding 
officer, the request which his instructions 
authorize him to do, you will promptly com- 
ply with it. Statements having been made 
which lead to the belief that arrangements 
are making, by what is known as the Mira- 
mon Government of Mexico, to establish a 
blockade at Vera Cruz and other ports of 
the Gulf of Mexico, the President has de- 
cided that no such blockade will be recog- 
nised by the United States. You are, there- 
fore, directed to employ the naval force 
under your command to afford American 
vessels free ingress and egress at all Mexi- 
can ports, and fully to protect them. 

The same orders were sent to Captain 
Farragut, commanding the Brooklyn, and 
Commanders Turner, Jenkins, and Hazard, 
respectively commanding the Saratoga, 
Preble, and Pocahontas. 

In communicating the documents relative 
to the course of Captains Jarvis and Turner 
in the seizure of the Miramon steamers, the 
Secretary adds: — "Upon the facts stated in 
these official reports, the Department ap- 
proves of the conduct of both these gallant 
officers and the officers and men under their 
command." 

Villanous. — In Stockton, Cal., this day, 
an attempt was made to blow up a row of 
wooden tenements on the corner of El Do- 
rado and Washington Streets. 

A Wrecked Ship Abandoned. — This day, 
the ship Revenue, Captain Luce, from Flush- 
ing to New York, saw a derelict ship, with 
fore and main mast gone, stump of mizzen- 



mast and crossjack-yard up, and painted 
black. No person on board. 

Robbery of the Mail. — This day, thir- 
teen men of the band of Cortinas, a Mexican 
robber, robbed the United States Mail op- 
posite Regnosa, on the Rio Grande. 

Four Children Burned to Death. — 
The night of this day, the dwelling-house 
of Mr. William Rhodes, on the Lucinea 
Furnace Road, and near the farm of Joseph 
Snyder, Esq., in Clarion county, Pa., was 
burned to the ground, and four of his boys, 
one aged about twenty years, burned to 
death. 

It appears that Mr. Rhodes was not at 
home, being engaged working some distance 
away. Four of the children were sleeping 
in the loft, and five down-stairs, with the 
mother. When Mrs. Rhodes awakened, she 
ran to the kitchen, and discovered that the 
stairs were burned away, and, as a matter 
of course, all chance of escape for her chil- 
dren in the loft was cut off. 

She got out four of those below, and then 
tried to get into the loft from the outside, 
but. failed, the flames being too strong; no 
doubt the children were then dead. At this 
fearful moment, she remembered that her 
youngest child was still in bed, and, with a 
mother's love, and regardless of the danger, 
she rushed in amid the flames and smoke, 
and, snatching the babe from its bed, es- 
caped safely beyond the reach of the burning 
building. It was a terrible moment for 
that poor mother. She had barely escaped 
with one little one, while four others were 
burning within the house. No one was near 
to aid her in this moment of agony, and she 
could only look upon the destruction of her 
home, and weep bitterly for those loved 
ones whom death has so suddenly taken 
from her. 

The bones of the children were carefully 
gathered and deposited in the Clarion grave- 
yard. 

Destructive Fire in Mobile. — The The- 
atre, Twelve Buildings, and Three Thou- 
sand Bales of Cotton Destroyed. — Loss, 
$265,000. — This day, the largest fire occurred 
that has ever taken place in Mobile. A 
paper of that city says : — 

The flames were first seen issuing from a 
kitchen in rear of Wm. H. Dunn's bar-room 
and restaurant, (owned by Mr. J. Emanuel,) 
opposite the theatre, at about four o'clock in 
the morning, whence they communicated to 
the main building in front, and that, too, was 
in a short time completely enveloped in 
flames. The kitchen was pretty well burned 
before the bell sounded the alarm. 

From Mi*. Dunn's bar-room the fire ex- 
tended north to the livery-stable adjoining, 
(owned by the Slatter estate, and occupied 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



181 



by Mr. D. L. Cummins,) which soon shared 
a fate similar to the buildings first visited by 
the devouring element. There were in this 
building a large number of valuable horses 
and fine carriages : the former were turned 
loose, and the latter were rolled out in time 
to save them from destruction. The large 
quantity of hay here stored for stable-use 
furnished the fire with abundance of material 
for combustion, and the falling sparks, before 
many minutes had elapsed, ignited the cotton 
in the yard adjoining. 

In this yard, which is connected with the 
Uuion Press, were stored thirty-two hundred 
bales of cotton, — two hundred of which were 
saved by being rolled into the street and 
hauled into vacant lots in the vicinity. The 
warehouse was owned by Wm. Jones, Jr. 

While the fire was extending north, a strong 
northerly breeze swept the flames and sparks 
over in other directions, and the building 
occupied by Messrs. Toulmin, Voorhees & 
Co., and the theatre, on the opposite side of 
the street, began to attract the attention of 
the fire-depaitment, and were soon wrapped 
in flames and rapidly consumed. From the 
theatre the fire extended north, and, in its 
devastating career, destroyed the building 
occupied by Mr. Fred. Hall as a depot for the 
sale of slaves, and south to the buildings occu- 
pied by Messrs. Haden & Stone, and others. 
All of this property yielded to the progress 
of the flames, and is now a heap of ruins. 

Mr. Duffield is a heavy loser, none of the 
stage-scenery or mechanical arrangements of 
the establishment being saved, and all of the 
wardrobes left in the building being entirely 
consumed. The buildings on the west side 
of Royal Street, including the theatre, were 
also owned by the Slatter estate, and are par- 
tially covered by insurance. 

After the fire had extended to the Emanuel 
property on St. Michael Street, great diffi- 
culty was experienced in obtaining an ade- 
quate supply of water, and the Lafayette 
House was once or twice on fire, and it was 
thought must share the fate of its neighbors. 
Fortunately, however, it was saved by the 
untiring efforts of those in the building, who 
succeeded in extinguishing the flames by 
passing up water in buckets. The furniture 
was mostly removed, and thus badly injured ; 
and thereby the proprietor, Mr. Fulton, be- 
comes a considerable loser. 

Meanwhile the flames completely con- 
sumed all the buildings to which they 
extended, reaching down St. Michael Street 
as low as the office of Messrs. D. Wheeler & 
Co., which, with the buildings beyond, was 
saved by an increased supply of water and 
the double party-walls separating them. By 
this time the steam fire-engine was brought 
into full play, and rendered valuable assist- 
ance in furnishing a supply of water, for 
lack of which so much valuable property had 
already been destroyed. 



The following is a list of the owners and 
occupants of the buildings destroyed: — 

Owners of Houses. — Wm. Jones, Jr., Jona- 
than Emanuel, Mrs. Judge Meek, and minor 
heirs of Hope H. Slatter. 

Oecupants of Stores, Offices, §c. — Union 
Cotton-Press Company ; D. L. Cummins, 
livery-stable ; W. H. Dunn, bar-room and 
restaurant ; John Chenell, billiard-saloon ; 
Toulmin, Voorhees & Co., H. A. Lowe, A. 
Gracie & Son, Barnesley, Sager & Co., A. 
Bieupercht, and D. A. Dwight & Co., cotton- 
buyers; Z. C. Deas and Geo. A. Tut hill & 
Co., cotton-brokers; Sidney T. Douglas, 
notary public; S. B. Duffield, theatre; Tip- 
ton & Gray, and-Lewis Woodard, barbers; 
Fred. Hall, negro-trader ; J. G. Feldheim, 
costumer; Haydon & Stone, bar-keepers ; a 
shoe-shop, cock-pit, and some fifteen 01 
twenty private rooms over Haydon & Stone's, 
the occupants of which are not known, but 
all of whom are sufferers to a greater or less 
extent. 

The value of furniture broken is also a 
considerable item, of which nothing like a 
correct estimate can be given. 

The Mobile "Tribune" says: — 

Upon buildings alone the loss, as estimated 
by the owners, is $100,000; while upon cot- 
ton — of which very nearly three thousand 
bales are ascertained to have been consumed 
—it will reach, at $50 per bale, $150,000. 
The loss to Mr. Duffield is estimated at 
$3000; Mr. Dunn estimates his loss at 
$10,000; Mr. Cummins, his loss at $2500; 
and all other occupants of offices and rooms 
in the burned district are more or less losers. 
These figures bring the amount of loss in 
sight up to $205,500; and we think $10,000 
not a large estimate for the sum total of 
minor losses. 

The losses sustained by the insurance com- 
panies, we find upon iuquh-y, amount to 
SI 50, 700, divided as follows: — 

Navigation Insurance Company $23,700 

City Insurance Company 23,000 

Merchants' Insurance Company 17,000 

Alabama Life & Trust Ins. Co 16,000 

Fulton Insurance Company 15,500 

Mobile Insurance Company 11,000 

Marine Dock Insurance Company 6,500 

Firemen's Insurance Company 5,000 

Southern Mutual Insurance Com- 1 „„ on ^ 

pany, (Ga.,) S. T. Douglass, Agt, / - d > uuu 
Royal Insurance Co., (London,) "l looort 

Geo. Martin & Co., Agents / 1Z ' WU 

Hartford Insurance Co., C. W. Dor- "1 ^™ 

ranee, Agent j ' 

./Etna Insurance Co., (Hartford,) "I ^p. 

J. M. Muldon, Agent j ' 



$156,700 



Fire in Auburn, N.Y. — This day, in the 
night, the dwelling of George B. Hollister, in 



182 



VINCENT'S SEMI-AXNUAL 



[March, 



Mount Auburn, N.Y., -was entirely destroyed 
by fire. Loss, $10,000. 

Committal to Jail of Thaddeus L. 
Hyatt. — This day, Thaddeus L. Hyatt was 
committed to the jail of the District of Co- 
lumbia, by the Senate, for refusing to testify 
before the Harper's Ferry Committee. 



■WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14. 

Barbarous Crime. — Starving a Mother. 
— A man named Willis Graves, living in 
Cleveland, Ohio, was detected in the barba- 
rous crime of attempting to starve his mother 
to death. From the "Cleveland Herald" of 
this date, "which relates the sad story, we 
gather the following particulars :— 

The son has recently married a second 
time, since which occurrence both he and his 
wife have treated the mother in the most in- 
human manner. About this time she was 
removed from her former chamber to a small 
back one, in which she has been ever since; 
and here she would have shortly died in 
destitution and want, had not the community 
been so roused up as to compel a change for 
the better. The furniture of this room has 
been a bed, a table, and one chair, and every 
thing was of the meanest possible description. 
Some six weeks ago, Mrs. Graves was so re- 
duced as to be confined to her bed; and there 
she was suffered to lie, day after day, with 
no one to sit with her, no one to care for her. 
She had lain on this bed, too weak to move 
or help hei'self, day and night, totally neg- 
lected, except once a day, at noon, when she 
was tended for a few minutes by two German 
women, and a bit of dry toast given her to 
eat ; and, with this bit of toast as her only 
meal in twenty-four hours, she has wasted 
away until she is now a bare skeleton. It 
will seem incredible that a son and daughter 
could so forget all the principles of love, 
affection, or common humanity as to thus 
systematically drag an aged parent down to 
the grave ; and, were not the evidence too 
strong to be disputed, no one could credit 
the story. The evidences of the cruelty 
were all around her; for on her miserable bed 
was no sign of a sheet, but she lay on the 
bare straw bed until festering sores covered 
her back and limbs, and she was totally 
neglected in her bed, when too weak to move, 
for three days. AVhen her son was remon- 
strated with for his unnatural conduct, he 
sneeringly asked, " What is the use of taking 
the bread from the living and giving it to 
one three-quarters dead?" Mrs. Graves was 
promptly rescued from her miserable situa- 
tion. 

Fire and Loss of Life at the St. Charles 
Hotel, New Orleans. — A fire occurred at 
this hotel, this day, which destroyed one 



life and may prove the cause of the loss of 
others. The "Crescent," speaking of it, 
says : — 

Shortly after twelve o'clock yesterday 
the town was startled by the news that the 
St. Charles Hotel was on fire. Such proved 
to be the fact. The fire was in the store- 
room of the hotel, in the basement, fronting 
on Gravier Street. The timely arrival of the 
firemen, howeyer, prevented the flames from 
getting outside the store-room or doing very 
much damage to the groceries and liquors 
there stored. The fire when arrested had 
just got through the wooden ceiling of the 
room, and a few minutes later would have 
been up through the dining-room floor of the 
hotel. 

The fire originated in an accident by which 
one man lost his life, and another man and a 
boy were so badly injured as to render their 
recovery doubtful. These were Robert Smith, 
partner in the firm of Messrs. Uolloway & 
Co., of Camp Street, John Koskelly, ami a 
boy named Jerry Murphy. They were at 
work at the gasometer of the hotel, which is 
in a corner of the rear of the store-room, 
high up, over the platform or gallery-floor 
which extends round the room midway be- 
tween the floor and the ceiling. They were 
attaching to the gas-works some sort of new 
economizing invention, in which naphtha, a 
very inflammable substance, is used. How the 
naphtha caught we are unable to discover; 
but at the hotel it is stated that the combus- 
tion of this substance, spreading the flame 
with almost explosive force, was what did 
the damage. 

Two men and a boy had their retreat by 
the rear cut off, and could not escape by the 
front, as the door was closed and locked. 
When the front door was forced open, one of 
the sufferers ran out and fell in the gutter, 
a sight shocking to behold. As soon as the 
flames were quenched, the bodies of the other 
victims were found lying on the floor, their 
clothes burned, their hair burned ofl", and 
their flesh literally roasted. All were wrapped 
in blankets and taken to the hospital. Kos- 
kelly soon died. Smith survived up to last 
evening, but his life was despaired of. The 
boy, least burned of the three, may possibly 
recover. 

Murder in Nebraska. — This day, in Au- 
raria, Nebraska, a cold-blooded murder was 
perpetrated. Moses Young and Wm. West 
had a quarrel over some title-deeds, which 
the latter held to secure a debt of ^l-'-J, due 
him from Young. Young finally left the 
house, and West locked the door after him, 
remarking that he was afraid Young would 
return and shoot him. The person to whom 
he made this remark left West's residence, 
walked to Young's house, and, when within 
three or four steps of the door, saw Young 
level his gun at West, who was walking 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



183 



obliquely by the house. Witness said, 
"Mose, don't shoot." Young replied, "I 
said I would," and immediately fired, and 
fifteen buckshot, from Young's double-bar- 
relled shot-gun, took effect in the right hip 
and side of West. "West fell, and cried out to 
arrest Young, for he had murdered him, and j 
expired in about twenty minutes thereafter. 
Young fled, and secured himself in the attic 
of a store-room in Denver. He was found 
about sundown, under a big pile of harness, 
in one corner. The crowd — and there was an 
immense one — exhibited great moderation, 
and decided to give him a fair public trial 
on the next day. 



Aged Horse. — This day, the noted horse 
Old Turk, owned by Judge Kelly, of Alabama, 
died, at the age of thim--nine years. He 
was, no doubt, the oldest horse in the States, 
aul was foaled and raised in St. Clair county, 
Alabama. He has been in the Kelly family 
nearly thirty years, and was very highly 
prized for his noble qualities. 

Death of LilbcrnW. Boggs, Ex-Goverx- 
or of Missouri. — Died, this day, at his re- 
sidence, in Napa Valley, California, Lilburn 
W. Boggs, ex-Governor of Missouri, at the 
age of sixty-three years, after a long illness. 
The Napa ''Reporter" speaks thus of him: — 

Lilburn W. Boggs was born in Lexington, 
Ky., December 14, 1796, and removed to 
Missouri in 1816. In 1817 he was chosen 
cashier of the United States Bank at St. 
Louis, which office he held for two or more 
years. After having served in both branches 
of the Legislature, from Jackson county, for 
several terms, he was elected to the office of 
Lieutenaut-Governor, in 1834. In 18-38 he 
was elected Governor. On retiring from 
office, in 1842, he was immediately elected to 
the Senate, from his own district, consisting 
of Jackson and the adjoining counties. Iu 
1840 he emigrated to California and settled 
in Sonoma ; he filled the office of alcade of 
that district until the organization of our 
State Government. Iu 1849 he was chosen 
a delegate to the State Constitutional Con- 
vention, and in 1850 was elected to the As- 
sembly from Sonoma county. In 18-52 he 
remove! to Napa county, and has devoted his 
energies since that time chiefly to the im- 
provement and cultivation of the beautiful 
farm upon which he resided at the time of 
his decease. Governor Boggs was one of the 
pioneers of California, and had a large share 
in the moulding of the institutions of that 
State. His name will ever be identified with 
its history, as one of the most intelligent and 
energetic men who aided in establishing Ame- 
rican civilization upon the Pacific coast. 
Governor Boggs leaves a widow and eleven 
children. 

Death of Lewis C. Levin. — About one 



o'clock this morning, the Hon. Lewis C. 
Levin died in Philadelphia. For several 
years Mr. Levin was one of the most promi- 
nent of Philadelphia politicians, and, until 
about the year 1856, no one held a more com- 
manding position in the ranks of the party 
opposed to the Democracy. Mr. Levin was 
a Southern man by birth, having beeu born 
in Charleston, S.C., November 10, 1808. He 
received a liberal education, having gradu- 
ated at Columbia College, S.C. He adopted 
the profession of the law, and he practised it 
in Maryland, Louisiana, and Kentucky. He 
first came to Philadelphia about eighteen or 
twenty years ago, and soon attracted much 
attention from the prominent part he took in 
the temperance-cause. He possessed much 
power as a public speaker, and his graphic 
lectures upon the subject of temperance 
always attracted crowds. In the year 1843 
he attached himself to Native Americanism, 
and if he was not the founder of the party 
in that year, he was at least among the most 
influential of its founders. Mr. Levin be- 
came the editor of the "Daily Sun" about 
that time, and made the paper the organ 
jointly of Native Americanism and temper- 
ance. On the memorable Monday, May 6, 
1"41, Mr. Levin was making a speech in the 
market-house at Kensington, when the meet- 
ing he was addressing was fired upon, and 
Shiftier, Rhinedollar, and other Natives were 
killed, and created party martyrs. This act 
was the commencement of the series of ter- 
rible riots, murders, and church-burnings 
which disgraced Philadelphia in May, 1844, 
to be repeated in July of the same year, at 
the time of the bloody affair at the Church 
of St. Philip de Neri, in Queen Street, South- 
ward On that occasion Mr. Levin used all 
the power of his eloquence to restrain the 
fury of his own partisans. 

During the excitement of this period Mr. 
Levin was untiring. With his pen and tongue 
he labored unceasingly for the cause of Na- 
tive Americanism. He was among those 
arrested on the charge of treason in 1844, 
but he was never tried. In 1845 Mr. Levin 
was elected to represent the First District in 
Congress. He served with credit to himself 
from 1845 to 1847, and again from 1847 to 
1851. He generally formed a part of the 
Committee on Naval Affairs. He was suc- 
ceeded by Mr. Florence, who now occupies 
a seat in the House. After his retirement, 
Mr. Levin did not make a prominent appear- 
ance in politics until the campaign of 1856, 
when he inaugurated a movement against 
Fremont. He held a meeting at National 
Hall, which broke up in a disturbance, Mr. 
Levin being ejected from the platform by the 
supporters of Fremont. This was the last 
appearance of Mr. Levin in public. He has 
been in a declining state of health for the 
past few years, and his death was daily 
expected. 



184 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



Burning of the Ship Wabano, in New 
York Harbor. — In New York, this day, the 
ship Wabano, Captain Duty, bound from New 
York for Antwerp, caught fire about noon, 
while going down the bay, and burned to the 
water's edge. The flames spread with such 
rapidity as to defy every effort to subdue 
them. The officers and crew were taken off 
by the pilot-boat Elwood Walter, saving but 
little more than the clothing on their backs. 
The ship was owned by Messrs. Hurlbut, 
Latiu & Co., and was valued at §32,000. Her 
loss is covered by insurance. She had an 
assorted cargo of merchandise, valued at 
$70,000, which was insured for $54,457. 

Another Destructive Fire in Mobile. — 
Loss, Thirty Thousand Dollars. — In Mo- 
bile, the morning of hhis day, flames were 
seen issuing from the northwest corner of the 
fourth-story windows of the large brick tene- 
ment, corner of Front, Commerce, and St. 
Francis Streets, owned by A. L. Haden, and 
occupied by Messrs. Br. Tardy & Co., auc- 
tioneers and general grocery commission- 
merchants, and McDowell, Withers & Co., 
cotton-factors. The fire rapidly spread to 
all parts of the building, and soon extended 
its destructive ravages to the building next 
north, owned by Messrs. Malone & Foote, 
and occupied in part by them as an office for 
the transaction of their business as cotton- 
factors. » 

Both buildings were completely enveloped 
in flames and soon destroyed, and fears were 
entertained for the safety of the buildings 
adjoining, to which the firemen energetically 
and successfully directed their efforts. 

A great deal of goods were spoiled by 
being deluged with water. Among those 
who suffer heavily in this way are Messrs 
Tuller, Savage & Co., and Shotwell & Brother, 
grocers; Messrs. Thomas F. Stickney, Borden 
& Buck, B. Vaughan & Co., and B. F. Mar- 
shall, cotton-factors and commission-mer- 
chants. 

On the ground-floor of the burned build- 
ings, fronting the river, were the office of 
Messrs. Moses Waring & Co., and the store 
of Messrs. Saite, Orifice & Co., fruit-dealers. 
Messrs. Waring & Co. saved their books and 
papers, but their neighbors the fruit- 
merchants are losers to the extent of their 
stock, which did not exceed in value $1000. 

The third story in each of the buildings 
was occupied in part as sleeping-rooms, and 
partially as store-rooms. One room above 
McDowell, Withers & Co.'s office was nearly 
full of hay; and this afforded an abundance 
of combustible material as food for the de- 
stroyer. 

The fourth story of these buildings, in 
which the fire had its origin, lias not been 
occupied for several years ; and this leads to 
the belief that incendiaries must have applied 
the torch. 



The "Mobile Tribune" says the losses to 
insurance companies by this fire are $23,750, 
divided as follows : — 

On the corner building, owned by Mr. A. 
L. Haden, $5000 in the City Insurance Com- 
pany, and $3000 in the Firemen's Insurance 
Company: total, $8000. On the building 
owned by Malone & Foote and W. F. Cleve- 
land, $3000 in the Mobile Insurance Com- 
pany, $4500 in the Merchants' Insurance 
Company, and $2750 in the Firemen's In- 
surance Company: total, $10,250. On the 
stock of Messrs. Br. Tardy & Co., $5500 in 
the Augusta Insurance and Banking Com- 
pany, I. C. DuISose & Co., Agents. 

Municipal Election in Camden, N.J. — 
This day, Mr. Atkinson (Democrat) was 
elected Mayor of Camden, N.J. An Oppo- 
sition majority was elected in the Council. 



THURSDAY, MARCH 15. 

Arizona. — A meeting to form a territorial 
Government for Arizona was this day held by 
the citizens of Tubac. The correspondent 
of the " New York Herald" says : — 

A free discussion of the question revealed 
the fact that the citizens were almost unani- 
mously opposed to it. Objections were urged 
on every side ; and it was generally admitted, 
even by the advocates of the provisional 
government, that it would not only be im- 
politic, but utterly out of the question, to 
resort to direct taxation as a means of 
revenue for the support of the government. 

Murder of D'Aumaile, a French Che- 
mist. — This day, the citizens of Arizona re- 
ceived intelligence of the murder of a chemist 
and mineralogist, named D'Aumaile, while 
on his way from Fort Buchanan to the city 
of Santa Cruz, in Sonora. His body was 
found almost eaten up by wolves; and the 
murder is generally supposed to have been 
committed by his body-servant, a Mexican. 
The deceased, who had resided for several 
years in Sonora, engaged in scientific pur- 
suits, was returning from the Gila River 
copper-mines, whither he had gone to make 
some examinations for Colonel Gray. 

Killed Himself while Hunting. — This 
day, Mr. Hugh Lee, of Peach Bottom, Pa., 
went out on the river for the purpose of set- 
ting some traps, taking his gun with him. 
Before leaving, he told his family that he 
would not return until after night, as he 
expected to shoot some ducks in the evening. 
As he did not return, Andrew Lee and two 
others started in search of him, and found 
him lying dead on an island, a few feet from 
where his canoe was tied. It is supposed 
that in removing the gun from the boat the 
hammer caught on some part of the boat, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



1S5 



causing a discharge of the piece. The load 
entered his right breast, carrying away a 
portion of the heart, and, passing through 
one of the lungs, lodged under the skin of 
the right shoulder, causing in all probability 
an instant death. The deceased was a man 
of sober and industrious habits, aged about 
forty-six years, and leaves a wife and six 
children to mourn his sudden departure. 

Last Rail laid between Baltimore and 
Cincinnati.— This day, the last rail of the 
connection between the Baltimore & Ohio and 
Marietta & Cincinnati Railroads was laid at 
D.elpre, o23posite Parkersburg. Nothing but 
a short, convenient ferry by steamboat now 
separates Baltimore from Cincinnati by this 
southern and short line of railroad. 

Loss of the Steamship Commerce. — The 
bark A. A. Herbert, on her passage from 
Cardenas to Philadelphia, this day, fell in 
with the steamship Commerce, from New 
York, bound to Galveston, in distress and 
unmanageable. While lying to, to render 
assistance, the steamer came in collision with 
the bark, carrying away the latter's mainsail 
and bulwarks, and doing other damage. 
During the night, the bark rescued twenty- 
two persons, — being all hands, and including 
three passengers. In the morning the gale 
moderated, when she took the provisions and 
baggage and left the Commerce settling fast, 
with nine feet of water in her hold. 

Earthquake. — In California, this day, a 
violent shock of earthquake was felt, at 
eleven a.m., in nearly the entire length and 
breadth of that State, and extended to Car- 
son Valley. At Carson City there was a 
general rush made for the street from nearly 
every house. At Sacramento, the ceiling of 
the Assembly chamber tumbled down while 
members were presenting petitions. In San 
Francisco the shock was very light. 

Trial and Hanging of Moses Young by 
a Lynch Court.— Moses Young was this day 
tried at Denver City, Nebraska, for the mur- 
der of William West, yesterday. Three judges 
were elected by the crowd, a sheriff appointed, 
and a jury of twelve of the best and most 
substantial business-men selected. About 
ten o'clock the trial commenced, and lasted 
until dark, and resulted in a verdict of guilty 
of premeditated murder. The judges then 
asked the prisoner if he had aught to say 
why sentence should not be pronounced upon 
him. He arose and said that he held no 
malice against the jury who found him 
guilty, nor against the attorney (the corre- 
spondent) who prosecuted, nor against the 
judges, nor the people ; that he had had a 
fair trial, and he was satisfied; that there 
was something, — a cause for this difficulty, 
that none of us knew, or ever should know; 



that all he asked was a little time to arrange 
his business. 

The judges then passed sentence, that be- 
tween the hours of three and six o'clock p.m. 
he should be hanged by the neck until he was 
dead. This sentence was then offered to the 
meeting, and was confirmed without a dis- 
senting voice. A gallows was erected over 
the spot where the murdered man fell, and, 
about four o'clock, Young was brought forth, 
attended by a venerable white-headed minis- 
ter, who exhorted and prayed with him on 
the stand ; and, after causing a short written 
statement to be read, the black cap was placed 
over his eyes, the rope adjusted around his 
neck, and after a moment of awful suspense 
the drop was drawn, and Moses Young was 
launched into eternity. 

Loss of the Propeller Sophia. — The pro- 
peller Sophia, of Philadelphia, with a valu- 
able cargo, was lost, this day, on the coast 
of Texas. There was a heavy sea running, 
and the sails were hoisted; but the propeller 
prevented her steering, and she went on 
shore. 

Adjournment of the Maine and New 
Jersey Legislatures. — This day, the Legis- 
lature of Maine adjourned sine die, after a ses- 
sion of seventy-seven days, — having passed 
one hundred and eighty-oue acts and eighty- 
three resolves. 

The Legislature of New Jersey adjourned 
sine die, after a session of seventy-two days. 
The Senate having rejected Judge Whelpley 
as Chief-Justice, the Governor nominated 
Frederick Frelinghuysen, Esq., for the same 
office, who was also rejected; and no other 
nomination was made. Mr. Kennedy's nomi- 
nation as judge of the Court of Errors was 
confirmed. The amendments to the Consti- 
tution, which had passed the Senate, were 
defeated in the House. 



FKIDAY, MARCH 16. 

Sudden Death. — This day, in Brandy- 
wine Village, Delaware, Mrs. Sweeney, wife 
of William Sweeney, grocer, died suddenly. 
She was found sitting in her chair, about 
eleven o'clock, dead, without any prelimi- 
nary sickness. 

Drowned in Minnesota. — This day, Wil- 
liam W. Dubois, a young man, aged nine- 
teen years, son of Peter Dubois, late of 
Pittsgrove, Salem county, New Jersey, was 
drowned in an attempt to cross a lake in 
Minnesota. The ice, being tender, broke 
and let him down. He perished in sight of 
his father and one of his brothers, who 
came near losing his life in his efforts to 
save him. 



186 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



Fire at St. Paul's, Minn. — This day, a 
fire at St. Paul's destroyed thirty-four 
buildings on Jackson and Robert Streets. 
Loss estimated at $100,000. The lire is 
supposed to have been the. work of an in- 
cendiary. 

Fire in Rockford, III. — A destructive 
fire occurred in that city this day, which 
destroyed Winnebago Hall and several build- 
ings adjoining. The loss is estimated at 
$60,000': insured for $13,000. The fire is 
supposed to have been the work of an in- 
cendiary. 

Arrest. — Charged with being a De- 
lui/i'ER. — This day, in New York, Captain 
Bowling and Officer Jordan, of the Sixth 
Precinct, arrested, on Broadway, S. C. Boy- 
ington, a clerk under Mr. Forney, in Wash- 
ington, charged with being an alleged de- 
faulter to the amount of about $200,000 in 
Post-Office scrip. 

Burned to Death. — In New York, this 
day, Julia Berger, a servant-girl in the em- 
ploy of Mrs. Fisher, at No. 116 Walker Street, 
set her clothes on fire at a grate near which 
she was standing. As soon as she discovered 
the fiames, she rushed into the street, scream- 
ing for assistance. A policeman put out the 
fire and conveyed her to the hospital, where 
she subsequently died. An inquest was 
held on the body by Coroner Schirmer, and 
a verdict of "Accidental death" rendered. 

Killed by Falling from a Roof. — This 
day, in New York, Christian Wende, a car- 
penter, employed on the roof of Tompkins 
Market, accidentally fell from the gutter, 
and was almost instantly killed. 

Fire at Haa'ana, III. — This day, Moore's 
warehouse, at Havana, Illinois, containing 
70,000 bushels of corn, and two other ware- 
houses, also full of corn, were destroyed by 
fire. 

Sentenced to be Hung. — In New York, 
this day, William Costello, found guilty of 
the murder of A. S. Carver, was sentenced, 
by Judge Hardy, to be hung on Friday, 
May 18, 1860. The prisoner stated that he 
had a mother and five sisters living, which 
caused a marked sympathy for his unfor- 
tunate fate; and, when the solemn and im- 
pressive judgment of the court was pro- 
nounced, many eyes were filled with tears. 
He conducted himself coolly and calmly 
throughout the whole proceeding, and not 
even by the twitching of a muscle exhibited 
any sign of agitation. 

A Wicked Boy Burns his Parents' 
Dwelling. — In New York, Edward Innis, 
a boy only thirteen years of age, within 



the last two weeks has made no fewer than 
four attempts to burn down the dwelling- 
house, No. 133 West Forty-Ninth Street, in 
which his father's family and that of Mrs. 
W. H. Cheetham reside. In the first three 
instances, the flames were fortunately dis- 
covered ere they had attained headway ; 
but on this day he succeeded in setting the 
building in a blaze. The fire was, however, 
extinguished and the boy placed under 
arrest. 

Execution of Stephens and Hazlett. — 
This day, Stephens and Hazlett were exe- 
cuted at Charlestown, Virginia. They ap- 
peared resigned to their fate. Stephens 
died very hard, while Hazlett died without 
a struggle. Both exhibited great firmness 
and resignation. There were no religious 
services at the gallows, as the prisoners 
persisted in refusing all the kindly offices 
of the ministry in their last moments. They 
were both spiritualists, and had a peculiar 
religion of their own, which enabled them 
to meet their fate with cheerfulness and re- 
signation. Both their bodies were forwarded 
to Marcus Springs, South Amboy, New Jer- 
sey, from whence they were taken at once 
to Eaglewood. The coffins were opened, 
but the bodies were not submitted to the 
care of an undertaker. The features were 
scarcely recognizable, and they were not 
shown either to the intimate friends of the 
deceased or at the funeral. Attached to the 
button-hole of Stephens's coat, by red and 
blue ribbons, was a plain black India-rubber 
ring ; but for whom it was intended his 
friends were not informed. His betrothed 
accompanied his remains from Charlestown, 
and was joined at Eaglewood by his father 
and sister. On the day of their execution, a 
"sympathy" meeting was held in the court- 
house at Ashtabula, Ohio. Many of the 
speakers were heavily armed ; and it is said 
that a large proportion of the assembly wore 
black bands of ribbon about their necks, as 
a token by which to recognise one another. 
Among the speakers were John Brown, Jr., 
and Owen Brown, (sons of the John Brown 
hanged at Harper's Ferry,) Coppic, Red- 
path, and others. John Brown is said to 
be a fine and effective speaker. His address 
on this occasion was mainly a tirade against 
the President. He said that no officer of 
the General Government dared to go to Ash- 
tabula to take any men of his stripe. 

The Explosion in the Atlantic Foun- 
dry, Brooklyn. — This day, the jury in the 
case of Hazelton, who was killed by the ex- 
plosion of the boiler at the Atlantic Foundry, 
Brooklyn, returned the following verdict : — 
" That John Hazelton came to his death by 
accidental injuries, the result of an ex- 
plosion on the 12th of March, 1860, at the 
Atlantic Foundry, situated between Van 



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UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



187 



Brunt and Imlay Streets, in the Twelfth 
Ward, city of Brooklyn ; that the accident 
was the result of negligence or carelessness 
on the part of deceased, in allowing the 
water to become low and in the sudden in- 
troduction of cold water; and the jury do 
find the said John Hazelton an incompetent 
t person for the capacity of engineer ; and 
we, the jury, further find the proprietors of 
the Atlantic Foundry censurable in employ- 
ing a laboring-man in the capacity of an 
engineer." 

New Hampshire Election. — This day, it 
was announced that, at an election held in 
that State for Governor and members of the 
Senate and House of Representatives, the 
Republican candidate for Governor was 
elected by a majority of 4570 votes. 

The Republicans have a majority of four 
in the Senate, and eighty-five in the House 
of Representatives. 

Wrecked.— The bark Glimpse, from San 
Francisco, Captain A. B. Grove, this day 
went ashore, in the night, at the entrance 
of Victoria Harbor. She had on board 
nearly five hundred tons of merchandise, 
valued at $75,000, full one-half of which 
will be lost. The vessel, it was feared, 
would prove a total loss. In relation to 
this wreck, the "British Colonist" says: — 

We hear great complaint about town, from 
parties having goods on board, that due 
vigilance has not been observed by those 
having charge of the vessel, in preserving 
their goods from the depredations of thieves. 
Many cases of goods are reported to have 
been broken open, the contents removed, 
and the covers nailed on again; after which 
the empty cases have been delivered to the 
consignees. It is extremely difficult to watch 
over goods under such circumstances ; and 
nothing but a file of sentries could prevent 
the robberies. 

American Troops Crossing the Rio 
Grande into Mexico. — In the night of this 
day, the two companies of Rangers com- 
manded by Captain Ford, and two com- 
panies of Second Cavalry, (regulars,) (Stone- 
man's ami Kimmel's companies,) — the whole 
force of Rangers and regulars amounting 
to about 225 men, and commanded by Cap- 
tain Stoneman, — crossed the river into 
Mexico from the Ranger camp at Rosario. 
Rumor says that, previous to the move*ment 
of the troops, General Garcia informed 
Major Heintzleman that Cortinas was at the 
Mesa, with some fifty or sixty men imme- 
diately around him, and that there existed 
much sympathy among the Mexican ranchero 
population for Cortinas, and that the latter 
could at any moment assemble a much 
larger force. 



Meeting of Southern Members of Con- 
gress. — This day, (according to the Wash- 
ington "Star,") a meeting of the Senators 
and Representatives in Congress from Ala- 
bama, Mississippi, and South Carolina, to 
consider the proposition for a Southern 
convention, to come off in June, was held' 
in Washington. 

The object of the consultation was to 
come upon some plan by which an attend- 
ance of a South-Carolina delegation might 
be most conveniently secured, in case it was 
determined to carry out the idea. A ma- 
jority of those in attendance were in favor 
of requesting the Governor of South Caro- 
lina to call the Legislature of his State to- 
gether, to provide for delegates to the pro- 
posed convention. 

Two Sailors Killed by a Whale. — A 
letter from Captain Macy, of the bark Pre- 
sident, of this date, off Massafuero, gives 
the following particulars of a sad accident : 
—December 29, (lat. 38° 40' S., Ion. 53° 10' 
W.,) saw a whale; lowered three boats, and 
the waist-boat struck. The whale went 
down, came up under the boat, breaking 
her in two, and struck her three times, de- 
molishing the boat and killing Henry Hoe, 
blacksmith, of Portland, Maine; also Frank 
George, seaman, of Flores. Jireh S. Beau- 
vais, of Dartmouth, had his leg broken; and 
had put him on board bark Matilda Sears, 
bound home. Manuel Joseph, of Flores, 
had his collar-bone broken. The other 
men were not seriously injured. The whale 
made seventy barrels. 

Capture of a Lady in Arizona by the 
Indians. — Savage Barbarity. — This day, 
a party of Indians made an attack on the 
dwelling of Mr. J. H. Page, in the pinery 
near the Santa Rita Mountains, Arizona, 
and captured his wife, Mrs. Larcena A. 
Page, a daughter of one of the oldest settlers 
of Arizona, (to whom he had been married 
only two months,) and her servant, a little 
Mexican girl. That a lady so young should 
undergo the sufferings she endured, almost 
exceeds belief. Being pursued, the Indians 
abandoned her, after endeavoring to kill 
her ; when, desperately wounded as she 
was, she managed to crawl back until she 
met some timbermen. The following is her 
narrative : — 

I had been married but little over two 
months, and was living with my husband, 
Mr. J. H. Page, in a rude cabin at the 
mouth of the grand canon leading to the 
pinery of the Santa Rita Mountains. Our 
family consisted of myself and husband, a 
little Mexican girl eleven years of age, 
Misare Kirkland, and Mr. William Randall, 
who was engaged with my husband in the 
lumber-business. 

On the morning of the 16th of March, 



183 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



after an early breakfast, my husband left 
us at camp for the purpose of putting some 
Mexicans to work ; and, Mr. Randall going 
out to kill a deer, Misare and myself were 
left quite alone. As it was washing-day, I 
had started to procure some water, when 
the little girl screamed and said the Apaches 
were on us. They came up in a run. Having 
a six-shooter (Colt's revolver) in my hand, 
I turned to fire at them ; but they were 
already so close that, before I could pull 
the trigger, they had rushed upon me and 
secured the weapon. They then proceeded 
to plunder, seizing on every thing they 
could carry off, — flour, blankets, clothing, 
&c. ; and, not satisfied with this, they de- 
stroyed the balance. We hallooed and 
screamed for assistance; but the Indians 
struck me with their lances, and told us to 
keep quiet or they would kill us. They 
packed up what they could take, and 
marched us off, hand in hand, in a hurried 
and barbarous manner. After proceeding 
thus for a quarter of a mile, they separated 
us, in order to prevent our talking together, 
the little girl being a little in advance of me. 

We travelled thus all day, over a very 
rocky and mountainous road, penetrating 
deeper and deeper into the mountain, and 
finally almost reaching the summit. Having 
suffered much from recent attacks of fever 
and ague, I was in a very enfeebled con- 
dition, totally inadequate for the fatigues of 
such a journey; and my inability to travel 
at the speed which they desired was the 
cause of my receiving the most brutal treat- 
ment at their hands. They several times 
pointed a six-shooter at my head, — as much 
as to say that my fate was already decided 
upon, and that I was to be made a victim 
of savage barbarity. The little girl, who 
was ahead, would occasionally fall back, 
crying, and tell me that the Indians were 
going to kill me. They spoke but little 
Spanish; yet enough was understood to 
awaken my fears and fill me with appre- 
hension. I knew that my strength, which 
was rapidly failing, would admit of my pro- 
ceeding but little farther, and that, unless 
my husband and other parties were follow- 
ing to rescue us, I must fall a victim as 
soon as my strength entirely failed. 

We had proceeded thus about sixteen 
miles, as nearly as my limited ideas of dis- 
tance will enable me to judge ; and I now 
lagged behind so much that my savage cap- 
tors grew impatient and resolved to kill 
me. They stripped me of my clothing, in- 
cluding my shoes, and left me but a single 
garment. They then thrust their lances at 
me, inflicting eleven wounds in my body, 
threw me over a ledge of rocks or precipice 
some sixteen or eighteen feet high, and 
hurled large stones after me, to make sure 
of their victim, and then left me, supposing 
that I must die, and too barbarous to end 



my misery by entirely extinguishing the 
spark of life. This occurred near sunset. 
I had nine lance-wounds in my back and 
two in my arm, and my head was cut in 
several places by the rocks which were 
thrown after me ; but most of the latter 
glanced without striking me. 

I had alighted on a bank of snow, almost 
in a state of nudity and in a senseless con- 
dition. In counting up my camping-places 
before reaching home, I think 1 must have 
lain there in a state of unconsciousness for 
near three days. When I came to, I took 
some snow and put on my wounds. I re- 
collected the direction travelled and the 
position of the sun from camp at sunset, 
and, with these guides, started for home. 
My feet gave out the first day, and I was 
compelled to crawl the most of the distance. 
Did not dare to go down to the foot of the 
mountain, for fear I could find no water, 
and was therefore compelled to keep in the 
steep and rocky mountain. Sometimes, 
after crawling up a steep ledge, laboring 
hard for half a day, I would lose my foot- 
ing and slide down lower than the place 
from which I started. As I had no fire 
and no clothing, I suffered very much from 
the cold. I was at a point said to be six 
thousand feet above the sea, and only won- 
der that I did not freeze. I scratched holes 
in the sand at night in which to sleep, and, 
before I could travel, was obliged every day 
to wait for the sun to warm me up. I tra- 
velled what I could every day, and, in the 
mean time, had to subsist on grass alone. 
On the fourteenth day, I reached a camp of 
some workmen in the pinery, which was 
untenanted. There I found a little food, 
and some flour which had been spilled on 
the ground. The fire was not quite out, 
and I kindled it up, — scraped up some of 
the flour and made me a little cake, — the 
first food I had tasted since I left home. I 
was now near the workmen in the pinery, 
and within two miles of my home, but was 
too weak to go on. I could hear the men 
at work, and sometimes saw them, but could 
not attract their attention. At length I 
crawled along to the road over which they 
must pass, and was found there, and car- 
ried home, after being out sixteen days. 



SATURDAY, MARCH 17. 

Abandoned Slaver Found. — This day, a 
hermaphrodite brig, American built, was 
picked up, abandoned, near Salt Key Bank, 
and brought to Nassau, N.P. She is un- 
doubtedly a slaver, having landed her cargo 
in Cuba and then been set adrift. She is de- 
scribed as having an eagle and an American 
flag painted on her stern, no name on the 
head, single deck, with slave-deck laid, 
water-casks, and six hundred or more pairs 



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UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



189 



of shackles or fittings. The sails were set, 
the running rigging partly cut away, and had 
no cables or anchors. The stench from 
the hold was so great that the authorities 
put her in the lower quarantine. There is 
but little doubt that she was the brig Taylor 
Hall, formerly owned by Dunock & Weath- 
erby, of Baltimore, and transferred to Wil- 
liam Applegarth & Son, who sold her to a 
man named Oliver, well known in Baltimore 
as a solicitor for chronometers. She sailed 
from that port, under his command, last 
October, nominally for St. Thomas. 

Distressed Mother of a Poet. — The 
mother of Edgar A. Poe, this day, makes the 
following appeal in a letter to Mr. Hoyt: — 

Alexandria, Va., March 15, 1860. 
Rev. R. Hoyt. — Dear Sir : — Since the death 
of my beloved son, E. A. Poe, I have suf- 
fered much privation, and am now with- 
out a home. I am offered a pei*manent 
home in Louisiana, with friends who, I 
think, will render my declining years at 
leakt comfortable. I cannot avail myself of 
this kind offer, for want of means to take me 
to them. Will you contribute a small por- 
tion of the requisite sum to enable me to 
accomplish it V My health is very misera- 
ble, and I am too far advanced in life to do 
much for myself. I will be seventy to-mor- 
row. God my Father, I hope, will put it 
in your heart to answer this. Direct to me, 
care of Reuben Johnson, Alexandria, Va. 
Respectfully, Maria Clejim. 

Accident. — This day, while the Republi- 
cans of Wolf borough, N.H., were celebrating 
their victory at the late election, by the 
firing of cannon, an old iron cannon was 
used, which, being unskilfully loaded, burst 
at the second discharge, scattering the frag- 
ments in all directions. A young man from 
Great Falls, by the name of Garland, 
twenty years old, and another by the name 
of Warren, of Wolfborough, seventeen years 
old, were instantly killed. A young man 
who was standing near by, named Kimball, 
it was thought could not live. Four or five 
others were severely injured. One piece, 
weighing from thirty to forty pounds, went 
through the side of Dr. Hall's house into the 
parlor. One piece weighing twenty pounds 
just grazed the cheek of Daniel Home. Seve- 
ral others narrowly escaped. 

Fire in Hestonville, Pa. — This day, the 
yarn-manufactory of Samuel Yewdall, at 
Hestonville, was destroyed by fire, between 
four and five o'clock in the morning, to- 
gether with its contents, — a quantity of stock 
and much valuable machinery. The fire 
broke out in the engine-room, and spread so 
rapidly that the building was partially de- 
stroyed before the firemen reached the 



scene. Mr. Yewdall est i miles his loss at 
from $10,000 to $12y000: insurance upon 
the stock and machinery, $50UO. The fac- 
tory belonged to Miss Frances Supplee. 

Bloody Encounter in Jefferson City, 
Mo. — This day, Jefferson City was the scene 
of one of the most bloody rencontres that 
has ever been chronicled. In the afternoon 
Mr. James Hughes, deputy warden of the 
prison, and Mr. Dozier, who was formerly 
a guard, had a personal difficulty on the 
street, in the course of which Mr. Hughes 
threw a rock at Mr. Dozier, who retaliated 
by discharging a small pistol at Mr. Hughes. 
Both immediately came together, and a re- 
gular rough-and-tumble fight ensued, until 
they were separated. The friends of the 
parties took tliem away; but in about two 
hours afterward they met upon the street, 
and opened upon each other with revolvers, 
firing some eight or ten shots. One, in 
firing, retreated into Wagner's lager-beer 
saloon ; the other followed, and several 
shots were fired in there. Dozier came out 
on the street, and the supposition by many 
was that he was not hurt ; but he walked a 
few steps and fell. Both men died in less 
than five minutes after the affray. There 
was an old grudge between them ; and it is 
stated upon the street that politics, to a 
certain extent, has been mixed up in it. 
Both leave families. In the melee inside the 
saloon, Dozier was stabbed, and this was 
the cause of his death. 

Affray between Members of toe New 
Jersey Legislature. — This day, a personal 
conflict took place in the lobby of the House 
of Representatives of New Jersey, between 
Messrs. Absalom Woodruff and O. Vander- 
hoven, both of Paterson. The Millstone & 
Delaware Railroad was under consideration 
at the time, on a motion made by Mr. Den- 
son, of Hunterdon, to postpone it indefi- 
nitely. Mr. Denson gave as a reason that 
the location of the route was not properly 
defined, and that the Delaware River could 
only be approached by a railway in two 
places. Mr. Wood, of Somerset, replied, 
describing some six or seven different 
points on the Delaware between Prallsville 
and Milford where the road could approach 
the river. During his remarks, Mr. Van- 
derhoven, in company with Mr. Sharp, stood 
in the lobby near the seats occupied by the 
members from Passaic. 

Mr. Woodruff approached them, and asked 
Mr. Sharp if he knew any thing about the 
Delaware River at the point alluded to. Mr. 
Sharp replied that he did not. Then Mr. 
Woodruff said, " Well, I do ; and Mr. Wood 
is uttering falsehoods." Mr. Vanderhoven 
said, " I don't think AVood would utter a 
falsehood ; and I think you (Woodruff) 
would." Mr. Woodruff immediately struck 



190 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



Mr. Yanderhoven an unexpected and severe 
blow in the face, knocking him down. Mr. 
Vanderhoven got up and struck Mr. Wood- 
ruff several times, when great confusion en- 
sued, and they, having clinched, were with 
difficulty parted, Mr. Woodruffs coat being 
badly rent in the struggle. The Speaker 
directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to bring the 
belligerents before the house. When they 
had been placed at the bar, each was al- 
lowed to make an explanation, and, having 
apologized to the House, they were dis- 
missed. 

Suicide. — James Dougherty, an orderly 
sergeant on board the Roanoke, committed 
suicide by jumping overboard at Aspinwall. 
He was intoxicated at the time. He was a 
fine young man, and not ordinarilv addicted 
to drink. 

Fire in New York. — This day, a fire 
broke out in the building No. 52 Roosevelt 
Street, occupied by Solomon D. Willis as a 
pawn-shop and Mr. Jaberg as a boot and 
shoe shop. The fire originated in the rear of 
the second story, and is supposed to have 
been caused by sparks from a lamp in the 
hands of one of the employees who was 
searching for goods. Owing to the large 
quantity of light material about the pre- 
mises, the flames spread rapidly, and, despite 
the exertions of the firemen, the building 
was nearly destroyed. By the contract 
made with persons pledging property, pawn- 
brokers refuse to hold themselves respon- 
sible for any loss or damage that may be 
occasioned by fire ; and the loss in this in- 
stance will be severely felt by poor persons. 
The value of the property destroyed was be- 
tween $6000 and $7000. 

Death of George Wood. — George Wood, 
a veteran and eminent member of the New 
York bar, died this day, at his residence in 
Fifth Avenue, in that city, about one o'clock, 
aged seventy-one years. Mr. Wood had 
been for nearly two years suffering from 
paralysis : and on this night he awoke, com- 
plaining of pain in his arm. His wife en- 
deavored to assuage his suffering by rub- 
bing the affected arm. He then said he felt 
a cold sweat upon his forehead, and, in a 
very brief time after that, expired. George 
Wood was a native of Burlington, N.J., and 
studied law there with Richard Stockton. 

Meeting of Norfolk Merchants. — At 
Norfolk. Ya.. this day, a large meeting of 
merchants was held, to protest against the 
proposed odious one per cent, tax-bill on 
merchants' sales. 

Scicide. — This day, Samuel W. Leggett, 
residing in Waterford, Loudon county. Ya., 
shot himself through the head, killing him- 



self instantly. Supposed cause for the rasb 
act, family difficulties. 

Hostile Indians. — Advices from New 
Mexico say that the Navajo Indians have as- 
sumed a hostile attitude against the whites, 
having stolen all the stock in the Rio Abajo 
district, including over one hundred thou- 
sand head of sheep. The entire nation has 
combined in this movement. 

CHiEF-JrsTiCE. — The Governor of New 
Jersey this day nominated E. W. Whelpley, 
of Morris county, at present a judge of the 
Supreme Court, to be chief-justice, to fill 
the vacancy caused by the appointment of 
Chief-Justice Green as Chancellor, who has 
assumed the duties of that office. 

Death of Cephas Washburn. — The Rev. 
Cephas Washburn died at Little Rock, Ark., 
this day. The " Fort Smith Herald'' says : — 

Mr. W "ashburn came to Arkansas upward 
of thirty years ago, and was a missionary 
under the American Board to the Chero- 
kees, and lived among them till 1S40, when 
he removed to Benton county, in this State, 
where he remained until about 1847, when 
he removed to Fort Smith and became the 
pastor of the Presbyterian church here. He 
remained here until about 1856, and then 
went to Norristown, where he remained 
until his death. At the time of his death, he 
was travelling as an evangelist of the State; 
and while engaged in this work, he was 
stricken down by death. 

Death of Rev. Horace H. Reid. — Rev. 
Horace H. Reid, formerly rector of St. 
Stephen's Church, at Millburn, N.J., died 
this day at Geneva, Switzerland, aged 
thirty-seven. He was found by the porter 
of the Hotel de la Couronne, where he 
stopped, early on the morning of the day 
named, lying cold and lifeless upon the floor 
of the lower hall. It appeared that Mr. 
Reid must have risen during the night, and 
had fallen over the balusters, from the 
second story, upon the stone hall-floor, and 
been killed immediately. Mr. Reid was a 
ripe scholar and a zealous clergj-man. 
During his absence he preached two Sab- 
baths in the Episcopal Chapel in Paris, and 
once in R.ome before the American Embassy. 
He leaves a wife and one child to mourn his 
sudden removal. 

Convicted of Adultery and Seduc- 
tion. — This day, in the Supreme Court of 
Boston, Edwin W. Reed, a music-teacher, 
was convicted of adultery and seduction. 
The circumstances of the case were that 
Miss Laura M. Kendall, of Granby, Conn., 
daughter of Deacon Kendall, of that place, 
about five years ago eloped from her home 
with him. He was her senior by many years ; 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



101 



that he promised her marriage, but could 
not make good his promise, as he was 
already married ; that he induced her to 
go home and get her share of her father's 
property, but that he again deceived her. 
She has resided for some months past at 
South Boston, under the name of Jones, 
the visits of Reed growing less and less fre- 
quent, until at last the deserted woman 
pined away and died. Reed was also a piano- 
forte-dealer, and had a house, wife, and 
children at West Springfield. 

Failure of E. B. Little & Co. — This 
day, it was announced that E. B. Little & 
Co., extensive stock-brokers, of New York, 
had failed. 

Arrest of George Busch, the Murderer 
of Frank William Schmidt. — In Cincin- 
nati, this day, Officers Schmidt and Higgins, 
of the Bremen Street Station-House, arrested 
George Busch, charged with having mur- 
dered and robbed Frank William Schmidt, 
at St. Louis, on the night of the 9th inst., in 
Buckeye Street, near Vine, at the house of 
one of his relatives. The moment he espied 
the officers, he jumped toward a table and 
seized a carving-knife ; but a well-directed 
blow from a billy, that spent its force on 
the crown of his head, precluded any 
use of the formidable weapon : he was 
"nippered" and then safely secured. When 
the officers entered the house, Busch, fortu- 
nately, had his coat off, which, on being 
searched, was found to contain a bowie- 
knife, bloody from hilt to point, a dagger, 
and a Derringer pistol. Had he been able 
to get his pistol, fearful results might 
have been the consequence. When his per- 
son was searched at the station-house, a 
canvas belt, which has since been identified 
by a relative of Schmidt's, was found upon 
him, containing $1200 of the money. The 
belt was saturated with blood, and also 
many of the gold pieces, — some so much 
so as to almost preclude their recognition 
from color. 

Missing Lady. — The Mayor of Rochester, 
N.Y., this day received a telegraphic de- 
spatch from Orleans county, giving the de- 
scription of a lady who had suddenly disap- 
peared from her residence in the town of 
Yates, and requesting him to institute an 
inquiry for her in that city through the po- 
lice. The missing lady is the wife of Elihu 
P. Gilbert, a respectable farmer of Yates. 
A Rochester paper says: — 

We learn, by a friend who came from that 
place yesterday, that the lady left the house 
of her husband some time during Sunday 
night ; and, as she did not take any other 
clothing than what she ordinarily wore, it 
was feared that she had committed self-de- 
struction. Yesterday the people of the 



town turned out for a thorough search 
through land and water. Inquiry was made 
in all quarters for the object sought, and the 
ponds, creeks, and mill-races were carefully 
examined, but without any revelation to 
throw light upon the mystery. The missing 
lady was above forty years of age, and was 
a spiritualist. It is easy to suppose that she 
has committed suicide, or wandered far from 
home while laboring under that species of 
insanity which is almost the necessary re- 
sult of entertaining the spiritual doctrines ; 
or she may have followed an '-affinity" to 
parts unknown. Either solution of the 
mystery is plausible. 

Burned to Death. — In New York, this 
day. a heart-rending casualty occurred, by 
which Mrs. Elizabeth Frances Murtha lost 
her life. She retired to rest with her two 
children, and, falling asleep while the candle 
was -till burning, awoke about midnight to 
find herself enveloped in flames. She rushed 
shrieking into the yard, where assistance 
was rendered her, but not in time to save 
her Life. She expired in great agony about 
four o'clock next morning. 

Death of Augustin Beverly L. Clarke. 
— This day, the Hon. Augustin Beverly L. 
Clarke, Minister Resident of the United 
States in Guatemala, died, after a long and 
painful illness. Mr. Clarke was born in 
Chesterfield county, Virginia, in February, 
1809, and while young removed to Ken- 
tucky, where he studied and practised law. 
When twenty-two years of age, he was 
elected a Representative to the Legislature 
of his State, and in 1847 a Representative 
to Congress. In 1855 he acted as a deputy 
to the convention for reforming the Consti- 
tution of Kentucky. In 1858 Mr. Clarke 
was appointed by Mr. Buchanan Minister 
to Guatemala. When in Guatemala, Mr. 
Clarke joined the Roman Catholic Church, 
and was publicly baptized on the 14th of 
December last year, the Bishop of Nica- 
ragua officiating, and the Guatemala Minis- 
ter of Foreign Affairs acting as his sponsor 
On this occasion he took the name of 
Augustin. Mr. Clarke was about to make 
a trip home for his health, when a sudden 
relapse proved fatal. 

The Japanese Steamer Candinmaeruh 
arrived at San Francisco this day, it being 
the first Japanese vessel that ever visited 
the ports of a Christian nation. Their visit 
was for the purpose of carrying to Japan 
the news of the arrival of the Japanese 
Embassy in the United States steamer Pow- 
hatan. 

American Troops attackihg Mexicans. 
— At daylight on the morning of this day, 
according to the correspondence of the "New 



192 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



Orleans Delta." Captain Stoneman, of the 
troops that yesterday crossed the Rio Grande 
into Mexico. was informed by a Mexican 
military officer that Cortinas was encamped 
at the Mesa, -whereupon the captain took 
up the line of march for that place. It 
appears that, when in the vicinity of the 
Mesa. Stoneman's scouts advised him that 
a body of armed men were encamped there; 
and this information, taken in connection 
with that previously received, left no doubt 
in the captain's mind that the enemy was 
there and prepared to give battle. Our 
troops approached within hailing-distance 
of what was supposed to be the enemy's 
sentinels, when the latter, without hailing, 
fired and fled, -whereupon Stoneman ordered 
the whole command to charge, which order 
was promptly executed. As soon, however, 
as our troops reached the encampment of 
the supposed enemy, it was ascertained 
that it was a party of Mexican troops ' 
from Matamoras. who had encamped there 
the day before in charge of a train of I 
wagons. The mistake, however, was not j 
discovered until five Mexicans were killed. 
■ — four men and one woman. It appears 
that when our troops charged, a Mexican 
officer, upon seeing our men rushing up, 
fired at Captain Stoneman. (who was at the 
head of his company.) and then ran into a 
jaeal and shut the door, whereupon several 
of Stoneman's men rushed up and fired 
through the door, and in this way a Mexican 
woman was unfortunately killed. No Ameri- 
cans were killed or wounded ; and the only 
loss sustained was three horses drowned in 
- ; :i or the river. There were no boats at 
hand when our troops crossed: and conse- 
quently they were compelled to swim their 
horses over. 

Murdered. — In California, this day. a 
man known as -"Big Hank" was killed at 
Tehama, bv David Jordan. 



SUNDAY, MAKCH IS. 

Fir.E at FELcnviLLE, Vt. — This day. the 
woollen-factory of P. Merrill & Co., at 
Felchville, Vt.. was totallv destroved by 
fire. Loss. $30,000: insurance. 318,500. 
The Union Church, adjoining, was also de- 
stroyed. There was no insurance on this 
property. 

Fire at Black River. Wis. — This day. 
a fire occurred at Black River Falls. Wis- 
consin, destroying forty-three buildings, 
among which are the Shanghae House, the 
office of the " Jackson County Farmer," j 
and all the stores in the town excepting one, 
belonging to T. T. Parsons. As the fire was 
discovered in two places at the same time, 
it is supposed it was the work of an incen- 



diary. Loss estimated at from $30,000 to 
Sin. 000. 

Death of Governor Bissell. — Governor 
Bissell, of Illinois, died in the afternoon of 
this day. He was born in Cooperstown, 
Otsego county. New York, on the 11th of 
April, 1811, and was consequently in his 
forty-eighth year at the time of his decease. 
His father, a pioneer settler from Connecti- 
cut, gave his son such an education as his 
limited means afforded, by sending him to 
the common school in the winter ; and 
teaching a similar school in summer formed 
the employment of young Bissell until his 
seventeenth year, when he commenced the 
study of medicine at the Jefferson Medical 
College, in Philadelphia, where he gradu- 
ated in the spring of 1835. He practised 
medicine two years at Painted Post, New 
York, and in 1S37 he removed to Monroe 
county. Illinois. Here he pursued the 
practice of his profession with success for 
several years. In the year 1810 he was 
elected to the State Legislature of Illinois, 
where he early distinguished himself as a 
forcible and ready debater. He subse- 
quently discovered that his health was un- 
able to bear the exposure and application of 
a physician's life in Southern Illinois ; and 
he determined to adopt the profession of the 
law. After the necessary studies, he was 
admitted to the bar, when he removed to 
Belleville, in the county of St. Clair, where 
he practised law-with distinguished success, 
and, in 1844. was elected District Attorney 
for the Second Judicial District, to which 
he had been elected by the Legislature. In 
the discharge of the duties of this office, the 
district comprising nine counties, his powers 
and ability as an advocate and a lawyer 
found an ample field for development, which 
he improve'! until he acquired a status as 
one of the first lawyers of the State. In 
1846. on the announcement of a call for 
volunteers for the Mexican War, he was one 
of the first men in his town to enrol his 
name. He persevered in the recruiting-ser- 
vice, ass other good and true men 
of Illinois, until an entire regiment, com- 
posed of first-class men, were enlisted, when 
Bissell was unanimously elected colonel of 
the regiment. He, at the head of his com- 
mand, proceeded to the Rio Grande, and 
thence pursued his march to join General 
Taylor's command at Saltillo. Colonel Bis- 
sell's regiment subsequently took an active 
part in the battle of Buena Vista, where, 
although the Mexicans surpassed the Ame- 
ricans in numerical strength and position, 
and at one time defeat to the Americans 
appeared almost inevitable, yet the troops, 
under such gallant leaders as the subject of 
this notice, held their ground with wonder- 
ful pertinacity, until the Mexican army suc- 
cumbed to the dauntless heroism of the 



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UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



193 



Americans. Colonel Bissell was afterward 
commended for his bravery by General Tay- 
lor in his despatches to the General Govern- 
ment. After his return home in 1849, he 
■was elected, without a competitor. Repre- 
sentative in Congress from the Eighth Dis- 
trict of Illinois. His first term was sig- 
nalized by a speech in which he vindicated 
the merits of his own regiment at the battle 
of Buena Vista. — a subject which was drawn 
into debate by the attack made by a Vir- 
ginia member upon the North and Northern 
volunteers. He subsequently opposed the 
repeal of the Missouri Compromise, though 
he had previously acted with the Democratic- 
party. He declined a third election to Con- 
gress, in 1854, on account of infirm health. 
In 18-jtj, the Republican party of Illinois, 
by a unanimous vote of the Convention, se- 
lected him as their candidate for Governor, 
to which office he was elected by a large 
majority over two competitors, although 
Mr. Buchanan carried the State against 
Premont, the Presidential candidate of Bis- 
selTs party. 

Governor Bissell was at onetime strongly 
urged as a suitable candidate to run as Vice- 
President on the ticket with Fremont : but 
the majority decided otherwise. Previous 
to his death he was considered one of the 
pillars of the Republican party in the West : 
and his sudden demise will cast a gloom 
over a large circle of social and political 
friends. 

Forrest Divorce Case. — In New Vork. 
this day. a decision in the Forrest divorce 
case was delivered by Judge Moncrief, in 
the Supreme Court. The report of the re- 
feree was confirmed, granting j imony 
per annum to Mrs. Forrest inow Mrs. S 

from the date of trial, and also allow- 
ing the motion for a final judgment in con- 
formity therewith. 

Cortixas's Lieutenant Killed. — This 
day. the American troops on the Rio 
Grande, at La Balsa, killed the celebrated 
thief an:l cut-throat, Faustino, Cortinas"s 
Indian captain. 



MONDAY, MARCH 19. 

Shooting-Match. — This day. a shooting- 
match for two hundred dollars came off at 
the race-course, Trenton, between Mr. Tay- 
lor, of New York, and Mr. Vance, of Phila- 
delphia. The match was to shoot at fifteen 
pairs of double birds, from a spring trap, 
twenty-one yards rise and eighty yards 
bound. At an early hour a very large 
crowd had collected on the ground, anxious 
to have the sport commence. The New 
Yorker was the favorite, odds being offered 
freely on his winning the match. The 



13 



judges decided in favor of the Philadel- 
phian, he having killed seventeen birds out 
of twenty-two, and the New Yorker nine out 
of twenty. 

Fire at Harrisburg. Pa. — This day, a 
fire occurred, at which Mr. Keller's Jstate 
Capital Grist-Mills were destroyed. 

Governor Stewart, of Missouri, this 
day vetoed the Free Negro bill. 

Taking the Veil. — On this day. the feast 
St. Joseph, the patron saint of the Con- 
vent of Our Lady of Mercy, situated corner 
of Tenth and Morgan Streets, in St. Louis, 
was made the occasion of conferring the 
white veil and habit of the order upon Miss 
Mary Chassaing, daughter of the late Ed- 
ward Chassaing. Esq., of Baltimore. Mary- 
land. The lady, attired as a bride, and 
with all the charms of her young heart, 
beauty, and attainments, was wedded to the 
Mighty Bridegroom in the small chapel of 
the convent, which was filled with invited 
guests, principally ladies. The ceremony 
- 'emu in the extreme. 

Destructive Fire. — This day, the grist- 
mill, saw-mill, and dwelling-house of Peter 
Shelly, near Jonestown. Lebanon county, 
were entirely destroyed, with their contents, 
by tire. It was insured in a Lancaster com- 
pany - 500. Mr. Jonas Houser had 
leased the mill, and was carrying it on at 
the time. The fire swept away all he 
owned, books and every thing else : and. as 
he had no insurance, he is left penniless. 

All Correct. — Mr. Boyington. who was 
apprehended by two of the New York Sixth 
Ward officers on suspicion of embezzling 
- . orth of Post-Office scrip from the 

department at Washington, was this day 
discharged from custody. Colonel Forney 
sent on a despatch setting forth that the ac- 
counts of Mr. Boyington while in office had 
been examined and were found to be cor- 
rect. 

Arrested for Murder. — In New York, 
this day. a man named James H. Clark, alias 
Odell. alias Hall, was arrested in Charlton 
Street by Detective Tremain and Officer 
rly, of Oswego county, upon a warrant 
issued for his arrest by Recorder 0. J. Har- 
man. of Oswego county, charging him with 
the murder of a man named Curtis, com- 
mitted about five years ago. It seems that 
about that time a citizen of Oswego, named 
Alvin Curtis, while at a place known as 
••Hall's Saloon." was robbed and then 
thrown into the Oswego River. The pro- 
prietor, named Hall, and two others were 
suspected of having committed the deed ; 
and soon after Hall disappeared and fled to 



194 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



Canada. Nothing further transpired about 
the affair until about six weeks ago, when a 
man named Petty, a resident of Oswego, 
was called to Auburn on some business re- 
garding an absconding wife. Finding the 
woman at an alleged house of ill fame, he 
by accident was introduced to the prisoner/ 
who represented his name to be Clark, but 
whose real name is said to be James Odell. 
While in conversation with Clark, he asked 
Petty if lie had long resided in Oswego, and 
if he remembered the murder of a man 
named Curtis, in 1855. Mr. Petty replied 
that he did. He then remarked, "I sup- 
pose that I am the man that murdered him ; 
but I only took my fist to do it. I don't 
allow any damned man to follow me." lie 
also mentioned several names of parties re- 
siding in Oswego whom Mr. Petty knew, 
and which fully confirmed his being ac- 
quainted at that place. It seems that 
Clark also told the woman who kept the 
house, and with whom he was boarding, 
that he had got into a scrape in Oswego, 
which caused the death of a man. Accord- 
ingly, upon the affidavit of Mr. Petty and 
another, the warrant was issued, and, 
Clark's whereabouts being known, he was 
followed to this city, and arrested while 
passing up Charlton Street. He was con- 
veyed to the police headquarters, where 
he acknowledged being from Oswego and 
having been in difficulty there about the 
time of the murder, but stoutly denies 
having committed the act or knowing any 
thing concerning it. 

Death of Commodore Qiesinger. — This 
day, Commodore David Giesinger, U.S.N., 
died, at his residence, Nineteenth Street, 
above Arch, Philadelphia. He was in his 
seventieth year, and was among the oldest 
officers of the navy. His commission as 
captain was dated May 24, 1838. In the 
War of 1812 he was an active participant, 
and was on 'board the Wasp during her 
cruise on the English coast in 1814. Upon 
the capture of the Atalanta by the Wasp, 
Mr. Geisingcr was put in command of her, 
and to this circumstance he owed his life; 
for the Wasp was never heard of afterward. 
Commodore Geisinger was for many years 
stationed at the Naval Asylum in Philadel- 
phia. His rank was seventh among the 
captains of the reserved list. 

Mysterious Affair. — This day, two 
young Germans were observed to go into 
the graveyard at Gretna, New Orleans, La., 
one of whom had a pistol. Next morning 
one of them was found dead, with his right 
temple fractured with a pistol-shot and the 
weapon tightly grasped in his right hand. 
The other German has not been seen since. 

Wreck of the Bark Susan. — The bark 



Susan, for Baltimore fromCienfuegos, loaded 
with molasses, went ashore at Cape Henry 
this day, and was lost. 

Wanted them to Withdraw. — This day, 
the Mexican authorities requested Major 
Heintzelman, the American commander, to 
withdraw his troops, who had crossed to the 
Mexican territory to look for Cortinas, and 
who attacked a body of Mexicans in mis- 
take. 

Wreck of the Brig Caroni. — This day, 
the brig Caroni, Souper, of New York, wag 
wrecked on Long Bank, while on a voyage 
from Darien, Georgia, to Havana, with a 
cargo of lumber. Materials saved and 
taken to Nassau by sundry wrecking-ves- 
sels. Salvage mutually settled at fifty per 
cent, and two pounds to the wreckmaster. 
The Caroni was built at Waldoborough, 
Maine, in 1847, one hundred and eighty- 
nine tons register, rated A 2i, and owned 
by W. A. Ellis, of New York. " 

Bandit Killed. — The American troops 
killed one of Cortinas's men Avho fired at 
them this day. 



TUESDAY, MARCH 20. 

Kevolutionary Soldier Dead. — Michael 
Coon, a soldier of the Revolution and also 
of the War of 1812, died in Philadelphia this 
day. The deceased, with three brothers, 
passed through some of the most exciting 
scenes of the Revolutionary War ; and he was 
for a time under the immediate command of 
Washington himself. The deceased was six 
feet four inches in height, and the smallest 
(if his family. He was in his one hundred and 
fifth year. 

Fihe at Milwaukie, Wisconsin. — Thig 
day, a fire broke out, at twelve o'clock, on 
the corner of Water and Wisconsin Streets, 
making a clean sweep of all the wooden 
buildings, fifteen in number, between that 
corner and the Newhall House. The total 
loss will not, probably, exceed ten thousand 
dollars. 

Steamboat Burned. — This day, the steamer 
Eastern Queen, employed on the route be- 
tween Boston and the Kennebec River, was 
totally destroyed by fire. She was owned by 
Nathaniel Stone, Isaac Rich, and George 
Bacon, of Boston, and William Bradstreet 
and Nathaniel Kimball, of Gardiner. The 
loss is estimated at §575,000. 

Nicaragua Treaty. — This day, the Re- 
publican Senators held a caucus for the pur- 
pose of conferring together in regard to their 
action in the rejection of the Nicaragua 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



195 



treaty, and also with a view of moving for 
its reconsideration. 

Skeleton Found. — In New York, this day, 
as some workmen were engaged excavating a 
cellar at No. 49 Bowery, tbey found a skele- 
ton almost entire. The bones were carefully 
gathered up and taken to the Tenth Ward 
Station-House, to await examination hy the 
coroner. On Saturday, the 18th of Decem- 
ber, 1858, a destructive fire occurred in the 
vicinity of No. 49 Bowery, several buildings 
being burned. Many persons who were at 
work on the premises met Avith narrow es- 
capes, but it did not transpire at the time 
that any one perished in the flames. The 
foundation of No. 49 being uninjured, a new 
building was erected thereon, most of the 
rubbish being allowed to remain in the cellar. 
Recently men were engaged to clear out the 
cellar, and in the course of their work found 
the bones, some of which bear marks of fire. 

Suicide in New Yoke. — This day, Catha- 
rine McGuire, a domestic in the employment 
of Edward A. Smith, of Fifty-Eighth Street, 
near Second Avenue, committed suicide, by 
taking a dose of laudanum. Deceased, it 
appears, was in ill health, suffering from a 
pain in the chest, and, becoming quite de- 
spondent, determined to commit self-destruc- 
tion. No cause save that of ill health could 
be assigned for the commission of the rash 
act. Coroner Gamble held an inquest upon 
the body of deceased this day, when the 
jury rendered a verdict in accordance with 
the above facts. Deceased was thirty-five 
years of age, aud was a native of Ireland. 

Governor Inaugurated. — This day, Hon. 
John Wood, Lieutenant-Governor of the State 
of Illinois, was inaugurated into the Executive 
chair at Springfield, in place of Governor 
Bissell, deceased. 

Rock Island Bridge a Nuisance. — This 
day, Judge Love, of the United States Dis- 
trict Court of Iowa, in the case of the St. 
Louis Chamber of Commerce against the 
Rock Island Bridge Company, decided that 
the said bridge was a nuisance, and decreed 
that the defendant should remove the main 
pier by the 1st of July, and the lower part 
by the 1st of October. The case will be taken 
to the Supreme Court. 

Convicted. — John Hassack, one of the 
Ottawa rescuers, was this d.-iy found guilty, 
but recommended to the mercy of the court. 

Killed. — This dny, in Mil ford, Del., a diffi- 
culty occurred between Purnal Tatman and 
William Conrow, in an oyster-saloon, during 
which the former received injuries that re- 
sulted in his death. It appears that Tatman 
had been drinking, and used abusive lan- 



guage, and finally struck Conrow in the face. 
Conrow returned the blow, and Tatman, in 
falling, struck his head, near the temple, on 
the corner of an iron safe. 

Fire in Jamaica, Long Island. — In the 
morning of this day, about six o'clock, a fire 
broke out in the stables belonging to the 
American Hotel, at Jamaica. Before it was 
discovered, it had made considerable pro- 
gress. About half-past six o'clock, some 
persons were on their way to the qars, when 
they observed the smoke and the flames. By 
this time the fire had spread to the stables 
in the rear of Drisland's Hotel, in which was 
a valuable horse, the property of Mr. Samuel 
Davis. The stables and the horse were con- 
sumed. The flames continued to spread, not- 
withstanding the efforts which were made to 
quell them, and reached the American Hotel, 
owned by Mr. George 'looker. But a short 
time elapsed, when the whole building was 
reduced to ashes. 

Murdered. — In California, this day, Mr. 
Benjamin Miller was killed by Elijah Lee, at 
Indian Diggings, El Dorado county. 

Drowned. — In California, this day, James 
Beeler and John B. White, both formerly of 
Kane county, 111., were drowned in the Sa- 
cramento River. They were in a skiff which 
was run down by a river-steamer in the dark. 

Great Fire in Owensborough, Ky. — This 
day, a block of stores at Owensborough, Ky., 
was burned. Loss, $30,000. The principal 
sufferei-s are Joseph Mitchell, Mr. Welhite, 
and Mr. Hall, merchants. 

Erring Girl. — In New York, this day, in 
the evening, quite a sensation was created on 
Broadway between a brother and sister, occa- 
sioned under the following circumstances: — 

About a month ago, a young girl, sixteen 
years of age, whose name is withheld, owing 
to her being respectably connected, but who 
has assumed the name of Cornelia Gannon, 
was seduced away from her parents, at Little 
Falls, Herkimer county, N.Y, by a clerk in 
one of the banks of that city, under the pro- 
mise of marriage. The two left Little Falls 
in an evening train, and, stopping at Pough- 
keepsie two days, the ruin of the girl was 
there accomplished. On reaching New York, 
she was taken to a house of ill fame in Woos- 
ter Street and forced to occupy a room in 
the house. She was nightly visited by her 
pretended lover, who kept putting off the 
marriage from day to day. Finally the girl 
threatened him, when he disappeared, since 
which time she has not been able to find his 
whereabouts. Being without means, and in 
company with prostitutes, she was induced 
by these lewd women to join them in their 
miserable life. At first she concluded to 



196 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



return home, but, fearing that her parents 
■would discard her, she finally yielded to the 
influence of her companions, and last even- 
ing, for the first time, started out to walk the 
streets. She had been out but about fifteen 
minutes, •when whom should she meet but 
her brother, who, it seems, with their father, 
were in the city looking for her. The 
brother, overjoyed, threw his arms around 
her neck and wept like a child, while the 
girl, under the excitement, fainted upon the 
sidewalk. Several gentlemen collected about 
them, and, upon ascertaining the facts, ob- 
tained an officer, who secured a carriage, 
and, the girl being restored, she was taken 
to the residence of an acquaintance in Seven- 
teenth Street. The girl, on finding that her 
parents would forgive her for her rash con- 
duct, wanted to leave for home immediately. 
The alleged seducer was well known. 

Horrible Tragedy on the High Seas. — 
Wholesale Slaughter of a Ship's Crew by 
the Mates. — The "New York Express" of 
this date says : — 

The steamship Fulton arrived at this port 
this morning, having on board two prisoners, 
who had been sent to the United States by 
the United States consul at Southampton. 
The papers and facts already submitted in 
the case show one of the most fiendish trage- 
dies ever conceived of by a human being. 
It appears that the bark Anna left this port 
for the Brazilian coast in June last. The 
crew consisted of Captain Tuthill, Edmund 
P. Lane, first mate, and Gordon Hires, se- 
cond mate, (the two last named being the 
prisoners,) seven seamen, all colored, and 
the steward. From the Brazilian coast the 
vessel took a cargo for Cowes, England. 

After leaving the coast of Brazil, it appears 
that the mates commenced a systematic plan 
of excessive cruelties toward the crew. On 
the slightest whim, a belaying-pin was thrown 
at a seaman, he was knocked down, and then 
stamped upon. On one occasion, because one 
of the seamen did not move quickly enough, 
he was struck a blow on the forehead which 
knocked his left eye out. The seaman in 
question was then trampled down and mashed 
almost to a jelly by the heavy sea-boots of 
the mates. Driven to frenzy by the cruel 
treatment of the mates, three of the crew 
jumped overboard and were drowned, while 
three of the others died from the effects of 
the injuries they received. 

On arriving at Cowes, there were but one 
seaman and the steward left to tell the tale 
of horror. The survivors informed the local 
magistrates of the scenes that had been 
enacted on board the Anna, and the prisoners 
were arrested, but subsequently discharged 
for want of jurisdiction. The prisoners were 
immediately rearrested by the United States 
consul at Southampton, who, after exnmining 
into tUe charges and consulting with the 



Minister at London, sent the prisoners home 
for trial. The two survivors of the hapless 
crew arrived by the Teutonia last week. 

A warrant was issued by Mr. Butts, di- 
recting the marshal to take the prisoners into 
custody. This was done, and the prisoners 
were conveyed to the Tombs by Deputy- 
Marshal O'Keefe. This case excited con- 
siderable feeling in England, and the "Lon- 
don Times," with many of the other leading 
English journals, contained elaborate edi- 
torial notices on its atrocious features. 

Fire in New York. — In the city of New 
York, the night of this day, about eight 
o'clock, a fire broke out in the grocery-store 
of J. Morton, No. 233 Greenwich Street, 
and thence extended to a crockery- store ad- 
joining, kept by C. Morisett. Both stores 
are in the same building, and are separated 
by a wooden partition, the store of Morton 
being on the corner of Greenwich and Bar- 
clay Streets. From appearance, the fire 
originated in the corner store, which Morisett 
says had been closed by the proprietor half 
an hour before the alarm was given. 

Morisett further says that the first inti- 
mation he had of the fire was the bursting 
through the partition of a strong body of 
flames. At the time he was engaged in sell- 
ing some goods, and was ready to shut up 
shop as soon as the customers went away, 
his shutters having been closed. A man 
named John Larashell, who was occasionally 
engaged in the corner store, happening in the 
neighborhood, rushed into Morisett's store, 
and, while attempting to extinguish the 
flames, his clothes took fire, burning him so 
badly that his life is despaired of. He was 
taken to the hospital. It was said that Lara- 
shell had some highly-inflammable material 
about his person, and the officer who re- 
moved him to the hospital said that his boots 
appeared wet with camphene. Morisett is 
insured for $1000 in the Williamsburg City 
Insurance Company, and Morton for $5000 
in city companies. 

The stock in the corner store was almost 
entirely destroyed, and the building was 
damaged to the amount of two hundred dol- 
lars. Several persons were taken to the Third 
Ward Station-House by the police, in order to 
give Fire-Marshal Baker an opportunity of 
investigating the matter. The matter, as to 
the origin of the fire, is enveloped in mys- 
tery; but strong suspicions are entertained 
that it was the work of an incendiary. 

Dreadful Poisoning-Case in New Or- 
leans. — A Dinner-Party Poisoned. — This 
day, Colonel Lemley, a lawyer in New Or- 
leans, gave an extensive dinner-party in 
honor of a young man named Hunt, a stu- 
dent of medicine, who had just graduated. 
Mr. Lemley's family consisted of himself, 
wife, and two daughters, together with his 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



197 



wife's sister, Mr?. Young, and her little son, 
and Miss Hall, besides a large party of in- 
vited guests, among whom were Henry 
Phelps, a youth of eighteen, Miss Bouligney, 
Miss Isabel McKee and her sister, and Miss 
Searles, sister-in-law of the Rev. Mr. Mark- 
ham, Presbyterian minister. After dinner, 
the whole party were taken dangerously ill, 
having been poisoned by arsenic placed in a 
Charlotte russe, supposed to have been put 
there by the black cook and her son, slaves 
to Mr. Lemley. Among the sufferers were 
Col. T. L. Lemley, Mrs. T. L. Lemley, Miss 
Louisa Lemley, Miss Julia Lemley, Miss 
Sallie Hall, Mrs. Young, Miss Sallie Young, 
Miss Emma Young, Willie Young, Mrs. J. H. 
Phelps, Henry Phelps, Miss J. De Bouinez, 
Miss Emily Searles, Mrs. McKee, Miss Emily 
McKee, Miss Bella McKee, Dr. L. G. Hunt, 
Nancy, (a colored woman,) and three chil- 
dren. Mrs. Young's little son, Willie Young, 
Miss Emma Young, and Mrs. Lemley died. 
The rest recovered. The bodies were sent 
to Jackson, Miss., from whence Mr. Young 
formerly came. Previous to this, Ann, the 
cook, and her son Henry, who had been ar- 
rested on charge of the murder, were taken 
from the jail to Mr. Lemley's residence, and 
questioned in front of the dead bodies, whose 
faces were visible through the glass lids of 
the metallic coffins. 

An account of this scene and other mat- 
ters connected with the poisoning we copy 
from the "New Orleans Delta:" — 

Yesterday the negroes Ann and Harry, 
mother and son, were taken from prison to 
the house of Colonel Lemley, to be examined 
by that gentleman, who, though convales- 
cent, is unable to leave his room. There 
were present, when the negroes were brought 
in, Doctors McFarlane, M. M. Dowler, and 
Fisher. In the room lay the corpse of Mrs. 
Lemley and the little boy, son of Mrs. 
Young and nephew of Mr. Lemley. The 
woman Ann had a haggard and unfavorable 
appearance, and the boy Harry confirmed 
by his looks the bad character given to him. 
They were told to look upon the corpses, 
which they did without any signs of con- 
scious guilt or any expressions of a suspi- 
cious character. 

"Look there," remarked Colonel Lemley 
to the woman, "Ann, this is all your work." 
The woman replied, promptly and firmly, 
that she knew nothing about it, and that it 
was as strange to her as to anybody else; 
and, after a pause, and looking at the face 
of her dead mistress, visible through the 
glass case of the metallic coffin, she added, 
"You know, master, if I had wanted to do 
such a thing, I could have done it any time 
for years past." A few questions were then 
asked by the gentlemen present, but nothing 
satisfactory was elicited. The woman and 
son were then examined apart. The boy 
was asked if he had uot been seen stirring 



up the components of the Charlotte russe. 
He replied, "Yes; that Ann had told him to 
stir it while she was engaged about some- 
thingelse." Ann, being asked, acknowledged 
that she had told Harry to stir the dish. 
No impression was made on the gentlemen 
present at this examination confirmatory of 
the suspicion which has attached to those 
accused. The affair is still enveloped in 
profound mystery. To add to the painful 
uncertainty, we learn that portions of the 
Charlotte russe, which were subjected to 
the most careful chemical analysis of an old 
and experienced chemist of this city, have 
been pronounced by him free from arsenic. 
On the other hand, the careful and thorough 
analysis of the viscera of the deceased boy, 
and of the cake which composed a part of 
the confection, by Professor Crawcour, de- 
velops the existence of arsenic in both. It 
is true that Professor Crawcour admits that 
the arsenic in the cake might have been ab- 
sorbed from the jelly; but it does not appear 
that he has analyzed the latter. It is quite 
important to ascertain decisively whether 
the cake or the jelly contained the poison. 
It may be that the investigation has taken 
the wrong direction, and that the poison 
was contained in some of the components of 
the cake, instead of the jelly. It appears, 
too, that champagne wine was used in the 
preparation of the Charlotte russe, and it is 
possible that it may have contained the 
poison. The case is one of great interest, 
not only in its relations to criminal justice, 
but as involving, perhaps, important facts 
in regard to articles commonly used in the 
preparation of fancy viands and confec- 
tions. 

Singular Affray near Louisville. — 
This day, an affray took place near Louis- 
ville, Ky., in which Dr. Robert Durett, and 
Mr. Leaven L. Dorsey, Jr., were the prin- 
cipal parties. These men had a previous 
difficulty in the Bank of Louisville, and 
Dorsey was in pursuit of satisfaction. The 
brother of the latter tells the following 
story of what occurred at the second meet- 
ing :— 

On Tuesday my brother told me that on 
the next day he had made an arrangement 
with Dr. E. Standeford and Mr. Montz to go 
to his lower farm, on the Flat Lick Road, to 
show, and with the view of selling them, a 
portion or all the farm. Accordingly, on 
Wednesday morning, I went to my brother's 
house, and we got into a buggy and went 
to Louisville, and called at Mr. Montz' s 
stable for him. He said he was too unwell 
then to go out, but if he got well enough 
he would come out by eleven or twelve 
o'clock. We then proceeded on the road to 
the farm. My brother observed he wanted 
to see some men he let have wood to chop, 
and that he had time enough to go and see 



198 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



them against Mr. Montz would get out; and 
■when we reached the wood-chopping, we 
there found the doctor, and, I think, a Mr. 
Metts they called him, standing by a log 
house; and when we got near enough for 
them to know who we were, Dr. Durett went 
into the house and shut the door. Mr. Metts 
stood outside by the door. When we drove 
up near the house, my brother asked Mr. 
Metis whether he knew where the Dutchman 
was that was cutting wood. He remarked 
he had gone to Louisville. We then drove 
around the house on our return. He was 
again out of the door, and my brother then 
got out of his buggy, and, as he did, the 
doctor went back again into the house and 
closed the door. My brother then remarked 
to the doctor to come out and defend him- 
self; that he had drawn a dagger on him 
the other day in the Bank of Louisville, and 
threatened my life if I came on the street. 
My brother still standing about twenty 
paces in front of the door and inviting him 
to come out, the doctor opened the door a 
small distance and fired his pistol; Mr. 
Metts standing close by, the doctor begged 
him to come to him; Mr. Metts refusing, 
saying he would take no part in the fuss; I 
remaining in the buggy, say fifty yards' 
distance off. I then got out of the buggy 
and tied the horses. Mr. Metts came to me 
and asked me if I could not stop the diffi- 
culty. I told him it was not my difficulty ; 
I would have nothing to do with it. My 
brother observed that he would have to fire 
the house to get him out, but made no at- 
tempt to do so. He then fired a pistol at 
the window, to try and shatter it so that he 
could try and see in the house, but, that not 
succeeding, he took a stick of cord-wood 
and broke in the window. About that time 
Mr. Metts left and went toward the plank- 
road. My brother went up near the win- 
dow and looked in to see if he could not 
see the doctor, but could not see him. Dur- 
ing the time of the doctor's stay in the 
house, he was begging my brother not to 
kill him, saying that if he would challenge 
him he would fight him. My brother re- 
plied to him that he had made one appoint- 
ment of honor to meet him, and that he had 
shrunk from it, and that he then had no 
more advantage of him than he had the 
other day in the bank. The doctor pro- 
posed to deliver up his arms, and asked my 
brother to discharge his. My brother then 
came to the buggy and said the door would 
have to be broken down. I told him if it 
was, he would have to do it; I should not. 
I then drove off some three hundred yards, 
my brother remaining behind a cabin, wait- 
ing for him to come out. The doctor, leav- 
ing his boots in the house, got out, of the 
window, and, before my brother saw that he 
was out, had got, I suppose, three hundred 
yards' start. My brother then pursued the 



doctor, both on foot, for about a mile 
through the wet woods ; I out of sight of 
them most of the time, but pursued on the 
course with the buggy. When I came up, 
the doctor was leaning against a tree, beg- 
ging for mercy, and I remarked to my 
brother not to kill a man, and he stand beg- 
ging you. The doctor then asked me to 
come and get his pistol, which was a large- 
sized Colt's revolver. He then asked my 
brother to name what terms he wanted, and 
that he would give him any terms he wanted. 
My brother told him he would accept no 
terms of a man when he had him in his 
power. He then asked my brother to let 
him come up to him, and he would throw 
his pistol to him, or he would come to him 
with the breech foremost, which he did. 
He then remarked that he was nearly dead, 
and could not get back to his buggy, which 
was at the cabin. My brother observed to 
him that he was able to walk back to the 
cabin, and that he (the doctor) could take 
his seat in the buggy with me, which he 
did, my brother walking back in front of 
the buggy. On the w.iy back, the doctor 
appeared very sick, and I had to stop fre- 
quently while he vomited. On the way 
back, he said he had reckoned he had as 
well have been killed, — that he was dis- 
graced for life, and acted very cowardly. I 
told him if he had, the public need not 
know it. He said he hoped it never would 
be known. On our arrival at the cabin, 
(the place where the difficulty began,) my 
brother went into the house and got his 
boots. The doctor sat on the sill of the 
door. At that time a gentleman came up 
and asked the doctor what was the matter. 
The doctor made no reply, but asked the 
man to give him some water, Avhich he did. 
The doctor then said, "John, have you got 
a pair of socks? I will give you half a dol- 
lar for them." The man then said, "You 
can have the socks without pay," and pulled 
off his boots. The socks were of coarse 
yarn, and the doctor said he could not get 
his boots on wiih them. He then put on 
his boots without socks. He then proposed 
he would never say any thing about the 
difficulty if we would not. He then got 
into his own buggy, and my brother offered 
him his blanket to wrap up in. We then 
started toward town, the doctor a little in 
front. Pretty soon after we got on the 
plank-road he stopped and took in Mr. 
Metts, the gentleman who was with him at 
the beginning of the affray. We all then 
proceeded toward Louisville ; and when we 
got to Dr. E. Standeford's gate, my brother 
and myself turned in. The doctor and Mr. 
Metts continued on toward town. Myself 
and brother took dinner at Dr. Standeford's, 
and, after dinner, rode out on the farm, and 
my brother sold the doctor a portion of the 
farm — I think thirty-five acres — and we 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



190 



then returned home. It may be necessary 
to say one thing which I have omitted. The 
doctor said to my brother that he would 
withdraw his suits against him, and that 
my brother might choose any two lawyers 
in Louisville to make the settlement between 
them. My brother observed to him that, 
under the circumstances, he would exact 
nothing of him: he could do as he pleased. 
I do not wish to engage in any controversy 
iu this matter, but I feel it due to myself 
and the parties that the public should have 
a true statement of the facts in the case, 
which the above is to the best of my know- 
ledge. 



WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21. 

Fatal Accident. — A fatal and horrible 
accident occurred on the Pennsylvania Rail- 
road this day, at night, opposite the loco- 
motive-works in Lancaster, Pa. The unfor- 
tunate man's name is supposed to be Charles 
Myer, who came from Wurtemberg, Germany, 
and was apparently about forty years of age. 
During the evening he visited several houses 
at the east end of Chestnut Street and asked 
for something to eat, with' which he was sup- 
plied. He was at the time considerably in- 
toxicated ; and, after leaving the neighbor- 
hood, he started for the railroad, and took a 
seat upon a stone-pile near the track, which 
was the last that was seen of him alive. 
Wandering on the track, deprived of reason, 
he was struck, in the dark, by one of the 
night-trains. The locomotive caught him 
and dragged him along the track for a dis- 
tance of forty or fifty yards, crushing his 
head and scattering the brains and broken 
portions of the skull in every direction, tear- 
ing every limb from his body, and cutting 
the body itself in two. The road as far as 
he was carried was strewn with blood, brains, 
and portions of the body, which were dis- 
covered next morning. 

Alleghany (Pa.) Railroad-Bond Meet- 
ing. — This day, at Pittsburg, Pa., a great 
anti-tax convention was held, at which, 
among other proceeding-*, the following letter 
was read from the commissioner, now in jail 
for refusing to obey the order of the Supreme 
Court directing him to levy a tax to pay off 
Alleghany county's indebtedness on its rail- 
road-bonds : — 

County Prison, March 21, 1800. 
Messrs. Gentlemen Delegates composing 

the Anti-Tax Convention now in session at 

Pittsburg : — 

In answer to interrogatories propounded to 
me by some of your delegates to said con- 
vention, as to whether I will levy a tax to 
pay railroad or not, I answer that I will levy 
no tax for any such purpose, unless you, the 
sovereign people, whose servant I am, direct 



me so to do. But any arrangement that a 
large majority of the tax-payers of Alleghany 
county, in their wisdom, would suggest for 
liquidation of this vexed railroad-question, I 
wid endeavor to carry out to the best of my 
ability. 

Yours in bonds, and will remain so, before 
I will levy a tax so oppressive to the tax- 
payers of Alleghany county without their 
consent. Z. Patterson, 

Commissioner. 

Among the resolutions offered was one that 
" A committee of nine persons be appointed 
to prepare a memorial to the Legislature on 
behalf of this convention, setting forth the 
great injustice of this infliction, and asking 
the assumption by them, on such favorable 
terms as they can secure, of the debt incurred 
by their own acts, and through the mistake 
of their own public judicial agents in their 
ill-advised endorsement thereof." 

Railroad-Convention. — In Louisville, 
Ky., this day, a general convention of rail- 
road-officers was held: James Guthrie, chair- 
man, and Samuel Gill (Superintendent of the 
Louisville & Lexington Railroad) and John 
Durand, (Superintendent of the Little Miami 
and Columbus & Xenia Railroad,) secretaries. 

Fire in Oswego, New York. — In Oswego, 
N.Y., this day, a fire broke out in the Empire 
Biock, and, before it could be arrested, had 
entirely destroyed Stone & Co.'s dry-goods- 
store, Link & Michael's clothing-store, and 
Eldridge & Smith's shoe-store. Stone & Co.'s 
loss is $30,000: insurance, $14,000. Link 
& Michael's is $300: fully insured. 

Fire in Yellow Springs. — In Yellow 
Springs, Ohio, this day, the large agricul- 
tural-implement manufacturing establish- 
ment of Messrs. Dane, Ewing & Co. was 
destroyed by fire at night. The loss was 
about $50,000. 

Death of Charles Scott. — This day, 
Charles Scott, a well-known citizen of 
Charleston, Kanawha county, Va., and a 
relative of General Winfield Scott, died. He 
was a native of Powhatan county. 

Unknown Vessel Lost. — This day, the 
ship E. Greeley, at New Orleans from Havre, 
reports having seen— latitude 25° 30' N., 
longitude 63° 10 / W. — a vessel of about 
eighty feet keel, bottom upwards. She was 
painted green, and no masts or other tackle 
were to be seen. 

Legislative Affray.— In Albany, N.Y., 
an affray occurred, this day, between the 
Hon. A. A. Myers, from Kings county, and 
a Mr. Sproal, from Brooklyn. Mr. Sproal 
had been speaking of Mr. Myers in very 



200 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



harsh terms, 'which the latter hearing, at- 
tacked him by striking him with his foot. It 
■was returned by Mr. Sproal ; and, during the 
melee, Mr. Myers was badly beaten. 

Affray. — This clay, Mr. Cummins, of Ope- 
lousas, La., had a quarrel with his wife, and 
chased her to the premises of a neighbor. 
The neighbor sheltered the woman, but 
barred the ingress of the man ; whereupon 
the latter stabbed him, and was arrested for 
it. 

Returned. — This day, the American troops, 
after a campaign on the Mexican side of the 
Rio Grande, returned to the American side. 
During their visit they purchased their sup- 
plies, and the officers were careful to suffer 
no one to molest the person or property of 
any peaceable Mexican. 

Drowned. — In Wilmington, Del., this day, 
as James Sweeny and Philip Lynch, who were 
employed at the steam saw-mill of Thomas 
Walter, at West Street wharf, were in the act 
of getting a log out of the water, Sweeny saw 
the body of a boy lying in the dock, and 
called out to Lynch, who immediately came 
to where he was, and together they got the 
body and removed it to the wharf. The tide 
having receded, the corpse was left lying 
upon its face on the mud. No one at first 
recognised it ; but at length Mr. Thomas 
Land, coming to the spot, found it to be that 
of a son of Captain J. Cornelius, who resides 
in Second Street, near Washington. Mr. 
Land took the body of the unfortunate little 
fellow up and conveyed it to his disconsolate 
family, whose feelings can better be imagined 
than described. The coroner held an in- 
quest upon the body at his father's house. 
His mother said that the little fellow had left 
home about one o'clock on the day he was 
drowned, to go to school, and she never saw 
him again in life. His father went that 
morning to Philadelphia, and, just before he 
started, had taken his little son to the shoe- 
shop of Mr. Land, above named, and re- 
quested him to repair his shoes, so that his 
boy could wear them to Philadelphia on 
Saturday to meet his father ; but, alas ! in 
the bloom of youth, death cut him down, 
and his father will never look upon his boy 
again. 

Sudden Death. — In Washington, D.C., this 
day, in the morning, Mr. David A. Bokee, ex- 
Congressman from New York, was found dead 
in his room. From facts and circumstances, 
it is supposed that he died suddenly yester- 
day, while preparing for bed. He had pre- 
viously appeared in his usual health. An 
investigation showed that his death was the 
result of apoplexy. 

Fire. — In Niles, Mich., this day, a fire 



broke out at midnight in Colby & Co.'s Hour- 
store, destroying it and several adjoining 
buildings, occupied by various dealers. The 
contents of the building were mostly saved. 
Loss, $15,000: insurance, $4000. 



ap- 



Cadets. — This day, the President 
pointed the following cadets at large : — 

1. Edward Willoughby Anderson, son of 
the late Major James W. Anderson, distin- 
guished in Florida and Mexico, and mortally 
wounded at the battle of Churubusco. 

2. Burdett A. Terrett, son of the late Cap- 
tain B. A. Terrett, who died in service in 
1845, and nephew of Major Terrett, of the 
Marine Corps, who was breveted for gallant 
conduct at Chapultepec. 

3. Charles E. Moore, son of a soldier who 
has been fifty years in the army, having 
served out faithfully nine enlistments. 

4. Joseph L. S. Kirby, son of the late 
Major Reynold M. Kirby, who was twice 
breveted for gallantry in the War of 1812, 
and died in service in 1842. 

5. Alexander Sanfbrd Clark, son of Major 
John B. Clark, who entered the service in 
1813, and died of yellow fever while in com- 
mand of the Castle of San Juan d'Ulloa, at 
Vera Cruz. 

6. Francis W. Foot, son of the late Dr. 
Lyman Foot, who was thirty years in the 
army, and died in the service, in 184G, on 
the Texan frontier. 

7. Walter Abbot, son of the late Commo- 
dore Abbot, of .the navy, w : ho was distin- 
guished at the battle of Lake Champlain, 
and died in 1855, while in command of the 
East. India squadron, of disease contracted 
in service. 

8. William Waller, grandson of President 
Tyler. 

9. James W. Fetter, stepson of Mnjor E. 
B. Alexander, who was twice breveted for 
gallant conduct in Mexico, and commanded 
his regiment at the storming of the Belen 
Gate. 

10. James Wayne Cuyler, son of Surgeon 
John N. Cuyler, who has been twenty-five 
years in the army, and was distinguished in 
several Indian campaigns and in the Mexican 
War, where he served with General Scott's 
line from the siege of Vera Cruz to the cap- 
ture of the city of Mexico. 

Suicide. — Captain Daniel Scarlcs, door- 
keeper of the Louisiana House of Delegates, 
committed suicide at Baton Rouge, this day, 
by blowing out his brains. For years he had 
kept his coffin and winding-sheet in his 
house, and he already had his tombstone in 
the cemetery, with his name inscribed. 

Attempted Suicide. — In Cincinnati, this 
day, Charles Young, who is charged with 
being accessory to the death of Miss Cor- 
delia A. Calkins, tried to shuffle off this 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



201 



mortal coil, by taking laudanum. He bad a 
short time before been conversing Avith bis 
attorney about bis trial. Dr. Graham was 
called, and afforded speedy relief to the suf- 
fering young man. When be was asked the 
cause of bis conduct, his reply was, "I am 
persecuted for an offence of which I am not 
guilty. I am in trouble; and the shortest 
way to end it is to die. I am not afraid to 
die." 

Dreadful Murder of Three Men in an 
Oyster- Boat in New York Bay. — The morn- 
ing of this day, about half-past six o'clock, 
the sloop E. A. Johnson, commanded by 
George Burr, was found abandoned between 
Sandy Hook and Coney Island Point, New 
York Harbor, under circumstances which 
leave no doubt as to a bloody tragedy having 
occurred on board. The sloop was first dis- 
covered by the crew of the schooner Tele- 
graph, Captain Listare, and subsequently by 
the steam-tug Ceres, Captain Downs. The 
sails of the abandoned sloop were down and 
hanging over the rail, while the bowsprit, 
which bad evidently been carried away in a 
collision, was floating in the water alongside. 
The first thing that attracted the attention 
of Captains Downs and Listare, on boarding 
the E. A. Johnson, was the presence of blood 
in large quantities upon the deck. In no less 
than three places there were extensive pools 
of gore and marks which evidently showed 
that some bloody substance had been dragged 
along the deck and thrown overboard. The 
cabin presented a still more horrible appear- 
ance than the deck, the floor and all the 
furniture being covered or spotted with 
blood. That the sloop had been the scene of 
some dreadful and bloody tragedy there did 
not seem to be any doubt : so it was deter- 
mined to tow her to New York immediately 
and notify the police of the discovery. 

The E. A. Johnson arrived at New York in 
tow of the Ceres about half-past eight o'clock, 
and was moored in Fulton Market slip. Cap- 
tain Weeds, of the Second District police, 
upon being informed of the arrival, imme- 
diately proceeded on board and took posses- 
sion of the vessel until the coroner made his 
appearance. It was about noon when Coro- 
ner Schirmer and Drs. Bouton and Beach 
proceeded on board the sloop for the purpose 
of investigating the matter. The sloop had 
the appearance of having recently been in 
collision with some vessel, judging from the 
damaged condition of her bowsprit and cut- 
water. Her sails were lying loose on deck, 
and every thing denoted signs of confusion 
and violence. The coroner's deputies first 
proceeded to examine the cabin, which had 
evidently been the scene of some sanguinary 
struggle. The floor, ceiling, benches, and 
furniture were all stained with blood. A 
further examination showed that the cabin 
had been ransacked by some persons, as if in 



search of plunder; for upon the floor were 
strewed articles of clothing, papers, bedding, 
&c. The coroner's deputies took notes of 
every thing they found in the cabin, among 
which were the following articles. A slate, 
on which were written the lines, " I now take 
my pen in band to let you know that I am 
well, and I hope you are the same. I left 

Egg Harbor " A coffee-pot, covered 

with blood and human hair, was found in a 
corner near the stove. A broom, which had 
apparently been used in sweeping the blood 
from the floor, and a hammer, also smeared 
with blood, were found near the companion- 
way. Marks of blood were found on the 
ladder leading to the deck, upon the lockers, 
upon the sides of the cabin, and upon the 
ceiling. There were four fresh and distinct 
marks, as if made with the blade of a knife 
or sharp hatchet, upon the beams and ceiling; 
and one of the indentations was stained with 
blood. A pair of pantaloons, in the pockets 
of which were found twenty-nine cents, were 
found wrapped up in a piece of blood-stained 
paper ; also the handle of a carpet-bag or 
valise, which had recently been torn off. The 
runs were, upon examination, found to be 
filled with blood, which bad leaked down 
from the floor and been allowed to remain 
there in the clotted state in which it was 
discovered. All the lockers and closets were 
stained with blood, — probably by the assassin 
in search of plunder, — as also the stove and 
cooking-utensils. 

The beds and bedclothes, with the excep- 
tion of a single pillow-case, were free from 
blood-marks ; but the gore could be traced up 
to the berths on each side of the cabin, in 
spots and large stains. Two pairs of boots 
belonging to the captain, several pairs of pan- 
taloons, a number of coats, hats, a marlin- 
spike, two sheath knives, a violin, a plate of 
raw beef, a portemonnaie, a penknife, valise 
filled with clothing, and a number of other 
articles, were found in the cabin and examined 
by the doctors. Search was made for the 
captain's papers and money; but, although 
every hole and corner was ransacked, no 
trace of them could be discovered. About a 
quart of blood had probably been spilled 
upon the floor. In the neighborhood of the 
stove and around the wood-pile it was found 
to be mixed with water, which led the doctors 
to believe that some attempt had been made 
to wash the floor but had probably been 
abandoned as futile. 

From the cabin the blood was traced up 
the companion-way to the deck, where marks 
as if produced by the dragging of some bloody 
substance were observable all along from the 
cabin-door to the side of the vessel. The rail, 
too, was smeared with blood, and also the 
side of the sloop, showing that the assassin 
concluded his work by throwing the evidence 
of his guilt into the sea. The finger-marks 
of blood on the rail and the indentation of a 



202 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



knife leads to the belief that the murderer 
•was compelled to sever the hand of his vic- 
tim, as he clung to the frail support, before he 
could throw him overboard. 

Amidships on the starboard side, near the 
centre-board, was found a large pool of blood, 
"which was also traced to the side of the 
vessel. The second victim had probably been 
murdered here, dragged to the rail, and com- 
mitted to the deep. Farther forward, near 
the main-hatch, was another pool of blood, 
connecting with a fourth pool around the 
foremast and forecastle-hatchway and occu- 
pying a space of about six feet square. In 
the latter pool was found a lock of brown 
hair, which had evidently been torn out of 
the murdered man's head in the struggle. 

The hold was examined carefully, but no 
marks of blood or traces of a struggle could 
be discovered. A quantity of earth, used as 
ballast, some oyster-baskets, and firewood, 
was all that it contained. 

Upon an examination of the stern of the 
sloop, it was discovered that the tackle was 
lowered to the water"s edge, and the small 
boat which usually hung there had been taken 
away. 

Pending the examination of the sloop by 
the coroner, the Second Precinct police were 
ashore making diligent inquiries respecting 
the vessel, her captain, crew, &c. They 
learned i-he was engaged in the oyster-busi- 
ness, and left Catharine Market, slip on the 
15th inst., for Keyport, N.J., with a crew of 
the following-named persons: — 
George Burr, captain. 
Nathaniel Clack, mate. 
Smith Watts and Oliver Watts, hands. 

The crew all belonged to Islip, L.I. ; and 
the sloop proved to be the property of Mr. 
E. A. Johnson, of the same place. The ves- 
sel, it appears, reached Keyport in safety, 
and left there on Sunday night, bound for 
Deep Creek, Va., to take in a cargo of oys- 
ters. The oysters were intended for Messrs. 
Barnes & Simmons, of Keyport, and were 
intended for planting. 

Captain Nickerson, of the schooner John 
B. Mather, of Dennis, Mass., reports that 
about half-past three or lour o'clock in the 
morning, while abreast of the tail of the West 
Bank, he came in collision 'with the sloop 
E. A. Johnson and was badly damaged. The 
sloop was standing north, as if running for 
New York, while his schooner was sailing 
almost due south. There was only one man 
on board of the sloop at the time, and he 
■was at the wheel, steering. No words "were 
exchanged between Captain Nickerson and 
the man on board the sloop. Immediately 
after the collision, the John B. Mather was 
found to be so badly damaged that it was 
deemed necessary to put back to New York 
for repairs. On his arrival in the East River 
yesterday morning, Captain Nickerson saw 
the sloop E. A. Johnson ; and he immediately 



recognised her as his acquaintance of the 
previous night. He says the sloop had a 
boat swinging from her stern at the time of 
the collision, but he did not observe any one 
getting into it while the two vessels were in 
sight of each other. He is of opinion that 
the collision was caused by the grossest ig- 
norance or fright on the part of the man 
who was steering the sloop, and says that 
during his sea-experience of over twenty- 
five years he never saw a more bungling 
piece of work than that performed by the 
steersman in question. There were no calls for 
assistance on board the sloop, and not a word 
was uttered by any one on board. The in- 
cident passed off in perfect silence ; and, 
with the exception of a few words spoken 
by Captain Nickerson, a dead silence reigned 
on board of both vessels. 

Such are the facts respecting the abandon- 
ment, discovery, and subsequent examina- 
tion of the sloop E. A. Johnson. Captain 
Burr had over $1000 in his possession, with 
which he intended to purchase his cargo ; 
and this money must have been the incentive 
for the murderers. The disappearance of 
the small boat goes to favor the idea that the 
butchery was committed by one or more of 
the crew, or some one who had concealed 
himself on board. 

Shocking Affair. — A Lady Burned up 
in her House. — This day, near Marion, S.C., 
the house of Mr. D. W. Larrimore was de- 
stroyed by fire, and his wife perished in the 
flames. Mr. Larrimore was absent at the 
time, and his children were at school. It 
is thought that Mrs. L., who was subject to 
fits, was taken with one, and fell into the 
fire, her clothing communicating the flames 
to the furniture. Her bones only were 
found in the embers. 

Diabolical Attempt at Rape by a Boy 
of Sixteen. — This day, at Calanan's Coiners, 
twelve miles from Albany, N.Y., a wicked 
attempt to commit rape was made. The 
victim of the affair is an orphan-girl, ten 
years of age, named Charity Wagner, who 
had been adopted into the family of John 
Flansburgh, a highly-respectable farmer of 
that place. She was sent to the barn by 
Mrs. Flansburgh to get some eggs. She 
started on her errand, and upon reaching 
the barn — which was some distance from the 
house — was met by a brute in human shape, 
named Andrew Acker, who seized hold of 
her and threw her upon the floor, when he 
made a desperate attempt to violate her per- 
son. The girl was so much afl'ected by the 
sudden appearance of the man that she be- 
came almost helpless. However, the re- 
sisted as best she could, and finally, after 
receiving the most inhuman treatment, suc- 
ceeded in releasing herself from the grasp 
of her destroyer, and fled to the house, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



203 



when she immediately informed Mrs. Flans- 
burgh of the afl'air. Acker, who is a boy 
sixteen years old, was arrested and com- 
mitted to jail. 

Sinking of the Steamer Arkansas Tra- 
veller. — This day, the steamer Arkansas 
Traveller, from New Orleans to Fort Smith, 
was sunk near Van Buren, Texas. A pass- 
enger (name unknown) was lost. The boat 
and cargo were a total loss. 



THURSDAY, MARCH 22. 

The Railroad-Convention which had 
been in session at Louisville since the 21st. 
this day adjourned. Twenty-six companies 
were represented. They unanimously and 
enthusiastically passed a resolution recon- 
sidering the early construction of a railroad- 
bridge over the falls of the Ohio, and in- 
voking the early approval by Congress of 
Senator Wigfall's bill for a railroad and 
telegraph line from the Mississippi River 
to the Pacific. 

Iron-Manufacturers' Convention. — In 
Philadelphia, this day, a convention of the 
iron-manufacturers of Pennsylvania met, — 
the object being to secure an advance in the 
rates of duties on foreign iron. A committee 
on resolutions was appointed, which includes 
three delegates to the Chicago Convention. 

Wife Brought Back. — Mrs. Sprague, of 
Boston, mysteriously disappeared from her 
home in that city, a few months since, but 
was discovered and returned to her friends. 
About three weeks since, she again disap- 
peared, having gone oif with Albert B. Hall, 
of Augusta. The parties were traced to 
Chicago, where they were found living as 
man and wife. This day, she was again 
brought back to Boston, by Officer Wright, 
who had gone in pursuit of her. Hall was 
left at Chicago, the officer having no direc- 
tions to arrest him. 

Too Late. — Governor Kirkwood, of Iowa, 
this day, issued his warrant for the arrest 
and surrender of Barclay Coppic, a second 
application having been made to him, accom- 
panied by the proper papers. Coppic, how- 
ever, at the time was in Canada. 

Died.— This day, Dr. T. C. Thornton, the 

venerable divine, and President of Madison 
College, departed this life, at his residence, 
in Sharon. 

Surrendered Himself. — This day, John 
B. Brownlow, of Knoxville, Tenn., charged 
with killing James W. Reese at Emory and 
Henry College, surrendered himself to the 
Virginia authorities. 



Paper-mill Burned. — The paper-factory 
and dwelling of George S. Eaby, near Com- 
passville, West Cain, Chester county, Pa., 
was almost completely destroyed by tire ou 
the evening of this day. 

Sinking of the Schooner Grandilla, of 
Boston. — This day, the schooner Grandilla, 
of Boston, Captain Baker, sprung a leak in 
a gale and sunk. The following is the cap- 
tain's report: — 

The schooner Grandilla, of Boston, sailed 
hence on the 21st Last., with a general cargo, 
bound to New Orleans. On the 22d, in lati- 
tude 37°, longitude 73°, encountered a vio- 
lent gale from the northwest, during whicli 
the schooner sprung a leak. On the 22d, at 
half-past four o'clock p.m., the brig John 
Chrystal, Captain Upton, hence for India- 
nola, came up. Finding it impossible to 
keep the vessel afloat, I concluded to aban- 
don her, and was taken off by the brig. 
There were eight of us on board,— all of 
whom were rescued. At the time of leaving, 
there were tw.enty-four inches of water in 
the hold, and blowing heavy, with snow- 
squalls. 

The Grandilla is two hundred and twenty- 
eight tons, rates A 2, was built in Harps- 
well in 1855, and is owned by Mr. Doland, 
of Boston, Captain Baker, and others. 



FRIDAY, MARCH 23. 

AVoman Hung. — Mrs. Billansky was hung 
in St. Paul, this day, for poisoning her hus- 
band on the 12th of March, 1859. Every 
effort had been made by her counsel to secure 
her acquittal, but without effect. She es- 
caped once from the hall of the jail, and, after 
a week's absence, was retaken with a person 
said to be her paramour. At the scaffold the 
following scene occurred, in the presence of a 
hundred persons, among whom were a num- 
ber of Dacotah or Sioux Indians, who had 
come to witness this exhibition of Christian 
civilization. 

When the prisoner arrived upon the plat- 
form, she was led forward, and kneeled upon 
the drop, the clergy, jailer, and Sisters of 
Charity, and other ladies, in the same posture 
around her. About five minutes were then 
spent in reading prayers by the clergy, in 
which she seemed to take a deep interest. 
Upon rising, she was asked if she had any 
thing to say. She said, — 

"I die without having had any mercy 
shown me, or justice. I die for the good of 
my soul, and not for murder. May you all 
profit by my death ! Your courts of justice 
are not courts of justice; but I will yet get 
justice in heaven. I am a guilty woman, I 
know, but not of this murder, which was 
committed by another. I forgive everybody 
who did me wrong. I die a sacrifice to the 



204 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Marc u , 



law. I hope you all may be judged better 
than I have been, and by a more righteous 
Judge. I die prepared to meet my God." 

Dr. Miller, the deputy sheriff, then ap- 
proached her "with the rope, 'when she ex- 
claimed, "Dr. Miller, how can you stain your 
hands by putting that rope around my neck, 
— the instrument of my death?" 

He assured her that duty compelled him to 
do it; and she made no resistance, but only 
said, •' Do, for God's sake, put it on so it will 
not suffocate me." 

After it had been arranged, Dr. Miller 
took the black cap from his pocket and pro- 
ceeded to put it on her head, when she said, 
"Be sure that my face is well covered." 

All this took place in less time than it will 
take to read it, during which she said, several 
times, "God, have mercy — God, have mercy 
on my soul." Her last words were, "Lord 
Jesus Christ, receive my soul." 

She was requested to take a step forward 
on the drop; and then, every thing being 
prepared, Dr. Miller made a motion to She- 
riff Tullis, who pulled the fatal rope, and in 
an instant she fell. The fall was about four 
feet, and the machinery was so nicely ad- 
justed that the noise was scarcely heard out- 
side the enclosure. 

There was scarcely any movement in the 
body after it dropped: a slight convulsive 
motion, and a heaving of the chest, were all 
that was observed. 

The body was allowed to hang about 
twenty minutes, during which time prayers 
were read audibly by the clergy, who re- 
mained kneeling on the platform. 

The physicians, having examined the body 
several times, then stated to the sheriff that- 
life was extinct; and she was cut down and 
placed in a plain black coffin, that had been 
placed in front of the gallows during the 
whole period of the execution. 

Her demeanor on the scaffold was excellent. 
She was not defiant nor stoical : neither did 
she shed a tear. It is the opinion of many 
that she expected a pardon or reprieve to the 
last moment. 

The most disgusting feature connected with 
the affair was the eagerness and persistency 
with which females sought to obtain eligible 
places to view the dying agonies of one of 
their own sex. 

Execution of Philip Lynch at Mount 
Holly, N.J. — Philip Lynch was hung, to-day, 
at the Burlington county prison. He was 
convicted, at the December term of the Bur- 
lington County Courts, of the murder of 
George Coulter, a Sootchman, at Bordentown, 
on the night of the 23d of September last. 
"When the sentence was pronounced, he ap- 
peared perfectly furious, and upon the closing 
clause by the judge he exclaimed, "And 
may the d — 1 die with me!" He then turned 
upon Mr. Cannon, the District Attorney, and 



said that he woijld appear to him after his 
death. He has steadily refused the offices of 
religion, notwithstanding the humane efforts 
of the Catholic clergymen to bring him to a 
realizing sense of his awful condition. His 
desperation of character has been fully kept 
up during his incarceration ; and it has been 
necessary to iron him heavily. The execu- 
tion took place at twenty minutes before 
twelve o'clock. Lynch made no address 
from the scaffold, but declared his innocence 
to his spiritual adviser. Father Bowles, of 
Burlington, was in attendance nil the morn- 
ing, but failed to make any impression on 
his hardened heart. After hanging about 
thirty minutes, the body was taken down and 
placed in a coffin in one of the prison-cells. 

Fatal Affray. — In New York, this day, 
a fatal affray occurred in West Street, in a 
saloon kept by William Dunnigan. During 
a fight which took place there, Dunnigan 
stabbed two men, named Hickey and Keviz?. 
They were both conveyed to the New York 
Hospital, where Hickey soon after died. 
Kevin lingered for a few days afterward, 
when he also died. 

Execution of William Fee. — In Lyons, 
N.Y., this day, William Fee, who was con- 
victed of the murder of an unknown woman, 
paid the penalty of his crime upon the gallows 
at Lyons. The murder was committed on 
Sunday, the 25th of September last, in the 
town of Galen. The victim, a female of the 
age of twenty-five years or more, was travel- 
ling along a highway not much frequented, 
with her satchel in hand, and was, no doubt, 
in search of employment. Fee pursued, avow- 
ing that he would ravish her, and declaring 
that his purpose should be accomplished 
even at the cost of life. It was accomplished 
and repeated; and subsequently the lifeless 
body of the poor woman was found where he 
left it, with finger-marks upon her throat, 
indicating that she had died from strangula- 
tion. Fee ravished this woman, and for that 
crime deserved death ; yet the law for that 
crime alone would not condemn him to the 
gallows. Fee never denied that he committed 
the assault upon the woman, but declared 
that he did not kill her. He was attended 
on that Sunday by Thomas Muldoon, who 
was jointly indicted with him for the murder 
and now awaits trial. 

Fee resided at Lock Pit, a mile or more 
from the scene of the murder, and had been 
employed as a laborer on the canal-work. 
He had a father, mother, and two or three 
brothers. His conduct was bad, and for 
three or four years, or since the family have 
resided there, the terror of all who knew 
him ; and his relatives do not bear a favor- 
able character. One of his brothers is now 
under indictment for assault and battery. 
Fee was about twenty-three years old, and 



2SG0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



205 



had resiled in this country sixteen years. 
He was a native of Ireland. 

Death of a Millionaire. — In Charleston, 
S.C., this day, Mr. William Enston, for many 
years a large dealer in furniture in that city, 
died very suddenly. Mr. Enston was a na- 
tive of England, but came to this country in 
early childhood. In Philadelphia, where he 
grew up to manhood, he learned the trade of a 
chair-maker, and after his marriage came to 
Charleston to follow that trade. From this 
humble beginning, by habits of strict industry 
and attention to business, he became one of 
our wealthiest citizens, and died possessed 
of a property of about $2,000,000. Being 
childless, he left his wife a life-interest in 
the estate, and one or two annuities to rela- 
tives. Upon the death of these parties, the 
entire estate, excepting about $30,000, re- 
verts to the city of Charleston, in trust for 
charitable purposes, as is more explicitly set 
forth in the following extract from his will: — 
'• And at the death of parties concerned, 
wherein the amount is not left unqualifiedly 
absolute, shall revert back to my estate at 
the death of all parties concerned : it is my 
wish and wiil that the whole fund shall go to 
the city of Churleston, for the following pur- 
poses and under the following provisions; 
to build up a hospital for old and infirm 
persons. None must be admitted under the 
age of (45) forty-five years, unless in the 
case of some great infirmity, some lameness, 
some physical infirmity. I entirely exclude 
lunacy from the said hospital. It is more 
for to make old age comfortable than for any 
thing else. The necessary qualifications for 
entrance must be poverty, a good, honest 
character ; the parties must be decent, and 
the gift of the places must be in the hands 
of twelve trustees, chosen by council ; and 
the said trustees, together with the mayor of 
the city, shall determine whether they are 
proper persons for the charity. There shall 
always remaiu in the gift of any of my family, 
if any be alive, six gifts for six individuals. 
Before any thing can be done with my funds 
for such a purpose, the city of Charleston 
must furnish not less than eight acres of 
ground to erect the said cottages on ; for each 
cottage must have a small garden, to busy the 
occupant. These cottages must be built of 
brick, in rows, neat and convenient, two 
stories high, having each two rooms and a 
kitchen. As I have no time now, there must 
be made a plan of said hospital and submitted 
to my wife Hannah for her approval. The 
lot of ground, or its location, must have her 
approval." 

Sentenced for Adultery. — This day, in 
the Superior Court of Boston, Edwin W. Reed, 
the Springfield music-teacher, who had pre- 
viously been convicted of adultery, was 
brought in for sentence. As he took his 



place in the dock, his hands trembled with 
emotion and his eyes were red with weeping. 
His wife was present, and stated to the court 
that he had always treated her well and sup- 
plied the wants of her family. General But- 
ler, his counsel, then addressed the court, 
urging in mitigation of sentence that, al- 
though guilty of the crime proved, he was 
not the seducer of Miss Kendall. He pro- 
duced, as tending to show this, the record of 
the birth of her child, in Boston, in April, 
1855, and proof that in the July previous 
Miss Kendall was on a visit to a Unitarian 
minister, a widower, under circumstances 
that caused some talk in the neighborhood, 
lie asked, as a matter of favor to the pri- 
soner's wife, that the sentence might be to 
the House of Correction rather than to the 
State prison. No remarks were made in be- 
half of the prosecution ; and Judge Allen sen- 
tenced him to the House of Correction for 
the term of two and a half years, — fifteen 
months on each of the two counts upon which 
he was convicted. 

Doctor found Murdered. — This day, Dr. 
McNeely Dubose was found murdered in his 
field, in Clarendon district, S.C. It is re- 
ported that the deed was committed by an 
insane man by the name of Stukes. 

Destructive Fire at Pekin, III. — The 
night of this day, a fire broke out in Pek'n, 
(HI.,) in the store of Charles Greedenbery. on 
Court Street, between Third and Fourth 
Streets, which, before it could be arrested, 
destroyed the fourth part of that and an 
adjoining block of buildings. The principal 
losers are Rhodes & Co., (warehouse,) $0000; 
Hoffman, druggist, $10,000; Rupert & Vin- 
cent, $20,000; Becker & Co., $5000; D. H. 
Lowrey, $5000. The post-office was also 
burned; but the mails were nearly all saved. 
The total loss exceeded $90,000. 

Fire in Clarksville, Mo. — This day, the 
flour-mills of Wells & Co., at Clarksville, Mo., 
together with a large stock of wheat and 
flour, were burned. The loss amounted to 
$30,000, on which there was no insurance. 

The Maryland Democratic Convention 
met at Baltimore, this day, and selected 
delegates for Charleston. They passed re- 
solutions in substance as follows: — 

1. The people of Maryland, as a frontier 
Southern State, are most vitally interested 
in the protection of slave-property and the 
faithful observance of all guarantees of the 
Federal Constitution; denounces as wicked 
the treasonable attempts by the Northern 
people to regulate or invade, by discussion, 
agitation, or otherwise, the domestic institu- 
tions of any State or Territory. 

2. That we pledge ourselves to unite with 
our Southern brethren in asserting and main- 



206 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



taining our constitutional rights at every 
hazard and to the last extremity. 

3. That we do faithfully adhere to the 
political principles of the National Convention 
of 1856, as the true Democratic creed. 

4. That we stand upon the policy of non- 
intervention by Congress with the institution 
of slavery in the Territories, as approved by 
the Convention of 1856, and that we declare 
it to be our opinion that neither Congress 
nor the people of a Territory, organized or 
unorganized, directly or indirectly, can in- 
terfere with the institution of slavery or the 
right of holding slaves. We hereby declare 
that such right is more properly referable to 
judicial instruction, and that the adjudication 
of the Supreme Court upon such question is 
final and binding upon each member of the 
Democratic party, and will more certainly 
conduce to the public peace than any form of 
legislative intervention. 

5. That perfect, freedom of opinion upon 
all questions ought to be enjoyed by every 
member of the party, and all differences 
tolerated until the Democratic Convention, or 
Supreme Court, or the States, shall settle the 
issue, when it becomes an imperative duty 
to yield unqualified adhesion. 

6. That we approve of the general policy 
of the present national Administration. 

7. That we will give our support to the 
nominee of the Charleston Convention. 

Stabbed. — At Flint, Miss., this di y. a 
prisoner, named Sorrer, was stabbed and 
instantly killed in the county jail, by a fel- 
low-prisoner, named Ackerman, who Avas 
under confinement for supposed insanity. 

Sentences. — In New York, this day, John 
W. Curtis, a miserably-clad young man, con- 
victed of passing counterfeit money, knowing 
it to be such, was sentenced to five years' im- 
prisonment at hard labor in Sing Sing. 

James M. Williams, for taking a letter, in 
which was three thousand dollars, from the 
post-office, addressed to T. Williams, to be 
imprisoned at hard labor, in Sing Sing, for 
the term of eight years. 

Daniel H. Palmer, a genteel-looking young 
man, who pleaded guilty to a charge of steal- 
ing letters from the letter-boxes attached to 
the lamp-posts, was asked what he had to say 
why sentence should not be passed upon him. 
Palmer replied that he had to sny that he was 
guilty of the offence, and he was truly sorry 
for it. When he was caught, he confessed it, 
and relinquished every thing to the post-office, 
even seventy-four dollars of his own. He had 
been tempted to use the key of the boxes 
when in the employ of the contractor. It 
was his first offence ; and he hoped that his 
previous good character and his wife and 
children would make some consideration in 
the mind of the court. If judgment were 
suspended, he would promise to leave the 



country and lead a holy and righteous life 
elsewhere. 

The judge, in passing sentence, said that 
Palmer had been indicted for stealing letters 
from the post-office, and had pleaded guilty, 
thus saving time and expense to the Govern- 
ment. Your case is one which appeals to the 
sympathy of the court. You ask that sen- 
tence be suspended ; but there is no pardon- 
ing-power in the court : that belongs to an- 
other power. But we have a discretion; and 
we are disposed to be lenient. The highest 
penalty awarded for the offence is ten years' 
imprisonment ; the lowest is two years'. The 
sentence of the court is, that you be im- 
prisoned for two years and six months. 

Arrest op the Murderer of the Hands 
on board the Oyster-Sloop E. A. Johnson. 
— This day, was arrested in Providence, R.I., 
Albert W. Hicks, charged with the murder 
of Capt. Burr and Smith and Oliver Watts 
on board the sloop E. A. Johnson. The 
following are the circumstances which led 
to his arrest, which is copied from the 
"New York Police Gazette:" — 

On Thursday morning, Capt. Weed, of the 
Second District police, received information 
which pointed most positively to the as- 
sassin, and immediately despatched two of 
his most efficient officers in pursuit of the 
fugitive. From reliable authority, Capt. 
Weed ascertained that a man answering the 
description of one of the crew of the ill- 
fated sloop came ashore at Staten Island 
on Wednesday morning, in a small boat, 
and related that he belonged to a vessel 
which had been sunk a few hours previous 
by coming in collision with a schooner. 
He further stated that the captain of the 
sloop had been killed by the collision, and 
that he was the only one on board who had 
time to escape, which he did by getting in the 
yawl-boat. While relating the story of his 
misfortune, he produced a bag of money, 
and requested the deck-hand to help him to 
count it over, as he was afraid some one 
had been cheating him. The money con- 
sisted of gold and silver coin, and, to the 
best of the deck-hand's recollection, the bag 
contained about $500. 

Before the counting of the money could 
be concluded, the Southfield arrived at the 
Battcrj-, and the stranger, gathering up his 
money, left the boat, with the intention, he 
said, of seeing if something could not be 
done toward raising the sloop. From the 
Battery the police traced the stranger to 
129 Cedar Street, where he met his wife 
and child, the latter about ten years of 
age. Here the officers ascertained that the 
stranger's name was no other than William 
Johnson, the mate of the ill-fated sloop. 
Immediately after his arrival in this city. 
Johnson proceeded to a barber's shop and 
had his face shaved and hair cut, and, after 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



207 



packing up some trunks, he proceeded on 
board the Stonington boat and engaged a 
state-room for himself and family. 

The important information contained in 
the above paragraph was not received by 
the parties until Thursday morning, — 
nearly fifteen hours after the suspected 
party had left the city. The telegraph was 
brought into use, however, and orders were 
forwarded to Stonington and Providence to 
arrest the accused should he make his ap- 
pearance in either of those cities. Detect- 
ives Neviu and Smith took the eleven- 
o'clock train the same day, and pursued 
their way to Stonington for the purpose of 
following up the fugitive. The officers 
have a full description of both Johnson and 
his wife, and cannot fail to recognise the 
couple the moment they appear in sight. 
On Friday, Capt. Weed received informa- 
tion that the detectives had arrived in 
Stonington and had started for Provi- 
dence. Johnson is supposed to have gone 
to his father's residence, in Rhode Island, 
at a point on the railroad about half-way 
between Stonington and Providence. 

On Friday afternoon the carman who took 
Johnson's luggage down to the steamboat- 
wharf informed Capt. Weed that the fugi- 
tive had taken the Fall River boat, and not 
the Stonington boat, as was at first sup- 
posed. The carman says he does not know 
Johnson by name ; but his description of 
the person whose baggage he put on board 
the Fall River boat corresponds to a nicety 
with that of Johnson. He says that after 
the luggage, which consisted of two trunks 
and a hatbox, had been put on board, the 
owner requested him, if any inquiries were 
made, to say that he had gone to Albany. 
The person (a woman) who informed Capt. 
Weed that Johnson had taken the Stoning- 
ton boat was an old acquaintance of the 
fugitive's wife, and says she went on board 
with the family, and only left them when 
the hour of departure had arrived : so that 
it is altogether probable that the carman is 
mistaken in the identity of the man, and 
that Johnson did take passage in the Sto- 
nington boat, after all. 

The Saturday evening edition of the New 
York "Times" contained the following 
letter from Providence, R.I., which fur- 
nishes full particulars of the pursuit of the 
fugitive : — 

Providence, Friday, March 23, 1860. 
Officer Nevin and myself took the Shore- 
Line Fiailroad at noon on Thursday, in- 
tending to confer at Stonington with the 
clerk and officers of the Commonwealth, on 
which it was said the man had gone east. We 
reached Stonington about six o'clock, and 
proceeded at once to the steamer, where 
Mr. Foster, the obliging clerk Mr. Crowley, 
and the other attaches of the boat gave us 



all the information in their possession. 
Unluckily, however, it proved of not the 
slightest advantage. 

A man and wife, with a large box, who 
had a girl of five years, helped to confuse 
our minds somewhat ; and, as there was one 
sailor-man who stopped at Providence with 
a chest and other sailor's luggage, Ave con- 
cluded to go on. The first of these parties 
we followed as far as Canton, Mass., and 
became fully satisfied that they were not 
the designed couple. After a hasty break- 
fast, we took the first train from Boston, 
arriving at Providence at ten o'clock a.m. 

Here we questioned all the baggage- 
markers and freight-agents as to the 
parties who had stopped there by the pre- 
vious train from Stonington. We ascer- 
tained that a sailor's chest and bag had 
been landed the morning before, and that a 
dark-complexioned man had left them in 
the depot, calling for them early in the 
morning. The pursuit of this thread now 
occupied our attention, and every hack- 
driver and baggage-express-wagon was put 
to the inquisition for light as to where they 
had gone. 

While on our way to Stonington, I sug- 
gested to Officer Nevin the possibility that 
the murderer had taken the Fall River 
boat, instead of the Stonington, for the 
purpose of misleading his pursuers, and 
taking the steamer Bradford Durfee from 
the , itter place to Providence. Leaving 
the officer to work up this part of the case, 
in connection with Constable Billings, of 
the Providence police, whose assistance 
had been solicited, I struck out on my 
own hook, by permission of my superior 
officer. The Bradford Durfee was still at 
the dock; and my first thought was to ques- 
tion her crew. 

The first man I spoke to was John 
McDermott, an intelligent deck-hand. I said, 
"You brought up a sailor-man from Fall 
River yesterday. Can you tell me what 
baggage he had?" John promptly replied, 
"Yes," and immediately gave me a precise 
list of every article, adding, " He had his 
wife with him, — a little woman, with a child ; 
and she had weak eyes." He then described 
Johnson perfectly, and said he asked him, 
on coming up the river, if he (John) could 
show him a private boarding-house. He 
could not do so, and that matter was 
dropped. 

I then inquired about the.hackman who 
took them away ; went to his house and 
roused him from a profound slumber, and 
obtained from him the precise house where 
he had left them. It is at a remote part of 
the city, near India Point, where he put up 
with a woman named Butts, a respectable 
lady, who consented to take them in. 

These facts I communicated to my asso- 
ciates as soon as possible ; and, while I 



208 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[MAB.cn, 



■write, preparations are being made to sur- 
prise him at his lodgings this evening. 

The plan of capture was duly executed, 
and the alleged murderer was soon in the 
hands of the New York officers. 

The real name of the murderer is Albert 
W. Hicks. He is a native of Foster, R.I., 
and is thirty-two years old. He denies all 
knowledge of the crime. 

Death of an Old New York Merchant. 
— This day, died, in New York, Najah 
Taylor, one of that class of staunch and re- 
liable New York merchants who are now 
nearly extinct. The subject of this notice 
was a contemporary of Stephen Whitney, 
John Jacob Astor, J. Phillips Phenix, and 
others who amassed immense fortunes in 
their lives, the principal benefits of which 
have descended as the patrimony to a long 
line of successors. Mr. Taylor expired at 
half-past five o'clock in the morning. He 
was born at Ridgefield, Conn., on the 81st 
of October, 1769, and consequently was in 
the ninety-first year of Lis age: yet up to 
within a few days of his death he enjoyed 
remarkably good health, such as few men 
of his years possess. 



SATURDAY, MARCH 24. 

Forgery. — In New York, a young man 
named Bartley Dugan, of No. 154 Laurens 
Street, presented for payment at the Ameri- 
can Exchange Bank a check for $155. The 
check was drawn payable to Henry Jones, 
or order, and purported to have been drawn 
by Messrs. Collins & Bowne, bankers, of 
No. 9G Broadway. The paying-teller at 
once discovered that the check was a for- 
gery, and caused the arrest of Dugan. The 
prisoner was taken before Alderman Smith, 
acting-magistrate at the Tombs, who com- 
mitted him to answer. The accused says 
that a stranger at the Lovejoy House handed 
him the check and requested him to draw 
the money. 

Barnum Solvent. — In New York, this day, 
Mr. P. T. Barnum made a speech, stating 
that since his failure, four years ago, he 
has been engaged in giving exhibitions, and 
in musical and commercial speculations in 
Europe, which, with the proceeds of his 
lectures in Great Britain, have enabled him 
to cancel his Jerome Clock Company debts 
and to preserve a large portion of his estate. 

Terrible Mutiny of Coolies at Sea. — 
Thirty Shot, and over Ninety Wounded. 
— The " Boston Herald'' of this date says : — 

A very serious case of mutiny occurred 
on board the ship Norway, (of New York,) 
Captain Major, on her recent passage from 



Macao to Havana, which came very near 
proving disastrous to the officers, passen- 
gers, and crew. The Norway sailed from 
Macao November 26, with about one 
thousand coolies on board, and when five 
days out, at about six o'clock in the even- 
ing, the captain being below at the time, a 
mutiny broke out among the coolies, who 
set fire to the ship in two places and tried 
to force the hatches. Mr. Simpson, of 
Boston, one of the mates, had charge of the 
deck, and the watch, with the exception of 
the man at the wheel, was aloft, taking in 
sail. Mr. Simpson rushed to the hatch and 
commenced the struggle. The crew from 
aloft and those below tried to seize the boats 
and leave the ship, — when the surgeon, an 
English gentleman, drew his pistol and 
threatened to shoot the first man who dared 
to make that attempt. 

The crew then rallied and went to the 
assistance of the officers, and a fight ensued, 
which continued from six in the evening 
until after daylight next morning. Thirty 
of the coolies were killed, and more than 
ninety more were wounded, before the mu- 
tiny was quelled. The captain then gave 
the coolies one hour to deliver up the arms 
in their possession. If they did not, he 
threatened to cut. away the masts, set fire to 
the ship, take the boats and provisions, and 
leave them to their fate. The mutineers 
soon came to terms. 

Died. — Mrs. Graves, who was treated so 
inhumanly by her son in Cleveland, Ohio, 
— he attempting to starve her to death, — 
died this day. 

Sewing-Machine Establishment De- 
stroyed. — This day, Mr. A. G. AVest's sew- 
ing-machine manufactory was burned, at 
Windsor Lucks. Conn. Loss, $20,000: in- 
sured for $14,000 in the iEtna of Hartford 
and $5000 in a Massachusetts office. 

Stabbed. — Abraham Crooms, a colored 
man, was stabbed in Philadelphia, the night 
of this day, in Lombard Street below Sev- 
enth, by a white man named George H. 
Savage. 

The Quickest Passage on Record be- 
tween San Francisco and New Yobk. — 
The "Alt a Californian" says: — This day, 
the clipper-ship Andrew Jackson, Captain 
Williams, from New York, arrived in the 
unprecedented time of eighty-nine days and 
seven hours, beating the quickest voyage 
of the clipper-ship Flying Cloud, Captain 
Cressy, six hours. The Flying Cloud made 
two voyages to this port which were never 
equalled until this one of the Andrew Jack- 
son. Her first, short passage was eighty-nine 
days and twenty-three hours, and the second 
one was eighty-nine days and thirteen hours ; 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



209 



and now the Andrew Jackson beats her 
shortest voyage some six hours. 

Whipped for Speaking against Sla- 
very. — The '• Washington (Ga.) Independ- 
ent"' learns that a man by the name of 
Wood, who was taken up at Abbeville, S.C., 
last fall, for using language unpalatable to 
slavery men, and who received the sentence 
of thirty-nine lashes at the recent spring 
term of the court at that place, suffered 
the penalty of the law in the public square 
on this day. The punishment was inflicted 
by Sheriff Moore with seven switches. He 
was then immediately placed on the cars 
and sent out of town. 

Suicide. — This day, a stranger, not far 
advanced in years, was found in the "fallen 
timber," a short distance from Alliance, 
Ohio, suspended in the air by his handker- 
chief, one end of which was lapped firmly 
about the limb of a half-prostrate tree. 

Unknown Wreck. — This day, the ship E. 
P. Stringer, Winsor, saw from the mast- 
head, when becalmed off St. Helen's Shoals, 
lat. 3° N.. Ion. 132° E., a large ship, appa- 
rently a long, black-painted clipper, with 
white masts and all sails bent, lying on her 
beam-ends, but no signs of any person on 
board or near her. 

Dreadful Murder on board the Sloop 
Spray. — Murder of Capt. Leete and his 
Brother. — This day, the pilot-boat George 
Steers, about four miles from Barnegat, near 
New York, came upon the sloop Spray, an- 
chored and sunk. She immediately took her 
in tow, and proceeded with her to Jersey 
City, opposite New York. The Spray was 
commanded by Capt. John Leete. and her 
crew consisted of Capt. Leete, his brother, 
Elijah Leete, and a Chinaman, named John 
Canoe, or Low, but more familiarly known 
as Jackalow. From the appearance of the 
boat, the things being scattered around the 
deck, it was supposed, as it was afterward 
proved, that the two brothers had been mur- 
dered by Jackalow and robbed. The Spray 
belonged to Guilford, Connecticut, and had 
left that place on the 15th, in company with 
a number of other vessels. On the 21 st, she 
came into collision with the sloop Lucinda, 
of Rockaway, which knocked a hole in her 
bow and somewhat injured the Lucinda. 
This collision was the cause of the Spray's 
sinking. The captain of the Lucinda stated 
that the two sloops were fast to each other 
for about fifteen minutes, during which time 
he saw no person on board the Spray except 
the Chinaman, who obstinately refused to 
seek safety on board the Lucinda. 

The captain also states that the deck of the 
Spray was strewn with bedding and various 
other articles, indicating that the cabin had 



been overhauled and the contents scattered 
over the deck. He is quite positive that 
there was no person on board the Spray at 
the time of the accident except the China- 
man, and attributes the collision entirely to 
his ignorance or malice, as it might have been 
avoided had the Spray been properly man- 
aged. 

The New York Harbor police immediately 
took charge of the vessel and commenced 
an examination. From the position in which 
the sloop lay, her side to the beach, it was 
impossible to haul her up high enough to 
leave the cabin entirely free from water; and 
the officers, therefore, labored under serious 
disadvantage in prosecuting the search. By 
means of boat-hooks, however, they suc- 
ceeded in getting out a great variety of things, 
including several articles of wearing-apparel 
belonging to the missing men. As the tide 
continued to fall, a chest of drawers was 
discovered, near the companion-way, which 
had evidently been rifled, as the contents 
were found in a very disordered state, and 
two of them were half drawn out, showing 
that whoever had opened them last had left 
them hurriedly and neglected to shut them. 
The depth of the water prevented the officers 
from going into the cabin ; and it is therefore 
impossible to arrive at its precise condition. 
Among the first articles fished up was the 
captain's bed. Upon the sheet, and on the 
tick near the head of the bed, were several 
large stains of blood, and the woodwork 
around was bespattered with blood ill several 
places. In the captain's berth was also 
found a heavy three-cornered scraper, which 
is probably the instrument with which the 
bloody deed was committed. A daguerreo- 
type of a young lady, supposed to be a sister 
of the murdered man, was found in the 
bureau; a pair of heavy navy-pistols, be- 
longing to the captain, neither of which was 
loa ded, but one of them had evidently been re- 
cently discharged; a pocket-book was found, 
open and empty; and a small pine box, 
veneered in imitation of mahogany, was 
brought up, which, upon examination, was 
found to have been broken open and its 
contents removed. This is supposed to have 
been the captain's money-box. A telegraphic 
despatch, dated Guilford, Nov. 8, 1859, and 
directed to J. F. Leete, New York, was found, 
which read as follows: — "Wait, and I will 
come down to-night. — E.J. Leete." This is 
supposed to have come from his brother, who 
was murdered with him. 

In the captain's berth was found a card 
of a Seaman's Bethel, inviting seamen to 
attend divine worship at 47 Almon Street; 
the place not mentioned. At the top of the 

: card were these words : — " Are you ready for 

j death, judgment, and eternity;" and at the 
bottom, "Friend, Jesus invites you to hea- 

I ven : will you go ?" 

Numerous articles of wearing-apparel, 

U 



210 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



bedding, provisions, a banjo and fiddle, pow- 
der, shot, caps, and numerous other articles 
were fished out of the cabin, but no body, 
nor any money, could be found. The suppo- 
sition was that, after the murder had been 
committed, the bodies were thrown over- 
board, probably between Norwalk and New 
York. 

Jackalow, whom circumstances point out 
as the wicked murderer, was, on the 21st, 
picked up by Captain James Webb, of the 
schooner Thomas P. French, of Suffolk, Va., 
who made the following statement: — 

I was below; my mate told me that there 
was a sloop capsizing ; I came up from below, 
and, picking up my spy-glass, saw that her 
name was the Spray ; about the sloop's length 
to windward, saw one man in a yawl-boat; 
saw the other vessel, the Lucinda, with her 
bowsprit gone ; ran up near the Lucinda, and 
then tacked ship, and then ran up to the 
Spray on the windward; hailed him (Jack- 
alow) and asked him if he wanted to come 
aboard; the boat lay still, and the cable of 
the yawl was over the bow; he nodded his 
head, and after we passed took off his hat 
and swung it to us ; I tacked boat and told 
him he would have to cut his cable and let 
the boat drift away from the vessel; he 
picked up a hatchet, and made two or three 
motions to cut the cable, but did not touch 
it; I then went about again, and as I passed 

him I said, " D n it, if you want to come 

on board, cut your cable;" did not hear him 
speak; he then picked up the hatchet and 
made a motion, and I, thinking he was a 
"kanaka," motioned him how to cut it; he 
did so, and, picking up his oars, tried to run 
toward the shore; he did not make any pro- 
gress, as the wind was against him; I mo- 
tioned him to lay down his oars, which he 
did, and I hove off to leeward and caught 
him ; I took the boat-hook, and ordered one 
of my men to stand by with a line, with 
which we made the boat fast about midships ; 
he then jumped on board ami ran forward; 
I got into the boat, and found a compass, 
hatchet, coat, some bread, and a knit com- 
forter containing some provisions ; when I 
came on deck, and said, "What have you 
done with that lubber?" I did not know 
but he had run forward and jumped over- 
board; the prisoner then came aft, where I 
was; I asked him what had become of the 
captain ; he said the captain was sick in the 
cabin, and his brother was knocked over by 
the boom ; I remarked that the captain must 
have been very sick not to have come on 
board in a collision; he made no reply; I 
put several questions to him ; he could not 
answer any thing I asked him ; he tried to 
make me understand that he could not un- 
derstand me. 

Captain Webb also stated that Jackalow 
told various stories, one of which was that 
the captain was knocked off while standing 



at the bowsprit; another, that he was 
knocked overboard by the mainsheet. 

The Spray had several hundred dollars on 
board when she left Guilford, for the pur- 
chase of oysters in Virginia. None of this 
money was found on board the vessel. The 
supposition was that it was for this money 
that the captain and his brother were robbed 
and murdered. 

The Chinaman, who' goes by the name of 
John Low, or Jackalow, as he is more fre- 
quently called, was well known in New York, 
and had sailed with Capt. Leete for the past 
four years. Something over a year ago he 
stole considerable money from Capt. Leete, 
and ran away to New Haven, where he was 
captured by the police and brought back to 
New York. Such was Capt. Leete's attach- 
ment to Jackalow that he refused to press 
the prosecution, and, on his discharge, im- 
mediately restored him to his position as 
cook on board the Spray. He was reported 
to be a very revengeful fellow, and, when 
excited, to stop at nothing, however despe- 
rate, in order to gratify his revenge. He 
manifested considerable uneasiness while on 
board the French. When Capt. Webb left his 
vessel in the harbor to go on shore, he 
jumped into the boat and insisted upon ac- 
companying him, which he did. As soon as 
a landing had been effected, he sprang ashore 
and disappeared in the crowd, since which 
time he has not been seen. AVhen picked 
up, he had on a coat belonging to Captain 
Leete, in the pockets of which was found a 
memorandum-book, upon the fly deaf of which 
was written, in pencil, " J. F. Leete, Guilford, 
Conn." The book contained various memo- 
randa concerning the sale or purchase of 
hay, onions, and potatoes. In one of the 
pockets of the coat was found a letter writ- 
ten to Capt. Leete, by Calvin M. Leete, dated 
Guilford, Dec. 12, 1859, and relating to the 
disposition of a cargo of onions. 



SUNDAY, MARCH 25. 

Sudden Death. — This day, Miss Lizzie 
A., daughter of Samuel Bean, of Lowell, 
Mass., while on her way to church, was 
sci/.ed with a fit of coughing, which caused 
the rupture of a blood-vessel. She was 
carried into a neighboring house, where 
she died in a few minutes. 

Burned to Death. — In New York, on 
this day, Sarah Brown, a native of Nova 
Scotia, aged seventy-five years, lately re- 
siding at No. 139 Hester Street, died from 
the effects of burns accidentally received by 
her clothes catching fire. Deceased, it ap- 
peared, was bathing her person with a mix- 
ture of camphor and alcohol, when a portion 
of the liquid fell upon the stove, and, blazing 
up, set her dress on fire. The flames were 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



211 



goon extinguished, but not. until she had 
been so severely burned that her recovery 
was pronounced hopeless. 

Fire. — In Wilmington, Del., this day, 
about three o'clock in the morning, the sta- 
ble on the Gordon property, in King Street, 
above Eighth, was destroyed by tire, with 
the contents, including four horses, two 
carriages, a sleigh, and a lot of harness, be- 
longing to Dr. Askew, who occupied it. 

Died. — This day, Abraham Crooms, the 
colored man stabbed in Philadelphia by a 
white man, died in the hospital. 

A Newarker Fights a Duel. — A New 
Orleans correspondent of the "Newark Ad- 
vertiser," under this date, says: — 

An affair of honor eame off in this city a 
few days since, between a native of your 
:ity, Mr. S. W. Plume, and a Mr. Isaac 
stone, which took place back of the Metairie 
[lace-track. From what I could learn, Mr. 
Stone had grossly insulted and imposed 
ipon Mr. Plume while on the island of 
Juba. On the parties meeting in this city, 
i challenge passed, and double-barrelled 
ihot-guns were chosen, (loaded with balls,) 
it forty paces. On the first shot neither 
173.3 injured, though a ball passed through 
VIr. Stone's hat. At the second fire Mr. 
stone was shot dead, the ball having entered 
lis left side in the region of the heart, pass- 
ng through and coming out below the arm- 
lit. I had a conversation with some of the 
riends of Mr. Plume, who assert that Mr. 
Stone got what he justly deserved. 

Charged with Poisoning. — In Baltimore, 
William Witz, the son-in-law of Mr. Eman- 
tel Irons, whose whole family were poisoned 
several weeks since, was this day arrested 
is the would-be murderer of the family, 
ncluding his own wife and child. Witz, it ap- 
pears, has been for some time separated from 
lis wife, who had, on account of ill usage, left 
lim, and, with her child, was residing at the 
louse of her father, Mr. Irons. Mr. Irons 
las had a suspicion that the poison was put 
nto the coffee by Witz, or by his procure- 
nent, and has at length obtained sufficient 
>roof to justify his arrest. 

Deplorable Occurrence at Nashville, 
rENN. — Assassination of a Prominent Phy- 
sician. — This day, in Nashville, Tenn., Dr. 
Ienry Carow, a well-known physician and 
lurgeon of that city, was shot and instantly 
tilled by P. P. Trewitt, Postmaster at 
Sparta, Tenn. The deed was committed 
ibout one o'clock in the afternoon, in a 
"oom in the third story of the Commercial 
Hotel. The circumstances of this unfortu- 
nate occurrence were as follows. Mr. Trew- 
itt went to the hotel, and, complaining of 



indisposition, desired the attendance of a 
physician. Dr. Carow, whose office was 
immediately opposite the hotel, on Cedar 
Street, was accordingly sent for. A few 
minutes after Dr. Carow entered the room 
of Mr. Trewitt, the report of a pistol was 
heard, and those who repaired thither to 
ascertain the cause found him sitting in his 
chair dead from a pistol-shot in the back 
part of the neck. At the time he was killed 
he was in the act of writing a prescription, 
and was evidently sitting with his back to 
the man at whose hands he met his death. 

Mr. Trewitt was immediately taken into 
custody and confined in jail to await, exami- 
nation. It was presumed he was laboring 
under a fit of delirium-lremcns. 

Murder of T. S. Williams by Indians. 
— This day, T. S. Williams was murdered in 
Utah Territory by Indians. The occurrence 
took place at Bitter Springs, thirty-five 
miles this side of the crossing of the Mohave, 
and one hundred and thirty-five miles from 
San Bernardino. 

Before their train, consisting of about a 
dozen wagons, arrived at the Springs, Mr. 
Williams, Mr. Parmeno, and Jackman went 
on ahead to look for grass, and met with 
four Indians, who appeared friendly and 
conducted them to a place where there was 
plenty of feed for their stock, four miles 
beyond the Springs. On their way back to 
meet the train, the Indians, who were fol- 
lowing them close in the rear, made an as- 
sault upon them with their arrows, Williams 
instantly receiving three wounds and Jack- 
man two. Williams stuck to his animal, 
which carried him into camp before he was 
so far exhausted that he could not tell what 
had transpired. Jackman fell from his steed, 
which ran off, after which the Indians shot 
him with several arrows, and evidently left 
him for dead. He was subsequently found 
by a party that went out from the camp 
after Williams arrived there with the news, 
nearly dead from the effects of his wounds 
and the cold, which was severe. 

Mr. Williams died of his wounds that 
night, and was buried at the Springs. Jack- 
man was taken to Lane's Ranch on the 
Mohave, and was alive when the express- 
man left, but was not. expected to live. One 
of the arrows is reported to have entered 
his abdomen and passed out at the neck; 
another entered at the back and went 
through his body so far that the point came 
out in front ; but how it was extracted the 
account does not state. 



MONDAY, MAECH 26. 

Bark Sunk. — This day, a bark from Cairo, 
in tow of the steamer Philadelphia, was sunk 
just above Memphis, Tennessee. The loss 
amounted to $25,000. 



212 



VINCENT'S SEMI- ANNUAL' 



[Makcii, 



Steamer Scuttled. — This day, the 
steamer Anglo-Saxon, from Cincinnati for 
the Arkansas River, took fire in her hold 
and was scuttled. Her deck-cargo was 
saved. No lives were lost. The boat was 
insured for $8000. 

Tennessee Legislature Adjourned. — 
This day, the Legislature of Tennessee ad- 
journed. The House finally rejected the 
Senate-bill in lieu of the one which origin- 
ated in the House in regard to the free 
negro population ; and therefore this class 
remain in an unchanged relation to the 
State. 

Pittsburg Bonds. — In Philadelphia, this 
day, in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, 
sitting in that city, return was made to the 
mandamus directed to the Councils of Pitts- 
burg, requiring that body to levy the neces- 
sary tax to pay the interest on the bonds to 
the various railroad-companies. The Select 
Council returned that they had complied 
with the writ by passing an ordinance au- 
thorizing the assessment. A majority of 
the Common Council having refused con- 
currence, the minority of the body re- 
turned that they had done all that they 
could do by voting in favor of the ordinance 
of Select Council, and wished to be con- 
sidered as occupying the same ground as 
Select Council, which passed it. One of the 
councilmen, having resigned his seat before 
the service of the mandamus, returned that 
fact as exonerating him. The majority of 
the Common Council, as reasons for their 
seeming contumacy, return that they are 
not advised of the amount of interest which 
is claimed to be due and owing; that they 
are only a branch of the legislative authority, 
and vested with a deliberative capacity 
alone; that, acting, as they are, upon their 
oaths of office, they cannot in conscience 
undertake to levy and assess a tax on their 
constituents against their own judgment ; 
that they cannot obey the mandate of the 
court, except under such circumstances as 
would deprive them of the exercise of their 
free judgment in the premises. The under- 
signed profess, however, entire willingness 
to surrender their trust to their consti- 
tuents, to be delegated anew, at their plea- 
sure, to such persons as may conscien- 
tiously accept of it. These returns elicited 
some conversation between counsel and the 
court, and the tone of the proceedings was 
esteemed favorable by the bondholders, who 
are disposed to consider the action of the 
authorities of Pittsburg as a gradual yield- 
ing to the mandates of the court. 

First Rail laid in Kansas. — This day, 
the first rail ever laid in Kansas was put 
down, on the St. Joseph & Marysville 
road, in the presence of many citizens ; 



among whom were the city-officers and 
other prominent men. This is the com- 
mencement of the first section of the great 
Pacific Railroad west of the Missouri, which 
will be rapidly pushed forward. 

Sale of Coins. — In New York, this day, a 
large and curious audience assembled at the 
auction-rooms of Messrs. George A. Leavitt 
& Co., No. 377 Broadway, the occasion being 
the sale of the large and valuable numismatic 
collection of Mr. William Leggett Bramhall. 
Medals were not well appreciated ; yet some 
of the rarest and most desirable brought 
$4 and $5 each. The early American coins 
seemed to be more in demand. A Flving- 
Eagle dollar sold for $8; cents of 1793, 
$5.25; 1799, $11.25; 1804, $3.50; 1809, 
$1.50; and 1813, $1.25; a Massachusetts 
Pine- Tree threepence, of date 1652, (one of 
the first of the American Colonial coinage,) 
brought $6.75; a silver proof Republican 
medalet sold for $2.25; a large assortment 
of English tokens, in fine condition, realized 
from 10 cents to $1 each. 

Great Conflagration in Brooklyn. — 
Allen & McDouoall's RorEwoRics Demo- 
lished. — A Clock-Factory Gutted. — This 
day, in the afternoon, about half-past three 
o'clock, a fire broke out in the western ex- 
tremity of the ropewalk of Messrs. Allen 
& McDougall, located at the corner of Wal- 
ton Street and Marcy Avenue, and extend- 
ing eastward to Harrison Avenue. In ten 
minutes after the fire broke out, the rope- 
walk (which is six hundred and twenty feet 
long) was in one magnificent sheet of flame. 
In about five minutes more, the entire shed, 
from end to end, was demolished. By this 
time the flames had communicated with the 
jenny-house, fronting on Walton Street, 
and the boiler and engine-house, which 
stood between the jenny-house and the 
ropewalk ; also with the clock-factory of 
Thomas J. Moore, fronting on the same 
street. The North American Iron-Foundry 
is also located on Walton Street, and nar- 
rowly escaped damage, although close to 
the clock-factory. 

The jenny-house, which was three stories 
high, appeared to be full of combustible 
material, and the heavy black smoke and 
flames were vomited from the windows with 
tremendous force. The hopelessness of 
saving this building caused the firemen to 
concentrate their efforts upon the clock- 
factory and the front building of the North 
American Foundry, as also in endeavoring 
to prevent the flames from communicating 
with the stables and dwellings on the oppo- 
site side of Walton Street. In about half an 
hour after the fire broke out, the jenny- 
house, and boiler and engine houses, which 
were built of brick, were laid in ruins. 

Notwithstanding the efforts made to save 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



213 



the clock-factory, — which also was three 
stories high, — the two upper stories were 
completely gutted ; while the stock belong- 
ing to the rope-factory, which was stored 
away in the first story, was either burned 
or damaged by muddy water. 

The foundry escaped damage, except it. 
may have been by water. 

At the other end of the ropewalk, in Wal- 
ton Street, near to Harrison Avenue, were 
several small frame dwelling-houses, to 
which the flames were communicated from 
the shed ; and they were so thoroughly de- 
molished that afterward it was difficult to 
point out the sites where they stood. The 
poor people, however, who had occupied 
them succeeded in saving most of their fur- 
niture and carrying it to an adjacent vacant 
lot, where it remained piled up until they 
had an opportunity of hiring apartments 
elsewhere. 

There was very little water to be had, 
and what the firemen were obliged to use 
was taken by suction from the shallow stag- 
nant pools in the neighboring fields. When 
played upon the burning buildings, it was 
as black as the smoke which issued from 
the shed at the commencement of the fire. 

The fire-engines were deposited at various 
points in the open fields near the little lakes; 
and the sight when they were all pumping — 
concentrating their various streams upon 
two or three engines near to the burning 
idle — was an interesting one. Ten thou- 
sand people must have flocked to the imme- 
diate neighborhood of the fire, as the ave- 
nues and streets all round presented one 
human mass. 

The North American Iron-Foundry, which 
was saved, is insured to the amount of 
$8000 in the Williamsburg City and other 
insurance companies. 

Thomas J. Moore's zinc clock-factory was 
insured only three days ago. 

Fiee in Mount Clemens, Micir. — This 
day, a fire at Mount Clemens destroyed the 
Empire House and several adjoining build- 
ings, comprising nearly the entire block on 
the north side of the public square. Loss 
estimated at $25,000: insured for $10,000. 

Chilb Poisoned. — In New York, this day, 
Henrietta Silvernail, a child about four years 
of age, living with her parents, at No. 65 
Laurens Street, was accidentally poisoned 
by swallowing a quantity of laudanum 
which had been kept in the house for medi- 
cinal purposes. Coroner Jackman held an 
inquest upon the body of deceased, wdien 
the jury rendered a verdict of accidental 
death. 

Tried for Murder. — In the Philadelphia 
Court of Oyer and Terminer, this day, 
Christopher McFarland was placed on trial, 



charged with the murder of his wife. Catha- 
rine, on the night of the 31st of January 
last. The prisoner and his wife, with three 
children, resided in one room of a frame 
house standing back of Shippen Street, 
below Broad. McFarland was of intem- 
perate habits; and, on the afternoon of the 
31st of January, he came home very much 
intoxicated, and, meeting his wife in the 
yard, struck her there, and afterward in the 
house. Soon afterward, he drove the eldest 
daughter out of the house, and then began 
to beat his wife with a poker, and in the 
struggle the deceased had nearly all her 
clothing stripped from her person. The 
neighbors heard the disturbance which took 
place during the night, and the next morn- 
ing they visited the house, and asked the 
prisoner, who was up, what was the matter 
with his "old woman." He told them sho 
had a fever, but would soon get over it. 
One of the women was not satisfied with 
this statement, and then went to the bed, 
and, upon removing the clothing, found 
Mrs. McFarland stiff and cold, her faco 
covered with blood and very niuoh bruised, 
cut, and swollen. When taken into cus- 
tody, the prisoner denied having killed his 
wife, and accused her of injuring herself. 

From the evidence, it appeared that the 
prisoner and his wdfe frequently quarrelled, 
and McFarland had threatened to kill her. 

The defence set up that the prisoner, 
when affected by liquor, was perfectly in- 
sane. Good character was given in evi- 
dence. The case was given to the jury last 
evening, and in ten minutes a verdict of 
guilty of murder in the second degree was 
rendered. 

Death of the Hon. Francis Mallary. — 
This day, in Norfolk, Virginia, the Hon. 
Francis Mallary, formerly member of Con- 
gress from that district, died. 

Lynch Troubles in Kentucky. — This 
day, an affray occurred between some of 
the expelled Bereans and a committee ap- 
pointed to wai*n them to leave. The Ken- 
tucky papers say: — 

A man named Hanson, who was recently 
expelled from Berea, Madison county, with 
John G. Fee, returned to Berea ; where- 
upon a committee waited upon him for the 
purpose of again ordering him from the 
county. Hanson, with twenty-five or thirty 
associates, armed with rifles, fired upon the 
committee, but without injury to any one. 
Hanson's party then retreated and barri- 
caded themselves in a house. The com- 
mittee, which is composed of twenty-five or 
thirty men, were armed with revolvers. 

An Attempted Rafe. — Meeting of Citi- 
zens. — This day, a young girl, named Al- 
mina Gray, only fourteen years of age, being 



214 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



on her way from Owego to Waverly, fell in 
with a woman who induced her to turn out 
of her course for the purpose of passing a 
night at Hornellsville, N.Y., where the 
woman said she had friends. The Hor- 
nellsville "Tribune" says: — 

They arrived at the last-named place in 
company w r ith two conductors of the New 
York & Erie road, and went to a hotel, 
where they were shown a sitting-room with 
bedroom attached. Later in the evening, as 
the landlord was passing the room, he heard 
entreaties from the girl and oaths from one 
of the conductors, (Barstow.) He imme- 
diately knocked at the door and ordered 
the man to leave the house. He did so, 
trying to force Miss Gray away with him; 
but this the landlord would not allow. The 
girl stated that Barstow would undoubtedly 
have accomplished his attempted crime had 
the interference of the landlord not com- 
pelled him to desist. 

After some delay, a warrant was issued 
for the arrest of Barstow, the conductor; 
but, for some reason, it was not served, 
and he escaped. The next feature in the 
case was the appearance of the girl's father, 
who went before a justice and obtained a 
warrant against his daughter, on the ground 
that she had committed an assault and bat- 
tery on Barstow. The constable, however, 
did not dare to serve the process. 

These facts having become generally 
known among the citizens of the place, and 
the previous good character of Miss Gray 
having been well established, a public meet- 
ing was called by the following card, signed 
by moi*e than one hundred and twenty-five 
citizens : — 

Whereas, Violations of law are of frequent 
occurrence in our village, involving, in many 
cases, the most serious consequences, which 
in some instances find apologists among us; 
and whereas, at the Western Hotel, on the 
26th inst., a certain transaction occurred, 
revolting to the feelings of every high- 
minded, honorable person having any re- 
gard for law or individual rights; and 
whereas some of the employees of the New 
York & Erie Railroad Company are at- 
tempting — as we are informed — to shield 
the persons implicated from legal investi- 
gation of the crime charged, aided by cer- 
tain individuals resident among us: 

We, the undersigned, hereby pledge our- 
selves to aid, as far as in our power lies, in 
enforcing the law, and reporting every em- 
ployee on the railroad known to be engaged 
in efforts to defeat the ends of justice, and 
affixing the brand of infamy to any and all 
of our citizens in this community attempt- 
ing to accomplish a like object ; and we re- 
commend a meeting of the people of similar 
feelings, to be held at Bennett Hall on Fri- 
day evening, March 30, 18G0. 

An overflowing; audience attended the 



meeting thus called, and a list of resolu- 
tions were adopted. The tenor of these was 
as follows: — That certain residents of the 
village and certain persons employed by the 
railroad-company mentioned were in the 
habit of disturbing the peace and quiet of 
the community by drunkenness, gaming, 
and-crime in various other forms ; that the 
railroad-company, although it countenanced 
no such persons, should endeavor to reform 
these abuses ; recommending that a vigi- 
lance committee of five be appointed, whose 
duty it should be to find out and bring to 
speedy justice all guilty of offences against 
the public morals ; denouncing those of the 
citizens of the place who had endeavored to 
shield the criminals; and giving warm 
praise to the keeper of the hotel for his 
energetic action in assisting Miss Gray. 

The superintendent of one division of the 
New York & Erie Railroad was present at 
the meeting, with the assurance that the 
company would do every thing in their 
power to ferret out all their employees who 
were concerned in the affair. Barstow had 
not been arrested, at the latest accounts. 

Boston Municipal Election. — The elec- 
tion for Register of Deeds came off in Bos- 
ton, this day. Three candidates were in 
the field. The following are the returns : — 

Wyman, Republican 1138 

Rice 2513 

Gilchrist 2467 

• 

Death of Major Francis Nelson Page. 
— This day, at Fort Smith, Arkansas, died 
Brevet-Major Francis Nelson Page, Assistant 
Adjutant-General United States Army, in the 
forty-first year of his age, leaving a devoted 
wife and four children, and a large number 
of attached relations and friends, to mourn 
his death. He was a son of the late Mann 
Page, of the county of Gloucester, State of 
Virginia, and great-grandson of Governor 
Page and of Gen. Thomas Nelson, two of the 
most distinguished, trusted, and honored pa- 
triots of the Revolution, whose memory he 
had been taught to revere and whose pa- 
triotic example he desired to imitate. He 
graduated at the West Point Military Aca- 
demy in 1841, and soon after, as brevet se- 
cond lieutenant of the Seventh Infantry, 
joined the army in Florida, then prosecuting 
the Seminole War, and there remained act- 
ively and efficiently engaged until its close. 
After this he was stationed at the military 
post at Baton Rouge, till ordered to Texas 
with his regiment, among the first detach- 
ment of troops, in anticipation of war with 
Mexico. On the commencement of hostili- 
ties with Mexico, he marched with the army 
of Gen. Taylor in his first advance upon the 
Rio Grande, and from that time forward to 
the end of the Avar was in most of the bat- 
tles on both lines, and greatly distinguished 



1800. 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



215 



himself. He was in Fort. Brown during its 
memorable siege and bombardment, acting 
as adjutant of his regiment, which, with two 
companies of artillery, formed the garrison 
that so heroically defended the fort, and 
for his constancy and gallant conduct on the 
occasion was breveted first lieutenant. He 
was in the noted battle of Monterey, with 
his regiment, in Gen. Worth's division, and 
shared in the brilliant success which there 
attended the operations of that accomplished 
officer, and for his bravery and meritorious 
services during these operations, and in the 
battle, was subsequently promoted to assist- 
ant adjutant-general, with the rank of cap- 
tain. He not long afterward left the army 
of Gen. Taylor, with the troops sent to join 
Gen. Scott at Vera Cruz, and under the lat- 
ter general actively participated in the siege 
and bombardment which forced the sur- 
render of the city of Vera Cruz, with its 
castle. He was in the battle of Cerro Gordo, 
with his regiment, as adjutant, serving with 
Gen. Twiggs's division, was in the advance 
as j. art of the gallant force which stormed 
the heights and fortifications of Cerro Gordo, 
and is mentioned in the report of the com- 
mandant of his regiment as among the first 
officers within the fort of the enemy. Shortly 
after this he received his appointment of as- 
sistant adjutant-general, and, being assigned 
to staff-duty, thus continued to act in the 
advance of the army upon the city of Mexico. 
He was in the battles of Contreras and Chu- 
rubusco, with the brigade of the intrepid 
Gen. Shields, serving on his staff as assistant 
adjutant-general and aid, and was breveted 
major for his gallant and meritorious conduct 
in these battles; and he was in the hard- 
fought battle of Chapultepec, (where he was 
wounded,) and at the capture of the city of 
Mexico, still serving,with bravery and marked 
distinction, in the same capacity, on the staff 
of Gen. Shields. These were the last of that 
brilliant series of battles won by our army 
under Gen. Scott which placed the city of 
Mexico in our possession ; and from that time 
to the close of the war, Major Page served 
as assistant adjutant -general and chief of 
staff to our civil and military governors of 
the city. Peace being declared, he returned 
with the army to the United States, after 
having served without intermission from the 
beginning to the end of the war. and having 
received on all occasions the highest com- 
mendation of his commanding officer. Put. 
alas! he returned with his health impaired 
and shattered by the hardships and expo- 
sure of his campaigns, — so much so that all 
efforts for his permanent restoration have 
been baffled. Since then he has, most of the 
time, through choice, though in feeble health, 
been on duty ; but the insidious malady (pul- 
monary consumption) which threatened him 
gradually undermined his constitution and 
terminated his life. 



TUESDAY, MARCH 27. 

Acquitted of Forgery. — Isaac F. Shep- 
hard, tried in Boston this day, was acquitted 
on account of an error in the indictment. 
The forgery with which he was charged was 
that of a note of Taylor & Co. for the sum 
of $500. The trial had been progressing 
two or three days, when Benjamin F. Butler, 
the forger's counsel, discovered that instead 
of the note being forged on Taylor & Co. it 
was put down in the indictment Taylor, Co. 
and asked to have his client discharged. 
After some delay, Chief-Justice Allen de- 
cided that the omission of the & was fatal to 
the indictment, and a verdict of not guilty 
was rendered. He was immediately ar- 
raigned on another indictment. 

Overseer killed by a Boy. — The,Mont- 
gomery(Ala.) "Advertiser" of this date says, 

We regret to hear that a little son of Mrs. 
Pierce, of this city, shot and killed Mr. Eason, 
(overseer of Col. Thomas J. Judge,) who re- 
sided at the plantation of the latter, four 
miles west of Montgomery. The circum- 
stances of the case, as we understand them, 
are about as follows. Mrs. Pierce's son and 
another young gentleman of this city, having 
lost a boat, found it in the river in the rear 
of Mr. Judge's plantation. Finding it locked, 
the boys proceeded to unfasten it the best 
way they could, when Mr. Eason rode up on 
horseback and indulged in some abusive lan- 
guage, whereupon Mrs. Pierce's son raised a 
gun and fired, the bird-shot taking effect in 
his side and almost instantly producing 
death. This is indeed an unfortunate oc- 



Inauguration of the Constitutional 
Union Party. — In Boston, this day, the 
Constitutional Union party was inaugurated 
by a meeting of about three hundred gentle- 
men in Music Hall. Speeches were made, 
and delegates elected to the State Convention. 

Grant of Land to Railroad. — This day, 
the Iowa Legislature conferred upon the 
Cedar Rapids & Missouri River Railroad 
Company a land-grant of 700,000 acres, re- 
cently reserved for the Iowa Central Com- 
pany. This is the most valuable grant in 
the State. 

Attachment applied for. — In the Su- 
preme Court at Philadelphia, this day, Mr. 
Harding applied for an attachment against 
those members of the Pittsburg City Councils 
who refused to obey the orders of the court 
in reference to the railroad-subscriptions. 
The writ was made returnable on the first 
Tuesday after the first Monday in May. 

Killed by Blasting. — In the afternoon 
of this day, an accident occurred at Snake 



216 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



Hill, on the Hackensack River, New Jersey, 
at two o'clock p.m., by which a man named 
Robert Leary lost his life. The deceased 
was on board the sloop Anna Maria, when 
some blasting of rock in a quarry adjacent 
took place, throwing the fragments as far as 
the deck of the sloop. One of these struck 
Leary on the head and shoulder, throwing 
him overboard and disfiguring his body very 
much. He never uttered a word afterward, 
and was soon taken from the water quite 
dead. The captain of the sloop was also on 
board the vessel at the time of the accident, 
and had a hairbreadth escape from another 
fragment of the broken rock. 

Railroad-Accident. — This day, a train 
on the Bloomfield Railroad, about a mile from 
Bloomfield, N.J., ran into a wagon which 
was crossing the track, smashing the vehicle 
to pieces, and injuring Mrs. Merseler, an old 
woman, so badly that she died in a few 
hours. Her husband and a girl named Letty 
Cune, who were also in a wagon, were se- 
verely injured. 

Fire at the Navy-Yard, Florida. — This 
day, a fire at the Navy-Yard, Florida, burned 
the Government paint-shop, valued at 
$25,000 to $30,000. The fire is supposed to 
have caught from the wadding from the 
cannon when firing a salute, it being very 
windy at the time. No other buildings were 
injured. 

Young Man Burned to Death. — In Ten- 
nessee, this day, the dwelling-house of Alex. 
F. Todd, residing about three miles east of 
Woodbury, in Cannon county, was burned 
down. A young man named Phillips, about 
seventeen years of age, who was spending 
the night at Mr. Todd's, was burned to death. 
Two of Mr. Todd's sons, young men, were 
burned very badly, — one of them so much so 
that it is thought, impossible for him to re- 
cover. Mr. Todd himself, in endeavoring to 
rescue the young men, was very badly burned; 
but it is thought he will recover. The fire 
was supposed to be the result of accident. 

Lady Burned to Death. — This day, the 
Bellefonte "Era" says, Mrs. John Womack, 
of this county, while preparing dinner, had 
her clothes to take fire and burn her so 
shockingly that she died. The fire was com- 
municated to the bed, and consequently the 
house was burned to the ground. It seems 
that she was alone at the time the fire 
caught, her husband returning just in time 
to get her out of the house before the roof 
fell in. He found her lying helpless on the 
floor, and even it burning under her. 

Fugitive-Slave Case in Philadelphia. 
— A colored man named Moses Horner, an 
alleged fugitive slave, was brought before 



Judge Cadwallader, at Philadelphia, this 
day. Officers Jenkins and Sharkey, and a 
Mr. Fitzgerald, arrested Moses a short dis- 
tance above Harrisburg, at a place called 
Holmestown. They walked to Middletown 
with him, a. distance of eleven miles, and 
took the six-o'clock train, arriving in the 
city about eleven o'clock. The case was 
under consideration for two days, and a large 
number of witnesses were examined. The 
case was ably argued by the counsel on either 
side, after which the judge awarded a certi- 
ficate to the claimant to take the party in 
accordance with the provisions of the fugi- 
tive-slave law. 

As soon as the necessary papers were in 
readiness, a carriage was driven to the door 
on Fifth Street, where a large crowd of 
negroes had assembled, and Moses, escorted 
by Deputy Marshals Jenkins and Sharkey, 
was placed inside, for the purpose of being 
conveyed to prison. The carriage Avas 
scarcely in motion when several negro men 
sprang forward and seized the horses by 
the heads, in the melee breaking the pole 
of the carriage. Several of the assailants 
were knocked over the head by the police, 
and taken into custody. By this time the 
carriage ami the crowd had reached Chestnut 
Street, in front of the State-House, where a 
halt was made until another carriage could 
be obtained. 

After a few minutes, another was driven 
up, and, under cover of a large and effective 
body of police, under the control of the 
Chief, Moses was transferred to the other 
vehicle, which, surrounded on all sides by 
double ranks of policemen, was driven 
slowly out Chestnut Street to Tenth, and 
down to the County Prison, still followed by 
the crowd, by whom no further demonstra- 
tion was made, though the muttcrings were 
not loud but deep. 

Arrival of the Japanese Ambassadors 
at San Francisco.- — This day, the United 
States steamer Powhatan, Capt. Pearson, 
bearing the Mag of Com. Tatnall, arrived at 
San Francisco, from Japan via Honolulu. 
She brings the Japanese embassy, consisting 
of two principal ambassadors, princes of the 
highest rank among the nobility of the em- 
pire, and two associates, who are nobles of 
nearly equal rank. These four are of the 
emperor's council. They are accompanied 
by a suite of sixteen officers. The following 
is a list of the embassy: — 
Simne, Prince of Boozen, "lp 

Mooragaki, Prince of Awadsi, j ^ 

Ogoori M-itatitsee, chief censor. 
One vice-governor of the treasury. 
One vice-governor for foreign affairs. 
One secretary of the first rank, (Serabay 
Two inspectors of the first rank. [Akoo.) 
Two secretaries of the second rank. 
Two treasury officers. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



217 



Two inspectors of the second rank. 
Two interpreters. 
Two doctors. 
Fifty-three servants. 

The Powhatan arrived at Honolulu March 
5, and remained there till the 1 JSth. The 
ambassadors were there received with all 
formal honors. Private hospitalities were 
extended on every hand, and the king and 
queen held court at the palace for the recep- 
tion of the distinguished foreigners, and 
welcomed them in appropriate terms. They 
were also entertained at a grand ball given by 
the officers of the Powhatan, and expressed 
great delight at the gay and novel scene. 

They bring $100,000 to defray their per- 
sonal expenses, although the embassy is in- 
vited at the sole expense of the United States. 
They were given the best quarters on board 
the Powhatan during the voyage, and arrived 
in good health and highly pleased. 

The chief dignitaries .are magnificently 
dressed in embroidered silk robes, each 
wearing a sword of beautiful workmanship. 
They have conducted themselves with great 
dignity and propriety. 

The Japanese carry an immense amount 
of baggage, including many boxes of pre- 
sents to the United States Government. 

Fighting against Fire. — The woods in 
the town of Robinson, Ottawa county, Mich., 
says the "Grand Rapids Eagle," caught fire 
this day, and the conflagration quickly 
spread over a great portion of the township. 
The wind was blowing a fearful gale all day. 
Several buildings and a large amount of 
property were destroyed on the south side 
of the river, — among others, a barn belong- 
ing to E. T. Ranney, who also lost all the 
fences around his farm, and a number of 
thousand feet of lumber. The dwelling- 
house was saved only by great efforts on the 
part of the family occupying it. At this 
point the river — over a mile wide — and a 
broad bayou presented a wide barrier to the 
further spread of the flames; and it was 
hoped that they would be stayed. 

But the strong gale overleaped all obsta- 
cles, carrying the fire clear over the inter- 
vening space and greatly endangering the 
safety of the whole village of Ottawa Centre. 
The population all turned out. and only by 
great exertion succeeded in saving their pro- 
perty. Several times the saw-mill and store 
under the hill, the fences along the river- 
bank, the late residence of Mr. Smith, and 
other buildings, were on fire, and were with 
difficulty preserved by the vigilance and ex- 
ertions of the inhabitants. 

Farther down the river, where it is over 
half a mile wide, the fire was carried across, 
burning the house of Mr. Tier, the barn of 
Mr. John Cassell, a single shanty, and a large 
quantity of shingles, many fences, and a 
large amount of other property. A truck 



loaded with hay, and drawn by oxen, caught 
fire at a distance of a mile from the woo, Is, 
and the oxen were detached and saved with 
some difficulty, the truck and load being con- 
sumed. From this point the fire came sweep- 
ing up toward the village with resistless fury 
and great speed, to the utter consternation 
of the inhabitants; but the gale died away 
with the approach of night, and the flames 
were, fortunately, subdued before morning - 
by the unremitting exertions of the fright- 
ened populace. 

Capture of Jackalow, the Supposed 
Murderer of Capt. Leete and his Bro- 
ther ox board the Sloop Spray. — This 
day, at half-past eleven o'clock in the fore- 
noon, the engineer and brakeman on the 
Philadelphia train, coming into Jersey City, 
reported that as they crossed the Hacken- 
sack Bridge a man had been seen making 
for a piece of woods, and, from his appeai-- 
ance, they believed he was the Chinaman 
belonging to the Spray. 

Two Jersey City officers started out in pur- 
suit, and an hour later returned for further 
assistance. Some eight officers then went 
out ; but, before they arrived in the vicinity 
where the man was supposed to be lurking, 
the Chinaman had been taken into custody 
by John Sanford, Henry Wilson, William 
Jacobus, and John Douglass, who are en- 
gaged at work on the railroad-bridge. 

Their account of the arrest is as follows. 
At noon, wdiile the above-named persons 
were at dinner, except young Jacobus, a man 
attempted to cross the railroad-bridge, when 
Jacobus turned him off, as it was against the 
rules. After he was gone, Jacobus went into 
the house, and, mentioning the fact that a 
man had attempted to cross the bridge, re- 
marked that he believed from his appear- 
ance that he was Jackalow, the Chinaman, 
of whom they had read in the morning. 
Wilson said that he believed that $1000 re- 
ward had been offered for his arrest, when 
the four men concluded to go in pursuit as 
soon as they could lay out some work for the 
hands to attend to during their absence. 
With a spy-glass, they could see a man lurk- 
ing in the cedars about half a mile distant, 
and apparently endeavoring to make for the 
plank-road unobserved. Jacobus and Doug- 
lass started in that direction, while Sanford 
and Wilson went, to Newark on the cars, 
hired a horse, and drove up the road in order 
to intercept the man. 

They returned, however, without having 
accomplished their object, and, while stand- 
ing at the plank bridge toll-gate, Jackalow 
came up the road to cross the bridge, the 
men appearing not to notice him. As he 
was in the act of paying the toll, one of the 
men asked him if he was not the man that 
attempted to cross the railroad-bridge. He 
replied that he was. They then asked him 



218 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



what countryman he was, and he replied 
that he was an East Indiaman. Becoming 
satisfied, from his conversation and dress, 
that he was the man, they told him that he 
must go with them. One of them, while 
behind him, called out "Jackalow," when 
the prisoner whirled round suddenly, but 
immediately afterward denied that that was 
his name. The men then stopped a train 
of cars, and brought their prisoner to Jersey 
City about four o'clock. 

At the depot, Assistant Superintendent 
Woodruff searched the prisoner, and found 
in the legs and seat of his pantaloons a bag 
containing $24.11, one stocking, containing 
$44.11, and a canvas bag, in which was 
$324.50 in gold, and fifty cents in silver. 
All the money was in specie. 

The prisoner was then taken to the city 
prison, followed by a great crowd of people 
anxious to get a look at him. He was at once 
conveyed to the cells and locked up. As the 
news spread, people came flocking from all 
directions, completely filling the station- 
house and blocking the streets around it. 

Shortly after five o'clock, the prisoner was 
taken before Recorder Bedford, handcuffed, 
when Mr. Sanford made a formal complaint, 
charging Jackalow with the murder of Capt. 
Leete and his brother on the high seas, 
while on board the sloop Spray. 

The recorder then asked the accused the 
following questions: — 

Q. What is your name? 

A. Sam Patch. (Laughter.) 

Q. Where do you belong? 

A. I belong to sloop Spray, of Guilford. 
Two Aveeks ago, Capt. Leete, brother, and me, 
Sam Patch; another sloop come and struck 
and capsized us ; both overboard; me down 
below. 

Recorder. — That will do. That's enough. 

Sam Patch. — Tell you more bimeby, when 
we go up there. 

The prisoner was then committed to the 
cells, to await the action of the United States 
authorities. 

Subsequently, Jackalow gave the following 
disjointed statement to the reporter of the 
" New York Herald :" — 

Sailed in sloop Spray, of Guilford, Capt. 
Leete, and brother, and mo as cook ; going 
after oysters. At Barnegat, on Wednesday 
last, sloop struck and capsized us ; captain 
and brother went overboard in water and 
drowned; I was down below, cooking. Me 
get in small boat, and about two hours there, 
when schooner took me off; the captain's 
name Webb. Saturday we came to Jersey 
City. I went ashore. Me cross the river to 
Newark. Saturday night got no house and 
slept out doors. Sunday night I stayed to 
Newark, to-day I started to come back, and 
went in the woods to get some nuts. The 
money ($396.80) was my wages ; worked for 
Capt. Leete four years, for $30 a month. 



The men took me at the bridge. My name 
is Sam Patch, American name Jack Lowe; 
have been in this country six years : one year 
I sold cigars in New York, one year was on 
a man-of-war ship, (Mississippi,) as cook 
and any thing. Last four years was on the 
sloop with Capt. Leete. I am thirty-nine 
years of age, and am a native of an island 
in the China Sea. Do not know what they 
brought mo here for, unless it was for taking 
nuts in the woods. 

The prisoner having previously been de- 
tected in attempting to slip his handcuffs, 
Marshal Ellis took the precaution to place 
upon his ankles a pair of shackles. 

Jackalow is about five feet four inches in 
height, and rather slender built. He ap- 
peared to be in good spirits, smiled when he 
conversed ; but his countenance indicated 
treachery. 

He had on a brown sack overcoat, said to 
belong to Capt. Leete, a monkey-jacket, new 
overalls over his pants, and a new cap. 



WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28. 

Dreadful Fire. — Ten Human Beings 
Burned to Death in a Tenement-House 
in New York.— In the city of New York, 
between one and two o'clock in the morning 
of this day, a fire broke out in a row of four 
frame tenement-houses in West Forty-Fifth 
street, near the Sixth Avenue. Thither the 
firemen of the district hastily repaired ; but, 
before they could get to work, the fire, which 
originated in building No. 90, had gained 
considerable headway and was rapidly ex- 
tending to the adjoining houses. These 
buildings are located on the south side of the 
street, and were erected about nine years 
ago. They are four stories high and forty 
feet deep, eacli floor being arranged for the 
occupancy of two families, — one in front and 
one in the rear. The lower part of No. 90 
was occupied by Martin Redman as a gro- 
cery and liquor store; second floor by Tim- 
othy Nolan, wife, and four children ; Mr. 
Kierny, widower, with his two children, 
boarded with Nolan; third floor front by 
William Irwin, wife, and four children ; 
rear by Thomas Bennett, wife, and four 
children ; fourth floor by Andrew Wheeler, 
wife and four children. 

No. 88 was occupied on the first floor 
front by Patrick Storks, rear by Martin 
Redman : second floor front by Mrs. Fagam, 
rear by Mrs. Hughes; third floor front by 
William Stevens, rear by John Stevens; 
fourth floor front empty, rear by Mrs. 
Reynolds. 

No. 8(i.— First floor front by Mrs. Mc- 
Caverty, rear by Mrs. Murphy and a boarder 
named Philip McGuire ; second floor front 
by John Dugan, rear by John McFarrell; 
third floor front by Daniel Gowens, rear by 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



219 



Mrs. Farrel ; fourth floor front empty, rear 
by Barney Kiernan. 

No. 84.— First floor front by John Pifen- 

berger, rear by McNabb ; second floor 

front by John Talf, rear by Vestry Dignan ; 
third floor front by John Hahanahan, rear 
by Michael McCadden ; fourth floor vacant. 

Nearly every one of the families above 
named had about four or five children. 

At first it was thought that all of the in- 
mates had escaped; but it soon became 
known that there were still a number of 
persons in No. 90. The unfortunate occu- 
pants of the upper rooms were soon after 
seen at the front windows, wringing their 
hands, tearing their hair, and shrieking for 
aid. Several leaped to the ground, sustaining 
from the fall injuries more or less severe ; 
but, happily, only one was dangerously hurt. 
This was a woman who was standing at a 
fourth-story window in the rear. She was 
told by the persons in the yard not to jump ; 
but it was of no avail : the fire pressed on 
her, and, rather than be burned alive, she 
sprang from the window, striking with 
full force on the ground in the yard. She 
was immediately picked up : her head and 
face were streaming with blood, and it was 
subsequently ascertained that her left thigh 
was broken. She informed the Fire-Mar- 
shal that her name was Jane McAnally, 
twenty-eight years of age, and that she was 
on a visit to the family of Thomas Bennett. 
She further stated that Mrs. Bennett and 
her four children were on that story at the 
time she sprang out of the window. The 
police procured a carriage and conveyed 
the injured woman to the New York Hos- 
pital. 

The scene at this time beggars descrip- 
tion. The poor creatures who feared to 
leap could still be seen at the upper win- 
dows, but their cries were becoming more 
and more feeble. The flames were rapidly 
rising to the upper floors, all efforts on the 
part of the firemen to check them proving 
unavailing, as .the fire was running upward 
through the centre of the building. A 
large ladder was raised; but, being crowded 
by too many firemen, anxious to save life, 
it broke in the centre, and all the men fell 
to the ground, some of them being quite 
seriously injured. 

At this time, Thomas Bennett and An- 
drew Wheeler, whose families resided in 
the building in which the fire originated, 
rushed frantically upon the ground, and 
implored the firemen to save their wives 
and children. At this appeal, the firemen 
and police strained every nerve to render 
assistance to the unfortunate women and 
their children, but were forced to see them 
perish before their eyes. Just before the 
flames licked upward toward the roof, two 
Sromen, surrounded by their children, were 
seen at the windows ; but in a moment or 



two thereafter they fell backward, and 
were seen no more alive. The fire soon 
gained the roof, and thence extended ra- 
pidly along to No. 84, where its further 
progress was checked. The interior of No. 
94 was entirely burned out, only portions 
of the wooden front and rear being left 
standing. 

The police of the Twenty-Second Ward, 
Captain Bryan, Sergeant Bumstead, of the 
Nineteenth, and Sergeant Van Hagen, of 
the Twentieth, with sections of men, worked 
hard and efficiently in saving life and sub- 
duing the flames. Some most daring feats 
were performed in rescuing children from 
the flames. Mr. Bowers saved two children 
from the burning building ; V. Werner res- 
cued two ; Casper Hack and George Welling 
each rescued one child from the fire. 

Steam-engine No. 46 did most excellent 
service in preventing the spread of the fire, 
but had to complain of the frequent cut- 
ting of their hose by some unknown per- 
sons. So great was this evil that it became 
necessary to station police along the line of 
hose to protect it. A section of men under 
command of Sergeant Scott took the mat- 
ter in hand, and used the utmost diligence 
to ferret out the perpetrators of the outrage. 
As soon as this difficulty was remedied, the 
steam-engine got fairly to work, and speed- 
ily extinguished the flames. 

The following are the names of the per- 
sons killed : — 

Mrs. Catharine Wheeler, aged 35 years ; 
Catharine Wheeler, aged 14 years; Thomas 
Wheeler, aged 12 years; Bridget Wheeler, 
aged 5 years ; Emily, an infant, aged eight 
months ; body not recovered ; Mrs. Anne 
Bennett, aged 34 years; Thomas Bennett, 
aged 11 years; John Bennet, aged 9 years ; 
Rosanna Bennett, aged 4 years ; Catharine, 
an infant, aged ten months. 

The scene at the Twenty-Second Ward 
Station-House, where the bodies were con- 
veyed on their removal from the ruins, 
was of the most heart-rending description. 
Anxious friends and relatives, after vainly 
seeking in the crowd collected around the 
smouldering ruins for those they held dear, 
at last bent their steps in the direction of 
the station-house, in the yard attached to 
which the charred remains of the unfor- 
tunate victims were laid and covered with 
strips of canvas. Arrived there, their 
anxiety and grief almost overpowered them. 
As they passed from body to body, desirous, 
yet afraid, to lift the cloth, lest they should 
recognise the form of some missing relative, 
their countenances presented an alternation 
of hope and fear, and, when at length the 
inspection was over, an exclamation of 
grief told that the worst fears of some one 
of the searchers had been realized, or a sigh 
of relief that another of them was more 
fortunate. 



220 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



A coroner's jury sat upon the bodies, who 
returned the following verdict: — 

We find that the deceased persons came 
to their death by burns received at the con- 
flagration of the house No. 00 West Forty- 
Fifth Street, on the morning of the 28th 
inst. The jury further censure the owner 
of said building for not providing ladders 
to the scuttles; which, had they been so 
provided, in our opinion, would have pre- 
vented the accident and loss of life. 

Another Fire in New York. — Loss, 
$20,000.— This day, about eight o'clock in 
the evening, in New York, a fire was dis- 
covered on the fifth floor of the building 
32 Beekman Street, in the premises of E. 
Baumont, manufacturer of writing-desks 
and stationers' wooden-ware. When the 
fire was first discovered, the flames were 
bursting through a skylight into the fourth 
floor. The firemen were jiromptly on the 
premises, and extinguished the fire before 
it extended below the fourth floor. The 
roof was nearly all destroyed. Mr. Bau- 
mont's loss will be about $3000 : said to be 
insured for $2000. The second, third, ami 
fourth floors are occupied by Isaac Oliver 
as a printing-establishment. His Joss by 
fire and water will be between $10,000 and 
$12,000, insured as follows :— Ast or, $1500; 
St. Nicholas, $1500; National, $1500; Em- 
pire City, $1500; Brevoort, $1500; Rut- 
Sers, $1500; Columbia, $1500; Citizens'. 
1500. Total, $12,000. 

The rear part of the second floor is occu- 
pied by Lynch & Cole, proprietors and 
publishers of the " Irish American." Their 
damage will be about $500 by water. 

The first floor, basement, and cellar are 
occupied by A. C. Goodman, dealer in paper. 
His stock will be damaged about $5000 
by water: insured for $14,000 in city com- 
panies. 

The building is owned by William Hustis. 
It is damaged about $2000, and is insured 
for $12,000. 

From an examination of the premises, 
the fire appears to have commenced in close 
proximity to the furnace connected with a 
caloric-engine in the premises of Mr. Bau- 
mont. 

Great Fire in .Jacksonport, Ark. — 
This day, the entire business portion of 
Jacksonport, Ark., was destroyed by fire. 
Loss, $150,000: insurance, $81,000. 

Fire in New Orleans. — This day, in 
New Orleans, Felles & Marsh's crockery- 
establishment was burned down. Loss, 
$30,000: insured. 

A Brother Kills a Brother. — The 
"Memphis Avalanche" of this date says 
that W. Preebles recently shot his brother 



Henry, in Aberdeen, Ark.. under the following 
circumstances. Heniy, who was said to be 
a worthless, desperate young man, followed 
his brother up with a double-barrelled gun, 
threatening his life if he did not advance 
him $300. Upon meeting with a refusal, 
Henry cocked his gun and presented it, when 
Esquire Preebles, whose gun was in his 
hand at the time, fired, the shot terminating 
fatally, as above stated. 

Somnambulist. — This day, Mr. George 
W. Senter, of Cincinnati, a passenger by 
the midnight express-train from New York 
to Boston, rose from his seat while sound 
asleep, stepped out upon the platform, and 
leaped off upon the ground while the train 
was in rapid motion, about four miles east 
of Worcester. Fortunately he fell in a soft 
place, and was not much hurt. 

First Arrival of Boats at St. Paul. — 
The Milwaukee arrived at St. Paul, this 
day after noon. She worked her way through 
ice in Lake Pepin still a foot thick. This is 
the earliest arrival on record except that of 
1858, when the Gray Eagle arrived at St. 
Paul on March 25, three days earlier than 
the present season 

Kansas Democratic Territorial Con- 
vention. — This day, the Kansas Democratic 
Territorial Convention met at Atchison, and 
appointed Douglas delegates to Charleston. 

Narrow Escape from Destruction of 
the American Bark Trimountain from 
Fire by Spontaneous Combustion. — This 
day, about eight o'clock in the evening, 
says the Madras "Times," a fire was dis- 
covered on board the American ship Tri- 
mountain, which arrived here from Liver- 
pool three weeks ago with a cargo of coal 
for Government. The Trimountain brought 
out. 1800 tons of coal, and of these about 
1200 have been landed; and the tire, it was 
found, was caused by spontaneous ignition 
in the portion which yet remained unre- 
moved from the hold of the vessel. The 
most active measures were at once taken to 
arrest the progress of the fire. The engine 
on board was brought to play on the hold ; 
and, news of the accident having speedily 
reached the vessels alongside, prompt as- 
sistance was rendered, so that by daybreak, 
and before any aid could be despatched from 
shore, all apprehensions for the safety of 
the ship were removed. The captains and 
crews of the American ship Frank Flint and 
the Bremen ship Sirius were on board soon 
after her dangerous plight became known, 
and remained there during the whole night, 
rendering invaluable assistance. A fire- 
engine from the Frank Flint was also taken 
to the Trimountain, and worked in concert 
with the one belonging to the ship. Early 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



221 



in the morning, Captains McKennie and 
Marshall, of the Master Attendant's De- 
partment, were on the beach ; and, as the 
Trimountain was yet signalizing for assist- 
ance, about twenty boats and one hundred 
batta lascars were sent off, the Assistant 
Master Attendant and his deputy pushing 
off for the vessel at the same time ; and be- 
fore noon the tire was effectually got under, 
sufficient water having been poured into the 
hold for that purpose. The Trimountain 
has three decks, all of which' were filled 
with coal when she arrived; and it is fortu- 
nate for her that the accident did not take 
place before the two upper decks were 
cleared, for, if it had, the chances are that 
the accident would have ended in the utter 
destruction of the ship. It is believed that 
she has sustained no injury worth men- 
tioning. 

Fatal Affair. — Protecting a Daughter's 
Honor. — This day, Mr. Wm. H. Berkeley, of 
King and Queen county, Va., having heard 
that Joseph Broach had circulated a slan- 
derous report about one of his (Berkeley's) 
daughters, waited upon Broach and de- 
manded a retraxit or the name of the author. 
Broach refused to do either, when Berkeley 
drew a five-shooter and inflicted a wound 
which terminated the existence of Broach 
about one hour after he received the ball. 
Berkeley immediately placed himself in the 
custody of the proper authorities. 

Frenchman Drowned. — In New York, 
this day, the body of A. Lene, a native of 
France, aged forty-five years, was found 
floating in the North River, at the foot of 
Fifty-Fifth Street, by a couple of boatmen. 
Coroner Gamble held an inquest upon the 
body of deceased, when the jury rendered 
a verdict of "supposed drowning." De- 
ceased was a manufacturer of boot-lasts, 
and did business at No. 312 Pearl Street. 

Charged with Revolt. — This day, Henry 
Lagrest, Harry Johnson, John Schroeder, 
and Chas. P. Rich were tried for a revolt, 
in refusing to do duty on board the bark 
Humming-Bird, when at, Palermo, on the 
81st of December last. They were sent to 
New York by the American consul at that 
place, and a new crew shipped for the ves- 
sel. Mr. McLane appeared for the Govern- 
ment, and Mr. Ridgway for the defence. 
The jury found the prisoners guilty. 

Death of a Child from Drinking Whis- 
key.— John Murphy, aged six years, died 
in Philadelphia, this day, from the effects 
of swallowing a large quantity of whiskey. 
The child, in going home from school with 
some companions, passed a liquor-store where 
there were barrels of whiskey at the door. 
A bung was got out of one of them, and he 



drank such a quantity of liquor that he was 
taken home insensible, and died soon after. 

Bill Passed. — This day, the House bill 
Nil 241, authorizing publishers to print on 
their papers the date when their subscrip- 
tions expire, and reducing the postage on 
town and city drop-letters to one cent, was 
finally passed by both Houses of Congress. 

Slaver Condemned. — This day, the bark 
Isla de Cuba, seized as a slaver several 
months since, was condemned as such by 
Judge Sprague, of the U.S. District Court, 
after a lengthy hearing, at Boston. 

Affray of American Sailors in Cuba. — 
This day, a fight took place at Cienfuegos, 
Cuba, between some sailors from the United 
States sloop-of-war Wyandotte and a party 
of Spanish sailors, during which the police 
of the town charged bayonets on the Ame- 
ricans, who were getting the best of the 
fight, and wounded eight of them, one of 
whom, an engineer on the Wyandotte, has 
since died. 

Negro Woman Drowning her Three 
Children, and Trying to Drown Herself. 
— This day, a negro woman, the slave of 
James Lankford, of Penfield, Georgia, being 
weary of life, threw three of her children 
into a well sixty-five feet deep, and then 
plunged in herself. Curtis Lankford went 
down after them, and found her still living, 
and not seriously injured. When he reached 
her she attempted to drown him, and it was 
only by main force that he subdued her and 
brought her up. The children were all den]. 
She assigned, as a reason for the rash and 
inhuman act, that she wished to die, and did 
not wish any of her children to survive her. 

The New Jersey Democratic State Con- 
vention met at Trenton, this day, for the 
purpose of choosing delegates to Charleston. 
After making choice of delegates, they passed 
a series of resolutions. 

The first denounces the Republican posi- 
tion in Congress, as disregarding the provi- 
sions of the Constitution for the protection 
of slave-property ; the second says the Con- 
stitution must be sustained, and a ready ob- 
servance of the laws enforced to preserve 
the Union; the third asserts that Federal 
legislation on slavery should be limited by 
the Constitution, — all that instrument gives 
should be accorded, and all that it withholds 
should be denied; the fourth says it is the 
duty of every State to protect itself against 
invasion by fanatics, and to punish offenders 
in an exemplary manner ; the fifth is in 
favor of the fugitive-slave law and in favor 
of the suppression of the slave-trade; the 
sixth re-endorses the Cincinnati Platform, 
and says we will consent to no unauthorized 



222 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Maech. 



interpretation of it ; the seventh is for a 
tariff, by wise discrimination in favor of 
home manufactures, and says the Govern- 
ment should, for public uses, favor home 
products; the eighth recommends Mr. C. 
Alexander for Vice-President; the ninth re- 
commends the delegation, on all questions, 
to cast a, united vote ; and the tenth says 
the administration of President Buchanan 
has been statesmanlike and conservative. 

Mayoralty Nomination. — The Democrats 
of Philadelphia nominated John Robbins 
(Administration) for Mayor, this day. 

Arrival op an Alleged Slaver. — Ar- 
rived in Norfolk, this day, brig Virginian, 
Capt. Lynn, of New York, an alleged slaver, 
captured on the 10th of February, in the 
Congo River, by the U.S. sloop-of-war 
Portsmouth. She had no slaves on board. 
Lieuts. Brown and Tyler brought the brig in. 

Missing Citizen. — This day, a man named 
Joseph Giss left his home in Newark, N.J., 
since which time nothing has been heard of 
him. His mind is somewhat deranged, and 
lie has been an inmate of the State Lunatic- 
Asylum at Trenton, in which direction it is 
supposed he has wandered. He is a native 
of Belgium, about thirty-five years cf age. 



THURSDAY", MARCH 29. 

Destructive Fire at Independence, Mo. 
— This day, about half-past eleven p.m., a 
fire broke out in the drug-store of James 
Beckham, on the southeast corner of the 
public square, and, in spite of all the ex- 
ertions to stop it, it progressed until it 
destroyed every house on the east side and 
several dwellings in the immediate vicinity. 
The wind was blowing a gale at the time, and 
large flakes of fire were carried half a mile, 
several times setting fire to houses that dis- 
tance from the conflagration. At least twenty 
substantial buildings were burned. The pro- 
bable loss is about $150,000. 

The following are some of the losers :— 
J. Beckham, $12,500: insured. J. Robinson, 
$2600: no insurance. Robinson & Norris, 
$1000 : no insurance. Dr. Lathmore, $1500 : 
insured $300. J. F. Norris, $1000 : no in- 
surance. W. & C. N. Thomas, $5000: no 
insurance. M. Sampson, $5000 : insured 
$1500. J. & J. Saldonell, $2000: no in- 
surance. Mr. Saldonell's residence was also 
consumed, upon which there was an insurance 
of $3000. Langham & McClanahan, and D. 
W. McClanahan, each lose largely, but the 
amount is not known. The house of Mr. 
Rodevalds, which was also consumed, was 
valued at $'20,000. Altogether the fire is 
the largest and most destructive that has ever 
occurred in that city. 



Charge op Forgery. — In Philadelphia, 
this day, Edwin Keyl was charged, before 
Alderman Beitler, with forging the name of 
Charles J. Crease to a check for one thousand 
dollars on the Bank of Germantown, which 
was made payable to Drexel & Co., or order, 
and upon which the money was obtained at 
the office of the firm by a lad. The accused, 
it is alleged, advertised for an errand-boy, 
and, as soon a* he engaged the lad, sent him 
with the check referred to. As soon as the 
money was obtained, the services of the lad 
were dispensed with. It was through this 
boy that the arrest was made. The money 
was all recovered, it having been deposited 
in two savings-funds. The accused was held 
to answer. 

Elopemext. — This day, a married woman, 
named Bailey, from Rochester, N.Y., who 
left her home in company with a man named 
Grannis, was arrested in Albany. After a 
"scene" with her husband at a hotel, she 
returned to Rochester. 

Child Killed on a Railroad. — In New 
York, this day, Edward Donough, a child 
four years of age, residing with his parents 
at 161 Perry Street, while attempting to get 
upon one of the freight-cars of the Hudson 
River Railroad while the same was in motion, 
was caught under the wheels and so severely 
injured that he died almost immediately after 
being extricated. 

Removing the Philadelphia Arcade. — 
This day, workmen commenced the demolition 
of the Arcade, in Philadelphia. 

Philadelphia People's Party Nomina- 
tion for Mayor. — This day, the People's 
Convention, to nominate city officers, met in 
Philadelphia, in the County Court-House, and 
organized by choosing Mr. William Welsh for 
president, and a number of gentlemen for 
vice-presidents and secretaries. The con- 
vention first went into a nomination for 
Mayor, — Alexander Henry, S. Snyder Leidy, 
and Charles B. Trego being the nominees. 
On the first ballot, the vote was — Henry, 
127; Leidy, 8; Trego, 2. Mr. Henry was 
then declared to be the unanimous choice of 
the convention. 

Burial of a Revolutionary Soldier. — 
This day, the funeral of Michael Coon, a 
soldier of the Revolutionary War and of the 
War of 1812, took place in Philadelphia, from 
the State-House. For some time previous to 
the moving of the procession, the body lay in 
state- in the vestibule of the State-House, and 
was seen by a large number of persons. An 
address was there delivered by Major Robert 
Burns, M.D., of the Second Brigade, 'and 
Philip S. White, both of whom referred to 
the important military services of the de- 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



223 



ceased, both in the War of the Revolution 
and in that of 1812. 

Death of a Revolutionary Soldier. — 
This day, Mr. William Babcock died at. the 
residence of his son, in Hope township, 
Warren county, N.Y., aged one hundred ami 
six years. Mr. Babcock was a soldier in the 
Revolution, and served at the battle of Stony 
Point. He was a native of Rockland county, 
N.Y., and had been living with his son in that 
county for the last eight years. 

Death of Mrs. Ann Sanborn. — Died, this 
day, at Charleston, Me., Mrs. Ann Sanborn, 
wife of Captain Theophilus Sanborn, aged 
eighty-seven years. Captain Sanborn, who 
still survives, is ninety years old. They had 
been married sixty-three years, and had six 
sons, the oldest of whom is sixty-two, and 
the youngest forty-four. There had never 
been a death in the family up to the hour of 
her decease, and all her sons were around her 
dying bed during her last moments. 

Discharged. — William K. Bagby, the indi- 
vidual who was arrested in Baltimore some 
two weeks ago and brought to Savannah, on 
a charge of having passed forged drafts to 
the amount of near $22,000 on the State 
Bank, was examined this day. Notwith- 
standing many of the witnesses were satisfied 
of his identity, the testimony of others, and 
a number, clearly proved an alibi, and he was 
accordingly discharged from custody. 

Trial of the Rev. Daniel Worth. — Sen- 
tenced to One Year's Imprisonment for 
Circulating Helper's Book in Randolph 
County, N.C. — In giving an account of this 
trial, which occurred this day, the corre- 
spondent of the " Raleigh (N.C.) B.egister" 
says : — 

The prisoner was brought into court with 
a white bandage on his head, and rather a 
complaisant, defiant expression on his coun- 
tenance. The State announced its readiness 
for trial, as well as the defendant. Counsel 
for the State, Mr. Solicitor Settle, McLean, 
and Scott; for the defendant, Morehead and 
Gorrell. The jury was called, and the de- 
fendant objected to the whole array, and 
challenged for cause, and put them each 
upon their voir dire, as to whether they had 
formed and expressed an opinion as to the 
prisoner's guilt. After examining fifty ju- 
rors, a jury was obtained and empanelled. 
Mr. Scott, for the State, opened the case by 
reading the bill of indictment, which was 
spread upon twenty pages of foolscap paper, 
reciting portions of the infamous Helper 
book, such as, "Smallpox is a nuisance, mad 
dogs is a nuisance, slavery is a nuisance, and 
slave-owners is a nuisance, but the greatest 
of all is the slave-owner; and that it was 
lawful and right to abate all nuisances." 



This, with many others of like character, 
was recited in the bill. 

The court-room was densely crowded ; and, 
as Mr. Scott proceeded to read the bill of in- 
dictment in a clear and solemn tone of voice, 
indignation began to grow upon the sea of 
human faces, and eyes ever and anon turned 
upon the prisoner, who cowered, cast his eyes 
to the floor, and hung his head. Mr. Scott 
remarked to the jury, if they failed to con- 
vict, and thus encouraged these abolition 
emissaries, it. would not be long until our fair 
land would be deluged in blood. The dark- 
ness of midnight would be lighted up with 
our burning buildings to see the massacred 
bodies of our wives and children, and that 
the sun would rise ere long upon the dead 
bodies of slave-holders with their throats cut. 
This eloquent touch electrified the court- 
room, and brought down upon the prisoner 
such a torrent of indignant looks that he 
seemed to sink. 

The State called its witnesses : J. II. 
Pearce, Daniel Briles, Jacob Briles, William 
Yates, James Sluder, Mahala Sluder, Thomas 
Dougan, and a number of others. 

John H. Pearce testified that he had known 
the defendant some two years ; that he bought 
the Helper book from him; paid one dollar 
for it ; defendant recommended it as a good 
book ; had heard him preach often. 

Daniel and Jacob Briles testified that they 
had known the defendant some two years, 
and that they each bought a Helper book 
from him, and that the defendant recom- 
mended it as a good book. William Yates 
has known the defendant some three years, 
and had bought a book some two years ago 
from defendant, which he recommended to be 
a good book. 

James Sluder was present and saw de- 
fendant sell to William Yates a book, which 
he told him to be careful with, for it 
contained enough to whip a man's back. 
Mahala Sluder was also present when de- 
fendant sold to Yates the book. Understood 
the defendant to say to Yates to be careful of 
it, for it contained enough to whip his back, 
if they were mean enough to do it. The de- 
fendant's counsel attacked the character of 
witnesses James Sluder and wife Mahala: 
but they were triumphantly sustained as 
being worthy of -all credit. 

The State here stopped the case, as did the 
defendant also. 

Mr. Gorrell opened the defence in a speech 
of some two hours in length; complained of 
the fierce speech of Mr. Scott; said there 
might be some objectionable sentiments in 
the book ; called the statute under which de- 
fendant was indicted rigorous, as having been 
written in blood ; with many other such cuts 
at our laws. I think his client cannot com- 
plain of him. 

Next came Mr. Solicitor Settle, with 
his dignified, manly bearing, in a speech 



224 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



which was thrilling!}' eloquent and calculated 
to do much good to those who had been mis- 
led by this bad man, Worth, as well as 
convincing to the jury. Then came McLean, 
with his thunderbolt of reason and keen 
arrows of sarcasm, that shook and made old 
Belshazzar tremble. The closing speech 
was made by Mr. Morehead, who acquitted 
himself in such a manner as to leave no just 
grounds of complaint from his client. His 
honor then gave a clear and impartial charge; 
and the jury retired at half-past eleven o'clock, 
and brought in a verdict of guilty. Mr. Worth 
was sentenced to twelve months' imprison- 
ment. 

Execution of George Acker for the 
Murder of Isaac II. Gordon. — This day, 
George Acker was hanged in Morristown, 
Morris county, N. J., for the murder of Isaac 
II. Gordon, between Uoonton and Montville, 
on the 18th of October last. These men had 
been drinking together at Provost's tavern, 
in Montville; and Gordon, made foolish by 
liquor, talked to his companion about some 
money he had, — a twenty-dollar gold-piece 
and some bills, amounting to less than fifty 
dollars. He not only talked about the 
money, but showed it. His companion forth- 
with resolved to possess himself of that 
money by murdering its owner. It was late 
in the afternoon when Acker started for 
Boonton, knowing that Gordon was soon to 
follow along the same road. He met one 
John Jackson Norris, of Boonton, and a 
young lady. He was seen coming out of the 
saw-mill with a stout club, intending to use 
it, but afterward he changed his plan. Iu a 
little while Gordon came along, and Acker 
joined him. At a point in the road where he 
could see a long distance both ways, he seized 
a stone and threw it with all his might, bit- 
ting Gordon back of the ear. The man fell, and 
his murderer threw him over the road-fence. 
Just at this moment one Susan Taylor came 
along, and saw a middling large man stand- 
ing by the fence with something dark at his 
feet ; but she was so much frightened as not 
to identify the man, or tell what was at his 
feet. This testimony was considered almost 
iucredible ; but the prisoner is said to have 
admitted the fact since the trial. He carted 
the body, dinner-pail, and hat of his victim 
to a clump of woods near at hand, cut his 
victim's throat, and rifled his pockets. He 
left the body there, intending to return at 
night and bury it. Be now returned to the 
road; and, perceiving he had blood on his 
overalls, he scraped up some mud from the 
road to cover it. At this, John Jackson 
Norris, on his return, found him, noticed the 
blood on his clothes and hands, and also his 
excited conduct. Norris's hat blew otf, and 
Acker brought it to him ; and the wonder is 
that he did not kill this one terrible witness 
who was then in his power. 



Norris asked him to ride, but he declined, 
and followed the tow-path of the canal. In 
order to get rid of his bloody overalls, he 
rolled a stone in them and cast them into the 
canal. It is supposed that in his excitement 
he put the bills he got from Gordon into the 
pocket of the overalls and sunk it. The gold- 
piece he lost through a hole in his pocket, 
and this was found the same day and re- 
stored to Gordon's family afterward. Thus, 
Acker could have realized either nothing or 
next to nothing for his murder. 

He now went to Boonton, and of course 
drank some. He returned to Montville, 
where he lived, and bought a bottle of rum, 
to stimulate his courage ; and, after his wife 
went to bed, he examined his pockets, and 
found he had lost the money for which he 
committed the murder. This was the first 
instalment of retribution. He now left his 
house and went to hide the body of his vic- 
tim. In his confession he declares it was a 
horrible meeting when, that night, he tum- 
bled against the body of his victim. He 
seized it by the neck-tie and dragged it 
back to the fence, taking the pail and hat, 
but leaving some other things which were 
afterward found. He then shouldered the 
body and carried it to a sand-pit some rods 
distant. This was an after-thought, as he 
originally designed to hide it in the woods 
near by. In the sand-pit he dug a shallow 
grave with his hands, and buried him with 
no other help. After several days the body 
was found by some boy. Acker came with 
others, and, as they were taking the body 
up, directed the attention of those present to 
himself, by thanking God that he did not do 
it. 

He was arrested, and on the 30th of Jaira- 
ary his trial began. The evidence was en- 
tirely circumstantial, but conclusive. That 
of Norris was overwhelming. It is said that 
Acker now admits that he for several nights 
prowled about Norris's house, intending to 
put him out of the way. 

He is a large man, lull six feet in stature, 
muscular, and extremely ignorant. He can- 
not read or write a word. He is a native of 
Haverstraw, and has for many years been 
very intemperate and abandoned. He leaves 
a wife and four children. He is thirty-four 
years old. 

He manifested great firmness during the 
trial, and at times since has shown signs of 
regret ; but his general demeanor has not 
been what might be expected under the cir- 
cumstances. 

His execution was private in the sense of 
its being in the work-house yard enclosure, 
in the presence of some three hundred per- 
sons. As usual in such cases, there was a 
rush for the tickets, several thousand persons 
having applied. 

This is the third execution occurring in 
that county within the present century. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



Many years ago a negro woman was hung for 
murdering her mistress while the family were 
absent. The second was Le Blanc, a foreigner, 
who murdered the Sayre family, under cir- 
cumstances of peculiar atrocity. 

Le Blanc and Acker, though both ignorant 
and brutal, could not muster courage for the 
deed without drinking rum freely. 

The hanging was by means of weights, 
which jerked the body up violently, breaking 
the neck. 

Alleged Attempt to Poison. — This day, 
in Baltimore, a young woman, named Welsh, 
was arrested at the instance of Dr. E. R. 
Bear, of the Marine Hospital, charged by 
that gentleman and a boatman of the place 
with having mixed a quantity of arsenic with 
the coffee and bread intended to be used by 
the inmates of the house. The woman had 
been employed at the institution as a cook, 
and, it is said, had made sundry threats, in 
consequence of some affront or injuries re- 
ceived while there. When arrested, how- 
ever, she utterly protested against the charge, 
and was loud in her complaints of the bad 
treatment she had received 



FRIDAY, MARCH 30. 

The Philadelphia Conference, in session 
this day, examined the case of the Rev. "W. 
Quinn, against whom charges were preferred 
for holding slaves, contrary to the Discipline, 
in that, though his slaves were manumitted, 
it was not until they were thirty-three years 
of age. Mr. Quinn was requested, last Con- 
ference, to manumit them earlier. He en- 
tered into an argument, in reply by letter, 
questioning the right of the Conference to 
authoritatively determine the exact time at 
which he should manumit. As the case may 
become of some wide importance, it maybe 
well to sketch it. The Uev. Mr. Cunningham 
contended that the slavery which manu- 
mitted slaves at thirty-five years of age was 
the most profitable kind, and that it was not 
a manumission such as looked to extirpation. 
Mr. Quigley said we were about to try this 
man for not being anti-slavery, when he 
bad manumitted his slaves at a time when 
they would bring him some $20,000, — try a 
man for not being anti-slavery who has 
lost $20,000 for this very principle. 

A substitute which was offered for the 
motion to entertain the charge showed the 
case to have a documentary history, which 
was that in 1842 this Conference requested 
all ministers being within the State of Dela- 
ware absolutely to manumit their slaves, but 
fixed no time. In Maryland, it was under- 
stood at that time, there could be no manu- 
mission ; and accordingly they simply re- 
quested ministers resident there, and holding 
slaves, to endeavor to induce them to accept 
of their liberty and go to Africa. 



In 1845, Mr. Quinn had to answer the 
question, " Do you hold slaves in any way ?" 
and he said he did. He was then required 
to manumit them, and execute a deed of 
manumission; but it fixed no time. 

In 1840, Mr. Quinn replied by letter, and 
his character was passed, &c. 

The question was on the right of the Con- 
ference to go behind that action, under which 
he was required to manumit, without any 
period being fixed, and in compliance with 
which he did manumit at least ten years 
sooner than the laws of the State of Mary- 
land fixed as the limit at which they should 
not be exercised. It was also stated that 
his wife had absolute control over the slave- 
property, and that he could not manumit her 
slaves without her consent. So that, it was 
argued, she was the responsible party in the 
case, &c. 

Finally, however, the Conference disposed 
of the case on the ground that it was closed 
by his compliance with the requirement of 
the Conference of 1845, which, it was al- 
leged, put it beyond their control at pre- 
sent. 

Sentence. — In Philadelphia, this day, in 
the Oyer and Terminer Court, with all the 
judges on the bench, the following sentences 
were passed : — 

Christopher McFarland, convicted of mur- 
der in the second degree, in causing the 
death of his wife, by beating her with a 
poker, was sentenced to eight years in the 
Eastern Penitentiary. 

William Berkely, convicted of murder in 
the second degree, in causing the death of 
Andrew Johnson, by stabbing him eight 
times in the back, was sentenced to eight 
years in the penitentiary. His companion, 
Bishop Butter, who was tried at the same' 
time, but convicted of manslaughter, was 
sentenced to four years in the penitentiary. 

James Gorman, convicted of murder in the 
second degree, in causing the death of James 
Anderson, during a fight in Pine Alley, was 
sentenced to ten years in the Eastern Peni- 
tentiary. 

Suicide. — The coroner of Philadelphia, 
this day, held an inquest on the body of a 
man found floating in the Schuylkill near 
Lombard Street wharf. About the time of 
the finding of the body, a hat was picked up 
near where it was discovered, in which there 
was a note directed to Mrs. Shiell, care of 
H. B. AVilkins. Pittsburg, Pa. It was as fol- 
lows: — "My Dear Friend: — You have been 
the means of driving me out of a home. 
May God bless you ! I forgive you, and liope 
you will also. I lay in the bottom of the 
Schuylkill Biver. May God bless you and" 
all my children!" Supposing the hat to 
belong to the body, the jury rendered a 
verdict of suicide by drowning. 



15 



226 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



Adjournment of the Missouri Legis- 
lature. — The Missouri Legislature ad- 
journed sine die this day; but Gov. Stewart 
immediately issued a proclamation calling 
an extra session forthwith, for the purpose 
of consultation upon the objectionable fea- 
tures of the railroad-bill. 

The Will op John Rose was probated 
in New York, this day. In one of its pro- 
visions, $300,000 was bequeathed to that 
city. The brother of the testator contested 
the will, on the grounds that it contained no 
attestation clause ; and, two of the witnesses 
who signed the instrument having died in the 
interim, and the third testifying that he had 
only an indistinct recollection of signing it, 
there appeared to arise considerable difficulty 
in the case. After many lengthy hearings, 
however, the Surrogate decided in favor of 
the proponent. The whole value of the de- 
ceased's property was $900,000. 

Max Killed by Horse Running Away. 
— Near Philadelphia, Mr. Levi Grade, this 
day, was killed on the Belmont Road, above 
the Columbia Bridge, by the running away 
of a pair of horses attached to a wagon 
which he had charge of. From the shocking 
manner in which he was mangled, it is be- 
lieved that he became entangled in the 
wheels. He died in a few minutes after he 
was removed to a neighboring house. De- 
ceased was a resident of Haverford, Dela- 
ware county. He leaves a wife and three 
children. 

Attempted Suicide. — In New York, a 
man named Hiram Kenney, residing at No. 
8 Brunswick Street, attempted to commit 
suicide by hanging himself in the back yard. 

Execution or John Crimmins. — This un- 
fortunate man, who, in the month of October 
last, took the life of Dennis McIIenry, was 
hanged this day, at twelve minutes after nine 
o'clock, in the prison-yard of the Tombs, in 
New York. The case of Crimmins had not 
occasioned much interest in the public mind, 
owing to the fact that there was nothing ex- 
traordinary in the circumstances connected 
with the sad affray which terminated in the 
death of McIIenry. 

The quarrel between the prisoner and 
McHi -nry originated, it is believed, in some 
scandals circulated by the latter reflecting 
on the good character of the former's wife. 
McIIenry also owed Crimmins some small 
amount of money, about the payment of 
which there had been a misunderstanding. 
Crimmins kept a grocery and liquor store in 
Pell Street, near Mott, and had forbidden Mc- 
IIenry visiting his place. Nevertheless, on the 
10th of October, the latter, in company with 
four or five acquaintances, went to the pri- 
soner's store and commenced to drink. 



While they were thus occupied, Crimmins 
came in, and almost immediately an alter- 
cation sprang up, McIIenry refusing to leave 
the store until he settled for what he owed. 
The result is told in a few words. Crim- 
mins retired to a room off the store, procured 
a sword-bayonet, rushed out after McIIenry, 
and, overtaking him, stabbed him three 
times in the back, chest, and thigh. It is 
proper to state, without going deeply into 
details, that the conduct of McIIenry had 
previously been in the highest degree provo- 
cative, ami it was not until Crimmins had 
been excited and angered almost beyond en- 
durance, that he committed the deed for 
which he this day forfeited his life. 

Great efforts were made on the part of his 
relatives, friends, and counsel to induce 
Governor Morgan to commute the sentence. 
But all in vain; the Executive firmly with- 
stood all prayers for pardon, preferring to 
let the law take its regular course. 

Sentenced. — In New York, this day, 
James Sea grist and others, convicted of a 
revolt on board the Humming-Bird, in Pa- 
lermo, were sentenced to thirty days' im- 
prisonment and a fine of $10 each. 

Fatal Affray in California. — A shoot- 
ing-affair occurred at Rocky Ridge, in which 
Lewis Hame and Joe Cady were killed, and 
Bill Finley wounded. 

Death of a Revolutionary Soldier. — 
Died, this day, in Ogdensburg, N.Y., Zacha- 
riah Barber, in the ninety-sixth year of 
his age. Mr. Barber was a native of Med- 
way, Norfolk county, Mass. He entered the 
army at the early age of sixteen years, and 
received his discharge at AVest Point at the 
close of the war. He was one of the early 
settlers of Yermont, and went into the new 
State and settled in the wilderness when 
the roads were followed by blazed trees. 
For the last thirty years he resided in St. 
Lawrence county, in the town of Depeystcr. 

Death of the Last Survivor of the 
Wyoming Massacre. — Died, this day, Mrs. 
P. Weeden, the last survivor of the ever-to- 
be-remembered Wyoming Massacre. We 
need scarcely remind our readers of the 
horrors attending this frightful event. In 
a single night the entire settlement was laid 
waste, and most of the inhabitants were 
murdered in cold blood by Indians and the 
British. The historians have told the fright- 
ful tale, and all are familiar with it. The 
poet Campbell has also told it in superb 
verse. A few of the inhabitants escaped, 
among whom was the family of William 
Martin, Mrs.Weeden's father. Mrs. AVeeden 
was twelve years old at the time ; and she re- 
tained a vivid recollection of the massacre 
until her death. She was a prisoner with 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



227 



her sister in the fort, where every male was 
jmt to death by the tomahawk. The sisters 
left the Valley with their father and mother, 
and travelled with a flag of truce, through 
the then dense forest, till within forty miles 
of the Connecticut River. There they were 
met by two of Mr. Martin's sons, and taken 
to Colchester. Mr. Martin and his family 
left Rhode Island for Wyoming, Pennsyl- 
vania, a few years before the massacre, per- 
forming the arduous journey on foot. That 
was the day of iron hands, brave hearts, 
and wills that never faltered. Mrs. W. had 
one of the largest funerals ever seen in the 
neighborhood. 

Suicide of a Boy. — An Unnatural Fa- 
ther. — The Chicago "Journal 1 ' gives the 
following particulars of a most shocking case 
of cruel treatment and consequent suicide. 
Coroner James held an inquest upon the body 
of a boy named John Steege, in the town 
of Elk Grove, who came to his death by 
suicide, under the following painful circum- 
stances. 

The father for a long time has been ad- 
dicted to the use of liquor to excess, and 
while in his excited fits was accustomed to 
eat his children in a savage manner, espe- 
cially his boys, who were respectively thir- 
teen and eleven years of age. About a week 
ago the elder boy, the deceased, told his 
brother that if his father whipped him again 
he would hang himself. On this day, the 
father came home intoxicated about noon, 
and found the hoys at play, when he ex- 
pected to find them chopping wood. He 
became enraged and gave them both a severe 
beating with a strap. At five o'clock, he 
sent the boys to do some chores. The oldest 
went to the cow-shed, a short distance from 
the house, and the youngest went for the 
cows and drove them up to the shed. The 
animals, however, appeared terrified, and 
would not enter, and the boy went in to see 
what the trouble was, and found his brother 
hanging by the neck, the rope fastened 
around a rail in the roof and tied in a bow- 
knot. He untied it, and the body fell to the 
ground. He then took the rope off, and ran 
to the house. His mother brought the body 
in, but all efforts to resuscitate it were in 
vain. 

The jury, after hearing the evidence, re- 
turned the following verdict: — 

"That the said John Steege came to his 
death, by hanging himself in the cow-shed 
near his father's house, on Friday, the 30th 
instant, about five o'clock, and that it is the 
opinion of the jury that he did so in conse- 
quence of the harsh treatment and abuse he 
received from his father." 

Thrown from a Mule and Killed. — 
This day, Mr. Thos. Spencer, son of Eugene 
Spencer, of Franklin, Lycoming county, Pa., 



a youth eighteen years ot age, was thrown 
from a mule, near Williamsport, in that 
county, and fractured his skull, from the 
effects of which he died. No one being pre- 
sent at the time of the accident, nothing is 
known of the immediate cause of the unfor- 
tunate occurrence. His remains were car- 
ried to Franklin for burial. 

Murder in Auraria, Kansas. — This day, 
a man named John O'Neil, living in Aura- 
ria, at the Pike's Peak gold-region, was 
shot dead by a man named John Rooker. 
The circumstances were as follows: — 

A quarrel had arisen several daj's pre- 
vious, which had been renewed on the day 
before by very insulting and slanderous lan- 
guage used by O'Neil to Rooker. In conse- 
quence of this, a challenge passed between 
them. O'Neil chose bowie-knives for wea- 
pons, and a dark room for the place. Rooker 
rejected, whereupon O'Neil sent word that 
they would shoot on sight. 

With this arrangement of the matter, 
Rooker stationed himself in the door of the 
Western Saloon, armed with a shot-gun 
loaded with buckshot. O'Neil had occasion 
to pass by, and, as he did so, Rooker saw 
him, when he cried out, with an oath, " I've 
got you now," and immediately shot him. 
O'Neil, who had turned to go away, fell with 
his revolver cocked in his hand, simply ut- 
tering the words, "Rooker has killed me," 
and expired in ten minutes. 

Upon the commission of the deed, Rooker 
immediately jumped upon a horse which he 
had in readiness and left the city. At first 
the excitement was immense, but, upon a 
knowledge of the facts of the case, imme- 
diately abated, and in ten minutes' time it 
was generally conceded that O'Neil had met 
with a deserved fate. The deceased was 
born in Rochester, State of New York, but 
had since boyhood lived in Milwaukie, where 
his father, a retired merchant-tailor of con- 
siderable wealth, still resides. He has for 
years been considered one of the most ex- 
pert pugilists in the West, but was a violent 
man, and had, it is affirmed, killed three 
men in as many different affrays. He fled 
from Kansas City in the night to escape 
being lynched by the people for committing 
a rape in connection with another person. 
His death was looked upon more in the light 
of the abatement of a nuisance than of any 
thing else, and consequently but little at- 
tention was paid to the matter, and it was 
passed by without a thorough investigation. 

Murder of Miss Harvey, a Beautiful 
Young Woman. — This day, the body of Miss 
Harvey, a beautiful young woman, who had 
only a few days before eloped from Rock- 
ford, 111., with a man named Lawrence, who 
had either married her or pretended to 
marry her, was found in the river near 



228 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



Ottumwa, Iowa. An Iowa correspondent, 
speaking of this aft'air, says : — 

A young woman of interesting appearance 
arrived at Ottumwa in a wagon. The men 
pretended that the young woman was a sis- 
ter ; but, while stopping at a hotel over 
night, it became evident from their actions 
that they were her seducers, and she their 
miserable victim. On Friday morning, the 
body of a young woman was found in the 
Des Moines River, dead, and bearing evi- 
dences of having been foully murdered, 
her skull being broken in, and finger-marks 
being visible upon the throat. It was after- 
ward discovered that she had been murdered 
in a field about a mile from Ottumwa, a 
board covered with blood and human hair 
being found there, as well as pools of blood 
on the ground. They, no doubt, murdered 
her there, and then conveyed the body to 
the river and cast it into the stream. A 
man was arrested next day, but it turned 
out that he was not one of the two who were 
seen with the woman. At last accounts, a 
party was scouring the country west of Ot- 
tumwa, in pursuit of the murderers. 

Another writer says : — "She was a pretty, 
but weak, girl of seventeen, the daughter of 
a widow in Rockford, 111., who recently ad- 
vertised for a husband, — 'just for the ro- 
mance of the thing.' She obtained, not a 
husband, but a seducer, in the person of a 
gambler named Moore, who had returned 
from Pike's Peak for the winter. He started 
recently to return to the diggings, taking 
her (it is supposed) along; and the next 
thing known of her by her friends is the 
discovery, near Ottumwa, Iowa, of her dead 
body, bearing incontestable marks of mur- 
der." 

Dreadful Scene. — Stage with Ladies 
Caught in Bubnins Woods. — The pine- 
woods of New Jersey for some days had been 
on fire in Burlington county, the fire ex- 
tending six miles in length by three in 
breadth. According to the "Trenton Ga- 
zette," this day, the Mannahawkin stage, on 
its way to Mount Holly, met with a narrow 
escape from the fire. The driver, before he 
was aware of it, found himself almost in 
the midst of the flames. The great body of 
the fire, however, seemed to be in advance 
of him, and he turned around to make his 
escape ; but he had not proceeded far before 
the flames checked him in his retreat, and 
he was obliged to pursue his journey in 
another direction. In a short time he again 
found himself surrounded by the flames. 
He saw no other course to pursue but to go 
straight ahead, and urged his horses to their 
utmost speed, hoping soon to be free from 
the devouring element. But when he was 
surrounded by the greatest body of fire and 
smoke, his horses became frightened and 
stopped, and it was impossible to move them. 



Here they remained for a minute or two, the 
fire roaring and crackling to a terrific ex- 
tent, when suddenly, the smoke clearing 
away, the horses started, and the driver 
found that the great mass of fire had crossed 
the road a short distance in advance, and 
was making the most fearful ravages in its 
track to the right of him. He was soon 
enabled to get entirely out of its path, but 
felt that he had never before been in so ter- 
rible a position. At one time it appeared 
to him that the flames must entirely sur- 
round him and cut oif all means of escape, 
lie had two female passengers, and, as may 
be supposed, they were frightened beyond 
all description. Fearing that they would 
perish in the fire and smoke, their screams 
were frequently of the most painful nature. 

Burning of the Kentucky Military In- 
stitute. — This day, the Kentucky Military 
Institute, near Frankfort, was partially de- 
stroyed by fire, together with the superin- 
tendent's residence. 



SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 

Shooting. — In Philadelphia, this day, an 
exciting occurrence took place in the South 
Second Street Market, between Lombard 
and South. Jane Meagher, a market-woman, 
occupant of a stall, discharged a pistol at 
Sergeant George Bromley, of U.S. Army, 
stationed at Fort Mifflin, as he was stand- 
ing in front of her stall. The ball missing 
its aim, she seized a cleaver, and, rushing 
toward him, inflicted a cut upon one of his 
hands before she could be secured. She 
was then taken to the office of Alder- 
man Moore, where she was charged with 
an assault with intent to kill, and was held 
in $1500 bail to answer. During the hear- 
ing, Mrs. Meagher expressed regret that 
she had not killed Bromley, and applied 
epithets to him showing the excitement 
under which she was laboring. According 
to the woman's statement, Bromley has 
been persecuting her for some time by 
making improper proposals to her in the 
absence of her husband. From expressing 
friendship for her in the market, he got to 
visiting her at her house, where he was 
threatened by her with the cleaver if he 
showed himself again. Notwithstanding 
these manifestations of repugnance to his 
addresses, it is said that he persisted in re- 
peating them ; and on making his appear- 
ance in market on this day, the woman 
shot at him with a pistol, which she had 
prepared for his visit. The acquaintance- 
ship had been formed while Bromley was 
purchasing marketing for Fort Mifflin. 
The husband of the woman was a witness 
to the occurrence. 

Shot. — This day, Andrew Mclndon was 



1860. 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



229 



shot and killed in Charleston, S.C., by John 
G. Burckmyer. 

Destructive Fire near Boston. — This 
day, a fire in Brighton, destroyed the lumber- 
yard andcontentsof J. H. Fuller&Son, whose 
loss is $20,000, on which there is $9000 in- 
surance ; one dwelling and two stores, owned 
by E. Sparbank, loss $7000, no insurance ; 
the grocery of Salmon, Kendall & Co., loss 
$7000, insured $5000; and two buildings 
owned by Cephas Brackett, loss $6000, in- 
sured $3000. The fire was the work of an 
incendiary. 

Afire in Chelsea, also near Boston, on the 
evening of this day, destroyed six dwellings, 
occupied by nearly twenty Irish families. 
Loss, $10,000; insured $0000. 

Fire in Brooklyn, L.I. — This day, a fire 
broke out in a stable owned by Charles 
Williams, situated in Fulton Place, between 
Livingston Street and Fulton Avenue, at 
half-past nine o'clock in the evening. 
The flames communicated to an adjoining 
carpenter's shop, owned by Mr. Hart. Both 
structures, with their contents, were de- 
stroyed, including four horses. Several 
animals were saved, when the smoke be- 
came so dense that the others could not be 
approached, and were left to perish. An 
adjoining three-story brick house, owned 
by Mr. Cooper, was slightly damaged. It 
is occupied by three families, who were com- 
pelled to remove in consequence of the dense 
smoke. Loss, about $3000. There was no 
insurance on the property destroyed. 

A few minutes previous, a fire was dis- 
covered in the blacksmith-shop of Mr. 
Williamson, No. 18 De Kalb Avenue, which 
was extinguished by Mr. D. J. Nefus, who 
was passing at the time. 

At the same time there was an alarm of 
fire in the Seventh District, which origin- 
ated from the burning of S. L. Husted's 
stable in Flushing, near Kent Avenue. It- 
has latterly been used for the storage of 
wagons, sleighs, &c. The flames were sup- 
pressed by the fire-department before a 
great deal of damage was done. 

These fires are all supposed to be the 
work of incendiaries. 

Shortly before the fire broke out in Fulton 
Place, a lady residing in the neighborhood 
saw a man come from the stable. His ac- 
tions created suspicion at the time, and he 
was subsequently taken into custody by 
Officer Munson, of the thirst Precinct Police. 
The name of the accused is Noah L. Brown. 
He was held for a hearing. 

Fire in Kenosha, Wis. — This day, a fire 
at Kenosha, Wis., destroyed all the build- 
ings on Main Street between Market and 
Pearl, except Bailey's dry-goods store and 
the north side of Market Square. Loss 



estimated at $40,000, which is insured for 
$10,000. 

Death from the Use of Chloroform. — 
The wife of Mr. Henry L. Pope, of Louis- 
ville, Ky., came to her death this day, 
under the most distressing circumstances. 
She was suffering from headache, and in- 
haled chloroform to alleviate the pain. 
When her little children started to dancing- 
school, Mrs. Pope was lying on the bed, in- 
haling it. When they returned, she was dis- 
covered with a handkerchief over her mouth, 
quite dead. 

A Double Elopement. — In New York, 
this day, the neighborhood of Avenue C, 
between Eleventh and Twelfth Streets, was 
thrown into a state of intense excitement, 
in consequence of the elopement of a man 
named Charles Hartman with the wife 
of a neighbor named John Zimmerman, all 
Germans. Hartman married a rich widow 
by whom he had one child, and lately, by 
representing that he was about commenc- 
ing business, obtained between $10,000 and 
$11,000. They lived on the front of the 
avenue, while Zimmerman lived in a tene- 
ment-house in the rear. Clandestine inter- 
views had taken place between Hartman 
and Mrs. Zimmerman — who is represented 
as a very fine-looking woman — for some 
time past, which, although it created ill 
feeling between the remainder of the two 
families, was not thought to be of a nature 
to create alarm. Zimmerman, who is a 
baker, took things rather quietly and at- 
tended to his business regularly ; but on 
Saturday morning, when he returned from 
his nightly labors, he was astonished to find 
his "frau" missing and most of his house- 
hold goods gone. 

His three children were left, however, 
as some sort of consolation. He soon 
ascertained that a carman had left the house 
with the goods but a few minutes before, 
and he ran out and overtook him. Being 
unable to speak English so as to be under- 
stood, he made the most violent gesticula- 
tions, attempted to stop the carman's horse, 
and, in fact, acted in such a manner that the 
carman, thinking he was crazy, took him 
on the vehicle and conveyed him to the 
Police Headquarters in Broome Street. 
Here Zimmerman explained the nature of 
affairs by means of an interpreter, and the 
carman was compelled to take the goods 
back to the house. He was to have con- 
veyed them to Jersey City, where the guilty 
pair had ordered them to be left. 

Mrs. Hartman, who is quite a fine-looking 
lady, said she was glad her good-for-no- 
thing husband was gone, although she re- 
gretted the loss of her money. She is not 
left destitute, however, being the owner of 
considerable property in her own right. It 



230 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



is probable that the guilty pair went to 
Philadelphia. Mrs. Hartman did not feel 
inclined to follow the matter up, thinking 
herself better oft' without, her husband than 
with him. She is glad he is gone, and will 
not willingly do any thing to bring him 
back again. Not so with Zimmerman, how- 
ever. He thinks his wife is a very good 
woman yet, but that Hartman is a very bad 
man. He hopes she may come back and 
resume her duties by taking charge of the 
kleinen hinder whom she so cruelly deserted. 

Lost Children. — In New York, this day, 
the Police Telegraph-room at head-quarters 
was overrun by the parents and friends of 
lost children. Between forty and fifty were 
reported missing to Mr. James Kellock, the 
telegraph-operator, in the various wards, 
most of whom were found before ten o'clock 
and restored to their parents. 

Failure in the Shoe-Trade. — We under- 
stand, says the "Boston Traveller" of this 
date, that the shoe-firm of J. L. Thompson 
& Co., of Philadelphia, whose failure was 
announced last week, have liabilities to the 
amount of $350,000 or $400,000, princi- 
pally to shoe-manufacturers of Massachu- 
setts, of which about $100,000 is held by 
houses in Pearl Street. The house is one 
of the oldest of the kind in Philadelphia, 
having, with their predecessors, carried on 
business for a period of forty years. It is 
generally supposed that the failure will not 
be a very bad one, though no statement of 
the condition of affairs has yet been made. 
The failure is supposed to have in part re- 
sulted from losses incurred during and 
since that fatal year 1857. Altogether, it 
is one of the most serious losses expe- 
rienced by the shoe-interest of Massachu- 
setts for several years. 

Congressional Affray. — This clay, there 
was almost a street-collision, in the forenoon, 
about ten o'clock, between two Congress- 
men, Mr. Van Wyck of New York, and Mr. 
Ilindman of Arkansas, in front of the 
National Hotel. There are various inter- 
pretations of the affair afloat, but the 
following is obtained from an eye-witness. 
Mr. Van Wyck was standing upon the front 
steps of the hotel, with Mr. Stuart of New 
York and Mr. Lovejoy of Illinois. Mr. Hind- 
man alighted from a carriage, and was 
passing near the three gentlemen named 
above, to enter the hotel, when Mr. Van 
Wyck saluted him with a bow, and the 
words, " How are you, Mr. Hindman ?" The 
latter resented the salutation with a move- 
ment of the hand toward Mr. Van Wyck, 
which Mr. Stuart interpreted as an intended 
blow; but Mr. Hindman did not reach Mr. 
Van Wyck. Mr. Stuart stepped between 
and mildly remonstrated with Mr. Hindman, 



and he desisted, — remarking to Mr. Stuart 
that Mr. Van Wyck had made a speech in 
the House of Representatives insulting to 
every Southern gentleman, and he (Mr. 
Hindman) could not permit Mr. Van Wyck 
to speak to him. Mr. Van Wyck, not having 
been struck, made no resistance to Mr. 
Hindman. After some little conversation 
among the friends of the parties, growing 
out of the affair, they separated. 

Accident. — Two Men Killed. — An acci- 
dent occurred at Cooper's Furnace, near 
Philadelphia, this day, by which three bro- 
thers, named Thomas, Samuel, and John 
Stoneback, were injured, the first two fatally 
and the latter slightly. The accident was 
caused by some haulers of stone dumping a 
load into the place where the men were 
working. 

Examination. — In New York, the first 
and second mates of the American bark 
Anna, Edmund P. Lane and Gordon Hires, 
were to-day brought before United States 
Commissioner Betts for examination, the 
first charged with the murder of Francis 
Light on the 25th of December, 1859, and 
the second with the murder of Wm, John- 
son on the 1st of December, 1859, on the 
high seas. 

Died in Prison from Intemperance. — 
In New York, this day, a policeman of the 
Eleventh Ward found an aged woman, 
named Esther Moore, sick in the street. 
She was conveyed to the station-house 
and placed in a cell for the night. When 
visited next morning, it was found that she 
was dead. Coroner Jackman held an in- 
quest on the body late on Friday afternoon, 
which resulted in a verdict of "Death from 
the effects of intemperance." 

Suicide of a Sailor. — In New York, this 
day, a sailor named Patrick Iloake, belonging 
to the ship Niagara, committed suicide by 
shooting himself in the neck with a pistol. It 
was stated by some of the hands that the 
deceased came on board with a pistol in his 
pocket and threatened to shoot some of the 
officers. After speaking with the captain a 
moment, he went forward and immediately 
shot himself. The ball severed the carotid 
artery, producing death instantly. It is 
said that the deceased had special objection 
to going to New Orleans, whither the 
Niagara was bound. Coroner Jackman 
held an inquest on the body, which resulted 
in a verdict of " Suicide by shooting with a 
pistol." The deceased was a native of 
Ireland, twenty-one years of age. 

Convicted of Murder. — This clay, the 
trial of Walter Land, accused of the murdei 
of his brother-in-law, Benjamin F. Flana- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



231 



gan, was terminated at the court-house in 
Princess Anne county, Virginia, by a ver- 
dict of guilty. Land shot Flanagan, and 
then escaped to Baltimore, where he was 
arrested. Since that he escaped twice from 
the officers, and lived in secret for some 
time in the Dismal Swamp. Jealousy, 
caused by the intimacy of his brother-in- 
law with his wife, caused the murder. In 
Virginia the jury fix the punishment ; and 
they have given Land eighteen years in the 
State prison. He was defended by a num- 
ber of lawyers, at the head of whom was 
ex-Governor Wise. 

During the trial the following singular 
scene took place. 

Ex-Governor Wise made a long and elo- 
quent speech, urging the admission of Mrs. 
Land's testimony. The Commonwealth 
finally consented, and the sheriff soon en- 
tered with Mrs. Land leaning upon his 
arm. She is only about twenty years of 
age. Her face was covered with a thick 
brown veil ; she was dressed in a blue and 
black striped silk, and appeared much 
affected. She took a seat in the bar beside 
the prisoner, who at that moment covered 
his face with a handkerchief. She did like- 
wise, and both bowed their heads in grief. 
She sat beside him for some moments with 
her left hand clasped in his, while the 
court and audience appeared moved by a 
deep but quiet excitement, until the clerk 
called her to the stand to be sworn. 

Her testimony was to the effect that while 
boarding at Flanagan's, in 1854, he seduced 
her, and deterred her from saying any 
thing about it, by saying that it would be 
the means of bringing her sister (his wife) 
and himself into difficulty; on the 4th of 
June, 1857, she married Land, who subse- 
quently complaining of her condition, she, 
on the 17th of June last, told him all about 
it. Her testimony then proceeds as follows : — 

After I told him, he went the same day 
to see cousin Henry Woodhouse, to consult 
him about what I had told him; Mr. Flana- 
gan came to my house on the morning of 
the 18th of June last ; Walter (Land) was 
in the field at the time he arrived ; Flana- 
gan came because I sent for him; I sent a 
negro woman for him to tell him what his 
conduct had brought me to, and to advise 
with him as to what I must do ; he got there 
between eight and nine o'clock; he came in 
at the front door and sat down near it, and 
attempted to draw me down on his lap by 
force; this took place in the parlor; he used 
force to draw me down, and was endeavoring 
to take improper liberties with me; I tried 
to get from him, and screamed; Walter 
(Land) came in at that time and picked up 
the gun from the corner and shot him ; 
Walter did not occupy the same room with 
me the night before ; something had been 
said about a divorce between us; Walter did 



not carry any arms in the field ; the gun was 
against the corner of the door, where it 
usually set; he was in the habit of shooting 
crows, and kept the gun loaded for that 
purpose ; when he came in he had no 
weapons with him, but picked up the gun 
from the corner. 

Cross-examined by the Commonwealth. — 
My husband was dissatisfied, and com- 
plained of my situation a month or two 
after I was married ; I did not acknowledge 
to him my situation, but denied to him that 
there was any reason to find fault of me as 
regards my virtue ; I have never stated to 
any one that he complained of me for the 
first time on the 16th day of June last. 

At this juncture a letter was produced by 
Marmaduke Johnson, Esq., who was con- 
ducting the prosecution. It was handed to 
Mr. John Peters, who stepped to the witness 
and asked her if she recognised that letter 
as having been written by her. She raised 
her head, looked at it, her eyes flashed, and, 
as she grasped it, she said, "Yes, sir, I do: 
that letter was gotten from me by my 
brother Frank, who told me that it was only 
to be used in case my husband was taken 
from me, and it was written for the sake of 
my family ; it was written at the request of 
my brother." While saying this, the rapid 
manipulation of the paper between two ner- 
vous hands had staggered the Common- 
wealth's attorney, who turned to the judge, 
and, in a voice indicating astonishment, said, 
" Site is tearing it up, sir." Meanwhile she 
had torn it into a thousand pieces and threw 
them upon the floor. 

A general murmur of applause ran through 
the audience, and we caught several times 
the sound, "I glory in her spunk," "I glory 
in her spunk." 

The Commonwealth here announced the 
fact that they intended to introduce this 
letter, which had been written by the wit- 
ness, as testimony to contradict her state- 
ment, and that, from its present condition, 
they would be unable to do so. In order to 
enable the counsel, if possible, to paste the 
torn pieces together, the court adjourned for 
the day. 

The following is the letter torn up by 
Mrs. Land, which, after being pasted to- 
gether, was easily deciphered: — 

J Land of Promise, P. Anne County, 
\ January 15, 1860. 

Brother, Frank : — Here is a true state- 
ment of the sad affair that happened on the 
18th of June, 1859, and I wish you to show 
it to the citizens of Princess Anne after the 
trial of my husband, if he is not acquitted. 
On the 16th of June, 1859, I found that my 
husband was inconstant to me, and I up- 
braided him ; for no one on earth could have 
made me believe that he was not virtuous. 
He was always very kind and affectionate to 



232 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



me. No one told me of it, nor did I suspect 
it, but my own eyes told it. I told him that 
I didn't believe that he would be so unkind 
to me, and I would not allow him to have 
but one wife. I asked him why he acted so 
toward me, and he said because he believed 
I wasn't true before I married him. I was 
astonished ; I didn't know that he ever sus- 
pected such, and asked him why did he brand 
me with such an accusation. 

I told him that I could prove to him the 
contrary by two of my sisters. He said he 
believed that Mr. Flanagan was the man 
that had wronged him, and I told him that 
Mr. Flanagan had always treated me with 
kindness, and never said any tiling disre- 
spectful to me in his life. It seemed that 
Walter was almost insane. He was walking 
and throwing himself all about the house. 
On the 17th, in the morning, I started to go 
to Mr. Flanagan's, to tell his wife of my 
troubles ; but he would not let me go, and lie 
caught up his gun and loaded it. I asked 
him what he intended to do, but he made no 
reply. After he loaded the gun he sat down, 
and I sat in his lap, and told him that 1 was 
a virtuous girl, and was surprised at his 
thinking otherwise. I also told him I would 
forgive him for his conduct toward me. He 
sat in the house some time, and then kissed 
me and went out. I asked him where he 
was going, and he said, "In the field." 

It was late in the evening before he came 
back, and he brought me a piece of paper. 
Said lie had been to see H. M. Woodhouse, 
and said I had to sign my name to the paper 
for a divorce, or he intended to kill Flana- 
gan. I told him that I would not sign it, 
because I was virtuous, and did not intend 
to tell a falsehood tor him. He said he was 
glad that I would not sign it, but I did not 
think he was in earnest about Mr. Flanagan. 
1 wrote sister Margaret a note; but he would 
not let me send it or go out of doors: so I 
did not know what he intended to do. He 
went, to bed quiet that night, but he would 
not talk to me; neither did he eat any thing 
for four days and nights. He got up very 
early next morning, but did not go out of 
the house. I saw him talking to Laura at 
the door, but thought he was telling her 
what work to do. I sat down to my work, 
and it was not long before I saw Mr. Flana- 
gan at the front door. Laura asked him in, 
and he had just taken a seat when Walter 
took up his gun and shot him. I screamed, 
ran out, and fainted, and when I came to I 
found myself behind the kitchen. Laura 
carried me there and laid me on a plank. I 
did not know that Walter had sent for Mr. 
Flanagan. 

While lying behind the kitchen, Walter 
came to me and told me that he was dead, 
and said, "Annie, for God's sake, what shall 
I do?" I told him to kill me and then kill 
himself j but he would not agree to this, and 



said, if I would make a confession, and 
state that Mr. Flanagan had seduced me. it 
would clear him. 1 told him I would be 
telling a lie, and he said if I did not write 
the confession he would be hung: so I wrote 
it verbatim as he wished it. He took the 
confession and carried it to II. M. Wood- 
house, who advised him to leave, and he 
came home and told me to get ready, as he 
was going to Norfolk. He was as kind to 
me as ever after he saw H. M. Woodhouse, 
and when I got to Norfolk I told him that I 
would rather stay and let him go, and, after 
he got out of danger, I would come to him; 
but he would not agree to it. He was as 
kind to me as he could be all the time. I 
heard from him several times while he was 
a fugitive, also when he was in Carolina ; 
and we intended to meet in the Western 
country, where he would go to a place of 
safety to live. I was ready, and would have 
started in a few days if he had not been re- 
taken. This is all true, and I wisli it to be 
shown after the trial if he is not acquitted. 
Your affectionate sister, Amie S. Land. 

BURNING OF THE STEAMER KATE MAY. 

The steamer Kate May, with seven hundred 
bales of cotton on board, was burned, this 
day, at Cannelton, on the Mississippi. The 
tire took from the chimney of another vessel, 
and spread with such rapidity that nothing 
could be saved. The Kate May was coaling 
at the time, and had a fuel-flat on each side, 
both of which, together with Newcomb's 
wharf-boat, were burned. The cabin-pass- 
engers and crew barely escaped with their 
lives, but lost all their baggage, — every 
thing save the clothing they had on at the 
time. Seven gold watches, belonging to 
passengers, were lost, together with $2600 
in coin belonging to a merchant from Fort 
Smith. Fortunately, there was an empty 
flat lying at the stern, which Captain Bruce 
and officers converted into a bridge, thus 
saving all the deck-passengers, fifty in num- 
ber, including six children in one family. 
The only person missing is the chamber- 
maid, known as Ellen, a white resident of 
Cincinnati, where she has several children. 
She has not been seen since the disaster. 

A most terrific Hurricane, this day, 
passed through Lauderdale county, Miss. 
The "Mobile Mercury" says: — 

The blow was very hard at Marion Sta- 
tion, but blew down no houses. But the 
hurricane made itself a terrible path through 
a part of the country near by. At Judge 
Chapman's place it prostrated every house 
but his dwelling, and that was much dam- 
aged: no person seriously hurt. It took 
R. B. Gr. Harper's place in its route and tore 
it all to pieces. Further on it struck the 
plantation of J. B. McDonald, where it 
killed one negro and wounded four others, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



233 



and badly hurt both himself and wife. His 
dwelling-house and every other house on 
his place were blown down, and not a single 
panel of fence left standing. Old Mis. 
Crane's house was blown down, and herself 
so badly injured that it is doubtful if she 
recovers ; her leg was broken in two places. 
Mrs. Judge Daniel's new house was badly 
damaged by having a large tree blown down 
upon it. Mrs. Daniels, with her family, had 
gone to Marion and stayed over night, which 
was a lucky circumstance and saved them 
from probable injury. 

In speaking of the same hurricane, whose 
ravages were felt in the neighborhood of 
Vicksburg, the "Vicksburg Sun" says: — 

A terrible tornado passed through the 
neighborhood of Goodrich's Landing, com- 
pletely devastating Mr. Goodrich's premises, 
prostrating all of his negro-cabins, gin- 
house, dwelling, corn-cribs, stables, and 
fences. Dr. F. A. W. Davis also suffered by 
having his gin-house and some cabins blown 
down. Fortunately, no lives were lost, 
though some negroes were crippled. Mr. 
Goodrich lost several mules. Mr. Goodrich's 
loss cannot be less than $10,000. Dr. Car- 
son, too, had some cabins blown down. 

Visit of the Japanese Ambassadors to 
San Francisco. — This day, the Japanese 
Ambassadors visited San Francisco and be- 
came the honored guests of the city. Twenty 
thousand dollars were appropriated from the 
city treasury to provide for them suitable 
entertainment. All the corporation officers, 
the members of the Legislature, the Gov- 
ernor, and citizens generally, paid their re- 
spects in person. 

Death op Charles Brewer. — This day, 
Mr. Charles Brewer, an old resident of Pitts- 
burg, died, aged seventy^six. He left a pro- 
perty valued at $150,000 to benevolent insti- 
tutions, and none of it to any relative. He 
was one of the vice-presidents of the Penn- 
sylvania Colonization Society, and gave to 
that society at one time $1000. 

The Carstang-Shaw Breach of Promise 
Case, which for so many days occupied the 
St. Louis court, was this day given to the 
jury, who retired, and, in twenty minutes, 
rendered a verdict for the defendant. 

A motion for a new trial was immediately 
filed by the plaintiff's counsel. 

The circumstances of this case were as fol- 
lows : — 

The defendant, Henry Shaw, has been a 
resident of St. Louis for forty-one years. He 
was formerly a merchant, and, acquiring 
great wealth, retired from business as long 
ago as 1841. His age is between fifty and 
sixty: his hair is tinged with gray. His 
wealth is variously estimated at between 
$1,500,000 and $2,000,000. The plaintiff, 



Miss Effie Catharine Carstang, lived in com- 
parative obscurity till the commencement of 
the present proceedings. She went to St. 
Louis in the year 1854. Her acquaintance 
with Mr. Shaw commenced during the year 
1856, and the promise to marry is alleged to 
have been given in November, 1856. In per- 
sonal appearance Miss Carstang is rather tall 
in figure and withal graceful, has dark hair, 
brilliant eyes, blonde complexion, and a firm- 
ness of feature indicating the decision of 
character which has marked her participation 
in the present suit since its inception. She 
is probably a little over thirty years of age. 
Mr. Shaw declining to fulfil the promise 
alleged to have been made, suit was brought 
against him for a breach of promise, which 
resulted in a verdict for the plaintiff, assess- 
ing her damages at $100,000. The de- 
fendant applied for a new trial, which was 
granted by Judge Reber. Since that time, 
Mr. Shaw has used every means in his power 
to collect testimony against the plaintiff from 
every quarter where she has ever lived or 
been known. He succeeded in getting a 
number of witnesses, who testified to circum- 
stances showing a previous want of chastity, 
from girlhood up ; upon which grounds a 
verdict as before stated was rendered for the 
defendant. 

The Medical Convention at AVashington. 
— This day, the Medical or Pharmacopoeia 
Convention adjourned sine die. Previous to the 
adjournment there was a discussion, but no 
action, on weights and measures. 

Wreck of the Ship Intrepid. — This day, 
the American ship Intrepid, from China for 
New York, (tea, silk, and cassia, ) was wrecked 
on Belvidere Shoal, at the entrance of Gaspar 
Straits. When last seen she was still holding 
together. Crew taken off by American ship 
Beaver and landed at Anjer. Her cargo con- 
sisted of 334,530 lbs. black and 42,561 lbs. 
green tea, 1500 pieces pongees, 13,040 pieces 
shawls and scarfs, 51 piculs raw silk, 450 do. 
cassia, 4032 rolls matting, 120 boxes japan- 
ware, 3005 do. sweetmeats, 20 do. vermilion, 
52 do. china-ware, 19,058 fire-crackers, 50 
do. cassia oil, 75 do. anise oil, 40 do. star 
anise, 96 piculs camphor, and 100 boxes 
cassia-buds. There was $25,000 insurance 
in Providence, equally divided between the 
Roger Williams, Merchants', Atlantic, and 
Gaspee offices. 

Tried for Murder on the High Seas. — 
In New York, this day, George Dawer, second 
mate of the American ship Devonshire, was 
put on trial for causing the death of James 
Humphreys, a seaman on board the vessel, 
on the 8th of December last. The evidence 
for the prosecution showed that the defendant 
was in the habit of treating Humphreys in a 
cruel manner. On the day above mentioned, 



234 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



he sent deceased to the backstays, and while 
he was there Dawer shook him off into the 
water. No effort being made to rescue him 
he was drowned. 

Arrival of the U.S. Sloop-of-War VIN- 
CENNES WITH THE OFFICERS AND CREW OF THE 

Slave-Bark Orion as Prisoners. — This day, 
the Vincenn.es arrived at Boston, bringing as 
prisoners the officers of the slave-bark Orion, 
which was captured by the British steamer 
Pluto, with eight hundred and twenty-three 
negroes on board. The names of the officers 
are, — captain, Thomas Morgan ; first mate, 
Byron Chamberlain ; second mate, William 
Dunning. The Orion was first taken to St. 
Helena, and the officers were taken by the 
steamer Mystic to Loando, where they were 
transferred to the flag-ship of the squadron 
and kept in irons until the departure of the 
Vincennes. The prisoners were delivered to 
the United States Deputy-Marshal on Satur- 
day afternoon; and, about six o'clock in the 
evening, they were arraigned before Commis- 
sioner Henry L. Hallet, who held them to bail 
in $5000 each for examination, at ten o'clock 
this morning; in default thereof they were 
committed to jail. The captain, who is an 
Englishman, has a decidedly brutal expres- 
sion. The first mate is an American, and is 
not so, repulsive in appearance as the other 
two. 

The Vincennes also brought as passengers, 
from the African squadron, M. E. Wandell, 
acting master's mate, who came in charge of 
the prisoners, and W. B. Hull, midshipman. 

When the Vincennes left Loando, the Ame- 
rican brig William Taylor Hall, Captain 
Oliver, which was stopping at that port, was 
being narrowly watched by the squadron, as 
she was suspected to be a slaver. There was 
not sufficient proof, however, to warrant her 
seizure at that time. 

During the whole cruise of the Vincennes, 
of about two years and a half, not a single 
man of the officers or crew has been lost, 
either by death or desertion. This fact is 
somewhat remarkable as regards the former, 
as the coast of Africa has generally been con- 
sidered as one of the unhealthiest of the naval 
stations. 

Destruction of the Cotton-Ship Inde- 
pendence by Fire. — The night of this day, 
in New Orleans, between nine and ten o'clock, 
a fire broke out in the after-part of the shij> 
Independence, of Bath, Me., Captain Mer- 
ritt. She had cleared for Liverpool with a 
cargo of thirty-five hundred and fifteen bales 
of cotton, sixty-five of which was on the levee, 
the balance on board, — freighted at |r/. The 
forward deck had been cut through and 
water poured in, but in spite of all she burned 
to the water's edge, and listed to the star- 
board side. The forecastle hatchway had 
been caulked two weeks : so that the fire must 



have been smouldering that length of time 
and longer. The value of the vessel and 
cargo was $275,000. She was built in Bath, 
Me., in 1855, twelve hundred and seventy- 
eight tons register, rated 1|, and is owned by 
R. Morse & Son, of Bath. 

End of the Brennan Tragedy. — Dis- 
covery of Mrs. Brennan. — This lady, who 
it was supposed had been violated and mur- 
dered at Stat en Island, New York, has at last 
been found alive in Italy. It appears she 
eloped with Lieutenant Powell T. Wyman, of 
the U.S. Army. The following correspond- 
ence of the " New York Tribune" of this date 
gives the particulars of her discovery: — 

Rome, March 31, 1860. 

Eight months ago, I understood, from a 
gentleman who was not at liberty to tell me 
more, that Mrs. Brennan, whose mysterious 
disappearance from her home in Staten Island 
awakened so much interest in New York two 
years ago the 20th of next July, was living. 
From other sources I gathered that she had 
voluntarily left her husband for the sake of 
another man. Who that man was, and what 
the particulars of the story were, I did not 
learn, and therefore did not feel willing, 
upon such slight information, to make the 
matter public. But facts which have re- 
cently come to my knowledge, and will doubt- 
less be communicated to the family, should 
be made known. 

A few weeks ago, as Miss , a young 

lady belonging to Philadelphia, was walking 
in Florence, she noticed a person who was the 
image of Mrs. Brennan, whom she had long 
since given up for dead. Passing her, she 
turned back in order to meet her again and 
dissipate or confirm her suspicions. Thus 
she managed to see the face distinctly three 
times, both ladies being unveiled. Miss 

knew Mrs. Brennan intimately, having 

been with her for two continuous months, 
the summer before her disappearance, tra- 
velling, and at watering-places. Miss 

was much attached to Mrs. Brennan, whom 
she describes as extremely bright and plea- 
sant, and is ready to take her oath that the 
woman she met in Florence was she. 

A few days afterward, Mrs. , Miss 

's mother, who was also of the Bedford 

Spring party, met a woman whom she recog- 
nised as Mrs. Brennan, on the Ponte Vecchio 
in Florence. She took her by the wrist and 
exclaimed, "Mrs. Brennau!" The only re- 
ply was a death-like paleness. The man with 
whom the supposed Mrs. Brennan was walk- 
ing took to his heels at Mrs. 's saluta- 
tion. A third and a fourth time this woman 
was seen by mother or daughter in Florence, 
— always in company with the same man, 
always after the first occasion veiled, and 
always distinctly recognised as their old 
friend Mrs. Brennan. Miss describes 



1SG0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



235 



her as short of stature, with light hair and 
eyes, and an unusually low forehead ; but no 
personal description can be so satisfactory as 
the declaration of a respectable lady who 
knew Mrs. Brennan so well. 

At Naples, Mi»s and Mrs. saw the 

couple twice, — once in the street, and again 

at the Museo Borbonico, and there Miss 

told the story which she had mentioned in 
Florence to two United States army officers, 
friends of Captain Brennan, and of the 
Cranes, Mrs. Brennan's father and brother. 
As it happened, these gentlemen took passage 
for Rome on the same steamer with the sus- 
pected couple, and sat opposite them at the 
table d'hote. Both recognised her, from 

Miss 's description, and one noticed a 

strung resemblance in features to Dr. Crane, 
Mrs. Brennan's brother, while the other was 
struck by the likeness to her father, now, I 

believe, deceased. Captain describes 

the woman in question as about twenty-five 
or twenty-eight years of age, sallow-faced, 
with leaden, fishy eyes, light hair, and, on the 
whole, rather prepossessing features. He 
noticed a wart or mole on one side — he be- 
lieves the left — of her nose, another near the 
eyebrow, and another behind the ear. At Ci- 

vita Vecchia, Captain and his companion 

took the first train for Rome, but, not finding 
the couple in the cars, inferred that, through 
fear of meeting the army-officers, they had 
waited till the next train, — a delay which no 
one who has seen Civita Vecchia can believe 
it possible to make without strung reasons. 

So far nothing was known of the companion 
of the supposed Mrs. Brennan, and it was 
believed that he was not the same with whom 
she had left America. But the passport, sys- 
tem, bad as it is, blows some good. Captain 

, immediately upon his arrival, went to 

Mr. Glentworth, our consul here, and told 
him what he knew. Out of fourteen pass- 
ports sent Mr. G. by the police, one was 
suspicious. It was dated June, 1850, and 
was made out in the name of Powell T. Wy- 
man. But in the vise of Mr. Spencer, our 
consul at Paris, avec Helen sa femme was in- 
serted, and the equivalent Italian expression 
was added to the American vise at Naples. 
Last Monday a valet de place came to Mr. 
Glentworth to get this passport vised for 
France and Sardinia. The consul objected 
that it was not en regie, and solicited a per- 
sonal interview with Mr. Wyman. That 
gentleman appeared at six o'clock, when Mr. 
Glentworth informed him that if he wished 
the vise to cover two persons, he must take 
an affidavit that she was his wife. At first 
Wyman blustered, that it was not requisite, 
and that no other consul had demanded it, 
but, after some further talk, changed his 
front, affi iming that he had already taken 
the requisite oath at Paris. At length, how- 
ever, he wrote out and signed a declaration 
that the woman in whose company he was 



travelling was his wife. The passport was 
then vised, and Mr. and Mrs. Wyman took 
steamer on Wednesday. 

But on Tuesday another recognition took 

place. As Miss , with two other ladies, 

and her father and mother, were coming out 
of the Academy of St. Luke, the foremost of 
the party recognised Mrs. Brennan in o 
woman just stepping out of a carnage, as if 

to enter the Gallery. Miss spoke to 

her father, who was in the rear; but before 
he could reach the door the woman saw who 
was coming, stepped back again, and drove 

off. The s drove after them, but, aa 

they passed, the supposed Mrs. Brennan 
covered her veiled face with her parasol. 

Since Wyman's departure, some light has 
been thrown upon his personality. A man 
named Powell T. Wyman graduated, accord- 
ing to the army-register, at West Point, in 
1850, and is now first lieutenant in the 1st 
Artillery, in which corps Mr. Brennan is 
captain. Army-officers here say that Lieu- 
tenant Wyman had a difficulty with Captain 
Brennan, touching his wife, in Florida, some 
months before her disappearance, and that he 
obtained the leave of absence to come abroad 
through political influence at Washington, 
after it had been refused him by General 
Scott and Colonel Thomas. The passport of 
the Powell T. Wyman recently in R,ome does 
not, however, state he is an army-officer; and 
no one in Rome knows the lieutenant so as to 
identify him. The suspected Mr. Wyman is 
described as a slim, lantern-jawed man, with 
a sandy complexion and a thin, light beard : 
he wears eye-glasses or spectacles. It is 
probable that, if he had been suspected of 
being an officer while here, there would have 
been some conversation between him and 
Captain . 

Whither the couple have gone is not known. 
Whether they are both the suspected persons 
is, perhaps, not positively certain. I give 
the facts as stated at first hand, and I leave 
you to weigh them. They may, at all events, 
give a direction to the search which I be- 
lieve is still prosecuted in New York, and 
may help to clear up a "mysterious disap- 
pearance," which, if planned, was adroit, 
and another testimony to the ingenuity of a 
woman with a purpose. You remember how 
she made her call, and missed the boat at 
which she was to meet her mother ; and how 
a woman like her took a later evening boat 
which touched at a point at some distance 
from her home ; and how she, or her coun- 
terfeit presentment, drove off with an un- 
known man, to whom she had not been seen 
to speak on the boat ; and how, from that 
moment for many months, no clew to Mrs. 
Brennan's whereabouts was given. How 
loug she stayed in some out-of the-way place 
in America, or even in New York, under what 
passport she reached Paris, and was joined 
there by the man who now calls her his wife, 



236 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



are questions which, if the woman travelling 
with Powell T. Wyman be Mrs. Brennan, 
time will probably answer. But if the per- 
sons who have awakened suspicion are inno- 
cent, they will surely, for the sake of dispel- 
ling so sad a cloud of mystery, bear with a 
mistake which has not been committed with- 
out strong show of reason. 



EVENTS OCCURRING IN MARCH, 
THE EXACT DATE OF WHICH 
COULD NOT BE ASCERTAINED. 

Report against the Election of the 
Baltimore Representatives to the Mary- 
land Legislature. — On the protest against 
the election of the Baltimore members of 
the Maryland House of Delegates, the 
House Committee reported the following 
resolve : — 

Resolved, That it appears to this House 
that there was much tumult, riot, intimida- 
tion, fraud, and injustice, in the election of 
delegates from the city of Baltimore, on 
the 2d of November last, in contempt of 
law, and in violation of the freedom of elec- 
tions, that the said election is void, and^that 
the Speaker of the House of Delegates issue 
his warrant for the election of ten Delegates 
to represent Baltimore City in the present 
General Assembly. 

Acts of the Kentucky Legislature. — 
One thousand three hundred and thirty-two 
general acts, and thirty joint resolutions, 
were passed at the recent session of the 
Legislature of Kentucky. 

The New York Board of Education has 
adopted resolutions in favor of referring the 
question as to the constitutionality of the 
by-law requiring the Bible to be read in the 
public schools to the justices of the Su- 
preme Court. Their decision in the pre- 
mises is to be considered final. 

Election of Delegates in Nebraska. — 
The "Nebraska Republican" gives the re- 
turns from the late election in that Terri- 
tory for delegates to a convention to frame 
a Constitution preparatory to admission into 
the Union as a State. In forty-eight coun- 
ties, the Republicans elect thirty-six, and 
the Democrats twelve, delegates, with four 
counties yet to be heard from. On the 
State Government question the vote stands 
1877 for, and 1987 against. 

Monument to Daniel Boone. — The Ken- 
tucky State Senate appropriated $2000 to- 
ward the erection of a monument at the 
capital of the State to the memory of Daniel 
Boon, the pioneer, and the first settler in 
Kentucky. Daniel Boone was from Bucks 
county, Pennsylvania. 



Collector of Boston Removed. — Mr. 
Austin, Collector at Boston, has been re- 
moved. He was succeeded by John Apple- 
ton. 

Arms to the South. — The War Depart- 
ment ordered one hundred and fifteen thou- 
sand muskets from Springfield, and nine 
thousand rifles from Wat erville, to be placed 
in the arsenals of Charleston, Augusta, and 
Baton Rouge, to supply the quota due to 
Southern States. 

Meeting of the Soldiers of the War 
of 1812. — Over one hundred old soldiers of 
the War of 1812 have lately been in session 
at Columbus, Ohio. They resolved to vote 
for no man for President who was not in 
favor of a Pension Bill. 

Experiments in Philadelphia with Tur- 
bine Water-Wheels. — The experiments 
which have been progressing for several 
months at the Fairmount Water-Works with 
various turbine water-wheels were brought 
to a close, after the trial of some sixteen 
different models. The experiments have 
proved beyond a doubt that the wheels pro- 
duced by American manufacturers and in- 
ventors, excel all those that have been in- 
troduced from foreign countries. A wheel 
of this kind, of one hundred and twenty- 
five horse-power, will, it is calculated, 
pump six million gallons of water per day 
with a fall of water from eight to fourteen 
feet. The turbine wheel now at Fairmount 
has a power of about forty horse, and pumps 
nearly a million and a half gallons per day. 

Resignation of the President of Har- 
vard College. — The resignation of Dr. 
Walker as President of Harvard College, 
after a long delay consequent on the diffi- 
culty of choosing a successor that would be 
agreeable to all parties, has been accepted, 
and Professor C. C. Felton has been chosen 
in his place. The Rev. F. D. Huntington 
has since resigned the Plummer Professor- 
ship, on account, it is said, of some disaf- 
fection on doctrinal grounds. The college 
has been known as Unitarian or Liberal, 
and the avowed lapse of Mr. Huntington 
into Trinitarianism has been the ground- 
work of a suppressed controversy, which 
is now brought to a point, for the time at 
least, by the instalment of a President of 
the Unitarian faith. 

Present to Harvard Museum. — Agassiz 
has presented to the Harvard Museum of 
Comparative Zoology the collection made 
by him since 1852, and his claim upon the 
Museum for the care on that collection. 
The sums paid in cash for making these 
additions to the Museum, including the ex- 
penses for preserving the specimens belong- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



237 



ing to the University, amount to $10,000, — 
not taking into account the expenses in- 
curred when making excursions and long 
journeys for the purpose of obtaining new 
specimens. 

Bequest to Bowdoin College. — George 
W. Boyd, Esq., who died in Portland, Maine, 
bequeathed all his property, even to the 
most minute article, to Bowdoin College. 
The value of the property is estimated at 
$10,000. 

The Will of Hannah Parke, recently 
recorded in the office of the Register of 
AY ills at Philadelphia, contains the following 
liberal bequests, all of which are to be paid 
within six years after her death : — $4000 to 
the Contributors to the Pennsylvania Hos- 
pital ; $3000 to the House of Refuge ; $2000 
to the Foster Home Association of Philadel- 
phia; $1000 to the Union Benevolent Asso- 
ciation; and $15,000 to be distributed to 
and among such other charitable institutions 
in the city of Philadelphia as may be se- 
lected by the executors. 

Rhode Island Penitentiary supplying 
Louis Napoleon with Shoes. — One of the 
speakers at the Lynn strike asserted that 
the Rhode Island Penitentiary was filling 
an order from Louis Napoleon for two hun- 
dred thousand pairs of brogans. 

Bear Playing with a Child. — The 
"Sullivan (Pa.) Democrat" says that a 
large bear entered a dwelling, near Cherry, 
in that county, and, perceiving a child on 
the floor, Mr. Bruin commenced fondling 
and playing with it, and the little one 
seemed equally pleased with its playmate. 
After a few minutes, however, Bruin, hear- 
ing a slight noise out of doors, went out- 
side to ascertain the cause, when the mo- 
ther, who was nearly paralyzed with terror, 
contrived to shut and bar the door upon the 
strange visitor. 

Fast Skating. — At a skating-match at 
Rochester, N.Y., the distance of four and a 
half miles was passed over by Mr. Ridley, 
the winner, in eighteen minutes and forty- 
two seconds. 

Uninvited Guests Expelled at Wash- 
ington. — The Washington "Star" says: — 

Senator Thompson recently entertained a 
large party of gentlemen at supper, in- 
cluding Mr. Speaker Pennington, and quite 
a delegation of the New Jersey Legislature. 
As is very apt to be the case, it was dis- 
covered that among the guests were two who 
had not been invited, but who had "availed 
themselves of the occasion" (as they write 
at the State Department) to "ring in." 
The Senator, however, was not disposed 



to thus entertain strangers, and they were 
most unceremoniously ejected from the fes- 
tal scene. 

This system of going to entertainments 
without having been invited has become an 
intolerable nuisance. At a large party 
given a few weeks since, the hostess re- 
marked that she had reason to believe that 
nearly fifty of the gentlemen (?) present 
had thus intruded themselves. 

Verdict against a Female Mob in In- 
diana. — The Richmond (Indiana) "Jeffer- 
sonian" says : — 

A year or two ago, some ladies of Centre- 
ville went to work to stop, by force, the 
selling of liquor in that place. They visited 
the different places where liquors were sup- 
posed to be kept, and demolished, with 
hatchets, &c, barrels, kegs, and demijohns 
which were suspected of containing spirits 
of any kind. Among the places visited was 
the drug-store of Dr. Cleveland, where the 
heads of barrels and kegs were knocked in 
and the contents let out, without regard to 
what they contained. Suit was brought by 
Dr. C. against a portion of those concerned 
in the affair for damages. A change of 
venue was taken from this county to Union. 
The case was tried in the circuit court of 
the latter county week before last. The 
jury returned a verdict in favor of the 
plaintiff, assessing his damages at $150. 
The costs of the case amounted to a con- 
siderable sum. 

Judicial Decision in Wisconsin. — The 
Supreme Court of Wisconsin has decided 
that the railroad-tax law, imposing one per 
cent, on the gross earnings, in lieu of all 
other taxes, is unconstitutional, upon the 
ground that the Constitution requires all 
taxation to be uniform. 

Damages against a Man's Estate for 
Killing himself. -In an Ulster county 
(N.Y.) court, the following trial came off: 
— John Smith against Hiram Hasbrouck, 
administrator of Weisner, deceased. Mr. 
Hasbrouck is administrator of Weisner by 
virtue of his office of county treasurer. 
Plaintiff claimed that the carelessness of 
Weisner caused the explosion of his powder- 
mill at Esopus, by which he lost $1000. 
Weisner was killed by the explosion, and 
left no relatives. The 'ury gave a verdict 
for plaintiff of $1088. 

Verdict of Sixty-Two Thousand Dol- 
lars AGAINST THE ClTY OF NEW YORK. — A 

verdict of $62,000 has been obtained against 
the city of New York by Messrs. Jollie & Ben- 
jamin Wood, in the celebrated glass ballot- 
box case. The contract was made by Mayor 
Wood and General Nye for four thousand 
glass boxes at fifteen dollars each. Mr. 



238 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



Jollie, not having sufficient funds, it is 
alleged, took in the mayor's brother as 
partner. Mr. Blunt, one of the supervisors, 
declares that the boxes could be made at 
two dollars apiece, with a fair profit. 

Damages against the Old Colony Rail- 
road Company. — The Boston & Worcester 
Railroad Company have recovered against 
the Old Colony Company the large verdict 
of $41,501, for land taken to lay their track 
upon. It is between twelve and thirteen 
years since the land was taken, and the 
case has been in court most of the time 
since. 

Verdict of Half a Million of Dollars 
against the virginia railroad company. 
— The Court of Appeals has decided the 
long-pending case of the Fredericksburg 
& Potomac Railroad against the Virginia 
Central Railroad, favorably to the former, 
involving half a million of dollars. 

Colored People may Ride in Cars in 
Cincinnati. — In Cincinnati, it has been de- 
cided that the colored people are entitled to 
ride in the city cars. The case arose from 
the ejectment of a negro woman from the 
cars. The judge said that " no matter what 
class or color, so that the person behaves 
properly and is not afflicted with an infec- 
tious disease, the company, as a common 
carrier, has no legal right to prevent him 
or her riding, and that this decision was 
founded upon the law of rail." 

Gerritt Smith has instituted a Libel 
Suit against Watts Sherman, Royal Phelps, 
and S. L. M. Barlow, prominent members of 
the Fifth Avenue Hotel (New York City) 
Democratic Committee, who called upon the 
people of the United States to detest and 
abhor him. Fifty thousand dollars are the 
damages claimed in each case. There are 
twenty-eight other members of this com- 
mittee. 

American Citizen arrested in Ger- 
many. — Joseph Shirberg, a well-known 
citizen of Cincinnati, has been arrested at 
Damme, in Northern Germany, on a claim 
that he owes military service to the Duke 
of Oldenburg. He left his native country 
at twelve years of age, and is now thirty- 
five. 

Attempted Assassination in Tennessee. 
— The Nashville (Tennessee) " Banner" gives 
the following particulars in regard to an 
attempt, by Mr. Millington, to assassinate 
Dr. W. T. Briggs, a highly respectable phy- 
sician of that city. It says : — 

Mr. Millington is tolerably well known to 
most of the people in Winchester, and also 
the unfortunate affairs that seem to pervade 



his household. Since Millington's first at- 
tempt to murder Dr. Briggs, he seems to 
have been constantly on the alert to renew 
the attempt. It seems that one clay last 
week Dr. Briggs was driving slowly down 
Cherry Street, accompanied by another 
physician, and when at the corner of Union 
Street, he discovered Millington on the pave- 
ment in front of him. Immediately Milling- 
ton drew a pistol, which Briggs noticed, and, 
being armed on account of an apprehension 
of an attack from Millington, he also drew. 
Millington fired, and Briggs returned the 
fire, neither shot doing any damage. Dr. 
Briggs leaped from his buggy to defend 
himself, and Millington took to his heels 
like a quarter-horse. Dr. Briggs pursued 
him a short distance without overtaking 
him. Millington ran into the picture-frame 
establishment of Goss & Warren, passed 
through the rear-door, and escaped. He 
was subsequently arrested at his residence 
on Cedar Street, west of Capitol Hill, and 
taken before Esquire Robinson for examina- 
tion. The above facts were elicited from 
witnesses. The magistrate held Millington 
to bail in the sum of $10,000; in default of 
which, he was committed to jail to await 
the session of the criminal court. 

The " Banner" adds that Millington has 
suffered greatly from domestic difficulties; 
and many suppose that he is partially de- 
ranged by the jealousy of his wife, whose 
conduct has given him great trouble. 

There were serious apprehensions at one 
time that Millington would meet with sum- 
mary punishment at the hands of the friends 
of Dr. Briggs, a large number of whom con- 
gregated, and were very much excited. It 
required the interference of Dr. Briggs him- 
self to quiet his excited friends, and it be- 
came necessary to smuggle Millington out 
of the rear of the magistrate's office, into a 
carriage, to be conveyed to the jail. 

Defaulting Treasurer. — The Treasurer 
of Milwaukee, Mr. Schwarting, (Democrat,) 
has decamped, being a defaulter to the 
amount of over $80,000. The credit of the 
city has been ruined in consequence, by the 
non-payment of the interest on bonds ; while 
other creditors have had to suffer severely. 
He procured the election of a confederate 
(his former clerk) to be his successor, in 
order to gain time to cover up the fraud by 
replacing the money; but, being unable to 
do so, the secret has been made public. 

Died from Joy. — A Richmond (Virginia) 
paper gives an account of the death of a re- 
sident of that place from excessive joy. He 
had succeeded, after a long litigation in the 
courts, in recovering $1100 from a debtor, 
which so elated him that, on its reception, 
lie was seized with apoplexy and died in 
less than a day. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



239 



Expelled foe Familiarity with Slaves. 
■ — The Clayton (Alabama) "Banner" states 
that Robert Blake and J. M. Blake, two 
itinerant jewellers, were ordered to leave 
that town for too much familiarity with 
slaves. They purported to hail from Nor- 
folk, Virginia. 

Won't Employ Northern Men in North 
Carolina. — The directors of the Wilming- 
ton & Manchester Railroad have passed a 
resolution instructing the superintendent 
to employ as few Northern men as possible 
to work on the road, always giving the pre- 
ference to home mechanics; also instruct- 
ing him, in making purchases, to procure, 
as far as he can, articles of Southern manu- 
facture. 

Free-Lovers Mobbed in Utica, N.Y. — 
The Utica "Herald" says: — About ten 
o'clock on Saturday evening, a large number 
of persons, with a band of Calathumpians, 
beleagured the house on Cornelia Street, 
occupied by Mr. F. Skinner, the gentleman 
whose "spiritual affinity" induced him to 
leave his wife and take Miss Kate Beardsley 
to his embraces. After making divers and 
sundry noises, enough to alarm the whole 
neighborhood, in the hope of bringing out 
the free-lovers, offensive demonstrations 
were made upon the house. Stones and 
other missiles were thrown against it, and 
at last — as the door was in danger of being 
broken in — -Mr. Skinner and Kate Beardsley 
made their appearance. The leaders of the 
mob inquired of Mr. Skinner whether he 
had any justification to make; to which he 
replied that he had done nothing wrong, 
and was at the mercy of those present. 
The mob then endeavored to take Skinner 
into their hands ; but Miss Kate Beardsley 
wildly clung to him with such tenacity that 
it was a long time before she could be sepa- 
rated from her affinity. By main force the 
frantic and misguided girl was at length 
torn from Mr. Skinner and gently carried 
back to the house. The mob seemed to 
have no intention whatever of injuring 
Kate. A rail was procured, and Mr. Skin- 
ner, mounted thereon, received a passage 
to the City Hall. We do not learn that any 
injury was done to his person further than 
that incident to such a ride. At the City 
Hall the policemen took Mr. Skinner from 
the hands of the mob and carried him to the 
watch-house, where he passed the night. 
The mob expected to find Mr. Wheeler, the 
Spiritual lecturer, and Dr. Bentley, the man 
who has left a wife and three children in 
destitute circumstances for an affinity; but 
in this they were disappointed. Those indi- 
viduals have been wise enough to leave the 
city. After Skinner was taken to the lock- 
up, the persons who got up the demonstra- 
tion retired peacefully. 



Distressing Incident. — The Cleveland 
" Plaindealer" says: — The marshal of a 
Western village recently arrested the in- 
mates of a house of ill fame, and they were 
taken before a magistrate for examination. 
There were three girls among the prisoners, 
and, as the eye of the magistrate fell upon 
one of them, he grew deadly pale, and 
hastily adjourned the court. Among those 
wretched and abandoned girls, he recog- 
nised the once fair features of his own 
daughter. Several years before, while at- 
tending a female seminary in an Eastern 
State, she had eloped with a worthless 
fellow, and her father had never heard of 
her or seen her until the terrible morning. 
Deserted by her husband, she led a life of 
prostitution, and found her way to the 
West. The father, unknown to her, moved 
also to the West, and settled in the village 
above alluded to. 

Preacher Beating his Wife. — Thomas 
Abbott, a Baptist pre*acher of Blue Point, 
has been imprisoned for inhumanly beating 
his wife. 

Eloping with a Negro. — The Wilming- 
ton (N.C.) "Journal" charitably says that 
the young woman who attempted to elope 
with the negro, the property of her cousin, 
was and is deranged. 

Singular Case. — Question of Identity. 
— Strange Verdict. — A correspondent of 
the "Bristol News," writing from Eliza- 
bethtown, Tennessee, gives the following 
particulars in regard to a case tried at the 
late term of the circuit court for Carter 
county : — 

In the month of June, 1845, a negro- 
trader came to the town of Elizabethtown 
and purchased a negro giid of one Samuel 
B. Patterson. The trader called himself 
John Thomas, of Bowling Green, Kentucky. 
It appears that he paid Patterson for his 
slave five one- hundred-dollar bills, purport- 
ing to be money issued by the Southwestern 
Railroad and Banking Company, Charles- 
ton, South Carolina. The money was soon 
found out to be fraudulent and worthless ; 
but Mr. Thomas had left immediately with 
the slave, and was not heard of for ten 
years. 

In 1855, Mr. Patterson thought he had 
got on the trail of Thomas ; and in Clai- 
borne county, Tennessee, he found a man 
so fully answering the description of the 
trader that he had him arrested and brought 
to trial. The name of the accused is George 
H. Cheek, and he solemnly averred at the 
arrest that he had never been in Carter 
county. On the trial, several witnesses of 
intelligence and respectability swore that 
George II. Cheek of 1860 and John Tho- 
mas of 1845 were one and the same. The 



240 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



defendant proved an alibi; that is, he 
proved on the trial, by a number of war- 
rants, judgments, and executions, that he 
was in Claiborne county, Tennessee, (ninety- 
five miles distant from Elizabethtown,) the 
very day it was alleged he had bought the 
slave. An authenticated transcript from 
Claiborne county court shows that he was 
acting justice of the peace for that county 
in 1845; and these old documents were 
brought up to show that he was either pos- 
sessed of ubiquity or could not have been 
in Carter county at the time John Thomas 
bought the slave. But the jury returned a 
verdict of guilty, and sentenced him to 
three years in the penitentiary of the State. 
His counsel have appealed to the Supreme 
Court, which convenes at Knoxville on the 
third Monday of September. 

Woman Gagged and Tied, and her 
House Robbed, by Men in Disguise. — 
Pittsburg, Pa., was the scene of a most 
daring and outrageous' robbery. Mr. Bell, 
residing in Fayette Street, in the Fourth 
Ward, had collected some $3000 to make a 
payment on some property, and the fact be- 
coming known to some of the thieves that 
are ever to be found in a large city, they 
resolved to secure the amount, and took 
their measures accordingly. In the even- 
ing, about six o'clock, two men, disguised 
in women's clothes, called at Mr. Bell's 
with a view, as they stated, of seeing the 
gentleman himself. Mrs. Bell invited them 
in, and they passed through the hall to the 
kitchen, where one of them took a seat, 
while the other stood close by, apparently 
admiring some birds which hung in a cage 
against the wall, but in reality watching a 
favorable opportunity to carry his villanous 
designs into effect. After a short conversa- 
tion, Mrs. Bell proceeded to resume her 
domestic duties, and was passing toward 
the cupboard, when she observed that one 
of the females wore a beard. The discovery 
so alarmed her that she attempted to flee, 
but she was seized by the bird-fancier ere 
she could stir, and "garroted," or, in other 
words, the scoundrel threw his arm around 
her neck, and, placing his knee against the 
small of her back, pressed her toward him 
until, betwixt pain and fright, she was ren- 
dered powerless. 

But, while this was being done, the rascal's 
accomplice was not idle. A piece of wax, 
which he had previously softened at the 
fire, was pressed into the unfortunate lady's 
mouth, and, while thus unable either to 
offer resistance or call for assistance, she 
was bound hand and foot with a cord, and 
pushed into a corner, where she had to lie 
until released by her husband some time 
afterward. The robbers, having her now 
secure, hurried up-stairs and ransacked 
every thing in the house, in search of the 



coveted $3000. They were unable to find 
it, however, — Mr. Bell having very wisely 
deposited it some hours before, — and had 
to content themselves with some articles of 
jewelry and a small amount of money, which 
they were fortunate enough to secure. While 
engaged in the search up-stairs, the bell was 
pulled violently three times by a confederate 
outside ; and, this being the signal that Mr. 
Bell was approaching, they hurried down as 
quick as possible, and, passing through the 
kitchen, — where Mrs. Bell yet lay, — gained 
access to an alley in the rear of the house, 
and escaped. 

Indians Stealing Sheep. — The Navajo 
Indians recently stole seven thousand sheep 
from the vicinity of Fort Craig. They were 
promptly pursued by Captain McLane, with 
a detachment of troops, and all the sheep 
were recaptured. 

Murders and Suicides in California. — • 
John Jesse Smith, a negro, was recently 
found murdered at a place about ten miles 
below Grass Valley. The body was found 
lying in the top of a fallen tree. There was 
a bullet-hole in his head, and it was supposed 
that he had been murdered by Indians. 

An affray occurred in a house of ill fame, 
in Grass Valley, Nevada county, during 
which a negro was fatally stabbed by A. C 
Nichols. 

Frank Clements recently committed suicide 
in San Francisco, by hanging himself, at the 
residence of his mother. 

John W. Harris, a native of England, who 
came to California from Mexico in 1840 and 
joined Stevenson's regiment, was found dead 
near Stockton. He was murdered by William 
Matthews, an insane man, who had been at 
one time an inmate of the lunatic-asylum. He 
committed the deed with an axe. Being 
satisfied his victim was dead, he removed 
him to a tent, where he washed the body 
and covered it with blankets. When first 
discovered, he was dancing round the corpse 
of Harris and laughing at his victory. Mat- 
thews has been committed to prison. 

Mrs. John Hatty, a resident of San Jose, 
committed suicide in that town. Deceased 
had been subject to periodical fits of insanity. 

Pierre Ste. Marie, a native of Canada, com- 
mitted suicide at La Porte, Sierra county. 
He was partially insane. 

Reward for a Murderer. — No less than 
twenty-five hundred dollars reward is offered 
in a Fort Smith (Ark.) paper for the alleged 
murderer Jacob Pitman, and his safe de- 
livery to the keepers of the State penitentiary 
at Little Rock. Jacob Pitman is the same 
Pitman who, several years since, was con- 
cerned in the murder of three flatboatmen 
on the Mississippi River, and for the crime 
fled to Texas, where it was reported he was 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER, 



241 



concerned in another murder. He came to 
Fort Smith several years since. He had been 
there but a short time when he killed Mr. 
Black, and about eighteen months since 
killed Blake Thompson, for which he was 
tried and sentenced to the State penitentiary 
for fifteen years. 

The bill to pay a life-annuity of $600 to J. 
W. Marshall, the discoverer of the California 
gold-mines, was rejected by the Legislature 
of that State. 

Broderick's Grave. — The remains of the 
deceased Senator have been deposited in their 
final resting-place, on the loftiest peak in the 
enclosure of Lone Mountain. The monument 
in honor of his memory is not yet under- 
taken. "Let it rise! Let it [speedily] rise, 
till it meet the sun in his coming! Let the 
earliest light of the morning gild it, and 
parting day linger and play on its summit," 
The spot chosen overlooks the broad Pacific on 
the west, and the Bay of San Francisco on the 
east. He is buried at the foot of a prominent 
landmark erected in 1857 by the United 
States Coast Survey. The proprietors of Lone 
Mountain have donated spacious grounds 
upon which the structure is to stand. Six 
thousand dollars have been contributed to 
the monument-fund. Let it be a plain, 
rough-hewn column, typical of the rugged 
character of the man whose memory it com- 
memorates. 

The New Claimant for the McDonough 
Estate.— Moses Fox, said to be a nephew of 
the late John McDonough, has entered suit 
against the cities of Baltimore and New Or- 
leans, jointly, in the Second District Court of 
the latter city, claiming $300,000 by virtue of 
an alleged codicil to the will of McDonough, 
which is dated November 1, 1849, and pro- 
vides, in a few words, that the trustees of his 
property shall pay to Moses Fox, eight years 
after his death, the sum of $300,000, signed 
John McDonough. The "Delta" states that 
those who have examined the signature pro- 
nounce it either genuine or an admirable 
counterfeit. The same paper states, as a 
rumor, that a similar claim for $200,000 will 
soon be made. 

Singular Accident and Death. — We 
learn, says the "Buffalo Commercial," that on 
Saturday afternoon last a young child about 
two years old, son of Mr. Hirty, residing 
in the neighborhood of the Indian Village 
church, on the Reservation, while playing 
with a piece of wire, about eight inches long, 
fell down, and the wire, running into one of 
his eyes, penetrated the brain. The child 
died in twenty-five hours after the accident 
happened. 

Singular Ykisdictuy a Coroner's Jury. — 



An inquest and post-mortem examination was 
held on the body of Deitrick Meinz, the pro- 
prietor of a saloon in St. Louis, who fell 
suddenly dead while engaged in a quarrel. 
There was nothing elicited from the examina- 
tion of the body to denote the cause of the 
man's death. From the testimony adduced 
before the coroner, it appears that the de- 
ceased, his wife, and a man named Crutzman 
(who delivered himself up) were engaged in 
a quarrel. Meinz and his wife beat Crutz- 
man over the head with a club ; Crutzman 
broke loose from them and ran ; while run- 
ning he picked up a billet of wood and threw 
it at Meinz, who immediately fell dead; the 
wife and Crutzman did not see the wood hit 
Meinz. The verdict of the jury was that 
Meinz came to his death from emotions of 
anger. Crutzman, who was held on the 
charge of murder, was properly discharged. 

Report on an Anti- Fugitive-Slave Law 
Petition. — The Standing Committee on Fe- 
deral Relations, to whom was referred the 
petition of J. W. Canfield and fifty-five others, 
praying the General Assembly of Ohio "to 
enact that no person who has been held as a 
slave shall be delivered up by any officer or 
court, State or Federal, within this Common- 
wealth, to any one claiming him on the 
ground that he owes service or labor to such 
claimant by the laws of one of the slave 
States of this Union," submitted the following 
report: — 

1. The Federal Constitution provides that 
fugitives from service shall be delivered up 
on claim of the party to whom such service 
or labor is due. 

2. This memorial prays that such persons 
shall not be delivered up on claim of such 
party. 

3. The members of this General Assembly 
have all taken an oath to support the Consti- 
tution of the United States. 

4. Article 6 of that Constitution provides 
that it shall be the supreme law of the land, 
and that the judges in every State shall be 
bound thereby, any thing in the Constitution 
or laws of any State to the contrary notwith- 
standing. Therefore the prayer of this peti- 
tion is, in effect, that we shall, in violation 
of our official oaths, — as we believe, — pass a 
law that would be ab initio null and void, 
because the judges of our State courts would 
be bound to decide it contrary to the Consti- 
tution of the United States. 

A Conviction under the Fugitive-Slave 
Act has been obtained in Illinois. John 
Hoosack, of Ottawa, in that State, after a 
long and patient trial, has been found guilty 
of aiding a slave to escape, and sentenced to 
pay a fine of $1000 and to imprisonment for 
six months. He was defended by six able 
lawyers, and the proceedings are said to have 
been impartial. 



242 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



Presentiment in a Dream. — A few days 
ago, a young lady, daughter of Heraan Miller, 
Track-Master of the Central Railroad, told 
her parents, soon after she arose, that she 
had dreamed the night before that Mr. Keist, 
•who attends the railroad-bridge at Allen's 
Creek, was killed, anU that Mrs. Keist came 
to the house to tell Mr. Miller. A short time 
after relating this dream, and while the 
family were at breakfast, Mrs. Keist came to 
tell that her husband was killed by the cars 
last night at Brighton. So impressed was 
the girl with the force of her dream that she 
ran to another room when she saw the wo- 
man approaching the door, as she felt sure 
that she had a tale of sorrow to tell. 

Mr. Keist was a German, who had worked 
for a number of years on the railroad, under 
the direction of Mr. Miller; and his wife had 
often called at his house, and had thus become 
well acquainted with the family. When Miss 
Miller told her dream, Mr. Miller had not 
heard of the accident: indeed, the coroner 
having charge of the body did not know who 
the unfortunate man was. While there are 
thousands of dreams that are not premonitory, 
now and then there is one that is, to say the 
least, coincident with actual occurrences, of 
which the dreamer knew nothing. — Union and 
Advertiser, Rochester. 

A Horrible Accident occurred in New 
Orleans. Two little brothers, Charles and 
Thomas McPeek, aged respectively eleven 
and thirteen years, were playing with two 
rifles, when the eldest, Thomas, said to his 
brother, "Charley, I am going to shoot you. 
Look out!" and, suiting the action to the 
word, he pulled the trigger and sent a ball 
whizzing through the head of Charley, killing 
him instantly. Poor little fellow! he was 
heart-broken when he found that he could 
not mend the injury done, by placing his 
hand upon the wound to stop the flow of 
blood. The unfortunate lad has been in- 
consolable ever since the sad casualty. 

Fire in West Hoboken, N.Y. — A Woman 
Burned to Death. — On a Wednesday after- 
noon, a fire broke out in a frame dwelling- 
house on Hague Street, near Clinton Avenue, 
West Hoboken, owned and occupied by Mr. 
Ferris and family; and thence the flames ex- 
tended to three other dwellings in the same 
row, occupied respectively by Mr. Yates, Mr. 
Nevers, and a colored family. The fire ori- 
ginated in Mr. Ferris's house, and was 
caused by the upsetting of a stove. Mrs. 
Ferris was alone at the time, and, being un- 
able to help herself, the hot coals from the 
stove readily ignited the woodwork, and in a 
little time the entire house was in a blaze. 
The flames soon communicated to the adjoin- 
ing buildings, which were also frame, and, 
notwithstanding the exertions of the West 
Hoboken Fire Company, assisted by the vil- 



lagers, the entire row was destroyed. When 
the alarm was first given, it was rumored 
about that Mrs. Ferris was in the burning 
building. Every effort was made to rescue 
her, but without avail ; and it was not until 
after the flames were extinguished that her 
charred remains were dug out of the ruins. 

The Assault upon Mr. Purser. — The 
"Sunday Atlas" thus describes Alexander 
Ward's attack upon George Purser in New 
York :— 

Smarting under the effects of his exposure 
and disgrace, Ward met ex-Corporation At- 
torney George H. Purser at a drinking-saloon 
in Broadway, on a Saturday night, and 
charged him with having instigated Slaight 
to "peach" upon the corrupt practices which 
led to his arraignment before the Street Com- 
missioners and the public as an officer un- 
worthy of confidence or place. Purser was 
inveigled into a "private" room, where Ward 
pounced upon him like a brute, and inflicted 
upon him bodily injuries of a very serious 
character, disfiguring his face very badly, 
and otherwise wounding him so that he has 
been unable to appear out-of-doors since. 
The infuriated shoulder-hitter displayed the 
propensities of a cannibal, by actually seizing 
the nose of Mr. Purser between his false 
teeth and trying to bite it off. He also 
attempted to gouge out his eyes. A more 
cowardly and brutal attempt to maim ia 
scarcely on record. 

A Woman Murders her Brother and 
Voluntarily Surrenders Herself. — An 
extraordinary affair has occurred at Hano- 
ver, says the Lockport (N.Y.) "Journal." 

A respectable tradeswoman, with two 
children, went to the police-office and 
stated that, she had murdered her brother 
in her own house, and that she wished to 
be taken into custody. The police went to 
the house and found the dead body of her 
brother, whose name was Rasel, lying in 
one of the rooms with his throat cut. The 
woman said that the man, after losing from 
drunkenness several situations as clerk to 
advocates, had been reduced to the necessity 
of accepting the position of railway-porter, 
but that she had kindly allowed him to live 
with her gratis on condition of his giving a 
solemn promise that he would abstain from 
drink for the future. This promise he had 
not kept, and the night before he had re- 
turned home so drunk that he had fallen 
asleep on the floor. Irritated at his shameful 
conduct, she cut his throat. The police, 
thinking the woman insane, had her ex- 
amined by medical men ; but no indication 
of lunacy could be discovered. It turned 
out that she had committed the murder in 
the presence of her two children, aged tea 
and twelve, and that before giving herself 
into custody she had made her will. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



21?, 



Atrocious Murder in Greene County, 
Ala. — The Greensborough (Ala.) "Beacon" 
says : — 

Mr. Jacob Hercefield, a merchant resid- 
ing at Hollow Square, in this county, was 
murdered last Friday night, a short distance 
from his residence, by some person un- 
known. He boarded at Mr. C. Tobert's, about 
halt' a mile from his store, and left Mr. T.'s 
about ten o'clock on Friday night. His body 
was found on Saturday morning, near a build- 
ing used as a school-house, located a short 
distance from, and west of, the Baptist church 
situated on the Greensborough and Eutaw 
roads. The wounds indicated that he had 
been shot in the head and a severe blow 
inflicted upon him with an axe. As he bore 
the character of being a peaceable, inoffen- 
sive man, no doubt is entertained that the 
bloody deed was committed solely to get his 
money. Circumstances, we understand, also 
justify the belief that an attempt was made 
the same night to burn his store. 

The deceased was a native of Bavaria, 
Germany, but had resided in this country 
quite a number of years. He was the post- 
master at Hollow Square, and was looked 
upon by the neighborhood as a worthy man. 

Murder of Dr. Dickerson in Selma, 
Ala. — The Montgomery "Confederation" 
says : — 

Dr. Dickerson, nephew of Mr. Luke Dick- 
erson, was shot by a man in Selma a few 
nights ago, and, after lingering about thirty- 
six hours, died. It seems that the doctor 
attempted to separate two men who were 
fighting in the street, when one of them 
fired a pistol at the other, the ball missing 
the man but taking effect in the forehead 
of the doctor. He was immediately taken 
to the house of a friend, where, after suffer- 
ing intensely for some time from the terrible 
wound, he died. 

His home was only twenty miles from the 
town of Selma, to which place he had gone 
that day to transact business. We under- 
stand that the doctor leaves an affectionate 
wife behind him, who, in conjunction witli 
all of his connections and friends, will 
deeply mourn his untimely loss. 

Bloody Affatr. — One Man Killed, and 
Others Wounded. —The Mount Sterling 

(Ky.) "Whig" says: — 

A most horrible rencounter took place 
in Powell county, on Saturday last, on the 
land of Harvey Hall, some eight miles from 
Stanton, between Hall and his sons and 
Hezekiah Bowen and five of his sons. The 
difficulty grew out, of an old lawsuit be- 
tween the parties concerning a certain divi- 
sion-fence between their lands. On the day 
named, the parties met on Hall's land, 
when commenced one of the bloodiest tights 
that ever came off' in our State. It lasted for 



some time, all the parties being engaged in 
it and promiscuously using guns, knives, 
&c. Bowen's party had the advantage of 
preparation and strength of numbers, and 
therefore did the most damage. Henry 
Hall, son of Harvey, a young man some 
nineteen years of age, was killed on the 
spot by the stabs and thrusts of a knife in 
the hands of one of the Bowens. Old man 
Hall was stabbed in the throat, the knife 
entering the jaw and producing a wound 
from which he is now lying in a critical 
condition. He is otherwise wounded with 
a gun. Marcus Hall, another son of Harvey 
Hall, was severely stabbed in the back, 
which will cripple him for a long time, 
if lie recovers at all. Old man Bowen was 
reported severely wounded. 

This is the second bloody rencounter that 
has occurred among our Powell neighbors 
in the last few weeks. 

Murder of Mr. Alfred Jones. — The 
Montgomery (Ala.) "Mail" says: — 

The body of Mr. Alfred Jones, a worthy 
planter residing south of this, was found 
Sunday morning on the Norman Bridge 
road, eight or ten miles from town. He 
was in his buggy, having been killed with 
a knife, probably by persons who had way- 
laid him with a knowledge that he had 
some $1600 on his person. His horse was 
found in a neighboring lot, and the buggy, 
with the body in it, had no doubt been 
carried from the Mobile to the Norman 
Bridge road. His watch and one dollar 
were left on his person. 

Mr. Jones had been in this city a few 
hours previous. It is believed he was way- 
laid by negroes. 

Murder by Boys. — Aman named Michael 
O'Connor, of Memphis, Tenn., recently in- 
terfered in a fight in which three boys were 
engaged, when the boys turned upon him 
and beat him so severely that he died 
shortly after. 

A Bridegroom Murdered. — In Kentucky, 
a man named Roberts was killed at Lock- 
port, Henry county, by another named 
Downs. Roberts was engaged to be married; 
and the time appointed for the wedding was 
the day subsequent to the one upon which 
he was killed. The minister and guests had 
assembled at the residence of the bride and 
waited the coming of the bridegroom. The 
hour appointed for the performance of the 
nuptial service had passed, and the as- 
sembled company had begun to suspect the 
young man had played false to his lady-love. 
Their suspicions, however, were soon dis- 
pelled on learning of his death, which turned 
many glad hearts to weeping. 

Affray between a Husband and Wife. 



2U 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



— Joseph Williams and his wife, of New 
Bedford, Mass., have been separated for 
some weeks past; and on several occasions 
lie has sought interviews with her for the 
purpose of inducing her to live with him 
again. On Sunday evening he called at the 
house at which she was staying, and after 
a few minutes' conversation she accom- 
panied him to a boat-builder's shop where 
he was employed. About three-quarters 
of an hour afterward, they both returned to 
their homes, bearing terrible wounds upon 
their heads, apparently inflicted with some 
sharp instrument. Williams's head -was 
severely gashed on the top in ten or twelve 
places. The woman was more dangerously 
wounded, having three cuts upon the head, 
all penetrating through the skull. The 
man's version of the affair is that after the}' 
entered the boat-house he was engaged in 
splitting kindling-wood for her, when, as 
he stooped down, she pushed liim over and 
seized the axe he was using. He remembers 
having received three blows, when he be- 
came unconscious. He says he has no recol- 
lection of striking his wife. The woman has 
not recovered sufficiently to give a connected 
statement of the affray. The most likely 
theory appears to be that she made the first 
attack, and that, after being struck he seized 
the axe and struck her several times, leav- 
ing her in the shop. It is a matter of wonder 
how they managed to reach home alone — a 
distance of about fifty rods — after receiving 
such wounds. Williams is about fifty years 
of age, and his wife is forty-seven. They 
are both intemperate. 

Suicide of a Young Ladt.— Miss Mary 
Jane Huston inflicted five gashes with a 
razor upon her throat, after failing in an 
effort to hang herself in her father's barn, 
Fairfield township, Westmoreland county, 
Pa. She was successful in ridding herself 
of life; but the incentive is a complete 
mystery, as she never appeared gayer than 
upon the day of her death. 

Suicide of a Young Man whose Mar- 
riage was Prevented. — At Dalton, Ind., a 
young fellow shot himself because he could 
not collect money which he had loaned and 
upon which he had projected marriage to a 
lovely female of the aforesaid plaee. 

Attempted Suicide of a Husband. — In 
New York, Alexander Hamilton, twenty-four 
years of age, of No. 42 West Twenty-Eighth 
Street, was : rrested on complaint of his wife, 
Joanna Hamilton, who accuses him of hav- 
ing committed an assault, and battery upon 
herself. The prisoner was required to give 
bail for his appearance to answer the charge. 
Yesterday his bondman appeared before 
Justice Kelly and desired to give Mr. Ham- 
ilton up and be released from his b 



The justice thereupon committed the 
prisoner to the cells. As they were about 
leaving the court-room, Ilamiiton attempted 
to jump out of the window to the ground, — a 
distance of twenty feet. — hut was prevented 
by his wife and an officer. He was then 
placed in a cell with another prisoner, and 
left to his meditations. 

Shortly after, Hamilton's companion in- 
formed the keeper that the young husband 
was bleeding to death. Hastening to his 
assistance, the keeper found that Hamilton 
had cut a vein in his left arm with a case- 
knife, and was trying hard to bleed to 
death. A police-surgeon was immediately 
called, who dressed the wound and placed 
the young man in a cell by himself, after 
thoroughly searching him. The wound in- 
flicted is not a serious one. Young Ham- 
ilton had written the following letter to his 
wife: — 

My dear Wife: — Sooner than be con- 
fined in tins place, 1 would sacrifice my life. 
It is sad, on this beautiful day, to pass 
from this to an unknown world; but I arn 
tired of living. Have me buried by the 
side of my mother, in the old graveyard in 
Bridgeport. Whatever things my grand- 
mother has belonging to my mot Iter, I wish 
her to give them to you. With my best 
wishes for you and yours, I am your affec- 
tionate husband. 

Alex. Hamilton. 

Mad Hog Fatal to Indians. — The To- 
peka (Kansas) "Tribune" says that several 
hogs, which were bitten by dogs and ran 
mad from the effects, were picked up and 
eaten by the Kaw Indians, and the effect on 
them has, in many instances, been, first a. 
swelling of t lie body and head, then raving 
and nuidness, followed by death. During 
the earlier stage of this disease the impres- 
sion was that it was the small-pox. 

Scarlet Fever. — This terrible disease 
rages fearfully in Steubenville, Ohio, and 
vicinity. The deaths run from two to five 
daily: and already have two hundred little 
ones succumbed to its deadly influence. 

Fatal Affray. — At a county-seat elec- 
tion in Falls City, Kansas, two men, named 
Meek and Davis, were present to preserve 
order. They soon began to quarrel, and, 
although separated by friends, managed to 
tire a number of shots at each other during 
the afternoon, none of them, however, 
taking effect. At Inst, after prowling about 
town with loaded pistols in search of each 
other, they met and fired. Both shots took 
effect, one man dying at once, the other lin- 
gering, but. past recovery. 

Murder Committed by a Negro. — The 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



245 



Assassin Burned at the Stake. — The 
" Vicksburg (Miss.) Sun" has come in pos- 
session of the following facts in relation to 
the burning of a negro man at Mr. Wool- 
folk's plantation on Deer Creek. It seems 
that, the negro thus summarily dealt with 
was a vicious, self-willed fellow, and, be- 
coming offended at a black woman on the 
same plantation, walked up to her as she 
was working in the field and deliberately 
plunged his knife into her heart. Upon per- 
petrating tliis bloody deed he fled to the 
woods, not, however, before giving several 
other negroes to understand that their turn 
would come next, and, after them, two white 
men living hard by. Dogs were put upon 
his track, and, after a chase of several 
hours, he was captured, though not without 
a desperate struggle, the pursuers being 
put to all they knew to take him alive. 
Having securely bound him, they took him 
back to the plantation to consider what was 
best to be done in his case. Several highly- 
respectable gentlemen were present at the 
council, who concluded that the severest 
punishment possible should be inflicted upon 
the black desperado, who had for so trivial 
a cause taken life, as it might be the means 
of repressing at once any similar ebullition 
of passion on the part of other desperate 
negroes in the neighborhood. They decided 
to burn him at the stake, which was done in 
the presence of all the negroes on that and 
the adjoining plantations, all of whom 
seemed terrified out of their wits on view- 
ing so awful a scene. The spirit of the 
doomed negro never was subdued. He died 
cursing his judges, his last words being that 
he would '-take vengeance on them when 
they met each other in hell." 

Murder in Schuylkill County, Pa. — 
At Glen Carton an altercation arose between 
James Collier and William Large, about a 
small piece of ground in their vicinity, in 
which each claimed the right. Shortly after, 
while Large was standing in front of his 
door, Collier, whose house is adjoining, made 
his appearance, having in his hands a United 
States musket loaded with large-size shot, 
which he presented and fired at Large. The 
shot took effect in his abdomen, entering on 
the left side and dividing the intestines, 
which caused deatlt in a few hours after the 
wound had been inflicted. 

Wife-Killer Sentenced. — Frank Wright, 
convicted in Providence, R.I., of killing his 
wife, has been sentenced to thirty years' 
imprisonment in the Kliode Island Peniten- 
tiary. 

Beat a Negro to Death. — A man named 
Henderson recently beat a negro to death at 
Prairie Mount, Miss. He gave him one 
hundred and seventy blows. 



Another Body Found at Lawrence. — 
The workmen employed in clearing the 
ruins of the Pemberton Mill drew off the 
water from the canal, when they found the 
body of a woman under a large pile of 
bricks, whose name was supposed to be Mrs. 
McCann. She was probably carried down 
with the falling wall through the ice and 
drowned. She leaves two or three children. 

Atrocious Murder on a Flatboat. — A 
Negro Woman and her Master Killed. 
— The "Vicksburg (Miss.) Whig" contains 
the following particulars of a horrible crime 
committed near that city : — 

One of the most diabolical murders we 
have ever been called on to notice was per- 
petrated on board of a storeboat while 
lying at Nicholas Landing, near the foot of 
Diamond Bend, about twenty miles below 
this city, on Friday night last. The flatboat 
was known as the A. D. Warson No. 6, and 
belonged to the gentleman whose name it 
bore. About half-past eleven o'clock on 
Friday night, Mr. Warson awoke his negro 
woman and told her to go forward and wake 
up the hands to stand watch, which she 
started to do; but when about midway the 
boat, Mr. Warson heard her scream, and in 
a moment afterward heard the report of a 
gun in the boat. He jumped out of bed, 
exclaiming to his wife that the woman was 
killed, and, ere he had proceeded to the 
door which separates the store from the 
bedroom, another shot was fired and all 
was still. He continued on to see what was 
the matter, but when about the end of the 
counter he received a shot, from some un- 
known person secreted about the counter, 
which took effect in his throat, killing him 
instantly. The negro woman was shot in 
the left breast, and did not survive a mo- 
ment. After the commission of the deed, 
the two men went up on deck through the 
hatchway, cut the lines loose, and endea- 
vored to shove the boat out in the river. It 
drifted in again, however, and they returned. 
As they approached the room where Mrs. 
Warson was, one cocked a pistol, and, on 
opening the door, presented it at her. She 
inquired if they would spare her life and that 
of her children if she gave them all her 
money; to which he replied, "Yes." She 
then gave him between three and four thou- 
sand dollars, which he took, and they both 
went forward in the boat, where they re- 
mained about an hour and a half. They 
then went on deck again, and made a second 
attempt to shove the boat out in the stream, 
but, failing to do so, unshipped the oars and 
threw the skiff-oars overboard, then got in 
a skiff and rowed off. 

The storeboat was towed up to this city 
by the ferry-boat on Sunday morning, and 
the bodies buried. Although the boat was 
lying onty about twenty-five steps from Mr. 



246 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



Nicholas's house, none of them heard any 
thing of it, and one of the hands on the boat 
did not awake until the next morning. The 
boat was from Memphis, where Mr. Warson 
has resided for about seventeen years. He 
leaves a wife and three interesting children. 
Two brothers living about Warrenton, 
Lewis and David Castleman, were arrested 
on Saturday on suspicion of having com- 
mitted the deed, and were brought up to 
tins city yesterday. Mrs. Warson recog- 
nised them in a large crowd, and pointed 
out Lewis as the one to whom she had 
given the money. They were then taken 
to jail, to await a requisition from the Go- 
vernor of Louisiana, when they will be re- 
moved to Richmond for trial. 

A SINGULAR and sad affair happened the 
other day at Buffalo. A family arrived 
there, consisting of a man, his wife, anil 
two children. Both the man and the woman 
were insane ; and both exhibited very nearly 
the same symptoms, their minds tending to 
similar hallucinations, and their irrational 
conversation being upon much the same 
subjects. It was supposed that they had 
taken some noxious drugs. They were both 
conveyed to the insane-asylum, and pre- 
cautions taken to prevent them from in- 
juring themselves or others. In spite of 
these, however, the man wrenched an iron 
handle from his door and managed to cut 
his throat with it, so that he died from the 
loss of blood. The woman, in one of her 
lucid moments, said they came from Ken- 
tucky, but could not tell the town or county 
of her residence. 

Cruel Death in Manoiiestee, N.H. — 
The "Mirror" of that place says, Miss 
Mary Thome, who is well recollected in 
this city as keeping a confectionery-store 
on Pleasant Street for many years, died 
last night, at the residence of J. V. Dan- 
iels, at Hallsville. She was a conscientious, 
well-minded woman, and a member of the 
Free-Will Baptist Church. In her busi- 
ness she had accumulated several hundred 
dollars. She was taken sick about a year 
ago, and it was proposed for her to go to 
a water-cure establishment in Massachu- 
setts. She did so, in company with her 
sister, who works in the mills in this city. 
After staying there one night, the sister 
and the physician of the water-cure had a 
consultation, resulting in his giving a cer- 
tificate that Mary was insane: and she was 
taken to an insane-asylum in Massachusetts. 
where she remained three months. Her 
friends in Candia. in this State, did not 
know where she was, except a cousin, as she 
said. At the expiration of three months, 
she was taken to the asylum at Concord, 
in this State, where she stayed some three 
weeks, when her friends in Candia and 



Dcerf.eld heard of it, and got her out. 
She said that while at the former asylum, 
when she would tell the superintendent and 
attendants that she was no more insane than 
they were, they would say to one another, 
•■'that is the way the insane always act: 
it is a species of insanity." At Concord 
her treatment was good; and she said Dr. 
Bancroft told her plainly that he did not 
consider her insane. Her treatment wore 
upon her previously- enfeebled constitution, 
and she has wasted away gradually, in 
sound mind, filled with grief for the inhu- 
manity that had been exhibited, to her, till 
at last life wore itself away. Those where 
she has lived, and those who have seen the 
most of her, except her sister, consider that 
she was never insane, and that death was 
hastened on by the charge of insanity. 
She expressed repeatedly that she was be- 
ing brought to her grave on account of her 
cruel treatment. 

Horrible Depravity. — A shocking case 
of gross depravity of heart has come to 
light at Strafford, Vermont. It appears 
that a man named John Roberts, a resident 
of that town, himself the husband of a 
second wife, and the father of grown-up chil- 
dren, managed to seduce the newly-mar- 
ried wife of one of his sons, with whom he 
was guilty of incest. The husband gained 
a knowledge of the horrible outrage per- 
petrated by his father, and taxed him with 
it, when the latter consented to pay his son 
two hundred dollars "hush-money." 

The loss of so large a sum, and the fear 
that yet more w r ould be extorted from him, 
preyed heavily upon the mind of the guilty 
man, and a few days ago he rose early from 
his bed, and, procuring a razor, began to 
lay bare the throat of his wife, with the 
intention of killing her, when she fled. 
The monster then drew the blade across his- 
own throat, inflicting a ghastly wound, 
and in that condition, with the blood stream- 
ing down his body, pursued his wife into 
a distant room, and was in the act of draw- 
ing her from beneath a bed where she had 
sought refuge, when he fainted from loss 
of blood. At last accounts, lie was yet 
alive, though no hopes were entertained of 
his recovery. 

Killed by Carelessly Handling a Gen. 
— A lad of sixteen, named Jerome Price, 
killed himself near Kendalville, Noble co., 
Indiana, by carelessly handling his gun 
while hunting. He had laid it down on a 
log with the breech on the ground, while he 
was resting, and when he took it up he 
(aught the muzzle with his hand, and 
dragged it toward him. striking the lock 
against the log and discharging the load 
into his breast. He died in a few mo- 
ments. 



18C0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



217 



Resigned a Consulship. — Mr. Smith, of 
Mississippi, has resigned the Consulship- 
General at Constantinople, in consequence, 
it is said, of the expense of the position being 
$4500, while he is only allowed $3000 with 
which to support the dignity of the office. 

Resignation of an Old Bank-President. 
— George Beach resigned the Presidency of 
the Phoenix Bank, Hartford. He had been 
cashier and president for forty-six years. 

A Child kept in a Carpet-Bag Ten 
Weeks. — The "Johnstown (Pa.) Echo" re- 
lates a strange story of a young woman who 
concealed her offspring in a carpet-bag im- 
mediately alter its birth, where it was dis- 
covered ten weeks after, by a gentleman with 
whom she was living. The girl was arrested, 
and confessed the maternity of the child, and 
acknowledged that she had put it in the bag 
herself and kepi it there. She is said to be 
a simple-minded creature, and probably could 
not bear to part with the infant, although 
dead. 

Extensive Pocket-Picking. — A gang of 
pickpockets made a descent upon Lancaster 
City, Pa., and succeeded in making the fol- 
lowing robberies: David Landis lost $901; 
Isaac Miller, $1510; James Passmore, $1000; 
Mr. Deulinger, $2100. Notes and other valu- 
able papers, amounting to some $15,000, 
were also stolen. An Englishman, about 
forty years of age, giving the name John R. 
Froderherry, was arrested on suspicion of 
being one of the thieves. 

Sentenced for Abolition Sentiments. 
— A man named George Hickman has been 
sentenced to the chain-gang at Memphis, 
Tenn., one hundred and three days, for ex- 
pressing abolition sentiments. 

Verdict against the City of Boston. 
— In the Superior Court at Boston, Mrs. 
Henry H. Morse recovered a verdict of one 
thousand dollars against the city for injuries 
sustained by slipping upon the ice on the side- 
walk in Harrison Avenue. 

Maryland Law against Marrying out of 
the State without License. — The new 
Maryland code, on page 238, says, "That if 
any person belonging to this State shall go 
out of this State, and there marry with any 
person belonging to this State, without 
license or publication, each of the said 
parties, on conviction, shall be fined one 
hundred dollars." 

The Life and Death of a Miser. — 
Michael Baird, who lived near Little York, 
Pa., was a miser. His father left a valuable 
farm of five hundred acres in the vicinity of 
York, with some farming and household ar- 



ticles. Michael kept a tavern a number of 
years, married, and raised four children. He 
accumulated an immense estate, which he 
clung to so tenaciously that he never af- 
forded a dollar for the education of his chil- 
dren. He never was known to lay out one 
dollar in cash for any article he might be in 
need of: he would either do without it, or 
find some person who would barter for some- 
thing which he could not conveniently sell for 
money. He farmed largely, and kept a large 
distillery, which he supplied entirely with his 
own grain. He kept a team for the convey- 
ance of his whiskey to Baltimore, which, 
when he could not sell for money to suit him, 
he bartered for necessaries for his family and 
tavern. In this way he amassed an estate 
worth $400,000. Such was his attachment 
to money that he was never known to credit 
a single dollar to any man. Upon the best 
mortgage as security that could be given he 
would not lend a cent. He never vested a dol- 
lar in public funds; neither would he keep the 
notes of any bank longer than until he caild 
get them changed. He deposited his specie 
in a large iron chest until it would hold no 
more. He then provided a strong iron- 
hooped barrel, which he also filled. After 
his death, his strong boxes yielded $250,000 
in gold and silver. The cause of his death 
was as remarkable as the course of his life. 
A gentleman from Virginia offered him twelve 
dollars a bushel for one hundred and ten 
bushels of cloverseed ; but he would not sell 
for less than thirteen dollars, and they did 
not agree. The seed was afterward sent to 
Philadelphia, where it was sold for seven 
dollars per bushel, and brought in the whole 
five hundred and fifty dollars less than the 
Virginian had offered for it. On receiving 
an account of his sale, he walked through 
his farm, went to his distillery and gave 
directions to his people, and then went to his 
wagon-house and hung himself. 

Too much Study. — The school committee 
have forbidden the assignment of lessons for 
study out of school in the Boston schools for 
girls. The city physician had become con- 
vinced of the alarming evils resulting from 
such studies. 

Will of Daniel Fanshaw, of New York 
— The estate of deceased is estimated at about 
$250,000, the principal part of it being real 
property in the region of Yorkville and the 
Central Park. The will gives the house of 
deceased and nineteen lots of ground to the 
widow for her natural life ; the same after 
her death to be divided into eight equal 
parts and distributed as follows: One part 
to the American Tract Society, one to the 
American and Foreign Christian Union, one 
to the Seamen's Friend Society, two to the 
establishment of a Dutch Reformed church 
in Yorkville, and one to the Women's Hos- 



248 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[March, 



pital Home. The testator leaves his place 
of business to his son, together with some 
lots on Third Avenue, worth $60,000. He 
bequeathes about $20,000 each to his own 
daughters, and makes several smaller be- 
quests to distant relatives. 

Stone from Napoleon's Tomb for the 
Washington Monument. — The United States 
Consul at St. Helena has procured a stone 
from the tomb of Napoleon for the Washing- 
ton Monument. It was transferred by the 
authorities with considerable ceremony, and 
was put on board the United States steamer 
Mystic, which left, January 4, for the coast 
of Africa, and would probably be transferred 
to the United States store-ship Relief, bound 
home. It is enclosed under the seals of the 
United States and accompanied by papers 
of identification. It will receive a fitting in- 
scription after its arrival. 

Interesting Decision. — By the laws of 
Pennsylvania, incorporated companies of 
other States are excluded from holding abso- 
lute ground-rent deeds on real estate there. 
In an action brought before Justice Thomp- 
son, in Philadelphia, by the Mutual Benefit 
Life Insurance Company of Newark, to re- 
cover rent alleged to be due to them from 
Mr. James L. Lord, of that city, a verdict 
was rendered for the defendant. 

Homespun in Demand. — The "Richmond 
Dispatch" says that homespun cloths are be- 
coming so fashionable with business-men in 
Virginia that the factories in different parts 
of the State find it impossible, with their 
present facilities, to fill the numerous orders 
that pour in upon them. 

Marine Disasters for March. — During 
the month of March, forty-three American 
vessels were reported totally lost and missing, 
as follows : Three steamers, seven ships, 
twelve barks, five brigs, fourteen schooners, 
and one sloop; two abandoned, six sunk by 
collision, one capsized, and seven missing. 
The value of these vessels is estimated at 
$720,000, exclusive of their cargoes. There 
were some eighty-one persons in the missing 
vessels. 

Excitement in Enterprise, Miss. — Two 
book-pedlars, suspected of being abolition 
emissaries, were arrested in Enterprise, Mis- 
sissippi, brought for trial before the local au- 
thorities, and acquitted. The result has created 
the greatest excitement in that place. One 
of the jurymen, Mr. John Cochran, who is a 
merchant and citizen of Enterprise, was hung 
in effigy; and Judge Bird, who acted as 
counsel for the accused on trial, was pre- 
sented with a petition, signed by a number 
of citizens, requesting him to resign the office 
of Mayor of the town, which he holds. 



"Love Rules the Court." — A jury in 
Texas acquitted a man on a charge of horse- 
stealing, although the crime was clearly 
proved against him, simply because he stole 
the horse for the purpose of eloping with his 
sweetheart, who was preseut in court during 
the trial, and waiting to marry him if ac- 
quitted. 

Danger of Meddling with Fire-Arms. — 
In Vinalhaven, Me., a young lady, aged seven- 
teen, the daughter of Captain Henry Smith, was 
killed, under the following circumstances. A 
German pedlar was stopping at the hou>e ; and 
in the course of the evening a son of Captain 
Smith produced a pair of pistols and amused 
himself by snapping caps on one of them. 
The German took up the other, supposing it 
not to be loaded, and playfully snapped it at 
the girl. It exploded, sending the two bul- 
lets with which it was loaded through her 
heart. She died instantly. Miss Smith was 
a young lady of much worth. 

Ten Millions for Lower California. — 
It appears by the instructions given to Mr. 
McLane, communicated to t he United States 
Senate by the President, that the minister 
was authorized to offer $10,000,000 for Lower 
California, and the right of way from the 
Rio Grande to Mazatlan, and from Arizona 
to Guaymas. But the negotiation fell 
through. 

Delinquent Sheriffs. — The sheriffs of 
Virginia are delinquent in paying iu the 
State taxes in the amount of $488,000. Only 
eighteen in the whole State have paid iu 
full. 

Divorces in Kansas. — The Kansas Legis- 
lature granted one hundred and fifty bills of 
divorcement iu forty days. 

A Girl Four Years of Age Murdered 
by a Boy of Fifteen. — A boy, named F. 
Horton, aged fifteen years, is confined in the 
Troy jail, says the "Utica (N.Y.) Observer," 
on the charge of murdering Martha J. Hor- 
ton, a child about four years of age, by 
pounding her with a stick and stamping upon 
her with his feet. The parties lived at 
Poestenkill, a few miles from Troy, in the 
neighborhood known as "Oak Hill," in the 
family of Mr. Martin Wheeler. 

The Cattle-Distemper in Massachusetts. 
— The malignant disorder which attacked the 
herds of Mr. Chenery and his neighbors at 
North Brookfield continues its ravages. It 
has appeared in Spencer ; and much alarm 
is felt in the adjoining towns lest it attack 
them in turn. 

The Legislature of Mississippi raised 
the taxes to seventy-five cents on each negro, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



249 



instead of forty, as heretofore ; twenty cents 
on each one thousand dollars' worth of land, 
instead of sixteen cents ; thus nearly doubling 
the tax on slaves, and increasing that on lands 
twenty-five per cent. 

A Woman Outraged and Robbed. — In 
Cincinnati, says a paper of that city, Officers 
Mitchell and Fletcher arrested two men, 
named <jfcscph Stephens and Clements Ross- 
man, who were participants in an outrage 
of the most heinous character. They were 
examined by Judge Lowe. Although a week 
has elapsed since the infernal outrage was 
committed, the young woman bears marks of 
brutal violence on her countenance, having 
both her eyes blacked and her whole face 
badly battered up. The facts, as learned 
from the evidence, are as follows : — 

A German woman, named Ida Haberthur, 
arrived in this city from Greensburg, Indiana. 
She was a stranger here, and her object was 
to seek employment as a domestic. Shortly 
after her arrival at the depot, she was met 
by a German, who got into conversation with 
her, asking her various questions. He told 
her that he was looking for a girl for his 
father, who lived near the city, and if she 
would accept he would take her there imme- 
diately. The poor victim, thinking him a 
friend and rejoiced at her good luck, gladly 
accepted. He soon called for an express- 
wagon, and the three started for her intended 
home. They passed out of the city to War- 
saw Hill, a short distance from the toll-gate. 
Here they met Rossman and Stephens. She 
was asked to get out and walk, as the house 
was a short distance through the woods. 
"When in a retired spot, she was knocked 
down by one of the four. Her screams for 
help were soon stifled, and the villain soon 
accomplished his purpose. In attempting to 
get up, Stephens came up and knocked her 
down. He, in turn, outraged her person ; 
and, when leaving her, he put his hand in 
her bosom and took something like ten dol- 
lars, — all the little money she had in the 
world. She next resisted the embraces of 
Rossman ; but she became almost uncon- 
scious of what was done from that time, until 
she found herself alone. As soon as her 
strength would permit of her walking, she 
returned to the city, which she did not reach 
until after dark. Not knowing anybody in 
the city, she knew not where to go : she 
spent the night in an outhouse. The next 
morning she returned to the scene of her dis- 
aster to find her shawl, which she in her 
fright had left behind, but it was not to be 
found. She was met by a number of per- 
sons on her return to the city, who were at- 
tracted by the bruises on her face and asked 
her what was the matter. She made no 
reply, fearing to put her trust in anybody. 
She was met by a German named Wilde, who 
induced her to confide in him. He took her 



to his house, and informed the police of the 
facts, who succeeded in arresting two of the 
party. At their examination, she imme- 
diately recognised them. 

Stephens, after his arrest, stated that he 
and Rossman had been on a spree together, 
and had participated in the outrage. They 
were held to bail in the sum of $1500 each, 
to answer the charge of rape at the next 
term of the Court of Common Pleas ; also, 
$500 each, to answer the charge of robbery. 

Poisoned by White Lead. — In Fond du 
Lac county, Wis., hundreds of people were 
attacked with a disease which was supposed 
to be epidemic. The symptoms were intense 
pain through the lower part of the stomach 
and bowels, and it terminated fatally in a 
large number of cases. It was finally ascer- 
tained that the miller of a flouring-mill iu the 
neighborhood, under the impression that the 
grooves in the stones were too deep, was iu 
the practice of filling them up with a prepa- 
ration of white lead, and, when it wore or 
came out, of refilling as occasion required. 

Dyixg from Pneumonia. — The "Milledge- 
ville (Ga.) Recorder" learns that pneumonia 
prevails to an alarming extent in Southwest- 
ern Georgia. That paper says : — 

A gentleman in the vicinity of Milledge- 
ville, who plants in Dougherty county, tells 
us he has lost as many as fifteen valuable 
slaves, and that a neighbor, with not a very 
large force, has lost nine. The disease at- 
tacks them with a severe chill, followed by a 
high fever, which takes the patient off in from 
one to three days. The best medical atten- 
tion has not as yet succeeded in arresting it. 

Died while Whipping a Boy. — While an 
old teacher, named Orin Carpenter, was 
whipping a pupil in a school-house in Alle- 
ghany county, Pa., he dropped down dead. 
The excitement and over-exertion were too 
much for him. 

Death of an Old Mobile Merchant. — 
Died, at Bowdon, England, John B. Toulmin, 
Esq., one of the oldest and most esteemed 
merchants of Mobile, at the advanced age of 
seventy-two years. For the last ten years of 
his life he had retired from active business, 
and had been in failing health for a con- 
siderable period. He was a man of fine 
business capacity, strict integrity, and great 
moral worth. 

He was the father of Mr. Morton Toulmin, 
of the firm of Toulmin, Voorhees & Co., of 
that city. 

Death of Samuel Geer, a Revolutionary 
Soldier. — Mr. Samuel Geer died at Fredonia, 
N.Y., in the ninety-seventh year of his age. 
He was born at Preston, near New London, 
Conn., and was about seventeen years of age 



250 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



■when Arnold destroyed Groton. He was 
the next year drafted into the Revolutionary 
service, but his father took his place as a 
substitute. In 17^7 he removed to Paris, 
Oneida county, N.Y., and from thence, in 
1806, to Chautauqua county, where he has 
resided ever since. He was a volunteer in 
the last war with England, and was in ser- 
vice, at different times, from August, 1814, 
to 1815. 

Death of Daniel Dunham, a Revolu- 
tionary Soldier. — Daniel Dunham died, in 
Mexico, Oswego county, N.Y., at the ad- 
vanced age of ninety-eight years and seven 
days. lie was a participant in the battles 
of Bunker Hill and Camden and at the siege 
of Yorktown, and was one of the forlorn 
hope that first crossed the Delaware below 
Taylorsville, amid the floating- ice, and sur- 
prised the Hessian forces. He never was 
confined to his bed but one day; and that was 
the day previous to his decease. 

Cannibalism in Minnesota. — Six People 
Murdered and Eaten. — The Red River 
"Nor'wester" says: — Detailed accounts of 
a case, of cannibalism have lately been re- 
ceived. The victims were six in number, — 
a Salteaux Indian, and his wife and four 
children, — and the cannibal one of the 
youngest members of the family. 

Incredible as it may appear, the tale has 
been confirmed by too many to leave any 
doubt as to its correctness. The most re- 
liable version is as follows: — About the 
beginning of March, a Salteaux named Ke- 
wa-kie-sick, who wa*s wintering near Lac 
des Roseaux, went a short distance south 
of "Dawson's track'' to hunt moose. On 
his way he noticed in the snow the trail of 
Indians, who appeared to have been catching 
rabbits; and, while following along to visit 
them, he was startled by finding an Indian 
woman lying dead near the track. Her re- 
mains were so horribly mutilated as to lead 
him at once to suspect a case of cannibal- 
ism. To all appearance, she had been sitting 
snaring rabbits, when she was killed by being 
shot through the back of the head. The skin 
of her arms had been torn off by the mur- 
derer to be devoured. A short distance 
farther on the hunter saw a boy named Sha- 
way-gonaish, sitting by a little fire. He was 
about ten or twelve years of age, and had 
been cooking something which had the ap- 
pearance of human flesh. After a brief 
conversation, the hunter became convinced 
that the young wretch before him was the 
cannibal, and would have at once toma- 
hawked him, but forbore, lest in that event 
he himself should be accused of the canni- 
balism. 

Leaving the boy at the fire, therefore, Ke- 
wa-kie-sick proceeded to a tent close by ; and 
here a still more frightful scene met his gaze. 



Inside lay the bodies of an elderly Indian 
and four of his children, — all of whom had 
been murdered. The father had evidently 
been shot while sitting in the tent; and it is 
supposed that he must have been the first 
victim. Portions of some of the bodies were 
cut away ; and from their decayed appear- 
ance the hunter concluded that the murders 
had been perpetrated several days pre- 
viously, and that in the mean tima|the boy 
had been living on the flesh ! 

That a boy so young should thus be abl« 
to butcher so many people can only be ac- 
counted for by the superstitious dread with 
which the Indians regard a "Windigoo," oi 
man-eater. 

In the present case, the murderer could 
not have been urged to the commission of 
his crime by starvation. When the atrocity 
became noised among the tribes, Sha-way- 
gonaish was hunted from place to place; 
and at length, being found at the Lake of 
the Woods, he was chased into the woods 
and shot by his uncle. 



SUNDAY, APRIL 1. 

Finances of Connecticut. — The message 
of the Governor of Connecticut gives the 
receipts into the Treasury of the State for 
the year ending April 1, as follows: — 

For dividends on bank-stocks $26,470.00 

For taxes from towns 117,686.04 

For taxes from railroads ls.420.s5 

For taxes from savings-banks 44.1 ">7. 51 

For taxes on stocks of non-residents 10.765.30 

From other sources 21.954.86 

For bills payable 50,000.00 

Total §302,100.00 

The expenditures were: — 

State expenses and iuterest $222,270.05 

Bills payable 65,000.00— 2S7,270.95 

Cash in Treasury $!4.8S9.05 

The expenses of the year are $19,984.38 
less than those of tkz preceding year. The 
indebtedness of the State, after deducting 
the amount in the Treasury, and $968.31 due 
from the towns, is $84,142.04. 

There are 73 banks in the State, with an 

Acgresate capital of $21,626,167 

A circulation of 7.703.996 

Deposits amounting to 5,463,540 

Specie amounting to 950,138 

Specie funds deposited in Boston and New 

York for the redemption of their bills... 2,935.054 

The whole length of railroads built within 
the State is 602 miles, constructed at a cost 
of $29,831,532.04, of which $18,727,717.31 
has been paid in. The gross income lias 
been $3,527,903.79, which is an increase 
of $409,921.64. The net income has been 
$1,221,797.51, or four per cent, on the cost, 
showing an increase of $175,392.59. 

Ratification of the Cass-Herran Trea- 
ty. — The Washington " Constitution" of this 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



251 



day makes the official announcement that 
information has been received at the De- 
partment of State that the Cass-Herran 
treaty between the United States and New 
Granada, providing for the adjustment and 
payment of claims of our citizens on account 
of injuries received in the Panama riots in 
1856, has been ratified by the New-Granadian 
Government. 

Affecting Incident. — Baptism of a 
Dying Girl. — This day, in Albany, N.Y., 
several young people were baptized at Itev. 
Dr. Magoon's church. The first person bap- 
tized was a young girl, perhaps sixteen 
years old, in the last stage of consumption. 
She was literally arrayed in her grave- 
clothes: it being understood that the white 
robe in which she was baptized was to be 
worn by her wheij she was placed in her 
coffin. 

She obtained her mother's permission to 
be baptized, and then acquainted the pastor 
with her desire. She was brought to the 
pool in the arms of her uncle, attended by 
her mother, and lifted into the arms of the 
pastor, who gently immersed her head, after 
repeating the usual words. The scene was 
very affecting, causing some of the spec- 
tators to sob with emotion. 

She was so far gone that it was feared she 
might expire during the ceremony : yet after 
it was performed she expressed a wisli to be 
brought to the church in the afternoon, to 
partake of the Lord's Supper, — which was 
granted. After the supper, when in another 
room, she sang the doxology "Praise God," 
and when, in her carriage, Dr. Magoon asked 
her how she felt, she whispered, "I have 
fought a good fight." 

Death of Isaac Townsend. — In New 
York, this day, Mr. Isaac Townsend, a 
wealthy retired merchant, died, at his resi- 
dence in West Twenty-Fifth Street, in the 
fifty-fifth year of his age. 

Stabbing-Affray. — Revenge for a Mur- 
dered Brother. — This day, at Vicksburg, 
Miss., a stabbing-affair occurred on Mul- 
berry Street, near the bar-room of John 
Reine, in the afternoon, between Matt De- 
yare and a man named Shanehan. It seems 
that Shanehan killed Deyare's brother, at 
some place in Missouri, about four years 
ago, and was trieil and acquitted. Tiie latter 
met the former at Vicksburg, this day, and 
followed him until he got an opportunity, 
when he stabbed him in the neck, cutting 
the jugular vein. The wound, it is thought, 
will prove fatal. Deyare made his escape. 

Fire at Danville, Pa. — This day, in Dan- 
ville, Pa., the Mansion House, Scioth's res- 
taurant, Brown's saloon. Savage's jewelry- 
establishment, and Doran's tailor-shop were 



destroyed by fire. Loss, $15,000: partially 
insured. Fire supposed to be the work of 
an incendiary. 

The Oldest Man in the United State* 
Dead. — This day, Manuel Pinto died at Sai 
Benito, California, having just passed hi 
one hundred and twentieth birthday. 

Albany (N.Y. ) Nominations. — The De 
mocrats nominated, this day, in Albany 
N.Y., for Mayor, George H. Thatcher; Re- 
corder, Charles Austin ; Police-Justice, John 
0. Cole; Justice of Justices' Court, John 
J. Gallup; Assessor, James Boyle. 

The " Hard" section of the Democracy 
nominated for Mayor, Hiram Perry; Re- 
corder, Matthew McMahon; Police-Justice, 
John 0. Cole; Justice of Justices' Court, 
.1. W. Mattice; Assessor, J. W. Blanchard; 
City Superintendent, N.D., M. Dugan; City 
Superintendent, S.D., C. McCluskey. 

Shocking Murder in Virginia. — This 
day, a cruel and deliberate murder was 
committed, in Floyd county, Va., by a man 
named Ambrose Cox. A correspondent of 
the Wytheville " Times" gives the subjoined 
particulars of the affair: — 

Capt. Luke Cox, the father of Ambrose, 
had recently divided a piece of land between 
his two daughters, one of whom had mar- 
ried a gentleman by the name of Moore. 
Ambrose became angry, it is said, on hear- 
ing of the division, and swore that Moore 
should never enjoy any of the advantages of 
the land. — that he would shoot him, and put 
an end to it at once. These threats were made 
coolly and deliberately and at different times, 
and a few days ago he determined to carry 
them into effect. He invited a brother-in- 
law of his, in presence of two witnesses, to 
go home with him that night, and remarked 
that he '-intended raising the devil on the 
creek that night." He visited Moore's house, 
and the family, seeing him coming with his 
rifle on his shoulder, and knowing of his 
threats, barred the door against him. He 
knocked, and they refused to admit him: he 
thereupon forced the door, and, taking aim 
at Moore, shot him through the heart. 
Moore's wife sprang before him, and he ac- 
tually fired over her shoulder. He then pro 
ceeded to load his gun, after which he wen' 
away. He was arrested the next day, and i; 
now confined in Floyd jail. Mr. Moore die 
in the course of an hour. Cox has shot at 
men before, and stabbed others, — among 
them members of his own family, not ex- 
cepting his father, whom he has maltreated 
time and again. 

Brutal Murder at Albany. — Another 
brutal murder, growing out of the late strike 
of the moulders of Albany, was perpetrated 
this day. The victim was a moulder named 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



Michael Burke, an employee at the Eagle 
Foundry. The murderer is a "striker" 
named Terence Leavy. Leavy seized Burke 
as he was returning home from his work, 
and inflicted four stabs, — one in the temple, 
one in the eye, one in the shoulder, and the 
last and fatal one in the heart. When the 
officers attempted to arrest Leavy, he drew 
a knife upon them; and it became necessary 
to call several persons to their assistance 
before the desperado could be overpowered. 
Leavy is now in jail. This is the fifth out- 
rage, noticed by the Albany papers, growing- 
out of the moulders' strike in that city. 

The Slaver Orion. — In Boston, this day, 
Morgan, Chamberlain, and Dunning, late 
officers of the bark Orion, an alleged slaver, 
were held in $5000 each for trial. 

Mutiny and Murder. — This day, the 
whaling-schooner llienzi, of Provincetown, 
on the south side of Porto Bico, fell in with 
a brig of about three hundred tons, aban- 
doned, with all sail set, having on board a 
large quantity of provisions and rum, and 
otherwise fitted for a slaver. Bullet-holes 
were found in the doors in the cabin, which 
apartment was much disfigured, as if an 
affray had taken place. She had no papers, 
colors, or any thing on board whereby she 
could be identified. She afterward proved 
to be the brig Don Juan, (Spanish,) having 
been the scene of murder and piracy, near 
the island of St. Thomas, for the sum of 
$80,000 which the captain had on board for 
the purposes of the slave-trade. Eight of the 
crew were discovered at Havana, and put in 
prison. There were found upon their per- 
sons from seventy to eighty doubloons each. 
Five were found at Porto Bico ; four had em- 
barked for Cadiz ; and four were supposed, 
from their description, to be in the city of 
New York. 



MONDAY, APEIL 2. 

Affray in Newark, N.J. — Man Killed 
f.y Stabbing. — In Newark, N.J., this day, 
about eleven o'clock at night, a scuffle 
took place in South Market Street, opposite 
the Globe Foundry, between two men, named 
John Masterson and Herman Volker, in 
which the latter drew a large dirk-knife and 
plunged it into the abdomen of Masterson, 
inflicting wounds from which he afterward 
died. A Newark paper says : — 

The circumstances, as detailed by a reli- 
able witness, are as follows. Masterson, 
who is in the employ of Mr. Abraham Tur- 
bet, corner of Madison and Downing Streets, 
in the Fifth Ward, had been engaged during 
the day in moving furniture with a horse aud 
wagon, and in the evening entered the beer- 
saloon of Carl Grunewalder, No. 161 South 



Market Street, nearly opposite Adams, in 
company with a friend, and indulged pretty 
freely in "refreshments." Other parties 
were playing games at bagatelle, for drinks, 
in this saloon, when two of the ivory balls 
were discovered by one of the players to be 
missing. Masterson, who sat close by, was 
suspected of concealing the missing balls in 
his pocket. Mrs. Grunewalder indignantly 
charged him with the larceny, which the 
former stoutly denied, and endeavored to 
push the woman away from him. Mrs. G. 
then struck Masterson in the face several 
times with her fist. Excitement ensued, 
which brought several friends of the land- 
lady to her assistance. A general melee 
followed, in which Masterson received a 
severe pummelling, during which one of the 
party (Volker) was observed to brandish a 
knife. Finally, the friends of Masterson 
advised him to leave the premises, and ac- 
companied him to his residence, where, 
maddened with rage at the beating he had 
received, he broke loose from his friends 
and ran in the direction of the scene of the 
previous affray. It was then near eleven 
o'clock. In returning, Masterson met two 
young men, (one of them Volker,) opposite 
the foundry in South Market Street, and, 
having previously armed himself with two 
brickbats, was in the act of accosting them 
as his assailants, when he suddenly recog- 
nised, as he supposed, a friend, and dropped 
the brickbats. The friends of Masterson, 
who were in search of him, then came up, 
and sought to tear him away, telling him 
that one of the men had a knife, and that 
his life was in danger. Masterson persisted, 
finally clinching with Volker, and then 
took to his heels. Volker pursued, and 
soon overtook him, when, seizing his victim 
by the collar with one hand, he plunged 
the knife with the other into his abdomen. 
An alarm being given, Constable Goercke 
and Policemen Tyrrel, Dayton, and McCor- 
mick came up, and removed the wounded 
man to Dr. Osborn's office, in Ferry Street, 
who, with the assistance of Dr. Dodd, dressed 
his wound. The bowels protruded to a 
frightful extent, nine punctures being found 
upon them. Masterson was afterward re- 
moved to the police-station. Volker was 
formerly a policeman. 

The Portland (Oregon) Municipal 
Election came off this day, resulting in 
the election of an Opposition Mayor and 
Treasurer, and the remainder Democratic. 

The Japanese Ambassadors received 
this day, from the city of San Francisco, a 
grand public reception, at the largest hall in 
the city. The United States officers, limit 
civil and military, with the foreign consuls 
and State authorities, participated in the 
ceremonies. 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



253 



Fire and Loss of Life. — This day, at 
three o'clock in the morning, the house of 
Asa Warren, of Naples, Maine, took lire and 
was entirely consumed. Mr. Warren, having 
removed his wife, daughter, and infant, re- 
turned to rescue his son, a boy eight years 
old ; but both perished. From appearances, 
it seems that he reached the room where the 
child was, and, after arousing him, attempted 
to save his books, which were in the same 
room ; but the flames cut oft' their egress. 
In making her escape, the daughter was 
considerably burned about the head. 

Forming a Provisional Government in 
Arizona by a Convention. — This day, a 
convention to form a provisional Govern- 
ment for Arizona, consisting of thirty-one 
delegates, representing all parties of the 
Territory, met at Tueson, and organized by 
electing James A. Lucas Chairman. In 
speaking of this convention, a correspond- 
ent of the "Herald" says: — 

The movement originated with the citizens 
of Eastern Arizona, who arranged all the pre- 
liminaries, fixed the time and place for hold- 
ing the deliberations of the convention, and 
even arranged the ratio of representation, on 
a basis, of course, which left Western Arizona 
in a considerable minority. The object of 
the establishment of a provisional Govern- 
ment was only a temporary measure adapted 
for present relief, designed to continue only 
till they were provided by Congress with a 
Government. A Constitution was adopted, 
which made the boundaries the same as those 
io the bill before Congress, viz. : ninety 
thousand square miles. There was to be a 
Senate and House of Representatives. The 
mis were not to continue more than 
thirty days, — the members to be elected for 
one year, — the Senate to consist of nine, 
the House of eighteen, members. Thirty 
days' residence were required to vote, and 
six months to hold office. The first Governor 
was chosen by the Convention, afterward to 
be elected by the people, — the term of his 
office to be one year. 

The Governor is invested with absolute 
veto-power over all and every act of the Ter- 
ritorial Legislature, from which there is no 
appeal. He is made commander-in-chief 
i;f the militia, may grant pardons for of- 
fences against the laws of the Territory, and 
is otherwise invested with the usual authority 
of executive officers. He is also empowered 
to appoint, by advice and consent of the 
Senate, a Lieutenant-Governor, who shall 
succeed to the duties of the office of Governor 
in case of a vacancy by death or resignation, 
lie is also invested with the appointment of 
a Secretary of State, a Comptroller, a Trea- 
surer, Marshal, three District. Judges, At- 
torney-General, and Prosecuting Attorney 
for each district. 

The Legislature is expressly forbidden to 



levy a direct tax upon the people of the Ter- 
ritory. Dr. L. S. Owings, of Mesilla, was 
elected Governor. The Convention adjourned 
to meet next day. 

Six Children Burned to Death. — This 
day, in Orion, Richmond county, Wis., the 
house of Mrs. Ragan, while she was absent 
overnight at a neighbor's, was burned to the 
ground, and six children perished in the 
flames. The oldest was eleven years of age. 
They were all the children she had. Mrs. 
Ragan lost her husband about three months 



Municipal Election. — In Toledo, Ohio, 
this day, the Central Kepublicnn ticket, with 
the exception of one councilman, one as- 
sessor, and one constable, was elected by 
average majorities of one hundred and 
seventy. 

In Cincinnati, tliis day, the Democrats 
elected their entire ticket by an average ma- 
jority of seven hundred. The Democrats 
elect nine councilmen, and the Republicans 
eight, 

In Dubuque, Iowa, this day. the Op- 
position elected their mayor, marshal, and 
five councilmen, and the Democrats one 
councilman and the balance of the city 
officers. 

In St. Louis, this day, the Republicans 
carried five wards, and the Democrats three, 
for councilmen. There were no party nomi- 
nations in the other two wards, from which 
the Independent candidates are elected, 

Duel. — This day, a duel with swords was 
fought at the Metaire Ridge, near New 
Orleans, between Mr. Manuel Blasco, Jr., a 
custom-house officer, and Mr. Laborde, a 
clerk in an importing-house. The affair 
ended in Mr. Laborde's receiving a serious 
wound in the left side, just above the hip. 
The difficulty was said to have originated in 
a business misunderstanding. 

Beaten to Death. — In New York, this 
day, Peter Hall, a ship-caulker, was beaten 
to death at No. 514 Water Street, by an ac- 
quaintance named Patrick Murphy. 

Libel for Divobce. — This day, in the 
Supreme Court of Boston, a libel was pre- 
sented fe'om George H. Sprague, asking for 
a divorce from his wife. Mary Ellen Sprague. 
The woman is the "Mrs. Nelly Sprague" 
whose vagaries and eccentricities have re- 
cently furnished several items for the papers. 
The libel alleges that the parties were mar- 
ried on the 19th of October last, and that 
the woman committed adultery with Albert 
B. Hall, of Augusta, Maine, at Island Pond, 



254 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



Vermont, on the 14th of March, and at Chi- 
cago, on the 18th of March, at which time 
the parties were found living together. 
There was no appearance for the defence, 
and the counsel for the husband stated that 
the wife was sent to the insane-asylum at 
Somerville. 

The Arkansas Democratic Convention 
met at Little Rock, this day, and nominated 
H. Johnson, editor of " The True Democrat," 
a violent opponent of Douglas, for Governor, 
and W. W. Floyd, T. T. Courell, G. W. Taylor, 
and W. W. Leake, for Electors. Eight dele- 
gates to Charleston were also elected. The 
Committee on Resolutions made a report fa- 
voring the doctrine of squatter-sovereignty, 
which was at once unanimously voted down. 
The resolutions advocating the Congres- 
sional protection of slavery in the Territories 
was passed by a large majority. 

The Texas Democratic State Conven- 
tion was held at Galveston, this day. The 
delegates were instructed to withdraw from 
the Charleston Convention if the two-thirds 
rule was not adopted. 

Stabbing-Affray. — A Desperate Fel- 
low. — In New York, on the night of tins day. 
a difficulty took place at tho. corner of Tenth 
Avenue and Thirty-First Street, between two 
men, named Christopher Cox and John Sa- 
rocka, when the former drew a dirk-knife 
from his pocket and stabbed his adversary 
in several places about the body. The cries 
of the wounded man's wife brought Police- 
man Miller, of the Twentieth Precinct, to 
the scene of the conflict, when a desperate 
struggle ensued between the officer and the 
assailant. Cox made several attempts to 
dispatch the policeman with his long-bladed 
knife, but Miller managed to elude the 
thrusts and cuts that were directed toward 
him, and finally, by a well-aimed blow of 
his club, brought the desperado to the 
ground. The officer's coat and vest were 
cut in several places ; but luckily he sustained 
no further damage. 

Seniors, and perhaps Fatal, Starring- 
Affbay. — An affray occurred in a boarding- 
house, kept by James Fallen, in New York, 
about eleven o'clock on the night of this clay, 
in which a man named John Jones was 
dangerously stabbed by a man named 
James Levin. Jones was in bed, and Levin, 
who did not board there, came into the house 
and requested Jones to get up, as he wished 
to speak to him on business of importance. 
Jones dressed, and both descended into the 
yard, where hard words were made use of, 
and Levin stabbed Jones with a knife in 
different parts of the body. A young man, 
named Joseph Conroy, having been attracted 
to the spot hy the noise, seized a copper 



kettle and dealt Levin a severe blow on the 
head, thus putting a stop to further violence. 
Jones was taken into the house and attended 
to by physicians. Levin ran toward the 
Navy-Yard, and was soon after arrested in 
a saloon in Hudson Avenue. 

The Municipal Elections in Michigan 
took place with the following result on this 
day : — 

In Ann Arbor, the Republicans elected 
their Mayor and most of the city officers by 
increased majorities. 

At Adrian, the Republicans elected their 
Mayor by ninety majority. 

At Grand Rapids, M.L. Sweet, Republican, 
for Mayor, was elected hy fifteen majority. 

At Jackson, the Republican candidate for 
Mayor was elected by about thirty majority. 

At Owasso, Amos Gould, Democrat, for 
Mayor, had two hundred majority. 

At Ypsilanti. Fallot. Democrat, for Mayor, 
had over one hundred majority. 

At Niles, the Democrats elected their en- 
tire ticket by titty majority. 

At Pontiac, the entire Democratic ticket 
was elected by from ten to eighty majority. 

At Flint, Cold Water, and Hillsdale, the 
Republicans elected their entire tickets. 

The Connecticut Election took place 
this day. The Republicans elected their 
whole State ticket. The following were the 
candidates and the votes each received : — 
Governor, Buckingham. (Rep.,) 44,458; Sey- 
mour, (Dem.,) 43,917; Scattering, 10; 
Buckingham's plurality, 541. 
/. ieut. - Governor, Catlin, (Rep.,)44,453 ; Eng- 
lish. (Dem.,) 43,840; Scattering, 6; Cat- 
lin's plurality, 613. 
Secretary, Boyd, (Rep.,) 44,166; Stevens, 
(Dem.,) 43,835; Scattering, 9; Boyd's 
plurality, 331. 
Treasurer, Hendee, (Rep.,) 44,517; Kings- 
bury, (Dem.,) 43,791; Scattering,!; Hen- 
dee's plurality, 726. 
Controller, Buell. (Rep.,) 44,336; Taylor, 
(Dem.,) 43,859; Scattering, 9; Buell's 
plurality, 479. 

The official vote for Governor by counties 
is as follows : — 

Buckingham. Seymour. Scat. 

Hartford county 8753 8972 4 

New Haven county 8709 9765 2 

New London county 5672 5102 1 

Fairfield county 6921 7136 1 

Windham county 3700 2586 — 

Litchfield county 5203 4656 1 

Middlesex county 2942 3490 1 

Tolland county 2558 2210 — 

Total 44.458 43,917 10 

43,917 

Republican majority 541 

The Senate stands 14 Republicans, 7 De- 



13G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



255 



mocrats. The Republican majority in the 
House is 59. 

A Boy Killed by a Horse. — This day, 
a son of Joseph Glendon, who resides in 
Columbia township, Ohio, met his death 
under the following circumstances. The lad 
was engaged currying his father's horse, and, 
while in a stooping posture, the animal threw 
up his heels and kicked him with tremen- 
dous force directly in the breast, breaking 
every rib in his body. The lad fell back- 
ward, and expired almost instantly. Some 
time elapsed before the accident became 
known, and first by his father, who entered 
the stable and discovered the dead body of 
his son lying on the floor. 

Swindling-Transactions in New Or- 
leans. — This day, according to the "New 
Orleans Bee," an astounding disclosure was 
made among commercial circles by the arrest 
of Mr. Z. A. Rosenthal, a merchant who has 
hitherto stood high in mercantile honor and 
sustained the reputation of an irreproachable 
character. If the allegations sworn against 
him be correct, (and there seems to be no 
doubt as to their truth,) he is one of the 
boldest and most successful swindlers that 
has ever practised upon that confidence so 
customary between business men, and the 
upholding of which is so important to the 
untrammelled facility of commercial opera- 
tions. 

It appears that Mr. Rosenthal has been 
doing a very heavy business, speculating in 
sugars, groceries, and liquors, having his 
store on the levee, between Customhouse 
and Bienville Streets. Probably finding that 
he was losing money and would be com- 
pelled soon to suspend, he determined to 
play a bold game and secure a large amount 
of money by a wholesale abuse of the credit 
he possessed. For this purpose he pur- 
chased goods wherever he could obtain them 
in exchange for his notes, which he passed 
off to the extent of at least forty thousand 
dollars, which are held by a large number 
of brokers and merchants. Among the 
many whom he swindled are Theo. F. Well, 
for twelve hogsheads of sugar, worth $1000; 
Samuel Ewing, for twenty-nine hogsheads, 
worth $2032; James W. Demarest, for eight 
hogsheads, worth $090; Wurkum& Moses, for 
liquors, worth $900; Goldsmith & Barnett, 
for liquors, worth over $300; Pinckard, Steele 
& Co., J. M. Savage, Jonas Pickles, and Mr. 
Robertson, for groceries, and F. M. Fisk, for 
cotton-seed oil. Having shipped all of these 
goods off in different directions and realized 
the cash upon them, Mr. Rosenthal closed 
up his store last week, and, after sending 
notes to several of his heaviest creditors, 
stating that his life had been threatened 
and he was obliged to leave New Orleans, 
he had his heavy black beard shaved off, 



and, dressing in a red flannel shirt, col tonade 
pants, and a bandanna turban, he took up 
his residence in the outskirts of Gretna, 
thinking to remain incog, until it was sale 
for him to leave the locality. Unfortunately 
for himself, he came over to the city on 
Sunday night, about ten o'clock, and called 
upon Mr. Wenck, the lawyer, at that gentle- 
man's residence on Marais Street, to ask 
some legal advice. Some person recognised 
him even through his disguise, and sen! word 
to the Treme police-officers, asking to have 
him arrested. Officer McKay went to Mr. 
Wenck's house and took Rosenthal into 
custody. The next morning he was brought 
before Acting Recorder Benoit, when Messrs. 
Weil, Ewing, and Demarest made affidavits 
against him for obtaining money under 
false pretences. 

The Yazoo Valley Railroad. — The 
Jackson "Mississippian" announces that the 
vote in that city this day resulted almost 
unanimously in favor of a subscription of 
$100,000 to the Yazoo Valley Railroad,— 
which will make a total subscription of 
$100,000 for Jackson. 

Stripped, Cowhided, and Driven from 
Tin; Town. — This day, according to the 
Cleveland "Plaindealer," a negro arrived in 
Oberlin, Ohio, and begged refuge and pro- 
tection, claiming that he was a fugitive slave 
from Kentucky. As some suspicion existed 
as to his being a genuine fugitive, he was 
taken before the mayor for examination. 
The mayor, after a close examination, could 
not decide whether the negro was a fugitive 
or not, and declined having any thing further 
to do with the case. The negro left the 
mayor's office, but no sooner reached the 
street than he was seized by a gang of ne- 
groes, who stripped him, and cowhided him 
until the blood spirted from his face, back, 
and breast in torrents. He was then re- 
leased and told to leave town at once. He 
started; but the brutes, not satisfied with 
whipping him to death's door, pursued him 
for two miles with clubs and stones and 
hideous yells. 



TUESDAY, APRIL 3. 

Fire in Clarksville, Tennessee. — This 
day, in Clarksville, Tenn., Thomas & Co. 
and Larkin & Co.'s tobacco-establishments, 
with many other buildings, were destroyed 
by fire. 

Dead Body Found. — The body of a man 
was found in the bay opposite Moriches, this 
day. An inquest was held by Coroner Jarvis, 
and it was found to be the body of Jeffrey 
Hulse, seventy years of age, and who had 
daughters residing in Brooklyn. 



256 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[ArRiL, 



Cassius M. Clay and the People of 
Madison, Ky. — This day, the Hon. Cassius 
M. Clay publishes an appeal to the people 
of Madison county against the revolutionary 
committee of that county, from whom he 
escaped denouncement by a small majority 
last Tuesday, and who were to consider Ids 
case again yesterday. He said he advised 
Hanson and his associates to leave; that he 
has discountenanced the radicals, but that 
if the Bcpublicans are attacked they will 
defend themselves. His appeal embraces a 
letter signed by Frank Bland and George 
Holley, in which they say the troubles did 
not originate about Hanson, but because 
George West, who was sick of consumption, 
was maltreated and his daughter insulted 
with gross language. Mr. Clay concludes 
as follows: — " You may be strong enough to 
overpower me; but you cannot drive me from 
the duty I owe to myself, to my friends, and 
to my country. If 1 fall, I shall not fall in 
vain: and it will be enough for all long- 
cherished associations if perchance my blood 
shall atone for the wrongs of my race, and 
these States shall at least be free." 

John Brown Meeting. — In Albany, N.Y., 
this day, a John Brown meeting was held in 
response to an address from Hayti to citi- 
zens of Albany, congratulating them on the 
demonstrations made in honor of John 
Brown. Messrs. Barker Pillsbury, A. M. 
Powell, the Ilev. M. Miller, and others, ad- 
dressed the meeting, and addresses to the 
people of Hayti were adopted. 

Attempted Suicide. — In New York, this 
day, Sabine Kelly, eighteen years of age, 
residing in Baxter Street, near Leonard, was 
rem ived to the New York Hospital in a pre- 
carious condition, in consequence of having 
swallowed half an ounce of laudanum, with a 
view of suicide. She stated that she had no 
desire to live, as the man "she loved" had 
been incarcerated in the city prison for 
some offence against the laws. 

Incendiary Fire.— Arrest. — At Green- 
port, near New York, on the night of this day, 
an incendiary fire occurred, resulting in the 
destruction of four buildings. Fire was first 
discovered kindling from a bunch of lighted 
matches which had been thrown close to the 
door of a stable and feed-store on Franklin 
Avenue, corner of India Street, occupied by 
Osmer Benton. From thence the tire ex- 
tended to the three two-and-a-half-story 
frame dwelling-houses adjoining, all of which 
were consumed. The first was occupied by 
Mr. Bent i n, as a grocery and dwelling. His 
loss on stock was about $2000: insured for 
$1000 in the Mutual Insurance Company. 

The second dwelling was occupied on the 
first floor by Peter Ramon as a shoe-store, 
whose loss on stock amounts to S7U0 : in- 



sured for $1000. The second story was 
occupied as a dwelling by William Curran. 

The third dwelling was occupied by George 
Parmer, as a tin-shop and dwelling. Loss, 
about $200 : insured for $1000. 

The buildings were owned by Mrs. Bo- 
gardus, of New York, whose loss will not 
fall short of $5000. 

About eleven o'clock, an old, half-crazy man, 
named James Craig, was arrested by Officer 
Morris, of the Seventli Precinct, on suspicion 
of having set the building on fire. 

Two colored fellows were arrested for 
picking pockets, and one fireman for stealing 
an accordeon. 

Wm. W. Lyons, of Engine Company No. 
11, was run over by his engine, and sus- 
tained a fracture of both legs. 

Indian Outrage. — As three citizens of 
Comanche county, Texas, were returning 
home from Cora, this day, when four miles 
from that town they were attacked by seven 
Indians, and one of the men, A. L. Foreman, 
was killed, scalped, and his body mutilated 
in the most horrible manner. The other 
two men made their escape. Neither of the 
three had any arms. After killing Foreman, 
the Indians crossed the Leon and rode up to 
John Buggett's house, caught two of his 
children, a boy twelve and a girl ten years 
old, stripped them, and killed and scalped 
the boy, and lanced the girl in seven places, 
but she is recovering. Mrs. Buggett saved 
her own life, and those of five other children, 
by shutting the door and remaining in the 
house. 

Death of James Wood. — This clay, James 
Wood, formerly a confectioner on Chestnut 
Street, Philadelphia, died suddenly, in the 
sixty-fifth year of his age. In October, 1839, 
the deceased was brought very prominently 
before the public, by figuring as the principal 
actor in a painful tragedy, which caused a 
most intense excitement. Wood had just 
fitted up in a very showy style a confec- 
tionery-store in Chestnut Street, opposite the 
State-House. One of the principal attrac- 
tions of the place was his daughter, Sarah 
Ann, a pretty and modest girl, who acted as 
cashier of the establishment. This young 
lady was very useful to her father; but she 
frustrated all his purposes by marrying a 
man named Peak. When the marriage was 
discovered the father became much enraged, 
and the young wife was compelled to pass 
over the roof to an adjoining house in order 
to escape from him. She then joined her 
husband, and a day or two afterward she 
returned home, by invitation of her father, 
who appeared anxious for reconciliation. 
Soon after her return, Wood called her into 
an upper room of the house and deliberately 
shot her through the head with a pistol. The 
murder made a very great excitement, and 



1860] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER 



2-57 



the subsequent trial of the murderer, and his 
acquittal on the then novel plea of " moral 
insanity," agitated the public mind for some 
time. The business on Chestnut Street was 
carried on by Mrs. Wood until her death. 
Wood then went home to England, where he 
married a second wife, with whom he again 
came to this country, and fixed his residence 
in this city. Wood always shrunk from 
public gaze after the tragic event of 1839 ; 
and even those who knew his features well 
could scarcely recognise them, with the up- 
per part of his face concealed by the large 
green goggles which he wore for the purpose 
of disguising himself when he went abroad. 

Biting. — On this night, in Albany, N.Y., 
Mr. John Niblock was bitten on the cheek by 
a man named Meegan, who threw him down 
and for several minutes gnawed his face. It 
is feared that mortification or erysipelas will 
set in. 

Political. — The Vermont Republican 
State Convention met, this day, at Northfield, 
and elected delegates to Chicago. 

In Maine, the municipal election at Port- 
land, this day, resulted in the election of 
Joseph Howard, Democrat, for Mayor, over 
J. Jewett, Republican, by forty-eight ma- 
jority. The Democrats also elected four out 
of the seven aldermen, and twelve out of the 
twenty-one councilmen. 

In Milwaukee, Wis., at the municipal 
election, this day, Lynde, Democrat, was 
elected Mayor by one thousand majority. 
The Democrats also elected their Controller 
and City Attorney. The Republicans elected 
their Treasurer by from two hundred to four 
hundred majority. 

In Schenectady, N.Y., Benjamin T. Potter, 
Republican, was, this day, elected Mayor by 
four hundred majority over the Democratic 
candidate. 

The Democrats, this day, elected their 
ticket at Elmira, N.Y. 

The Pennsylvania Legisature this day, 
adjourned, after passing the bill to incorporate 
the South Pittsburg Coal Company, over the 
Governor's veto. Mr. Palmer, Opposition, 
of Schuylkill county, was elected Speaker of 
the Senate for the next term. 

St. Paul, Minn., this day, elected charter 
officers. John S. Prince, Democrat, wag 
choseu Mayor, by 1148 votes, to 1133 for 
Charles D. Gilfillan, Republican. Last fall, 
Becker, Democrat, for Governor, had two hun- 
dred and eighty-eight majority. The other 
Democratic city candidates this spring had 
two hundred to three hundred majority. 



Attempted Arrest of Frank B. San- 
born. — This day, Watson Freeman, Jr., De- 
puty U.S. Marshal, and Silas Carleton, De- 
puty Sergeant-at-Arms of the United States 
Senate, called at the residence of F. B. 
Sanborn, in Concord, Massachusetts, to ar- 
rest him. He refused to accompany them, 
when he was handcuifed and taken to a car- 
riage at the door, during which he strug- 
gled violently and the members of his family 
cried "murder!" "fire!" &c. The excite- 
ment spread, and the town-bells were rung, 
collecting a large crowd, by whom Sanborn 
was forcibly taken from the officers and kept 
out of their power until a writ of habeas 
corpus could be obtained, which was soon 
served upon the officers by John B. Moore. 
Mr. Sanborn makes the following statement 
in regard to the arrest : — 

"I at first offered no resistance; but when 
the handcuffs were put on I refused to go, 
not having heard any warrant, or seen any 
signatures, or been told the names of the 
officers, or the nature of my offence, so far 
as I can recollect. When they dragged me 
into the open air, without allowing me to 
put on my boots, overcoat, or hat, I called 
'murder!' and resisted with my feet as well 
as I could with four stout men holding me; 
they dragged me to the carriage, which had 
been brought up by a fifth or sixth confede- 
rate, and attempted to put me in. I broke 
the side of the carriage with my feet ; and 
my sister seizing one of the ruffians, they 
dropped me on my feet again. Again they 
tried to put me in; but my sister whipped 
the horse, which started, and foiled them 
again. They were still struggling with me 
and her, — five men against a man and a 
woman, — when the neighbors came running 
to my aid. The ruffians still attempted to 
kidnap me, but they soon found they were 
overpowered. Then, and not until then, 
did they read their warrant, in the street, 
by the light of a lantern, while I stood hand- 
cuffed and half clothed in their hands. This 
must have been fifteen minutes after my first 
seizure." 

At the hearing of the habeas corpus writ 
in the case of Sanborn, his counsel presented 
the following points: — 

1 . That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate 
of the United States has no power out of the 
District of Columbia, which is exclusively 
under the jurisdiction of Congress. 

2. That the precept for arrest being di- 
rected to the Sergeant-at-Arms by name, he 
alone can serve it. 

3. That the Sergeant-at-Arms cannot de- 
putize his power to others out of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia. 

After hearing the arguments of the coun- 
sel, Chief-Justice Shaw briefly reviewed the 
circumstances of the case, stating that it 
presented no conflict of authority between 
the Executive of the United States and the 



17 



25S 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL. 



[April, 



Executive officers of this Commonwealth. 
As to the first point taken, the court -were 
not prepared to say that the Senate could 
not have its precepts served outside of the 
District of Columbia. On the third point, 
that the Sergeant -at-Arms could not depute 
his authority to another person, there was 
no doubt, and all the court were agreed that 
he had no such authority. A warrant of 
this sort must be limited to the person to 
whom it is given by the Senate. The order 
of the court was that Sanborn be dis- 
charged. 

The rendition of this decision called forth 
demonstrations of applause, which were 
speedily checked. The court-room was 
thronged. 

Sanborn left with his friends for home. 

The hearing was before the full bench, con- 
sisting of Judges Shaw. Metcalf, Bigelow, 
Merrick, and Hoar. 

During the height of the clamor, Eufus 
Hosmer, a citizen, fell dead, caused by ex- 
citement on the occasion. 

Knights of the Golden Circle. — De- 
spatches from New Orleans this day say 
that two of the subordinate officers of the 
Knights of the Golden Circle publish a card, 
denouncing Gen. Bickley, the commander- 
in-chief, as an impostor. About fifteen 
hundred men are enrolled here, under the 
representation that plenty of money will be 
furnished to assist Juarez in Mexico, where, 
for such aid, land-grants. £c. are promised. 
This induced many to join: but there is no 
evidence yet of any bona fide movements. 

Suicide of William Bomberger. a Sol- 
dier of the War of 1812. — In Baltimore, 
this day. Mr. John William Bomberger, 
aged seventy-six years, residing with his son, 
at No. 712 West Baltimore Street, committed 
suicide by cutting his throat with a razor 
on the pavement of Schroeder Street, near 
Kaborg. He had been ill for some time 
with an affection of the lungs, and his phy- 
sician had given him up to die. He often 
remarked that he would rather die than live, 
which desire his family inferred arose from 
his infirmities and sufferings. About half- 
past five o'clock in the morning he arose from 
his bed, and. taking a razor, went round to 
Schroeder Street, and there, standing up 
erect, drew it twice across his throat, cut- 
ting a terrible gash almost from ear to ear 
and severing the jugular vein. Several 
police-officers who were just leaving their 
beats saw him immediately after the com- 
mission of the act, with the blood stream- 
ing from the wound, and conveyed him back 
to his home, where Dr. Neff was called and 
sewed up the gash in his neck. The wound, 
however, continued to bleed inwardly, and 
the aged victim died between nine and ten 
o'clock. He conversed with his family to 



the last; and his last words were, "God 
have mercy on me." The deceased, it ap- 
pears, had twice before attempted to destroy 
himself some years ago, — once with a razor 
and once by laudanum. After accomplishing 
the deed, he threw the bloody razor over a 
fence into a yard, where it was found. He 
leaves a family of grown-up children. He 
was a soldier in the War of 1812. 

Overseer Murdered by a Slave. — This 
day, in Helena, Arkansas, an overseer was 
murdered by a negro. The Memphis ' • Bulle- 
tin" gives the following particulars. It 
says : — 

We are informed that a difficulty occurred 
on the plantation of Mr. Samuel Otey, a few 
miles west of Helena, between the overseer 
and a negro slave, in the course of which 
the latter seized an axe, and with one blow 
upon the head fractured the skull of the 
overseer in such a manner as to produce in- 
stant death. The negro was immediately 
lodged in the Helena jail, from which, as 
our informant states, several attempts have 
since been made to rescue him, with the view 
of inflicting summary punishment upon him. 
We did not learn the name of the murdered 



WEDNESDAY, APEIL 4. 

Death of James Kirke Paulding. — 
This day. died at midnight, at his residence, 
at Hyde Park, on the banks of the Hudson, 
James Kirke Paulding, a contemporary with 
Prescott, Cooper, and Irving. He was a 
nephew of the celebrated John Paulding, 
the Peekskill farmer who with Williams and 
Van Wert arrested Major Andre on his re- 
turn from West Point. He is also a cousin 
of Commodore Paulding, of the navy. His 
brother William was a member of Congress 
from Westchester county, and subsequently, 
in 1821, was Mayor of New York. He died 
at Tarrytown. February 11, 18o4, and is 
now followed by the subject of this notice. 

James Kirke Paulding was born August 
22. 1779. at Pleasant Valley, in Dutchess 
county, State of New York. On the con- 
clusion of the Revolutionary War, the fa- 
mily returned to their former residence in 
the county of Westchester, whence they had 
been driven by that event, and where he 
received his education at a country school. 
At early manhood he took up his abode in 
the city of New York, where he resided, 
with occasional intervals, until some ten 
years ago, when he retired to his country- 
seat at Hyde Park, on the banks of the 
beautiful Hudson. Having been previously 
acquainted with the late Washington Irving, 
in consequence of a family alliance, an in- 
timacy took place which resulted in the 
publication of an irregular periodical called 
'•Salmagundi." Irving contributed the prose 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



259 



articles, and Paulding and William Irving 
contributed the poetry. ••Salmagundi"' sati- 
rized the follies and ridiculed the humors of 
the time with great prodigality of wit and 
no less exuberance of good nature. Re- 
cently, in an oration delivered on "Wash- 
ington Irving, the speaker alluded to •■Sal- 
magundi"' in the following language: — 

It is far more frolicsome and joyous. 
yet tempered by a native gracefulness. 
''Salmagundi'' was manifestly written with- 
out the fear of criticism before the eyes of 
the authors : and to this sense of perfect free- 
dom in the exercise of their genius the charm 
is probably owing which makes us still read 
it with so much delight ; and Paulding, 
though he has since acquired a reputation 
by his other writings, can hardly be said to 
have written any thing better than the 
of those which are ascribed to his pen. 

This youthful production, contrary to the 
expectations of its authors, became very 
popular, obtained a wide circulation, and 
awakened a spirit of emulation throughout 
the whole country. It would have been 
continued indefinitely, had it not been 
brought to an abrupt conclusion by the 
refusal of the publisher to allow the authors 
any compensation. The entire coUection 
was the production of Mr. Paulding and 
Washington Irving, with the exception of 
three prose articles and the poetical epistles, 
which were written by William Irving, an 
elder brother of the latter. The sue:- - 
this now well-known work probably decided 
the future course of the authors, who. how- 
ever, in future pursued their avocations 
separately. In 1813. Mr. Paulding pub- 
lished •• The Diverting History of John Bull 
and Brother Jonathan.' the most popular 
of all es : the next year, a poeti- 

cal work, called -'The Lay of the Sc 
Fiddle."' which was shortly followed 

pamphlet, entitled " The United States 
and England," which was called forth by a 
criticism in the " London Quarterly Review." 
on ■• Lachiquin's Letters.'" written by Charles 
J. Ingersoll, of Philadelphia. Having | 
part of the summer of 1815 in a tour through 
Virginia, he wrote his •• Letters from the 
South," containing interesting sketches of 
scenery, manners, and personal character. 
In ISIS he published a poem, called "The 
Backwoodsman." sketching the progress of 
the emigrant and his family from the old to 
the new States: in 1819. a second series of 
agundi:" in 1833, •• Konigsmarke." a 
novel, founded on the history of the Swedish 
settlements on the Delaware, the title of 
which he changed in a subsequent edition 
to that of --Old Times in the New World:" 
in 1824. "John Bull in America, or the 
New Munchausen:" and in 1^2'i. "Merry 
Tales of Three Wise Men of Gotham." a 
satire, levelled principally at Robert Owen's 
system of socialism, the science of crani- 



ology, and the great legal maxim of caveat 
emptor. After this appeared " The Traveller's 
Guide," or the -New Pilgrim's Progress," 
as he afterward called it. finding it was 
mistaken for a real itinerary: "The Tales 
of a Good "Woman, by a Doubtful Gentle- 
man." and -The Dutchman's Fireside," 
which has ever been regarded as the 
of his novels. It is a domestic story of the 
Old French War. This was followed by 
■■ Westward Hv '." a novel of forest life and 
Kentucky characters. In 1835 he published 
a •• Life of Washington," for the use of 
schools: more recently, -Slavery in the 
United States." and two novels, one called 
•'The Old Continental," the other -The 
Puritan and His Daughter," which was his 
last production. At the close of the War of 
1812. he resided some time at Washington 

• Secretary of the Board of Navy 
missioners, and in 1828, and for many year3 
afterward, was Navy Agent at New York. 
From 1837 to 1841 he was Secretary of the 
Navy, under the Van Buren Administration, 
since which he has withdrawn from public 
life. Though several of Mr. Paulding's works 
have been translated and published abroad, 
they appear to have been written exclusively 
for his own countrymen, and are not so well 
known in Europe as those of many of his 
contemporaries. His collected works em- 
brace twenty-five volumes, and his anony- 
mous productions, dispersed in various 
periodicals and newspapers, would probably 
make as many more. 

Fkaudttlknt Notices of Marriages, etc. 

— The following is among the acts passed 

by the Legislature of Massachusetts at its 

late session : — An Act concerning Fraudulent 

js of Births. Marriages, and Deaths. 

Be it enacted, ice. as follows: Any per- 
son who shall wilfully send to the publishers 
of any newspaper, for the purpose of publi- 
cation, a fraudulent notice of the birth of a 
child, or of the marriage of any parties, or 
of the death of any person, shall upon 
conviction thereof be punished by a fine 
not exceeding one hundred dollars. 

Approved April 4. 1S60. 

ASEIVAL OE A LITTLE GlEL WHO HAD EEEX 

Captive among the Indians. — This day, 
arrived at Tueson. Arizona. Captain R. S. 
Ewell. commandant of Fort Buchanan, bring- 
ing home the little girl who has been for 
some sLxteen days in captivity among the 
Indians. She was captured with Mrs. Page 
on the 16th of March. 

Texan Ran.. the Rio 

Grande. — This day. seventy Texan Rangers 
crossed the Rio Grande and entered Rey- 
nosa, and made a demand of the alcalde for 
some of Cortinas's bandits, who were known 
to be in that town. 



260 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



The alcalde refused to deliver them, alleg- 
ing as a reason that they were his country- 
men, and that he did not know whether they 
were guilty or not. 

The Rangers, having intimated their in- 
tention to take these bandits, unless they 
were peaceably delivered to them, were as- 
sured by the armed multitude that the citizens 
were ready to repel with arms, even to the 
death, any attempt that might be made to 
molest those persons. The Rangers there- 
fore retired to this side. 

Exhumation of a Skeleton. — Supposed 
Murder. — Charles S. Peterson, while dig- 
ging near the railroad-station in Plymouth, 
Mass., this day, on a piece of made land, 
came upon a human skeleton buried in a sit- 
ting-posture, about a foot below the surface. 
A small fragment of clothing, and a pair of 
stout sewed shoes with copper nails in the 
heel, were found with it. The skull was 
fractured near one eye, and the left temple 
broken in, giving evidence of foul dealing. 
Some suppose the remains may be those of 
a sailor named Bodd, who left his boarding- 
house in Water Street one evening about 
twenty years ago and has never been heard 
of since. He had several hundred dollars 
in his possession at the time. Measures 
have been taken to preserve the fragments 
for investigation. 

Destruction of the Ship Z. D. by Fire. 
— This day, in the port of Buenos Ayres, the 
ship Z. D., Fairfield, master, of Salem, was 
burned. She was loaded with wool and hides. 
There was a full insurance on cargo and 
ship. It was undoubtedly the work of an 
incendiary, as during the last ten months 
there have been five burned in that harbor, 
and, it is believed, all by incendiaries. 

Death of the Last Survivor of the 
Battle of King's Mountain. — This day 
died Captain William Beatie, the oldest 
man, perhaps, in Southern Virginia, at the 
residence of his son, Madison Beatie, near 
Glade Spring, Va. Capt. Beatie was about 
one hundred years old, and was the last 
survivor of the King's Mountain veterans 
from Virginia. He was an honest, upright, 
kind-hearted, Christian gentleman, and was 
beloved and venerated by all who knew him. 
He had been blind for many years, and for 
that reason had lived very retired. 

Nebraska would not be a State. — This 
day, the State organization for Nebraska 
was voted down by 300 majority, the whole 
vote being about 5000 for and against. 
But little interest appears to have been 
taken in the question. 

Fast-Day. — In Boston, this day, business 
was generally suspended, the day having 



been set apart as a day of fasting and 
prayer. The churches were well filled in 
the morning, and during the afternoon and 
evening the streets and theatres were 
thronged with people. 

Committed for Rape. — In New York, 
this day, a loathsome cripple, moving about 
with crutches, named Peter Schartf, was 
put on trial for committing a rape on a little 
girl ten years of age, named Margaret Bra- 
ger, the daughter of the mistress in whose 
house he resided, imparting to her a vile 
disease. He occupied a room on an upper 
floor, and the little girl, out of pity for his 
helplessness, habitually brought him his 
food from the grocery. 

The resistance of the girl was not very 
clearly proved, and the jury returned with 
a verdict of an attempt to commit rape ; for 
which the court sentenced him to five years 
and six months in the State prison. 

Railroad Sold. — Parties in Albany, this 
day, purchased the Albany & Vermont 
Railroad. The road runs from the city of 
Albany to Eagle Bridge, Washington county. 
The amount paid was $307,000. It cost 
$2,600,000. A new Board of Directors, 
a majority of them residing in Albany, were 
chosen. 

A Bank-President invited back after 
being Removed. — This day, the Bank of 
Central New York rescinded their action 
for the removal of Mr. Matteson from the 
presidency of that institution, and invited 
him to resume the duties of that office. 

Arrested for Kidnapping. — This day, 
Captain Barclay, of the British schooner 
Alice Rogers, of St.. Johns, N.B., from 
Montego Bay, Jamaica; bound to Philadel- 
phia, with sugar and dyewood, offered to 
sell, in Hampton Roads, two free negroes, 
whereupon he was arrested, and the vessel 
taken in charge by the authorities. 

Murder in Newark, N.J. — This day, 
John Masterson, an Irishman, about thirty- 
two years old, died from the effects of a 
stab in the bowels from a dirk-knife in the 
hands of Herman Volker, in an affray on 
Monday evening. Volker is in custody. 
The coroner's jury found a charge against 
Volker, and he was fully committed. 

Crushed to Death. — In New York, this 
day, Frederick White, one of the conductors 
on the Second Avenue Railroad, while pass- 
ing through the depot, accidentally fell off 
the platform of his car and was crushed 
between the side of the car and the depot- 
wall. The injuries he received were of so 
serious a nature as to result in his death in 
a few minutes thereafter. His mangled re- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



2G1 



mains were conveyed to his late residence 
in Harlem. The deceased leaves a wife to 
mourn, his untimely fate. 

Ktlled. — This day, a 3 r oung man named 
Joshua Serman, brakesman on a freight- 
train on the Delaware Railroad, was killed 
at the Bear Station, New Castle county, 
Del., in attempting to couple the cars. 
It is supposed that in stepping backward 
he caught, his foot between a plank and the 
track, and, before he could withdraw it, 
the cars came in contact with it, breaking 
his leg and crushing his body in a shocking 
manner. He was placed on the cars, but 
died before he reached Wilmington. He 
resided at Bridgeville, and had a wife and 
one child. His remains were taken to that 
place on the train. He was about twenty- 
five years of age, and is said to have been 
a useful and steady hand. 

The Funeral of Governor Isaac Town- 
send took place, this day, from Grace 
Church, N.Y. A large number of influential 
citizens, among whom was General Scott, 
attended to pay the last tribute of respect. 
Hon. Fernando Wood and the members of 
the Common Council, the medical stall' from 
Randall's Island, and the Board of Alms- 
house Governors, were present at the fu- 
neral, and followed the body of their de- 
ceased friend to its last resting-place. 

The body was dressed in citizen's clothes, 
and placed in a handsome rosewood coffin 
lined with white satin and studded with 
silver nails. 

Election in Rhode Island. — This day, 
the election for State officers came off in 
Rhode Island. The vote for Governor stood 
as follows : — 

Republican. Union. 

Counties. Padelford. Sprague. 

Bristol 622 044 

Kent 1012 1460 

Newport 1547 1542 

Providence 6007 7237 

Washington 1647 1412 

Total 10835 12295 

Majority for Sprague, 1460. 
The opposition to Mr. Padelford con- 
sisted of Democrats, Americans, and dis- 
affected Republicans, who called themselves 
Conservatives. The Republicans were also 
in a minority in the Legislature. Mr. 
Sprague had not heretofore acted with the 
Democratic party, it being asserted that 
he was an Old-Line Whig, and latterly a 
Conservative Republican. He is quite a 
young man, not thirty years of age, a calico- 
manufacturer, and the wealthiest man in 
the State. He is a partner in a leading 
New York mercantile house. 

Ajj Exciting Trial. — William II. Berk- 



ley was tried in King and Queen county, 
Va., on this day, for shooting and killing 
Joseph Broach. A letter to the " Richmond 
Enquirer" says the charge was admitted, 
and justified upon the plea that Broach 
had wilfully and maliciously slandered his 
daughter, a young lady still in her teens and 
at school. The court, after hearing the 
evidence, without argument from counsel, 
discharged the prisoner, who is one of the 
most respectable citizens of the county. 
The trial created intense excitement. ; and, 
when the verdict was announced, the whole 
crowd of spectators rose to their feet and 
gave vent to the most hearty approbation. 



THURSDAY, APRIL 5. 

Imprisoned for Circulating Helper's 
Book. — Harold Wyllis was this day con- 
victed, at Greenville, South Carolina, of cir- 
culating Helper's book, and sentenced to 
one year's imprisonment. The Greenville 
(S.C.) "Patriot" says:— 

On Thursday afternoon last, in the inter- 
val between the morning and evening session 
of our court, several incendiary documents 
were committed to the flames, in the pre- 
sence of a large crowd, in front of the court- 
house door. These objectionable works — 
consisting principally of the "Impending 
Crisis" — had been put in circulation in the 
district by Harold Wyllis, who has been 
convicted of the offence and sentenced to 
one year's imprisonment. The pile of fuel 
was placed in order by an intelligent colored 
boy, (Bob,) who seemed to be as earnest in 
the matter as any one present. Contribu- 
tions to the pile were made by citizens of 
Laurens, Pickens, and Spartanburgh. The 
match being applied by Bob, and the com- 
bustible matter having been made a little 
more combustible by a good sprinkling of 
alcohol, the books were consigned to the 
flames by the chief marshal of the town, 
and were soon destroyed. 

Distressing Calamity. — This day, a 
young man engaged in the Codorus Iron- 
Works at York, Pa., named Charles Bussey, 
met with an accident which rendered him 
totally blind. It appears that while he was 
engaged in pouring molten spelter into 
moulding-boxes containing wet sand, the 
metal exploded, throwing a quantity into 
his face and eyes, and burning him in a 
shocking manner. His eyes are entirely 
destroyed. 

Drowned. — In Boston, this day, C. E. 
Whitney and A. A. Osborne, respectable 
young clei'ks of this city, were drowned in 
Charles River by the upsetting of a boat. 

Reception of the Japanese Embassy.— 



202 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



April, 



This day, the United States Senate passed Mr. 
Mason's resolution appropriating §50,000 for 
the entertainment of the Japanese embassy, 
to be expended under the direction of the 
Secretary of State. 

Suicide of a Wife through Jealousy. 
— In New York, this day, Mary Ann Latson, 
wife of William 13. Latson, a dentist, com- 
mitted suicide through jealousy. It ap- 
peared from the testimony elicited that the 
deceased had been exceedingly jealous of 
her husband for a number of years, in con- 
sequence of his profession bringing him in 
contact with so many ladies. She had often 
begged of him to give up his business and 
do something else ; but he had refused to do 
so. On Wednesday morning, a disagree- 
ment occurred between them, — Mr. Latson 
taking some money from her bureau-drawer, 
to which she objected. Some hard words 
appear to have passed between them at that 
time ; after which, Mr. Latson went into his 
office, in the same building, and attended to 
his work. He did not see his wife again 
till about six o'clock in the evening, when 
he found her lying on the floor of her own 
room, and quite dead. After having quar- 
relled with her husband, Mrs. Latson ap- 
pears to have gone out with a market- 
basket and purchased a quantity of char- 
coal. Returning to her room, she had care- 
fully stopped the crevices around the win- 
dows with cotton, filled a furnace with the 
coal, set it on fire, and laid down to die. 
When found, she was lying on the fioor with 
a pillow under her head, her arms folded 
and her limbs straight. A strong odor of 
charcoal-gas pervaded the apartment. Dr. 
Latson at once raised an alarm : the neigh- 
bors were called in, physicians sent for, 
and all manner of restoratives applied, but 
too late. The following note to her husband 
was written on an ordinary business-card, 
and left on a table in the room :— 

" Farewell, William. Forgive me for all 
the trouble I have caused you; but, recol- 
lect, your business has driven me crazy, 
and neither in pity for my body or soul 
would you change your ways. / am no 
thief: you could not mean that. Give my 
things to my dear sister, and something to 
Adeline and the children." 

A sister of the deceased testified that Mrs. 
Latson had been much depressed in spirits 
lately, caused by sickness and jealousy of 
her husband. She had often told her sister 
that she should kill herself, and had at- 
tempted to do so once or twice before. Dr. 
George B. Bouton made a post-mortem exa- 
mination of the body, when he found the 
lungs very much diseased and the liver 
somewhat deranged. From the congested 
state of the lungs and the history of the 
case, the doctor gave it as his opinion that 
death was caused "by inhalation of car- 



bonic gas, generated by charcoal." The 

jury rendered a verdict of " suicide." The 

deceased was a native, of England, and 
thirty-eight years of age. 

Found Drowned. — In New York, this day, 
the body of a man about twenty-five years 
of age was found floating in the East River, 
at the foot of Eighth Street. Coroner Jack- 
man held an inquest on the body, when it 
was ascertained, by papers found on the 
body, that the name of the deceased was 
Robert B. Cook. A number of papers were 
found in his pocket-book, and a memoran- 
dum stating that " twenty-five dollars will 
be paid to any one who will take this 
pocket-book to No. 413 Tenth Avenue.'' A 
verdict of "Death from supposed drowning" 
was rendered. 

Poisoned through Mistake. — This day, 
Mr. Thomas Heward, a citizen of Cleveland, 
entered a drug-store in that city for some 
brandy. Tht druggist was busy at the mo- 
ment, and Mr. Reward proceeded to help 
himself. As soon as he had swallowed some 
portion of the liquid he poured out, he re- 
marked to the druggist that he thought he 
had killed himself, and designated the 
bottle from which he had drank. It con- 
tained kreosote, and was standing where 
the brandy usually stood. Mr. Howard 
lived only about two hours. 

The Glover Rescue Case. — This day, 
Commissioner Miller, of Racine, issued a 
writ of habeas corpus in the case of Sherman 
M. Booth, in custody of the United States 
marshal, for inciting the rescue of the fugi- 
tive slave Glover, two years since. The 
marshal refused to obey the writ. 

Fire. — In New York, this day, a fire 
broke out in the steam planing and mould- 
ing mill of Messrs. Lawrence & Mowbry, on 
Second Avenue, between Fifty-Third and 
Fifty-Fourth Streets, and so rapidly did the 
flames spread that in less than fifteen minutes 
after the alarm was given the establishment 
was in ruins. The building was fifty feet 
front, forty feet deep, and three stories in 
8eight, the upper story being occupied by 
Mr. Abraham Cady as a sash and blind 
manufactory. The fire originated near the 
boiler and engine, and thence it communi- 
cated to some loose shavings and light 
wood. The foreman had barely time tp 
seize his slate, upon which the men's time 
was marked, and run out of the building, — 
the flames following close behind him. Mr. 
Cady, upon hearing the alarm, seized a door 
and' threw it out of the window, but, in 
turning to get another, was met by the 
flames: with his workmen he escaped by 
jumping from a window, retreat by the 
"stairway being cut off. None of the work- 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



263 



men saved any of their tools, and the stock 
of the occupants was entirely destroyed. 
Loss of Messrs. Lawrence & Mowbry, on 
stock and building, $10,000 : insured for 
$1000 in the Lenox, $1000 in the Rutgers, 
$1000 in the Williamsburg City, $1000 in 
the East River, and $700 in the Park In- 
surance Companies. Their safe was subse- 
quently recovered, and the contents were 
found uninjured. Loss of Mr. Cady, about 
$2000 : no insurance. A pile of lumber 
standing near the mill, belonging to Messrs. 
Brown & Stone, took fire and was damaged 
to the amount of about $2000 : uninsured. 
The origin of the fire is unknown. 

Fire in Manchester, Ohio. — This day, 
a fire at Manchester, Ohio, twelve miles 
above Maysville, destroyed forty buildings. 
Loss, $50,000: insurance not known. 

Death of Hon. Abijah Bigelow. — This 
day, Hon. Abijah Bigelow died at his re- 
sidence, Worcester, Mass., at the age of 
eighty-five years. He was a member of 
Congress for the Worcester North district as 
long ago as 1810, and continued in the two 
succeeding bodies, in company with Clay, 
Webster, Calhoun, Lowndes, &c. He was 
the oldest member of the bar of Worcester 
county, and for sixteen years held the office 
of Clerk of the Supreme Court for the Wor- 
cester district. 

Confessions of an Incendiart. — In New 
York, a short time since, the crockery-store 
of Dedace and Corne Morressett, No. 233 
Greenwich Street, was consumed by fire. 
A man named Jean Baptiste La Rochelle, 
who was in the place at the time, was so 
severely burned as to render his removal to 
the hospital necessary. It was suspected 
that the proprietors of the store had set fire 
to the place for the purpose of collecting 
the insurance ; and they were arrested by 
order of Fire-Marsh^ Baker. On this day, 
the marshal was inforoied that Rochelle was 
probably dying, and wished to see him. On 
visiting him, the injured man made the fol- 
lowing confession: — 

I, Jean Baptiste La Rochelle, now in the 
New York Hospital, being informed by the 
house-surgeon, Dr. A. T. Bell, and believing, 
that I am about to die, do affirm as follows. 
At about three weeks prior to the occur- 
rence of the fire in the crockery-stoi'e of 
Dedace and Corne Morressett, situated at 
No. 233 Greenwich Street, Dedace Morres- 
sett suggested to me that he wanted to burn 
out his store, as the man next door was 
doing a better business and causing him to 
move away. This contemplated burning 
was hinted at from time to time on the week 
prior to the occurrence of the fire. Dedace 
Morressett asked me to get some camphene. 



He gave me a glass jar and fifty-six cents 
to get one gallon of camphene. I went to a 
store in West Broadway, on the west side, 
near Thomas Street. I took this camphene 
to the store and gave it to Dedace Morres- 
sett. He put it away in the store some- 
where. The next day or two afterward, 
Dedace sent me for another gallon of cam- 
phene, giving me the money and a similar 
jar to bring it in. I went to the same store 
for the gallon of camphene. I took it to the 
store and gave it to Dedace Morressett. He 
took it from me and put it away in the store. 
On the day of the fire, Morressett stated to 
me that the fire was to come off that night. 
I was in and out of the store that afternoon 
and up to the time of the fire. At the time 
the match was applied to the camphene, 
Dedace Morressett, his brother, and another 
man and myself, were in the store. No 
other person was there. I saw the other 
man (whose name I do not recollect) apply 
the match. Morressett told me to throw 
my coat on the fire. I did so, and, in doing 
it, I capsized one of the jars of camphene, 
which must have spread itself over my 
boots, and which saturated me with cam- 
phene so badly, that I took fire and ran out 
of the store on the sidewalk in a blaze of fire. 
Before my escape from the store, I recollect 
that Dedace Morressett pushed me back 
against the fire. I think his object was to 
burn me along with the store. Dedace 
Morressett, as an inducement for me to as- 
sist him in the matter, promised to start me 
in a little place by myself. I have been 
acquainted with Dedace Morressett about 
ten or eleven years. I am fifty-two years 
of age, and was born in Montreal, Canada. 
I am sure, of my own knowledge, that De- 
dace Morressett. his brother Corne Morres- 
sett, and the other man, were concerned 
together in the wilful firing of the said 
store. The fire was done for the purpose 
of obtaining the insurance, and also to get 
satisfaction out of the man who kept the 
crockery-store adjoining. 

(Signed) Jean Baptiste La Rochelle. 

April 5, 1860. 

Witnessed by 
Alex. T. Bell, M.D., House-Surgeon, N.Y. 

Hospital. 
Thomas B. Ward, M.D., N.Y. Hospital. 

On being confronted with the two Mor- 
ressetts, Rochelle identified them both as 
the men referred to in his confession. The 
prisoners declined asking him any ques- 
tions, and were then remanded to the 
Tombs. 

Heavy Failure in New Orleans. — 
There was great excitement in that city 
this day, consequent upon the failure of 
one of the largest cotton-brokers, (Mr. W. 
E. Starke,) whose cash-liabilities are va- 



264 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



riously stated at from $350,000 to $400,000. 
The sheriff has attached four thousand bales 
of cotton, — a portion of his recent purchases, 
not yet shipped or relieved from the seller's 
lien. The losses are divided between a con- 
siderable number of parties, all of whom are 
believed to be abundantly able to bear them. 
This is the largest failure of the kind that 
has occurred in New Orleans for many 
years. 

Wedding and Murder. — In Rockingham 
county, Virginia, this day, a most shock- 
ing, unprovoked, and horrible murder oc- 
curred at the residence of Mr. Hugh Devier, 
near North River, in that county. Mr. Wil- 
liam Price Sites and Miss Maria Agnes Devier 
were being married, a large and pleasant 
company being in attendance at the cele- 
bration of the nuptials. At a late hour in 
the night, (between eleven and twelve 
o'clock,) a party of men from the neighbor- 
hood, who had not been invited to the wed- 
ding, and who had probably taken offence 
thereat, stimulated by strong drink, deter- 
mined to annoy the wedding-guests and the 
family by blowing horns, firing guns, ring- 
ing bells, and other noisy demonstrations, 
near Mr. Devier's residence. Not wishing 
to suffer the annoyance, Captain James H. 
Devier, (son of Hugh Devier,) Mr. John H. 
Devier, his brother, and Mr. George C. Pat- 
terson, went out to expostulate with the 
disturbers of the peace and to ask them to 
retire. As the Messrs. Devier and Patter- 
son came out of the door, the noise-making 
party retreated into one of Mr. Blakemore's 
fields, near by ; and, supposing they would 
retire altogether, Messrs. James H. Devier 
and Patterson continued to follow one party, 
and Mr. John H. Devier another, without, 
however, using any threatening, offensive, 
or menacing language, and, of course, anti- 
cipating no harm. They had followed but 
a short distance, when one of the party, by 
the name of Smallwood, stopped suddenly, 
turned round, and discharged a gun, loaded 
with buckshot, at Captain Devier, killing 
him almost instantly. Several of the shot 
entered his forehead, neck, and face, and he 
fell without uttering a word. Mr. Patter- 
son was about five feet from him when he 
fell, but received no injury. 

The dreadful tragedy created the greatest 
excitement possible in the neighborhood, as 
Captain Devier was universally esteemed for 
his noble qualities. He leaves a widow and 
two children to bewail their sudden and un- 
expected bereavement. 

The murderer fled immediately after dis- 
charging his gun. He dropped his hat and 
gun in his flight. He had resided on Cap- 
tain Devier's land up to the evening of the 
tragedy, and had received nothing but 
kindness at the hands of his victim. What 
prompted him to slay his benefactor is a 



mystery known only to the Searcher of 
hearts. The murderer is also a manned 
man, and has a wife and two children, who 
have now to mourn over an act which has 
more than widowed and orphaned them. 
Warrants were issued for the arrest of 
Daniel Hansberger, Addison Hansberger, 
James Hansberger, Samuel Cook, Samuel 
Thuma, John Cook, Robert Reeves, James 
Shepherd, and Franklin and Robert Small- 
wood, all of whom were suspected of having 
connection with the dreadful affair which 
has terminated so tragically. All the par- 
ties named, with the exception of Frank- 
lin and Robert Smallwood, were arrested 
and taken before Justices Dice, Black, and 
Speck, who, after an examination of the 
case, released Addison and James Hans- 
berger and James Shepherd, and held the 
others to bail in the sum of $500 each, to 
answer before an examining court, to be 
held in Harrisonburg. 

Demand on the Mexican Town of Rey- 
nosa to Surrender Cortinas's Band. — 
This day, the American forces having been 
considerably augmented, the commanding 
officer informed the Mexican authorities that 
they should have till six o'clock of the 6th 
to deliver the felons at the river, and that 
if it was not done, or any of them were al- 
lowed to escape from the town, they would 
be held responsible. 

There are about four hundred Texas and 
United States Cavalry at Edinburg, opposite 
Reynosa. 

The citizens of Reynosa sent to Mat amor os 
for help. 

Seiior Garcia, a large property-holder 
there, and brother of Gen. Guadalupe Ga-r- 
cia, Commandante at Matamoros, has writ ten 
a letter, expressing a desire to have the affair 
so arranged that his property in Reynosa 
will not be endangered. 

Reynosa is a strong point, situated on a 
considerable elevation^and built mostly of 
stone : it contains soiftthing short of two 
thousand inhabitants. 

It was nearly opposite that place that the 
mail was robbed by eleven of Cortinas's men 
on the 13th of March. 

Fractured her Skull while Drunk. — ■ 
In New Orleans, this day, an inquest was 
held on the body of Eilen Moore, thirty 
years -of age, a native of Ireland, who frac- 
tured her skull by accidentally falling down, 
while in a state of intoxication, and striking 
her head against the curb-stone, in the Fourth 
District. Also, on the body of Bridget McCa- 
voy, aged thirty-two, a native of Ireland, 
found drowned in the river, opposite the 
Third District Tobacco-Warehouse. 

Shocking Accident in a Pennsylvania 
Coal -Mine. — Five Men Killed. — This 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



265 



clay, a terrible accident occurred at the coal- 
works of William B. Hays &Co., twenty-two 
miles from Pittsburg. Six persons were 
descending a shaft, being let down by a 
windlass,— when the rope broke, and they 
were precipitated one hundred and twenty- 
five feet. Five of the party were killed 
instantly. One was found alive ; but he ex- 
pired in a few minutes afterward. The 
names of the unfortunate victims are Thomas 
Martin and two sons, James Carline, and 
Michael Gilderoy and son. They were all 
miners, and three were married. 

Slaves Returning feom Freedom to 
Slavery. — A Virginia paper of this date 
says : — 

About five years since, William Burnett, 
of Mecklenburg, Va., left his slaves free, 
and provided for their removal to Ohio. 
Last week one of them, named Isaac, re- 
turned from Ohio and applied to be enslaved 
to a gentleman in Mecklenburg. He said 
he was tired of freedom after a year's expe- 
rience in a free State, and that the other 
negroes who went out with him were anxious 
to return to Virginia on any terms, if they 
could get the means to travel with. 

Fight with Indians in Texas. — A Citi- 
zen Killed. — This day, William Jenkins, 
of Comanche county, went in pursuit of 
seven Indians, who had stolen his horses the 
night before, and came upon them, killed 
two, and whipped the other five. Jenkins 
was shot through the body with an arrow, 
but did not know it until the fight was over. 
He rode home, and died two days afterward 
from his wounds. A man by the name of 
Willis is said to have been with Mr. Jenkins 
at the time, but rendered him no assistance. 



FRIDAY, APEIL 6. 

Fire. — In Philadelphia, about one o'clock 
in the morning of this day, a fire broke out 
in the music-store of Mr. S. N. Marsh, 1102 
Chestnut Street, which did considerable 
damage to the stock. The flames were car- 
ried through a space between the stairway 
and the well to the roof, which was partially 
burned. In the second story is the millinery 
of Mrs. M. A. Kinnear, whose stock was 
damaged by water. The household goods 
of Mr. E. W. Shipley, who occupied the 
upper stories, were also damaged. Mr. 
Shipley and family made a narrow escape. 
The fire in the room in which it originated 
being chiefly about the stairway, their re- 
treat by that means seemed to be cut off. 
All, however, escaped uninjured. The stock 
of Messrs. Andre & Co., music-dealers, at 
No. 1104, was damaged; but the loss is fully 
covered by insurance. Mr. Marsh estimates 
his loss at $15,000, upon which there is an 



insurance of over $11,000. The loss of Mrs. 
Kinnear is not covered by insurance, nor 
that of Mr. Shipley. 

The Mormons. — A special despatch to 
"The Cincinnati Gazette" of this date says 
that the annual conference of the new or- 
ganization of the Mormons has been in 
session in Amboy. Many of the high-priests 
and officials were present, including young 
Joe Smith, who was inducted into the office 
of President of the high-priests. This or- 
ganization is very sanguine that they can 
induce young "Joe" to assume the Presi- 
dency and Seership. This result will super- 
sede the necessity of a conference to depose 
Brigham Young, as the Presidency of young 
Smith is acknowledged even in Utah. Such 
a conference had been proposed. Much bit- 
terness of feeling is manifested against 
Brigham Young and his party in Utah. 
Throughout the proceedings, and in the 
course of private conversation, Young and 
his counsellors were denounced as having 
separated themselves from the Church, and 
the people of Utah are to be preached to, in 
order to convince them that they have "given 
heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of 
devils." Polygamy, as a doctrine, was se- 
verely criticized, its practice denounced, and 
its practitioners are under anathema. 

Suit growing out of the Arrest of 
F. B. Sanborn. — In Concord, (Mass.,) this 
day, Silas Carleton, Deputy Sergeant-at- 
Arms of the United States Senate, AVatson 
Freeman, Jr., Deputy United States Marshal, 
and Messrs. Coolidge and Tarlton, appeared 
before Justice Ball, charged with assault and 
attempt to kidnap Frank B. Sanborn. They 
waived an examination, and gave bail in 
$2000 each to appear for trial at the next 
term of the Superior Court. 

Attempted Suicide in R,hode Island. — 
This day, Joseph Brewster, of Providence, 
R.I., while on a visit to sonie relatives in 
Preston, attempted suicide, in a fit of tempo- 
rary insanity. He cut his throat with a 
razor, and his wounds are believed to be 
fatal. 

Returned. — This day, Mr. Northwny, 
whose disappearance from Connecticut for 
some time had been noticed, returned home. 
He went away because the debt of the com- 
pany in which he was concerned troubled 
him, and came back because he saw it stated 
that he was a defaulter. He denies this 
charge, and wishes to meet his accuser. 

The Orion Slave Case. — This day, the 
captain and mates of the slaver Orion were . 
brought up for examination at Boston. This 
vessel, it will be remembered, was captured 
on the coast of Africa by the British steamer 



266 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



Plums, with eight hundred slaves on hoard, 
and the officers delivered to the United States 
squadron and transmitted to Boston hy the 
sloop-of-war Vincennes. Only one witness 
was examined before the hearing was ad- 
journed to Monday : this was the master's 
mate of the United States steamer Mystic, 
which fell in with the Orion before her cap- 
ture, and also afterward. The witness testi- 
fied to the appearance of the vessel on both 
occasions, and to the condition of the negroes 
on board when taken. 

An Infant on a Railroad-Track. — 
"Wonderful Escape. — This day, Thomas 
Hardin, engineer on the Albany & Vermont 
Railroad, discovered an infant, probably 
twenty months old, on the track, between 
West Troy and Cohoes. He reversed the 
locomotive; but before the train was stopped 
it had passed over the child, whom all 
thought was killed, but, to their surprise 
and joy, they saw the little one crawling out 
from under the engine, through the opening 
between the driving-wheels. 

Fire. — In Cincinnati, on the morning of 
this day, the building on the corner of 
Western Row and Columbia Street, occupied 
by W. W. Hamer & Co., manufacturers of 
grinding and bolting flour-mills, was entirely 
destroyed by fire. Loss, $20,000: insurance 
not known. 

California. — The following bills passed 
the California Legislature, this day, viz. : — 

The bill appropriating $250,000 to open 
nine wagon-roads over the Sierra Nevada 
Mountains has passed both branches of the 
Legislature. 

A bill has also passed appropriating 
$15,000 to survey and open the eastern 
boundary of the State. 

Also an act appropriating $10,000 to the 
deaf and dumb and the blind. It contemplates 
a State Institution. 

A bill has passed the Legislature appro- 
priating $30,00*0 for a State" Reform School 
at Marysville. 

Death in a Gymnasium. — In Newbury- 
port, (Mass.,) this day, a young man named 
Henry T. Pearson fell dead in a gymnasium. 
It appears that he was not a member of the 
gymnasium, but was present by invitation 
of some young friends, and had entered 
actively into the exercises. Though of only 
some sixteen years, and from rapid growth 
not solidly knit together, his first experiment 
at lifting was to raise four hundred pounds 
dead weight. He then put on the gloves and 
sparred with another lad about his own age, 
when he went across the room, and, without 
uttering a word, fell down and expired. 
He had been subject to palpitation of the 
heart. 



Three Men Stabbed in South Reading, 
Mass. — One Man Dead. — The night of this 
day, three men were stabbed in South Read- 
ing, near Boston, Mass., by a man named 
Thompson, — one of whom died almost in- 
stantly. The Boston "Traveller" gives the 
following account of the affair : — 

Two Irishmen arrived at South Reading, 
from Boston, in quest of employment, which 
they succeeded in obtaining on the premises 
of Mr. Cyrus Wakefield. In the evening 
they visited the house of an Irishman at 
which a wedding was to come off. The tene- 
ment occupied by the family where they 
visited was owned by an Englishman named 
Thompson, who lived in the lower part of 
the house with his family. During the 
evening the wedding-party up-stairs became 
quite convivial; and, some having reached 
the stage of intoxication, they made so much 
noise as to disturb the neighborhood, and 
particularly the family down-stairs. Mr. 
Thompson went up and remonstrated with 
them ; but they would not desist. He threat- 
ened that if they did not cease at once he 
would call an officer. About midnight, the 
tumult continuing, he left the house in quest 
of an officer. His departure was observed 
by the two Boston Irishmen, and one other, 
named Michael Foley, and they followed 
him. Finding himself pursued, and that 
the men were assuming a threatening atti- 
tude, Mr. Thompson, apprehending danger, 
turned and drew a knife, with which he 
stabbed all three, — one of the Boston men 
so that he died in a short time, and Foley 
and the other one so that they are not ex- 
pected to live. 

One of them had his abdomen cut open so 
that his bowels protruded. Thompson was 
arrested and brought before Justice Upton, 
and pleaded not guilty. He was fully com- 
mitted. 

Thompson is a laboring-man, and has a 
good character among his neighbors, who 
have always regarded him as a peaceable 
man. 

Thompson had provided himself with a 
large knife, in anticipation of trouble, on 
starting after the officer ; and he did not use 
it until he was assaulted by them. Michael 
Foley is a son of the man at whose tene- 
ment the wedding was. He was badly cut 
in the region of the kidneys. The other 
man, who was living at last accounts, is the 
one whose abdomen was cut open. 

Affray between Charleston Delegates. 
— This day, according to the Richmond "De- 
spatch," an altercation occurred and a fight 
ensued between two delegates to the Charles- 
ton Convention, at Knoxville, Tenn., which 
resulted in one of the parties having his arm 
broken with a stick in the hands of the other; 
whereupon the maimed man stepped back, 
and drew a pistol and shot his adversary, — 



i860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



267 



the ball taking effect m one arm and break- 
ing it, — when they were separated, both 
parties having broken arms. Both were 
lawyers, and residents of Knoxville, and 
named respectively Spencer and Graham. 
Notwithstanding their severe injuries, both 
expressed their determination to attend the 
convention. 

Death of Mrs. Eliza Howard Burd. — 
Mrs. Eliza Howard Burd, widow of the late 
Edward Shippen Burd, died at Philadelphia, 
this day, aged sixty-six. Mrs. Burd was 
a daughter of Woodruff Simms, a large 
shipping-merchant, formerly engaged in the 
Canton trade. Mrs. Burd's father died in 
1793, of yellow fever, while she was yet a 
child, and left her to the guardianship of 
Joseph Simms. Mrs. Burd was married at 
the age of eighteen to Edward S. Burd. 
He died in September, 1848, worth over a 
million of dollars. Though she expended 
her income profusely in charities, her estate 
has, nevertheless, grown, and increased to 
about half a million. 

The great bulk of her estate — including 
the two-tenths of her husband's estate, to 
the final disposition of which she was en- 
titled by the provisions of his will — was 
bequeathed to the vestry and wardens of 
St. Stephen's Church, for the maintenance 
of the Burd Orphan-Asylum of St. Stephen's 
Church, Philadelphia. The testatrix, in 
making this bequest, states that it is named 
in honor of her deceased husband, Edward 
Shippen Burd, Esq. The trustees of the 
bequest are authorized to procure a site 
near Philadelphia, in a healthy and airy 
situation, for the erection of such building 
or buildings as may be necessary to carry 
out the purposes of the bequest. 

The recipients of the charity are to be 
female orphan-children who have been bap- 
tized in the Protestant Episcopal Church 
and who are not less than four years of age. 
The testatrix defines her understanding of 
the word "orphan" to mean a child who 
has lost both father and mother, or one 
whose mother is a widow. In receiving in- 
mates to this institution, preference is to be 
given, first, to children born in the city of 
Philadelphia ; second, to those born in the 
State of Pennsylvania ; and, third, to all 
other female orphans of legitimate birth 
and of proper age. 

In all cases the orphans of Episcopal 
clergymen are to be preferred above other 
candidates for admission. The will pro- 
vides that at all times the Protestant Epis- 
copal Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania 
shall be a visitor of the institution, with 
power to inquire into the details of its 
management, and, if necessary, to institute 
legal proceedings to correct any abuses which 
may exist. It is also made imperative that 
there shall be a chapel connected with the 



institution, and set sacredly apart for reli- 
gious worship in accordance with the forms 
of the Protestant Episcopal Church ; and 
the religious training of the children is 
urged as an essential portion of the dis- 
cipline of the institution. 

Three thousand dollars a year was left 
to her mother, $80,000 to Dr. Ducachet, 
and the remainder, in different sums, to 
various relatives and friends. 

Death of Nahum Ward. — Died, this day, 
Nahum Ward, of Marietta, Ohio, aged se- 
venty-five. He was a distinguished citizen 
of that State, to which he emigrated from 
Shrewsbury, Mass., his native place, in 
1811. At that time the larger part of Ohio 
was a wilderness, and many of the first 
settlers of the territory northwest of the 
Ohio River still survived. 

Mutiny on the Ship Staghound. — Mur- 
der of the Second Mate. — This day, the 
crew of the ship Staghound, Captain Hussey, 
from Swatow for Havana, which put into 
Batavia, mutinied at Anjer, and one of 
their number stabbed the first and second 
officers, the latter mortally. Assistance was 
obtained from the British war-steamer Odin 
and the American vessel Continent, and 
the crew were confined. The ship was 
towed to Batavia by a Dutch war-steamer. 
The crew, thirty-eight or thirty-nine in 
number, were placed in confinement. The 
ship had three hundred and eighty Chinese 
coolies on board. 



SATURDAY, APRIL 7. 

Assaulted with a Slung-Shot. — In New 
York, the night of this day, a Swedish sailor, 
named Henry Dedrickson, living at 161 Wash- 
ington Street, was assaulted by a party of 
sailors and boarding-house runners, near the 
corner of Washington and Carlisle Streets, 
and knocked senseless with a slung-shot. 
The injured man was conveyed to the New 
York Hospital. 

There are two rival boarding-houses in 
Washington Street, the proprietors of which 
have runners and bullies to decoy sailors to 
their respective houses; and it is supposed 
that the assault upon Dedrickson was perpe- 
trated by persons interested in taking cus- 
tomers away from the establishment in which 
he was a boarder. 

Conviction for Murder. — This day, the 
trial of Stewart, (colored,) indicted for the 
murder of the boy Craig, at Woodbury, N.J., 
last fall, by throwing him into the creek, 
was concluded in the Gloucester county court. 
A verdict of murder in the first degree was 
rendered. 



268 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



Stabbing-Affair in Bordentown, N.J. 
— This day, Joseph Fostei% an old man, a 
plumber by trade, being very much intoxi- 
cated, made an attack upon three young men, 
in the street, in Bordentown, N.J., one of 
whom, a Spaniard, drew a knife and stabbed 
the old man, it is feared, fatally. The 
Spaniard was arrested and committed to 
await the result. 

Sudden Deaths in New York. — This day, 
a man named Josephs was found dead in bed 
at the dwelling of Mr. Van Brunt, in Sixty- 
Seventh Street, mear Ninth Avenue, under 
circumstances which left no doubt of his 
having died of disease of the heart. In the 
evening, John W. Stewart, of No. 104 Goerck 
Street, died suddenly while sitting in an arm- 
chair in his office. The body of deceased 
was conveyed to his late residence, No. 125 
Lewis Street, where Coroner Jackman held 
an inquest. 

Fatal Accident in Middletown, Conn. 
— This day, a man named Dunham was killed 
in the Middlesex quarry by the premature 
explosion of a blast. He wns blown into the 
air some thirty feet, and fell upon the rock, 
wounding him so that he lingered but a few 
hours. 

Killed by a Fall. — In New York, this 
day, an unknown man, about thirty-five 
years of age, apparently a laborer, fell down 
a flight of stairs at the saloon corner of 
Mercer and Houston Streets, while intoxi- 
cated, and broke his neck. The unfortunate 
man died almost instantly after being picked 
up. The body of deceased was taken to the 
Fifteenth Precinct Station-House, where 
Coroner Jackman held an inquest. Deceased 
was dressed in a mixed satinet jacket, blue 
cloth vest, and brown pants with patches on 
the knees. In his pockets were found a comb 
and a purse containing one dollar and seventy- 
seven cents. 

Suicide by taking Laudanum. — In Brook- 
lyn, N.Y., this day, a married woman, named 
Margaret Ratigan, residing at 301 Hudson 
Avenue, died from the effects of an overdose 
of laudanum which she took during the pre- 
vious afternoon. As soon as her condition 
was discovered, Dr. Little was called in, and 
the usual remedies were applied, but without 
effect, and she died. The deceased leaves 
three children. She was twenty-six years 
of age. No cause is assigned for committing 
the deed. An inquest was held by Coroner 
Horton, and a verdict of suicide was ren- 
dered. 

Attempted Murder. — This day, in Car- 
lisle, Ky., while James L. Stitt, deputy-post- 
master in that place, was sweeping out his 
office, he was called to the door by a young 



man named Ricketts, a medical student, who 
drew from his pocket a pistol, which he fired 
at Mr. Stilt, the ball entering just beneath 
his nose and dangerously, if not fatally, in- 
juring him. The cause of this rash attempt 
on Mr. Stitt's life was some fancied insult, 
which did not warrant any such procedure. 
The perpetrator was promptly arrested and 
lodged in jail. 

Death of the French Consul at Mobile. 
— This day, Mr. A. S. Dumee, late French 
vice-consul at Mobile, died in that city. 

Burning of the Cleveland Institute. — 
Singular Conduct of a Young Girl. — The 
Cleveland Institute for Young Ladies, at 
Cleveland, Ohio, took fire and was partially 
destroyed, this clay. While the building was 
in flames, (says a Cleveland paper,) an alarm 
was raised that a girl was in the burning 
building, and several rushed to her rescue. 
The girl proved to be Miss Minnie Le Compte, 
a young pupil from Canada, who was work- 
ing desperately to save some of the furniture 
from the flames. One of her would-be res- 
cuers being somewhat urgent in his entreaties 
for her to leave the burning building, she 
slapped his face, and, pushing him out of the 
door, resumed her furniture-saving exertions. 
Sheriff Wightinan and Deputy-Sheriff Benuet, 
thinking her danger imminent, ran up the 
blazing stairs to save her ; but she refused to 
let them approach her, continuing to throw 
from the window every article of furniture 
which she could succeed in lifting. Finally 
Sheriff Wight man was compelled to seize her 
vi et minis, and thus to remove her to a place 
of safety. 

Surrender of a Fugitive from Justice 
— This day, in New York, Patrick Murphy, 
who is charged with the killing of Peter B. 
Hall by kicking him to death in a fight which 
occurred at the saloon No. 644 Water Street, 
surrendered himself, and is now confined in 
the Tombs, awaiting his trial. The prisoner 
has been indicted by the grand jury. 

American Troops Fired at from the 
Rio Grande. — This day, the Mexicnn soldiers 
stationed at Reynosa fired into the Texas 
Rangers, commanded by Captain Ford, who 
were stationed in front of that town. The 
Rangers returned the fire, and put to flight 
the guard, which was stationed on the Rio 
Grande near the steamboat-landing. On the 
evening of the same day, Col. R. E. Lee, 
commanding the Department of Texas, ar- 
rived with two companies of United States 
Cavalry, under command of Captain Albert 
G. Brackett; and, as there had been con- 
siderable firing during the day, he despatched 
Lieutenant Thomas to learn the cause. The 
lieutenant returned about sundown, and re- 
ported to the colonel that the Mexican guard 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



269 



had commenced firing without any just cause 
for doing so 

Troubles in Kansas. — This day, it is re- 
ported that information from Southern Kan- 
sas gives rise to apprehensions of serious 
trouble in Linn and Bourbon counties, grow- 
ing out of alleged violations of the amnesty 
act. An attempt made by the Deputy Mar- 
shal to arrest Capt. Montgomery was effect- 
ually resisted. 

Divorce of Adah Isaacs Menken. — The 
following is the motion made in the court of 
Cincinnati for the divorce of Adah I. Men- 
ken, who claims also to be the wife of John 
C. Heenan. 

Court of Common Pleas of Hamilton County, 

State of Ohio. 
Alexander J. Menken, Plaintiff, ~| Petition 

vs. > for 

Adah Isaacs Menken, Defendant. J Divorce. 
The plaintiff says that he has been for the 
year last past, and more, a resident of the State 
of Ohio, and is now a resident of said Hamil- 
ton county, in said State. Plaintiff further 
says that he was married, in the county of 
Polk and State of Texas, to one Adah Bertha 
Theodore, (whom he prays may be made a 
party defendant hereto,) and that he has 
ever since conducted himself towards her as 
a faithful husband, but that the said Adah 
Isaacs Menken, regardless of her marital 
duties towards the plaintiff, did, on or about 
the loth day of September, 1859, at the 
house of a person whose name is unknown to 
said plaintiff, in the city of New York, in the 
county and State of New York, commit 
adultery with one John C. Heenan; and that 
the said Adah Isaacs Menken did, on or 
about the 5th day of October, 1859, at the 
city of Hoboken, in the State of New Jersey, 
commit adultery with said John C. Heenan ; 
and that since that time the said Adah 
Isaacs Menken has left the said plaintiff, and 
that her place of residence is unknown to 
said plaintiff. Wherefore the said plaintiff 
prays that he may be divorced from said 
defendant, and for such other and further 
relief as he may be entitled to. 

Johnson & Johnson, 

Plaintiff's Attorneys. 

Court of Common Pleas, Hamilton County, 

State of Ohio. 
Alexander J. Menken, Plaintiff, 



Adah Isaacs Menken, Defendant. 

And the said Alexander J. Menken, being 
first duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that on 
the 9th day of April, I860, he filed in the 
Court of Common Pleas of said Hamilton 
county a petition, praying that he may be 
divorced from the said defendant, Adah 
Isaacs Menken, his wife ; and that the said 



Adah Isaacs Menken is a non-resident of the 
said State of Ohio; and that the service of a 
summons cannot be made on the said Adah 
Isaacs Menken in said State of Ohio ; and 
that said plaintiff, Alexander J. Menken, 
wishes to obtain service on said defendant by 
publication. Alex. J. Menken. 

Sworn to before me, and subscribed in my 
presence, this seventh day of April, 1860. 
J. J. Miller, Notary Public, 

Hamilton County, Ohio. 

Heenan Arrested. — This day, in Derby, 
England, Heenan, the American prize-fighter, 
was arrested, charged with the intention of 
engaging in a prize-fight, thereby causing a 
breach of the peace. He was bound over on 
his own recognizance for fifty pounds with 
two sureties twenty-five pounds each. The 
magistrate said he had no feeling beyond 
the preservation of the peace. It was stated 
by the court that Heenan could not further 
be interfered with, unless he broke the 
peace. The sureties were promptly signed, 
and Heenan and his friends left Derby for 
London. 

Seduction by a Chicago Merchant, 
and Death of his Victim. — The "Chicago 
Saturday Review" of this date gives the fol- 
lowing account of a case of seduction and 
abortion : — 

The perpetrator of the villany is one 
Watts T. Miller, an old citizen of Chicago, 
recently of the extensive lumber-house of 
Byerson, Miller & Co., on the corner of 
Canal and Fulton Streets. During the past 
month he sold out his interest in that con- 
cern to join the company of Chicago men 
who left for Pike's Peak on the 19th of 
March, at the head of which was ex-Alderman 
J. D. Ward. Miller, who had lived here in 
fine style on West Washington Street, broke 
up his house and sent his amiable wife and 
his three children to Beloit, Wisconsin, 
where her friends reside, and from whence 
he married her. 

So far all is right ; but we now come to 
that part which stamps this respectable 
citizen, husband, and father as a villain, dis- 
gracing all these titles of honor and bring- 
ing ruin and destruction where happiness 
and peace prevailed before. 

It appears that Miller had in his family a 
respectable, poor, and good-looking German 
girl, named Katherine Gabriel, who was 
about eighteen years of age, the daughter of 
a very worthy family in the North Division. 
She had resided in Miller's house as nurse 
for about fifteen months, and had become 
enceinte by her employer. On retiring from 
the firm of Ryerson, Miller & Co., he wrote 
a note to the parents of the girl, stating the 
particulars of his going to Pike's Peak, and 
informing them that Katherine was going 
with Mrs. Miller to Beloit, and they of 



270 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



course supposed that their daughter was 
there. 

About ten days ago, the sheriff of Clinton 
county, Michigan, came on here and em- 
ployed Mr. C. P. Bradley to find out who a 
certain girl was, that had died very sud- 
denly and mysteriously at St. John's, the 
county seat of Clinton, on the 26th of March, 
from an abortion brought about by one Dr. 
Norwood and a Madame Barclay. The only 
clew he could obtain and furnish Mr. Bradley 
with was that she came from Chicago. With 
this scanty information, the names being 
altered to avoid suspicion, the officer went to 
work and gradually unravelled the thread 
of mystery, until he found that the girl who 
had met this unfortunate fate was Katherine 
Gabriel. He also found that Miller had 
taken her to St. John's, travelling under the 
name of J. C. Wilmarth, and conferring upon 
his victim the name of Kate Wilmarth. He 
left her there on March 3, and she died, as 
stated, on the 26th. He gave her, with in- 
junctions of secrecy, into the care of Dr. 
Norwood and Madame Barclay, giving them 
one hundred dollars for their services. Not 
having more than ten dollars with him, Miller 
pledged his watch at St. John's for ninety 
dollars. The watch, on being redeemed, 
was sent here to his full name and ad- 
dress. 

But few knew of the girl's being in town; 
and when the coffin was ordered, it of course 
created an excitement among the people of 
St. John's. An inquest was held, which 
showed that the girl had died from abortion; 
and a search was made for the body of the 
child, when in a hog-pen a place was dis- 
covered which had been newly rooted up, but 
not sufficiently like that work when done by 
swine to lead to the supposition that it was 
their doing, as the abortionists hoped to 
make people believe. Here they discovered 
the remains of an eight months' foetus. 

After considerable search, Mr. Bradley 
found the family ; and when he broke to them 
the sad intelligence of their daughter's un- 
happy death, the scene was awful to behold. 
The whole family were thrown into the most 
violent and painful excitement, — they never 
dreaming, up to that moment, but that the 
unhappy girl was with Mrs. Miller, in Beloit, 
alive and happy. 



SUNDAY, APHIL 8. 

A Sermon to Thieves and Prostitutes. 
— This day, the Rev. Mr. Corbitt, pastor of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church in Green 
Street, preached a sermon designed especially 
for the thieves and prostitutes of New York. 
The New York papers said that the thieves 
and prostitutes stayed away, and that the 
congregation was composed mainly of re- 
spectable people drawn by curiosity to see 
those lepers of New York. 



Sad Accident. — This day, a melancholy 
accident occurred to Miss Wyette, an actress 
of considerable ability, while playing in the 
piece of "Faustus," at the National Theatre, 
in Cincinnati, where she was fulfilling an 
engagement. During the progress of the 
piece she is supposed to be consigned to the 
lower regions; and, while the scenic effect 
was being produced, by some means or other 
a barrel of gunpowder fell and exploded on 
the stage, inflicting serious injuries upon 
Miss Wyette. Her skin was blackened and 
her person otherwise disfigured. Medical 
aid was promptly rendered. 

Supposed Loss of the Ship Fleetwing. 
— The bark Ceres, Capt. Wheeler, arrived at 
New York, this day. She sailed from St. 
Helena under charter of the British Govern- 
ment, March 15, with two hundred and 
thirty-two Africans, (which had been captured 
from a slaver by the U.S. steamers Mystic 
and Fulton,) for Port Spain, Trinidad. Capt. 
Wheeler brings home a boat, the only relic 
of the ship Fleetwing, which was supposed 
to have foundered off Cape Horn. This boat 
was shipped on board the Fleetwing. and 
consigned to the Rev. Geo. Pierson at Hono- 
lulu. AVhen off Cape Horn, the vessel was 
leaking badly, and all efforts to keep her 
free proved unavailing. Six of the crew 
took possession of the boat and left the ship, 
which was subsequently picked up by the 
ship Imogone, Capt. Williams, and carried 
into Pernambuco, and there purchased by 
Capt. Wheeler. 

Fire in Memphis, Tennessee. — This day, 
in Memphis, Tennessee, Samuel Maseley's 
cotton-shed and seven dwellings were burned. 
The shed contained six hundred bales of 
cotton. Loss, $70,000: insured for $60,000. 

Destructive Tornado. — This day, a very 
destructive tornado visited Franklin county, 
Ohio. Fences were blown quite away, trees 
were twisted off at the roots, barns and 
sheds blown down, most of the chimneys in 
the range of the storm were destroyed, and 
much damage done to stock. 

Tried to Kill his Wife and Himself. — 
This day, William Smith, an English weaver, 
residing in Philadelphia, who has for a long 
time been dissipated, and employed himself 
chiefly in smashing his looms and threaten- 
ing to kill his wife, went home near mid- 
night, put a pistol to the neck of the woman, 
and fired, the ball passing into her mouth ; 
then he tried to shoot himself, but failed, 
because the bullet glanced off. Though 
badly hurt, his wife will probably recover. 

The Second-Adyentists held a meeting in 
in Boston, this day, to prepare for the end of 
the world, — an event which they regarded as 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



271 



inevitably impending. This was the day for 
the destruction of all earthly things. 

Convicted. — In New York, George Dower 
was this day convicted of the murder of James 
Humphries on board the ship Devonshire. 

Starved Herself to Death. — This day, 
died Mrs. Jane Gamble, a widow lady, of 
Eatonton, Ga., who, under the influence of 
religious monomania, starved herself to 
death. She lived twenty days without a 
particle of food. 



MONDAY, APRIL 9. 

Death op a Revolutionary Sailor, and 
the Last Survivor of the Jersey Prison- 
Ship Captives. — This day, Holmes Green- 
wood, said to be the last of the Jersey Prison- 
Ship captives, died at Providence, R.I., aged 
ninety-five years. During the Revolutionary 
War, young Greenwood served on board a 
Rhode Island privateer, and was cabin-boy 
at a time when one of the richest prizes ever 
taken was captured, — a prize so valuable that 
the share of the two cabin-boys amounted to 
$1000. On the next voyage he was captured 
himself, and conveyed to the Jersey Prison- 
Ship, in which he was confined four months, 
and finally escaped by answering to the name 
of a lad whose exchange was ordered after 
his emancipation had been decreed by a 
higher Power. 

Judgment against Mr. Miller, the ex- 
Philadelphia Post-Master, by the Bank 
of Pennsylvania, for the $27,270.38 Com- 
mission for disposing of said Bank to the 
United States for the Philadelphia Post- 
Office. — This day, the case of the Bank of 
Pennsylvania against Miller, for commission 
received from the bank for the sale of the 
bank-building to the Government, was given 
to the jury. Judge Read charged them at 
considerable length. He substantially in- 
structed them that Mr. Miller was acting as 
the Government agent in the matter, and had 
no right secretly to act as agent for the 
bank ; that he was not entitled to receive 
the money for the pretended services ren- 
, dered, nor had the president of the bank any 
right to transfer that sum to him ; the money 
was the property of the bank, and they were 
therefore entitled to recover back the amount 
paid. 

The jury then retired, and in a short time 
returned, having found a verdict for plaintiffs 
for $27,270.33. 

The charge of the court was very severe in 
its denunciation of the character of the trans- 
action. 

The PvicH Men of Boston. — The Boston 
papers of this date publish a list of the rich 



men of that city, derived from the official 
returns of taxation, including the following 
names as the owners of $200,000 and up- 
wards. The rate of tax, it seems, is $9.70 
on $10,000. The letter R. signifies that the 
property assessed is real estate, and P. that it 
is personal. 

Seth Adams, $189,600 R,, $250,000 P. 
William T. Andrews, $249,000 R., $100,- 
000 P. Nathan Appleton, $187,000 R., 
$430,000 P. Win. Appleton, $430,000 R., 
$325,000 P. Chas. Francis Adams, $262,- 
000 R. Isaac Adams, $65,800 R., $200,- 
000 P. Cyrus Alger's heirs, $238,000 R. 
Francis Amory's heirs, $286,000 R. AVm. 
Appleton & Co., $300,000 P. Abigail Arm- 
strong, $513,000 R., $65,000 P. 

Benjamin Bangs, $29,500 R., $212,000 P. 
Bates & Co., $200,000 P. James M. Beebe 
& Co., $450,000 P. Joshua Bennett, $352,- 
600 R.. $22,000 P. William H. Bordman, 
$305,200 R., $185,000 P. John Borland, 
$112,500 R., $125,000 P. Trustees and 
Administrators of estate of James Lloyd, 
$370,000 R. Boston Sugar-Refinery, $300,- 
000 R. Maine Railroad, $345,000 R. Low- 
ell Railroad, $282,500 R. Exchange Co., 
$360,000 R. Worcester Railroad. $832,000R. 
Gas Co., $1,000,000 R. Providence Rail- 
road, $250,000 R. Water-Power Co., $483,- 
400 R. Boston Locomotive Co., $220,000 R. 
Boston Wharf Co., $450,000 R, N. I. Bow- 
ditch, $32,000 R., $1,000,000 P. Elizabeth 
B. Bowditch, $200,000 P. J. Bowdoin Brad- 
lee, $210,500 R., $46,000 P. Josiah Brad- 
lee & Co., $556,000 P. Josiah Bradlee, 
$300,000 R., $220,000 P. Gardner Brewer, 
s^27.000 R,, $100,000 P. Gardner Brewer 
& Co., $175,000. Peter B. Brigham, $334,- 
000 R., $30,000 P. Martin Brimmer's heirs, 
$387,500 R. Gorham Brooks's heirs, $222,000 
R, Edward Brooks, $251,000 R., $90,000 P. 
Peter C. Brooks, $256,000 R., $107,500 P. 
John Bryant, $184,400 R., $600,000 P. 
William S. Bullard, $25,800 R., $225,000 P. 
B. Burgess & Sons, $18,000 R., $200,000 P. 
B. Bussey's heirs, $290,000 R. 

Andrew Carney, $475,700 R., $125,000 P. 
James Cheever, $100,600 R., $105,000 P. 
Chickering & Sons, $160,000 R., $80,000 P. 
Catherine W. Codman's heirs, $328,000 R. 
Francis Codman and others, trustees, $274,- 
000 R. Commercial Wharf Co., $500,000 R. 
Constitution Wharf, $210,000. Joseph Cool- 
idge, 8249,100 R., $40,000 P. Dane. Dana 
& Co., $200,000 P. Wm. Dwight, $208,000 
R. East Boston Wharf Co., 8332,000 R. 
East Boston Co., $255,000 R. Eastern Rail- 
road, $267,000 R. N. H. Emmons and others, 
trustees, $12,700 R., $350,000 P. Edward 
Everett, $53,000 R., $185,000 P. Faulkner, 
Kimball & Co., $200,000 P. Fifty Associates, 
$1,164,500 R. Foster & Taylor, $200,800 R., 
$125,000 P. Abram French, $212,000 R. 
N. L. Frothingham, $38,500 R., $200,000 P. 
S. P. Fuller and others, trustees, $310,000 R. 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



John L. Gardner, $333,100 R. Henry 
Gardner's heirs, $310,700 R. Geo. Gardner, 
$156,000 R., $60,000 P. W. W. Goddard, 
$42,800 R., 8200,000 P. Ozias Goodwin, 
$71,000 R,, $175,000 P. John C. Gray, 
$560,000 R., 8110,000 P. Sara Greene, 
$38,500 1!.. 8175,000 P. David Greenongh's 
heirs, $252,000 R. Jane Grew, and M. & 
A. Wigglesworfch, 8364,000 R. 

Andrew T. Hall, $165,000 R., $125,000 P. 
Trustees of estate of Joshua Sears, $990,500 
R., $300,000 P. Franklin Haven, $120,220 
R., $75,000 P. F. Haven and I. Goodwin, 
trustees. 8328,200 R. Augustus Hemming- 
way, $83,800 R., $800,00(1 P. C. F. Hovey 
& Co.. $200,000 P. Geo. Howe, $364,400 R. 
II. Hollis Hunnewell, trustee, $437,100 R., 
$325,000 P. H. Hollis Hunnewell, trustee, 
$461,000 R. H. Hollis Hunnewell and others, 
trustees, 899,000 R., $96,000 P. 

Iasigi, Goddard & Co., $200,000 P. Deming 
Jarves, $147,000 R., $74,800 P. Johnson, 
Sewell & Co., $225,000 P. Jordan, Marsh 
& I !o., $250,000 P. Nably Joy, $102,500 R., 
$150,000 P. James Lawrence and others, 
trustees, $293,000 R., $97,000 P. W. R. 
Lawrence and others, trustees, $243,000. 
J. C. & H. Lee, Jr., trustees, $320,000 R. 
Lewis Wharf Co., $562,000. Liberty Square 
AVarehouse Co., $200,000. John E. Lodge, 
$56,000 R., $175,000 P. Benjamin Loring, 
$59,000 R., 8300,000 P. Charles Lyman, 
$105,000 R., $60,000 P. 

Robert M. Mason, $24,000 R., $1,080,000 
P. Sarah E. Mason, $200,000. William P. 
Mason, 8421,000 R.. $110,000 P. Nathan 
Matthews, $284,000 R. Mercantile Wharf 
Co., $260,000 R. Merchants' Bank, $402,- 
600 R. Charles Merriam, $128,000 R,, 
$100,000 P. John P. Monks, $274,500 R,, 
822,400 P. Naylor & Co., $45,000 R., 
$220,000 P. New-England Life-insurance 
Co., $210,000. George Odin, $274,900 R., 
$12,000 P. Old Colony Railroad, $415,000 R. 

Peter Parker, $343,500 R., $138,000 P. 
Peter Parker and Charles F. Shimmin, trus- 
tees, $205,400 R., $133,000 P. James Par- 
ker, $380,900 R. Anna Parker, $28,000 R., 
$190,000 P. George Parkman's heirs, $246,- 
100 R. Eliza A. Parkman, executor, $300,- 
000 P. Jonathan Phillips, $373,500 R., 
$500,000 P. Wm. Phillips, $60,000 R., 
$300,000 P. Solomon Piper, $151,300 R., 
850,(100 P. Paschal P. Pope, $5000 R., 
$210,000 P. Mary Pratt, Jr., and sister, 
870.i)O() 11., 8410,000 P. Long Wharf Co., 
$547,600. Old South Church, 8295,000 R. 
Central Wharf, $452,000. Indian Wharf, 
$318,000. Josiah Quincy, Jr., as trustee of 
four estates, $220,000 R. Josiah Quincy, 
$616,000 R., $22,000 P. 

E. A. Raymond, $160,500 R„ $40,000 P. 
John Rayner's heirs, $220,000. Read, 
Gardner & Co., $225,000 P. Revere Copper 
Co., $10,000 R., $200,000 P. Joseph W. 
Revere, $203,500 R., $25,000 P. Lewis Rice, 



$227,900 R., $40,000 P. Jeffrey Richard- 
son, $117,000 R,, $115,000 P. Wm. Ropes, 
$293,000 R. W. Ropes & Co., $175,000 P. 
Benjamin S. Rotch, $153,000 R., $55,000 P. 
S. H. Russell and others, trustees, $281,100 
R., $22,000 P. Sampson & Tappan, $51,700 
R., $285,000 P. David Sears, $775,500 R., 
$200,000 P. George C. Shattuck, $164,900 
R., $160,000 P. G. HowlandShaw, $193,500 
R., $100,000 P. Francis G. Shaw and 
others, trustees, $399,800 R. John Sim- 
mons, $559,500 R., $43,000 P. F. Skinner 
& Co., $350,000 P. Jacob Sleeper, $187,000 
R., $25,000 P. David Snow, $109,000 R., 
$175,000 P. South Cove Co., $286,000 R. 
South Boston Iron Co., $322,300 R. Wm. 
B. Spooner & Co., $185,000 R., $35,000 P. 
Paran Stevens, $208,000 R., $125,000 P. 
Daniel P. Stone, $15,000 R,, $200,000 P. 
Wm. Sturgis, $31,500 R., $350,000 P. 

Nathaniel Thayer, $129,000 R., $200,000 
P. J. E. Thayer & Brother, $16,100 R., 
$525,000 P. Thomas Thompson, $308,700 
R., $130,000 P. John P. Thorndike. $246,- 
000 R., $30,000 P. Mace Tisdale, $200,000 
R., $50,000 P. John G. Torrey, $137,000 R., 
$75,000 P. John W. Trull, $243,400 R., 
$230,000 P. AVilliam W. Tucker and others, 
trustees, $387,000 R., $228,000 P. F. Tudor, 
$160,000 R., $140,000 P. Job A. Turner, 
$228,600 R., $6000 P. Union Wharf, $375,- 
000. Phineas Upham, $159,000 R., $240,000 
P. Josiah Vose, $118,500 R., $150,000 P. 

Wm. J. Walker, $166,000 R., $300,000 P. 
Charles H. Warren and Edward Blake, trus- 
tees, $218,000 R., $145,000 P. Robert 
Waterston, $148,000 R., $100,000 P. Samuel 
A. Way, $324,000 R. Francis Welch, $199,- 
000 11., $55,000 P. W r m. F. Weld, $276,000 
R. W r m. F. Weld & Co., $128,000 R., $102,- 
600 P. Benjamin Welles, $109,000 R., 
$270,000 P. Susan J. W 7 elles, $200,000 P. 
Jane Welles, $200,000 P. Edward Wiggles- 
worth, $247,000 R., $75,000 P. Solomon 
Wildes, $210,000 R., $8000 P. Wilkinson, 
Stetson & Co., $200,000 P. Moses AVilliams, 
$752,000 R. Samuel K. Williams, $107,100 
R., $100,000 P. John D. Williams's heirs, 
$1,070,100 R. Amasa Winchester, $12,000 
;;.. S200,000 P. Robert C. Winthrop, $183,- 
500 R., $55,000 P. 

The Haktford (Conn.) City Election_ 
took place this day. Henry C. Deming, 
Democrat, was elected Mayor by 449 ma- 
jority. The whole Democratic city ticket 
was elected by an average majority of 466. 
The aldermen and councilmen are equally 
divided. The whole number of votes cast 
was 4373. 

The Madison County (Ky.) Difficulties. 
— The "Cincinnati Gazette" of this date 
says :— 

We have advices from the " seat of war" 
in Madison county up to Friday evening, 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



273 



from which we gather that the Committee of 
Safety express themselves satisfied with the 
expulsion of the radicals ; that they will not 
undertake to clear out the Republicans ; and 
that the difficulty may be considered at an 
and. We are also assured that this will, in 
all probability, be the last of mobs in Ken- 
tucky. Some of the best men in the State 
have protested against the late lawless pro- 
ceedings ; and there is a want of sympathy 
in quarters from which encouraging words 
were confidently calculated upon. 

Killed on the New Haven Railroad. — 
This day, Stephen Burling, about sixty years 
of age, and a well-to-do farmer of New 
Rochelle, was killed by the morning express- 
train from New York to New Haven. The 
accident happened near New Rochelle. 

Death of an Incendiary. — This day, Jean 
Baptiste La Rochelle, who assisted in setting 
fire to the crockery-store No. 233 Greenwich 
Street, on the 20th alt,, died at the New York 
Hospital, from the effect of burns received 
on that occasion. 

Mutiny on Shit-board. — This day, the 
harbor-police of New York discovered the 
ensign of the ship Ironsides, lying in the 
North Rivei", union down, and proceeded to 
ascertain the cause. They found, accord- 
ing to the statement of the chief mate, that 
a felonious assault and battery had been com- 
mitted by three of the crew, named James 
McLeon, James Welsh, and Thomas O'Meara, 
on another portion of them. They were 
taken into custody, and locked up to await 
their trial for the offence. The injured sea- 
men are named Peter Nelson, Thomas Brown, 
and Mike Moore. 

Arraigned for Adultery. — This day, a 
man and woman were arraigned, in the Crimi- 
nal Court at Boston, on a charge of adultery. 
The man pleaded not. guilty, and the woman 
responded, "In the sight of my God and my 
conscience I am not guilty, but in the sight 
of the law I am. guilty." The counsel for the 
woman stated that she was laboring under a 
delusion induced by Spiritualism. A plea 
of not guilty was entered, and the case was 
set down for trial. 

A Terrific Hurricane passed over Ur- 
banna, Ohio, this day, unroofing and destroy- 
ing several buildings. 

Killed for Seducing a Wife. — This day, 
Euos Tartt was killed by Thomas Simms, at 
Sumterville, Ala., for an alleged criminal 
intimacy with the wife of his slayer. The 
homicide occurred at the house of Simms. 

Tried for Murder. — In New York, this 
day, John D. Pfromer was tried for the man- 



slaughter of Charles Sturges, on the 25th of 
March, 1859, by shooting him with a pistol, 
in a saloon, 3(3 Bowery. He was found guilty 
of manslaughter in the second degree. 

Died, this day, Hon. S. C. Allen, post- 
master at East Boston, of typhoid fever. 
Mr. Allen was a prominent Democrat. 

Died, this day, in Troy, N.Y., JobPierson, 
an old resident, and member of the bar of 
that city, and formerly Representative in 
Congress, aged sixty-nine. 

Struck by Lightning. — This day, the 
town-hall at Ebensburg, Pa., was struck by 
lightning. The fluid passed through three 
stories, doing considerable damage, but hurt- 
ing no person. 

Wrecks. — This day, the schooner Alva, 
bound to St. Tobias with lumber, was wrecked 
on the coast of North Carolina. The captain 
and crew were saved ; the vessel is a total 
loss. 

This day, the schooner Jane, from Balti- 
more, with coal, bound to Norwich, while 
entering the harbor of Lewes, Del., struck 
on the north side of the breakwater, and in 
less than twenty minutes filled and sunk. 
All hands, with sails, rigging, spars, &c, 
were saved. 

The Georgia Bank-Robbery. — This day, 
the Columbus agency of the Marine Bank of 
Savannah, Ga., was robbed, in the night, of 
more than forty-five thousand dollars. A 
reward of $7500 was offered for the recovery 
of the money", although strong suspicions 
were felt that the book-keeper of the bank 
had committed the theft. It appears that the 
agent of the bank at Columbus had returned 
that day from Savannah, and visited the 
agency after the close of business, for the 
purpose of shutting the vaults, — his usual 
care. The book-keeper had not finished his 
work ; so the agent, being tired, left the 
locking up to be done by him. That night 
the agency was robbed. The suspected book- 
keeper was watched, and information ob- 
tained of his movements. It was found that 
he had been digging in his garden on the day 
after the robbery, and that he had taken a 
walk beyond a certain bridge at an unusual 
time. On the next day, a negro^ coming to 
Columbus, crossed the bridge referred to, 
and his attention was attracted to a news- 
paper thrust under the planks. Drawing this 
out, he found $30,000 of the lost money in 
it, and subsequent search brought to light 
$12,000 more. The book-keeper was then 
arrested. W T hat the Southern papers call "a 
nice question" arises, — viz., Who shall have 
the reward ? On the one hand, the owner 
of the negro claims it ; on the other, the hirer 
of the negro. 



IS 



274 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



TUESDAY, APRIL 10. 

The Missouri Democratic State Con- 
tention met at Jefferson City this day. 
Resolutions were passed unanimously en- 
dorsing the main features of Mr. Buchanan's 
Administration ; affirming that neither Con- 
gress nor Territorial Legislatures have the 
power to abolish or prohibit the introduction 
of slavery into the Territories ; repudiating 
the doctrine of Douglas of unfriendly legis- 
lation ; favoring the fugitive-slave law ; 
charging the invasion of Virginia as the 
legitimate result of the teachings of the Re- 
publican party; repudiating the stereotyped 
charge of disunion sentiments so often re- 
peated for' party effect against the Democratic 
party; and denouncing the doctrine of the 
irrepressible conflict. 

On State politics, as regards the railroad- 
issue, it was proposed to refer it to the 
people at the next election ; asserting, how- 
ever, that it is alike the duty and for the 
interest of the State to encourage a judicious 
system of internal improvements within the 
constitutional limit of the State debt. 

A resolution advocating the peaceful acqui- 
sition of territory, especially Cuba, was added 
to the platform. 

After several ineffectual ballots, Clayborne 
F. Jackson was unanimously nominated for 
Governor, and Thomas C. Reynolds was also 
unanimously nominated for Lieutenant-Go- 
vernor. B. T. Massey, the present Secretary 
of State, and A. W. Morrison, the present 
Treasurer, were nominated for re-election. 

Alleged Seductions under Promise of 
Marriage. — In New York, this day, Catha- 
rine McDonnell, an amiable-looking girl, 
about eighteen years of age, residing at No. 
102 West Twentieth Street, appeared before 
Justice Kelly, at the Jefferson Market Police 
Court, and preferred a charge of seductio^i, 
against Thomas Casey. The complainant 
stated that for a long time Thomas had been 
a constant visitor at her mother's house, and 
that on the 28th of August last he proposed 
for her hand in marriage. Complainant 
accented the offer, and it was arranged that 
the ceremony should take place on or about 
the 1st of November. Between the date of 
the proposal and the day set down for the 
marriage, the gallant Casey, it is alleged, 
succeeded in seducing the complainant from 
the paths of virtue. When the time set apart 
for the nuptials had arrived, Casey made 
some excuse about his inability to support a 
wife, and, to the intense horror of Catharine 
and her mother, he most positively refused to 
be wedded. Several times mater McDonnell 
coaxed him to fulfil his contract, but in vain. 
Casey was obdurate ; and even the promise 
of a dowry in the shape of one hundred dol- 
lars would not win him over to the little cere- 
mony. Finding her lover immovable in his 



determination, Catharine sought the aid of 
the magistrate, and prayed that Casey might 
be arrested and dealt with as the law directs. 
The defendant was taken into custody by 
Officer Dugan and held to await the result of 
an examination. 

John Simpson was brought before Justice 
Connolly, at the lower police court, on a 
similar charge. John, it is alleged, succeeded 
in seducing Bridget Elwood, of 121 Mulberry 
Street, under promise of marriage, and then 
abandoned her to the cold charity of the 
world. Bridget says that she was engaged 
to Mr. Simpson for several months, and that 
John took advantage of this engagement to 
effect her ruin. 

Bank- Failure. — The Bank of Central New 
York, this day, went into liquidation. The 
Hon. Joseph Benedict has been appointed 
receiver, and entered upon his duties. 

Proposed Strike of the Horse-Shoers. 
— This day, some thirty of the horse-shoers 
of Boston met for the purpose of considering 
the propriety of striking for a ten-hour regu- 
lation of their labor. 

Fire in Wellsville, New York. — This 
day, a fire broke out in the rear of the store 
of H. G. Taylor, and, before it could be sub- 
dued, entirely destroyed that store, together 
with the stores occupied by H. H. Parllee and 
J. F. Fowler, and a barber-shop and dwelling 
occupied by Mr. Mason. Total loss, §10,000; 
total insurance, about $500^. 

Foundling. — In New York, this day, Mr. 
Thomas Cooper found a male child, about two 
weeks old, in the old John Street Methodist 
Episcopal church, with a card attached to 
his apparel, requesting that he be named 
"John Wesley." The little waif was given 
into the care of Officer Wintringham, of the 
Second AVard. 

Probable Murder. — About six weeks ago, 
a man named Cannon mysteriously disap- 
peared from the village of Willimantic, Conn., 
under peculiar circumstances. He went from 
the room where he was sitting, one evening, 
for the purpose of taking an armful of wood 
in from the shed. He wore neither coat nor 
hat. Since then he had not been heard from 
or seen till this day, — when he was found in 
the river, in the same town, with his hands 
tied, and otherwise showing that he had met 
with foul play. 

Explosion of the Boiler of the Steamer 
Samuel Gatz. — This day, the steamer Samuel 
Gatz, bound for St. Louis, exploded one of 
her boilers, near Cloverport. She had a few 
passengers and a light freight, consisting 
chiefly of cement and salt. The upper works 
of the boat are almost wholly demolished, 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



275 



chimneys down, and the machinery very 
badly broken, especially the doctor-engine. 
She had but two boilers; and the one that 
exploded was blown in two about six feet 
from the forward end of the boiler, the iron 
as well as rivets being torn to pieces. The 
ends were thrown in different directions, — 
one forward and the other aft, — as if the 
pressure of steam had riven the iron asun- 
der. The deck of the boat was crushed and 
nearly all the upper works carried away, 
making an almost complete wreck; and it will 
require an expense of fully six thousand dollars 
to repair the boat again. She was designed 
exclusively for a freight-boat; but Captain 
Baldwin, her owner and builder, concluded 
to have a short cabin, and the inspectors 
were called in to inspect her. The boilers, 
on Monday last, were subjected to a water- 
pressure of one hundred and sixty-five 
pounds, and her steam-gauge was adjusted 
to one hundred and five pounds ; and it was 
stated that at or just before the explosion 
she had only seventy-five pounds of steam. 
The boilers were forty-six inches in diameter, 
with five return-flues, and the iron was one- 
quarter of an inch thick, or so represented. 
By the disaster one of the firemen was killed 
outright, and several others, including the 
officers of the boat, very badly, if not fatally, 
wounded. 

Lake-Navigation. — This day, the propel- 
ler Vermont, of the Northern Transportation 
Company's line, arrived at Oswego, from 
Detroit and Toledo, via the Welland Canal, — 
the first boat of the season. 

Negro Excitement in Richmond. — This 
day, in Richmond, Va., considerable excite- 
ment has prevailed among the colored popu- 
lation, caused by the arrest of some dozen or 
more for holding secret meetings, with the 
avowed purpose of devising the best means 
to get free. The party arrested called them- 
selves "Sons of Ham." 

Body of a Woman Found in a Well. — 
In New York, this day, the body of a woman 
was discovered in a public well on the corner 
of Bushwick Avenue and Moore Street. 
Sergeant Griffith went at once to the spot 
indicated and found the body, which, upon 
being taken out, was recognised as a woman 
known as Granny Carroll, who has resided 
for the last twenty years on the corner of 
Bushwick Avenue and Cook Street. 

Ai'cidentto Miss Ridgely. — In Washing- 
ton, this day, Miss Ridgely, who, it will be 
recollected, was a witness in the case of Mr. 
Sickles, was very nearly killed by the falling 
of a blind, on Eighth Street, blown from its 
hanging by the wiud. It was very heavy, 
and struck her on the head, cutting her 
in two or three places. She was senseless 



for some hours, but is gradually recover- 
ing. 

Death of William E. Mayiiew. — This 
day, Mr. William E. Mayhew, an esteemed 
citizen of Baltimore, died in that city, aged 
seventy-five years. He was President of 
the Farmers' and Planters' Bank for many 
years. 

Death of John B. Raine. — This day, 
John B. Raine, for twenty-four years, with 
the exception of a short interval, President 
of the Northern Bank of Kentucky, at Paris, 
died, aged seventy-two years. The deceased 
was one of the most prominent and well- 
known citizens of Northern Kentucky. 

The Albany (N.Y.) Municipal Election 
took place this day. The Democracy elected 
their whole city ticket. George H. Thacher 
was chosen Mayor, and Charles L. Austin 
Recorder, by eight hundred to one thousand 
majority. They carry seven aldermen out 
of ten, and six supervisors. Mr. Wendell, 
the regular American nominee for Mayor, 
withdrew in favor of the Republican candi- 
date. The Hard Shell, or Wood Democracy, 
ran a separate ticket, headed by Hiram Perry, 
who received only 290 votes in the city. The 
straight Americans supported Mr. Thacher. 
The following was the vote for Mayor and 
Recorder: — 

MAYOR. 

George H. Thacher (Dem.) 4325 

John Taylor (Rep.) 4090 

Hiram Perry (Hard Dem.) 334 

recorder. 

Charles L. Austin (Dem.) 4527 

Lewis Benedict, Jr. (Rep.) 3444 

John B. Sturtevant (Am.) 1105 

American Vessels in the Slave-trade. 
— The Ship Erie and Bark Sunny South, 
of New York. — This day, the ship Erie 
(says the correspondent of the "New York 
Herald") cleared from the custom-house of 
Havana, bound for San Tonie, Ambrises, 
and Rio Congo, all on the coast of Africa, 
having a Spanish captain and an American 
sailing-master on board. Her cargo was a 
regular slave-trading one, including the ne- 
cessary lumber for forming a slave-deck and 
the five-eighths iron wire to be converted into 
shackles. There is not the slightest moral 
doubt that she has gone on a slave-trading 
voyage. 

So certain, too, of this was Colonel Helm, 
United States Consul-General, that he delayed 
giving up her papers for three or four days, 
under the pretence of its being the holidays, 
and hoping that a United States vessel-of-war 
would chance to look into this port and find 
sufficient cause for, if not detaining, at least 
seeing the Erie before she proceeded on the 



276 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



trading-voyage on which she was represented 
to be bound. I have been told by an old 
retired slave-trader that her true destination 
is tbe island of Madagascar, where, by the 
payment of a handsome douceur to the Portu- 
guese authorities, she will be permitted to 
embark her cargo at Bozales, paying at the 
rate of twenty-five dollars each for them, 
while on the west coast the price of the negro 
is sixty dollars a head, but without the pay- 
ment of any douceur or duty. Another ad- 
vantage in going to the east coast, according 
to my informant, who is thoroughly posted in 
the mysteries of the traffic, having been en- 
gaged six years in it, is the continually stormy 
weather that prevails in those latitudes, which 
renders it so unlikely for a ship to be caught 
"napping in a calm;" at the same time it 
would be almost a matter of impossibility 
to hit her at any distance with a cannon- 
ball. 

The Erie is the second American vessel, 
although the first under the "stars and 
stripes," that has sailed recently for the 
coast of Africa to return with cargoes of 
Bozales. The bark Sunny South, also of 
New York, sailed some two or three weeks 
ago upon a similar unrighteous errand. It 
is perhaps worthy of remark that the "Di- 
ario de la Marina" of the succeeding day took 
no notice of the sailing of the Erie. 

Destructive Fire at Nashville, Tenn. 
— This day, in the morning, between one and 
two o'clock, a fire was discovered issuing 
from the rear of the building on the corner 
of Union Street and Printers' Alley, be- 
tween College and Cherry Streets, occupied 
by George Greig as a confectionery and a 
residence. The Nashville papers say : — 

The fire-bells sounded the alarm, and our 
gallant firemen flew to the rescue ; and it re- 
quired great energy and presence of mind to 
rescue the family of Mr. Greig, who occupied 
the upper stories as a residence. The fire 
when discovered had made such rapid head- 
way as to cut off retreat by the stairway, 
and the family had to be rescued by means 
of ladders, leaving no time or opportunity 
to save any of the valuable furniture with 
which Mr. Greig had furnished his establish- 
ment. Indeed, with such haste did they 
have to make their retreat that, they were 
unable to save any of their wearing-ap- 
parel. 

In the mean time, the firemen and others 
were busily engaged in removing the con- 
fectionery from the storeroom on the first 
floor, and succeeded in saving a large por- 
tion, though in a greatly-damaged con- 
dition. 

Every effort the while was being made by 
the various fire-companies to check the pro- 
gress of the flames ; but they had got such 
headway as to render it impossible to pre- 
vent them spreading to the adjoining build- 



ing, occupied by Mr. J. Flowers as a jewelry- 
store and residence, and the efforts of those 
present, not engaged at the engines, were 
directed to the removal of Mr. Flowers's 
stock of jewelry, furniture, &c, which was 
accomplished in a remarkably careful man- 
ner. Mr. Flowers himself is absent, having 
gone North a few days since to purchase 
additional stock. 

The flames still continued their progress 
up Union Street, notwithstanding the un- 
ceasing efforts of the firemen, and the build- 
ings occupied by Messrs. Barnes & Co. as 
an eating-house, and Mr. John Luck as a 
music and variety store, were fast crumbling 
beneath the terrible onslaught of the de- 
vouring element. A large portion of Mr. 
Luck's stock was removed, though it was 
greatly damaged. 

The buildings on the opposite side of 
Union Street were several times on fire ; and 
it required great efforts to prevent their 
destruction. 

A stiff breeze had been blowing from the 
southwest during the whole time of the fire, 
and carried the sparks to a great distance. 
A number of stores on College Street and 
the Public Square were in imminent danger 
of being set on fire. Indeed, some three or 
four, including the Methodist Publishing- 
House, were actually on fire several times. 
Had the fire got a hold on the opposite side 
of Union Street, or upon College Street or 
the Public Square, we should have witnessed 
the most destructive conflagration that ever 
visited Nashville. AVe tremble when we 
think how narrow an escape the city made 
from a general conflagration. 

We find it difficult to get at the actual loss 
sustained from the fire, but hear it variously 
estimated at from $20,000 to $30,000. 

Nothing is certainly known as to the ori- 
gin of the fire ; though it is supposed to have 
been accidental. 

Loss of the Schooner Caroline Casley. 
— This day, arrived at Norfolk, Va., two 
passengers of the schooner Caroline Casley, 
wrecked at Turk's Island, from New York 
bound to Chiquyca. 

Rapid Passage of the Bark Jehu. — The 
bark Jehu, which sailed from Boston March 
15 for Palermo, arrived at that port this 
day. 



WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11. 

Murder of a California Member on 
the Floor of the House. — This day, a 
dreadful tragedy was enacted in the Cali- 
fornia Legislature while it was in session. 
A member of the House, named John C. 
Bell, was shot and stabbed to death, almost 
in his seat, by one Dr. Stone. Stone was a 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



277 



lobby-member, attempting to procure the 
passage of a bill for the division of the 
county represented by Bell, and to which 
the latter was opposed. Mr. Bell was in 
the act of consultation with another member 
beyond the bar of the Assembly, while it 
was in session, when Stone came up, de- 
nounced Bell as a liar, and immediately 
began shooting and stabbing him. The un- 
fortunate man was carried away, and died 
two days after. Stone was released on bail. 
The Assembly took no notice of the murder. 
Bell was from Ohio, and was unarmed. 
Stone is from Kentucky. Several circum- 
stances show the act to have been preme- 
ditated. 

Negro Murderers Escaping. — On the 
night of this day, according to the " Pen- 
sacola (Fla.) Observer," six negroes, con- 
victed of the crime of murder, made their 
escape from the Madison (Fla. ) jail. It is 
supposed that the delivery was effected by 
outside aid, and that they have been run 
beyond the limits of Florida into Texas or 
elsewhere. The negroes were to have been 
executed in May. 

Sale of a Portion of the Terre Haute, 
Alton & St. Louis Railroad. — A letter re- 
ceived from a gentleman in Terre Haute 
of this date, by a gentleman in New York, 
says: — 

" I learn that the portion of the Terre 
Haute, Alton & St. Louis Railroad which 
is in Indiana has been sold on execution 
against the company, and that in a suit for 
the possession of that part of the road in 
Indiana, the judge of the Circuit Court, 
Judge Solomon Claypool, has decided that 
the second mortgage on that part of the 
road is void. A good deal of complication 
surrounds some of the securities of this 
company, and will be contested. The liti- 
gation is likety to be protracted, and, from 
present indications, of doubtful result." 

Destruction of the Ship J. A. Wester- 
velt, by Fire. — In New York, this day, the 
ship Jacob A. Westervelt, Captain Williams, 
belonging to II. L. Rich & Co.'s line of 
Liverpool packets, took fire, about three 
v. Ji., while lying at anchor in the North 
River, outward bound. The fire originated 
between decks, aft, and was caused by the 
upsetting of a lamp. The carpenter had gone 
below, in company with a boy, for the pur- 
pose of procuring stores for the steerage- 
passengers, of whom there were eighteen, 
and while so doing the boy let the lamp fall, 
which broke and set fire to the cotton stowed 
near by, and in a few minutes the smoke 
was so dense as to defy the exertions of the 
men sent below to extinguish it. 

The harbor-police steamboat Magnolia, 
with a squad of fifteen men on board, being 



near by, drawing shad-poles, immediately 
repaired to the ship and removed the pass- 
engers, with nearly all the cabin-furniture, 
ship's sails, some rigging, the captain's 
sextants, and other instruments. 

The crews of the Brazilian corvette Donna 
Isabella, and of the United States revenue- 
cutter McLellan, were early on board, and, 
in a very short time, cut adrift and sent 
down her sails, which were brought ashore 
by the police boat. Capt. Austin, who had 
commanded the ship previously, was on 
board as a passenger and was in very ill 
health. He was brought ashore in a very 
exhausted state. 

The police steamer, while ner men were 
at work on board the ship, was sent in 
search of assistance, and soon returned with 
the steam-lighter Alpha, belonging to Mr. 
H. Ford, of Brooklyn. The steam-tugs 
Mercury and Samson, and the steam ferry- 
boat Bedford, all of whom had the Worth- 
ington pumps on board, were soon along- 
side, and numerous streams of water were 
thrown into the ship, she having previously 
slipped her anchors and been towed ashore 
between Bedloe's and Gibbet Islands. The 
ship was grounded head to the wind, which 
caused the fire to work forward slowly. 

Capt. Merritt, agent of the underwriters, 
with a gang of twenty men, are on board, 
breaking out cargo. 

Fire-Engine Company No. 20, George 
Seely foreman, was taken alongside the 
ship on the deck of the steam-tug James 
Howard. 

At a quarter-past seven o'clock the miz- 
zenmast fell over the stern. The passengers, 
who were landed at Pier No. 1 East River, 
were provided with accommodations at No. 
2 Front Street, at the expense of the owners 
of the ship. The crews of the Brazilian 
corvette, the cutter McLellan, and harbor- 
police, are entitled to the greatest credit for 
their exertions. They swarmed on the rig- 
ging and on the yards of the ship, unbent 
the sails, and sent them down on deck ship- 
shape, and as orderly as if working by the 
day. The Croton water boat steamer was 
early alongside, and did good service until 
driven away by the flames. At nine p.m. 
the ship's stern had burned out, her mizzen- 
mast was gone, and the immense body of 
fire soon burned her to the water's edge. 

The Jacob A. Westervelt was built in 
1849, by Jacob A. Westervelt. She rated A U, 
fourteen hundred and eighteen tons burden. 
She was owned by Messrs. H. L. Rich & 
Co., of New York, was valued at $00,000, 
and was insured in that city. Her cargo 
consisted of the following articles : — 6720 
bushels corn in bulk, 1672 do. in bags, 5865 
bushels wheat, 2069 bales cotton, 450 tierces 
beef, 156 boxes bacon, 1167 tierces lard, 120 
casks rice, 234 hides, 715 barrels rosin, 50 
barrels merchandise, 85 boxes do. 31 bales 



278 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



rags, 100 half-chests tea, 7200 staves, — val- 
ued at $175,000, and supposed to be mostly 
insured in Europe. 

Great Freshets in the Western Ri- 
vers. — A despatch from Pittsburg of this 
date says : — 

The heavy rains for the past three days 
have caused a freshet, attended with the 
destruction of considerable property. The 
lowlands along the Monongahela and Alle- 
ghany Rivers are completely inundated. 
The rise came so suddenly that several coal- 
boats on the Monongahela were swept over 
the dam and sunk. The number lost was 
thirteen, the loss being over $16,000. The 
loss in Alleghany has been considerable. 
Several manufactories were flooded, and 
families in some instances were driven from 
their dwellings. The railroads also have 
suffered by land-slides, which have impeded 
travel. 

Altogether it has been one of the most 
destructive freshets experienced for many 
years. The rivers have now mostly attained 
the highest stage, — rising but about an inch 
per hour. The Monongahela pier-mark in- 
dicates twenty-nine feet four inches, — only 
twenty inches less than the great freshet of 
1852. 

The "Ohio (Columbus) Statesman" of this 
date, speaking of the effect in Central Ohio, 
says : — 

Scarcely a movable tiling which it touched 
could withstand the impetuosity of the 
stream ; and miles of fence in the lowlands 
above and about the city, daylight discovered 
floating swiftly away upon the surface of 
its turgid waters. The entire valley above 
the National Road Bridge, as far as the eye 
could reach, was one mass of water, studded 
with tree-tops ; while below the bridge the 
flats were totally submerged, though here 
the stream is more confined on either side 
by natural embankments than it is above 
the bridge. 

On the Central Ohio Railroad the flood 
has been particularly destructive. Three 
breaks are reported on that road, the most 
distant of which is one near Campbell's 
Station, where the track was washed away. 
Near Pataskala Station a bridge was swept 
away, and at Union Station a culvert was 
washed out. 

Road-Bills Vetoed in California. — 
This day, the Governor vetoed a bill appro- 
priating $25,000 to open nine roads over the 
Sierra Nevada. The veto was sustained. 

The Kansas Bill. — The bill admitting 
Kansas as a State passed the House this 
day by a vote of 134 for; against, 73. 

The Kansas Republican Territorial 
Convention met at Lawrence, and ap- 



pointed delegates to Chicago. The conven- 
tion passed, unanimously, a resolution de- 
claring William H. Seward the first choice 
of the Republicans of Kansas for the Pre- 
sidency. 

Death of V. B. French. — This day, Mr. 
V. 15. French died at Dorchester, Mass., at 
the age of sixty-nine. Mr. French was for 
many years (from 1812 to 1836) a merchant 
in Boston. The remainder of his life has 
been devoted to agricultural pursuits. He 
took a leading part in the formation of so- 
cieties designed for the improvement of 
horticulture and agriculture in Massachu- 
setts, and was one of the first contributors 
to the establishment of the United States 
Agricultural Society. In 1843, he was a 
member of the Executive Council of Go- 
vernor Morton. During the latter years of 
his life, he experienced reverses of fortune 
and suffered trying affliction. 

Wanted to Return to Slavery. — The 
following letter from a negro desiring to re- 
turn to slavery is from the Kent (Maryland) 

"News" : — 

St. Thomas, Canada West, "» 
April 11th, 1860. / 

Master John Armstrong, 

Dear Sir : — It has Been allmost Two 
years since I left home, But the time seems 
much longer. I have Been very Sorry that 
I left you ever since I came away But I 
have been afraid to attempt to Return fear- 
ing you would sell me away off from my re- 
lations which I long to be with, I surely 
would never have run off only that 1 were 
Persuaded to do it. this thing of Freedom 
in Canada is not the thing that was told me 
I would rather Be a slave with you Much 
rather than Be here and called free and 
done By as I have Been since I come here, 
I have been cheeted out of more than two 
thirds of my wages a colored man has no 
chance in law against a white Canadian at 
all and I had to hire myself for 5 dollars a 
month I have not had a sufficiency of clothes 
to keep me warm in this cold Country. O 
that I might not have to winter here again 
there has Been nine colerd Folks left here 
one week ago four for Kentucky and five for 
Harrison county Virginia they had letters 
written to their Masters for money and it 
was sent and they have Joyfully started for 
home 

Master Armstrong if you will Pleas Be so 
kind to me as to send me money to pay my 
fare home on the cars I will return in a few 
days but if you do I have a request to ask 
of you that is that you wont sell me I will 
Be a Dutifull Servant to you as I were and 
will never attempt to run away again I do 
not know how much it will take to pay my 
fare on the cars. But i am told it will pro- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



279 



bible take forty Dollars and Master if you 
send me money it will be nesesai'y for you 
to send me a pass so that i would not be 
disturbed on the way those nine that left 
here for Home had a pass sent to each of 
them if you will not send me money and 
give me your word that you wont sell me I 
will try and make my way home nest fall. 
Give my love to my Brothers and George W 
Thompson & Frisby Brown cousen Benja- 
min Gotten and Harriet Nickels 

Master I send you my respects hoping 
that you will forgive my folly in leaving 
you and that you will send me Money and 
a pass to take me home 
Mr. John Armstrong 

William Henry Thompson, 

St. Thomas Canada west 

N.B. pleas answer immedately. 

Death or John W. Livingston. — Died in 
New York, this day, John W. Livingston, 
the oldest surviving member of the elder 
branch of the Livingston family in this 
country, and the great-grandson of Philip 
Livingston, the second proprietor of the 
manor. He entered the army of the United 
States at an early age, in which he served 
until his marriage with Julia, daughter of 
Lieutenant-Governor Broome, when he re- 
signed his commission and entered into 
commercial life. Here he was successfully 
engaged for a number of years, and until 
the commencement of the last war with 
Great Britain. He then applied for a com- 
mission, and was appointed lieutenant- 
colonel of the Forty-First Regiment of in- 
fantry. He was # stationed at the Narrows 
at the time the British fleet menaced the 
city of New York. At the close of the war, 
he was appointed United States Marshal of 
the Northern District of New York, and took 
up his residence upon Lake Skaneateles. 
Here his time was divided between the 
duties of his office and agricultural pur- 
suits, of which he was passionately fond. 

Upon resigning his office, which he had 
held twenty-two years, he returned to the 
city, where the last twenty years of his life 
have been spent in retirement and in the 
rational enjoyment of a well-earned and 
competent fortune. Colonel Livingston was 
a gentleman of the old school, and distin- 
guished for the punctual fulfilment of en- 
gagements, inflexible honor, and unde- 
viating integrity. 

Death of John Muirhead. — Colonel 
John Muirhead, an old citizen of Lebanon, 
Tennessee, and for many years a member 
of the Senate of that State, died this day. 

Fatal Accident in Philadelphia. — A 
young man, named Samuel Smith, who re- 
sides at the corner of Girard Avenue and 
Otter Street, was killed this afternoon while 



gunning on the Delaware. The deceased 
and Joseph Berry were in a skiff. Berry 
was about to raise his gun to fire at a flock 
of ducks, when the lock caught in some 
part of the boat and the piece was exploded. 
The charge entered the head of Mr. Smith, 
causing his death in a short time. His re- 
mains were conveyed to his late residence, 
where an inquest was held, in the evening, by 
Coroner Fenner, and a verdict of "Acci- 
dental death" was rendered. The deceased 
was twenty-two years of age, and had been 
married only six weeks. The anguish of 
his wife was heart-rending. 

Challenge of Mr. Pryor, of Virginia, 
to Mr. Potter, of Wisconsin, to Fight a 
Duel. — This day, Mr. Pryor, member of 
Congress from Virginia, sent the following 
challenge to Mr. Potter, of Wisconsin, by 
the Hon. T. C. Hindman, of Arkansas. : — 
April 11, 1860. 

Sir : — Will you have the kindness to de- 
signate a place outside the District of Co- 
lumbia, and the time when and where there 
may be further correspondence between us ? 
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 
Roger A. Pryor. 

Hon. John F. Potter. 

The same day, Mr. Potter received the 
following from Mr. Hindman, which ex- 
plains itself: — 

House of Representatives, "» 
April 11, 1860. / 

Dear Sir : — I have just received a di- 
spatch informing me of serious sickne,. 
in my family, and will, therefore, leave fot 
home at six o'clock to-morrow morning. 
Hon. L. M. Keitt will conduct the corre- 
spondence beyond to-day in my stead. 
Very respectfully, 

T. C. Hindman. 
Hon. John F. Potter. 

MR. POTTER TO MR. PRYOR. 

April 11, 1860. 

Sir: — Your note of this date, received 
by the hands of Hon. Thomas C. Hindman, 
invites a correspondence to be hereafter 
conducted outside of the District of Colum- 
bia, evidently to avoid on your part certain 
penalties imposed by law. I reply that the 
Constitution of Wisconsin allows me no 
escape from the consequences of such a 
correspondence as you seem to contemplate, 
wherever it may be conducted. I therefore 
inform you that such further correspondence 
as you may wish to make may be delivered 
to my friend, Col. F. W. Lander. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 
your obedient servant, 

John F. Potter. 

Hon. Roger A. Pryor. 

This challenge grew out of the following 



280 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



debate in Congress, which is copied from 
the "Globe :" — 

Mr. Pryor. — I rise to a question of privi- 
lege. I ask the gentleman from Virginia 
to yield to me. 

Mr. Smith, of Virginia. — Certainly. 

Mr. Pryor. — I would like the attention 
of an honorable member of this House from 
Wisconsin, (Mr. Potter.) In the "Globe" 
of this morning I find the following report 
of a scene which occurred upon this floor 
some few days since :— 

" Mr. Potter. — We listened to gentlemen 
upon the other side for eight weeks, when 
they denounced the members on this side 
with violent and offensive language. We 
listened to them quietly, and heard them 
through ; and now, sir, this side shall be 
heard, let the consequences be what they 
may. 

" Mr. Pryor. — The point I make is this — 

"The Chairman. — The chair will receive 
no motion, and hear no gentlemen, until 
members resume their seats and order is 
restored in the hall. 

"Mr. Cox. — I rise to a point of order. I 
insist that the gentleman from Illinois shall 
speak from his seat. 

"Mr. Pryor. — That is the point I make. 
Let the gentleman speak from his seat, and 
say all under the rules he is entitled to say ; 
but, sir, he shall not come upon this side, 
shaking his fist in our faces and talking in 
the style he has talked. He shall not come 
here gesticulating in a menacing and ruf- 
fianly manner. 

"Mr. Potter. — You are doing the same 
thing. 

"The Chairman. — Gentlemen will resume 
their seats. 

" Mr. Cox. — If the gentleman from Illi- 
nois goes on as he has, a guardian will have 
to be appointed for him. 

"Mr. Barksdale (addressing Mr. Love- 
joy.) — You shall not come upon this side 
of the House. 

"Mr. Adrain. — To avoid all further diffi- 
culty, I suggest to the gentleman from Illi- 
nois to speak from his seat. We all know 
him to be a man of courage, and that he 
cannot be intimidated. 

"Mr. Pryor. — No one wants to intimidate 
him. 

"Mr. Love joy. — Nobody can intimidate 
me. 

"Mr. Adrain. — I know that. I suggest 
the gentleman that he continue his speech 
from his seat. 

"(Thirty or forty of the members from 
both sides of the House gathered in the 
area about Mr. Lovejoy and Mr. Pryor, 
and there was increased confusion.) 

"Mr. John Cochrane. — I move that the 
Committee rise, as it is the only way we 
can get rid of this disturbance. 

" Mr. Potter. — I do not believe that side 



of the House can say where a member shall 
speak, and they shall not say it. 

"Mr. Singleton.— The gentleman from 
Illinois shall not make that speech from 
this side of the House. 

"Mr. Burnett. — There is a rule of this 
House which requires each man to speak 
from his seat. The gentleman from Illi- 
nois was not in his seat when he was speak- 
ing. He cannot, and he shall not, cross 
this hall to this side in a menacing manner. 
He shall not, let the consequences be what 
they will. He must speak from his seat. 

"Mr. Grow. — I move that the Committee 
rise. 

"The Chairman. — Gentlemen must re- 
sume their seats. 

" Mr. Cox. — Let the gentleman from Illi- 
nois take his seat. 

" Mr. Washburne, of Illinois. — Let others 
be seated, and let my colleague proceed. 

"Mr. Potter. — The gentleman from Illi- 
nois can take care of himself without the 
assistance of the other side." 

It is due to myself to say that, although 
he may have been near me, I did not re- 
cognise the presence of the honorable mem- 
ber from Wisconsin, nor did I hear one 
word from his lips. Now, sir, am I pe- 
culiar or singular in failing to observe his 
presence ? For, by reference to leading 
papers in New York, Philadelphia, and Bal- 
timore, all of which give separate and dis- 
tinct accounts of the proceedings of that 
day, I find that no allusion is made to his 
presence, and not one word is he reported 
to have uttered. However, I find this lan- 
guage reported in the " Globe," and I pre- 
sume I must concede that he did appear 
and that he did speak on that occasion. 
But, on recurring to the manuscript of the 
reporters, I find that he has interpolated 
the record of our proceedings, in a matter 
touching personal relations, affecting that 
record in a most material regard: — 

"We listened to them quietly, and heard 
them through. And now, sir, this side shall 
be heard." 

There stopped the manuscript of the re- 
porter. The member from AVisconsin then 
added, in his own handwriting, "let the 
consequences be what they may." Again, 
I am reported as having said, "You shall 
not come here gesticulating in a menacing 
and ruffianly manner." Mr. Potter was 
reported to have made no response. The 
reporter heard no response, and accordingly 
reported none. The member from AViscon- 
sin here interpolated in his own handwriting, 
"You are doing the same thing." Again, 
following a remark made by Mr. John 
Cochrane, the member from Wisconsin is 
made by the reporter to say : — 

"I do not believe that side of the House 
can say where a member shall speak." 

There the official report terminated ; but 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



281 



the member from Wisconsin Las added, 
"and they shall not say it." With this 
Btatement of facts, repeating that the news- 
papers of the country have not reported his 
presence in the House at all on that occa- 
sion, and that the official report of our 
proceedings exhibits the fact that he did 
not say that which he represents himself to 
have said, I resume my seat. 

Mr. Potter. — I am very much surprised 
that tiie member from Virginia should say 
that he did not see me upon the occasion 
alluded to ; but, sir, I have no right to say, 
and I shall not say, that he did see me, 
because I, of course, cannot say that he 
saw me ; but I stood within a few feet of 
the gentleman, and when he made the re- 
marks which he has just read in relation to 
Mr. Lovejoy's coming down into the area, 
gesticulating and shaking his fists, I said, 
"You are doing the same thing." I said 
it, as I supposed, distinctly ; and I was sur- 
prised when, on looking at the notes of the 
reporter, I found that it was not so reported. 
I did what I supposed every member had a 
right to do under the circumstances. When 
I was conscious, when I knew, that I made 
the remark, and when other members on 
this side of the House heard me make it, I 
put the remark in its proper place. I also 
claimed the right, and exercised the right, 
in looking over the notes of the reporter, 
to correct them. I believe the member from 
Virginia did the same thing. At any rate, 
his remarks had been corrected, judging 
from the appearance of the manuscript. I 
did no more than the member from Virginia 
did. I corrected my remarks. It is per- 
fectly natural to suppose that, under the 
circumstances, in the confusion which took 
place when so many were speaking at the 
same time, the reporters did not hear dis- 
tinctly ; but there are gentlemen on this 
side of the House who did hear me make 
the remarks as they appear in the "Globe." 
This is all I have to say on the subject. 

Mr. Pryor. — One word more. As to ray 
seeing the gentleman from Wisconsin, it is 
proper for me to say that, although I did 
not see or recognise him, he may have been 
there without my seeing him. As to the 
other point the gentleman makes, that I also 
altered the report of my remarks, I have 
this to say, that I did in two instances, I 
think, which I have here, substitute one 
word for another, not in any respect 
changing the sense or meaning, — certainly 
not making the language stronger, or put- 
ting me in any more heroic attitude. I 
understand the gentleman, then, to remark 
that he did say, on that occasion, that I 
had in a ruffianly and violent manner ap- 
proached and gesticulated toward the gen- 
tleman from Illinois. I understand him to 
say that. Now, sir, I wish to know if I am 
to understand, further, that he intends by 



that any menace or offence to myself in- 
dividually. (Laughter from the Republi- 
cans. ) 

Mr. Potter. — What I meant to say was 
this, that when the member from Virginia 
had left his own seat and come clown into 
the area, and was shaking his fists at Mr. 
Lovejoy, and was charging, so that it might 
go to the country, the same offence — if it 
be an offence — upon the gentleman from 
Illinois, I said, what was very natural that 
I should say under the circumstances, that 
"You are doing the same thing." I depre- 
cated the shaking of fists on one side as 
much as upon the other ; but I meant what 
I then said, and I stand by what I said. 
Ami, sir, I said before that I consider that 
a member has the right, not only to correct 
his remarks as taken by the reporters, but 
if a remark has, in the excitement and con- 
fusion of the occasion, been left out, he has 
a perfect right to put it in. I did put in 
this remark, because I wanted the report 
to be correct. That was the only motive 
I had. And now, Mr. Speaker, I will ask 
the member from Virginia whether he did 
not, of his own motion, erase that remark 
after it had been put in the report. I ask 
him what, right he had, even after I had put 
in a remark, to erase it without consulting 
me. When I looked over the notes again, 
I saw what the gentleman from Virginia 
had done; and I now say that he had no 
right whatever to alter a single word or a 
comma in those remarks. I would have cut 
my light hand off before I would have done 
it. But, sir, that remark of mine, put in 
its proper place, as I uttered it, was en- 
tirely wiped out by the member from Vir- 
ginia, (Mr. Pryor.) He erased it in such a 
way that neither the reporters, the printers, nor 
anybody else, could have told what were the 
words which had been written. It was taking 
a liberty, Mr. Speaker, which he had no 
right to take. It is the right of no person, 
in looking over the notes of the reporter, 
to erase any remark there written, whether 
by the reporter himself or anybody else. 
If the manuscript has been submitted to a 
member, and he has corrected his remarks, 
as he has the right to do, the gentleman 
from Virginia has no business, and no right, 
whatever, to amend, or alter, or strike out, 
the remarks purporting to have been made 
by another member. It is a liberty which 
I did not take, which I have no right to 
take, and which no gentleman has the right 
to take. 

Mr. Pryor. — One word, and then I am 
done with this matter. The gentleman from 
Wisconsin wants to know by what authority 
— for he impeaches the act — I erased mat- 
ter which he had interpolated there. I 
erased no word which the reporter had 
written upon his manuscript ; but I felt my- 
self authorized to erase an unwarrantable 



282 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[ArRiL, 



and impertinent interjection in the gentle- 
man's own handwriting. He says before 
lie would have done that thing — erased that 
which somebody else had put upon the 
manuscript — he would have his arm cut off, 
and yet he could interject into the manu- 
script that which the reporter did not write 
down and report him to have said. (Laugh- 
ter from the Republican benches.) The 
gentleman says that he stands by his language. 
I am very glad to hear it. I understand him, 
then, to give me the liberty of construing his 
remarks as I please. I will put what con- 
struction I please upon it, and whether or 
not he stands by it the sequel will demonstrate. 
(Derisive laughter from the Republican 
benches.) 

Mr. Potter. — Let it demonstrate. 

Extension or the Morse Patent. — The 
House and Morse patents were this day ex- 
tended from this date for seven years to come, 
by the Commissioners of Patents. The ap- 
plication for the extension was much op- 
posed, and the contest between the different 
parties was warm and exciting. The oppo- 
nents of the application of Mr. Morse were 
Messrs. Henry O'Reilly, of Rochester, N.Y., 
and William T. Eddy, of Hoboken, N.J. 
Their counsel consisted of Messrs. Speed, 
Donald Mann, and O'Reilly himself. Hon. 
Charles Mason, ex-Commissioner of Patents, 
Mr. Gwin, of Baltimore, and L. D. Gale, Esq., 
of Washington, composed the counsel for 
Mr. Morse. The patent covers the appa- 
ratus now in use on all the Morse lines, 
which are confined in I heir working to a 
single metallic conductor of wire. 



THURSDAY, APRIL 12. 

The Clay Anniversary. — At Richmond 
and New Orleans, statues of Henry Clay 
were inaugurated, this day. The ceremonies 
in both cities were conducted with great 
pomp, although those at New Orleans were 
on the larger scale. 

At Richmond, all business was suspended, 
and a full holiday was taken; the streets 
were decorated with flags, and a brilliant 
display of military was made in the pro- 
cession ; a cavalcade was also formed. An 
oration was delivered by Mr. Benjamin J. 
Barbour, and at the conclusion the statue 
was unveiled, under a salute of artillei'y. 
It is estimated that twenty thousand persons 
•were present at the ceremonies. The site 
chosen for the statue is on the western side 
of the Capitol Square. The pageant at New 
Orleans was made more imposing by the ad- 
dition of a large Masonic body to the pro- 
cession, in which also many companies of 
the military appeared, and by the mystic 
ceremonies of inauguration performed by 
the Masons. A miniature ship-of-war, full 



rigged, drawn by six horses, was a striking 
and attractive feature in the procession. 
She mounted four guns, and fired salutes 
along the route. The ladies in the balconies 
testified their admiration of the vessel and 
her gallant crew by showering them with 
bouquets. After the unveiling of the statue, 
and the Masonic ceremonies, the oration was 
delivered by Mr. Wm. H. Hunt. 

Decision of a Judge. — Affecting Scene. 
— This day, the Judge of Probate in Cincin- 
nati decided that one Sylvester Gaffney was 
entitled to the custody of Mary Ann Butler, 
his step-daughter, seven years of age. Upon 
his going round to take the custody, the 
child, who had been sitting in the lap of one 
of the ladies present, drew back from him 
in apparent terror, and in an imploring 
manner, and in tears, called out to the judge, 
"Oh, judge, do not give me to him!" This 
caused considerable emotion, and, Gaffney 
showing a disposition to assert the right the 
court had declared in his behalf, several 
persons gathered around. Mr. Nicholas 
Longworth, the wine-king, in an excited 
manner said, "Let the mob interfere!" but 
the first man who attempted it was instantly 
taken hold of by the officers present and 
thrown out of the room. Mrs. Weightman, 
with whom the child had been living, over- 
come by the excitement of the entire pro- 
ceedings, fainted. The little child wept 
bitterly, and clung to the friends that had 
adopted it. Many of the ladies wrung their 
hands and declared it would be ruined if it 
left them. The whole court-room was turned 
into a scene of confusion; and the judge, as 
a matter of discretion under the circum- 
stances, directed Sheriff Kessler to take the 
child until further orders. 

Fire in Oswego, N.Y. — This day, the 
Colwell's Block in that city, occupied as a 
drug and millinery store, and the upper por- 
tion as residences, was destroyed by fire. 
The building was insured for $10,000, the 
drusr-store for $2000, and the millinery-store 
for $800. The fire is supposed to have been 
the work of an incendiary. 

Acquittal. — This day, the trial of John 
Bell Brownlow, son of Parson Brownlow, at 
Abingdon, Va., for the killing of James W. 
Reese, (both students at Emory and Henry 
College,) was concluded, and resulted in his 
acquittal. 

Killed by Lightning. — This day, Mr. 
Richard L. West, residing near Darnestown, 
in Maryland, was killed by lightning. His 
brother-in-law having arrived at his house 
as the storm was approaching, Mr. W. took 
his horse to the stable, and, while haltering, 
him beside another horse that was already 
in the stable, he and both horses were struck 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



283 



and killed by lightning. When Mr. W. was 
discovered, his body was found under the 
horse he had but a few moments before led 
to the stable. 

The Great Bkeach-of-Promise Case. 
— In the case of Carstang vs. Shaw, the 
counsel for plaintiff on this day filed an affi- 
davit in support of the motion for a new 
trial, charging the jury with misconduct, 
&c, iu talking about the case outside the 
court-room. The argument for a new trial 
will be made at an early day. 

A Family Poisoned. — The family of Mr. 
John Lundy, of Troy, N.Y., narrowly es- 
caped death this day by poisoning. They 
were poisoned by toast bread, baked by Mrs. 
Lundy herself, for breakfast. After break- 
fast, Mr. Lundy, his wife and children, were 
seized with cramps, and vomited violently. 
It is supposed that some one threw arsenic 
in the flour. 

Arrested for Embezzlement. — A Mr. 
Terrell was arrested in Boston, (Mass.,) this 
day, for embezzlement. He subsequently 
attempted to commit suicide with a revolver ; 
but the ball, striking the base of the skull, 
glanced off, lodging in his cheek. 

Committed on Charge of Murder. — 
This day, Thompson, who killed Foley at 
South Reading, near Boston, on the Gth 
instant, was committed to answer the charge 
of murder. 

The Indiana Constitutional Union Con- 
vention met at Indianapolis, this day. 
They appointed delegates to the Baltimore 
Convention, selected a Central Executive 
Committee, and unanimously presented as 
their choice John McLean, of Ohio, for Pre- 
sident, and John Bell, of Tennessee, for 
Vice-President, and declared that they would 
cordially support any conservative national 
man who may be nominated by the Balti- 
more Convention. 

Recommending Botts for President. — 
This day, the Central Botts Club of Virginia 
issued an address to the Opposition through- 
out the Union, urging the nomination of Mr. 
Botts as the most available candidate who 
can be selected by the National Union Con- 
vention at Baltimore. The address was 
signed by many prominent gentlemen. 

Sailors Drowned by the Smashing of 
the Boat by a Whale. — This day, the 
whaling-bark Roscoe arrived at New Bed- 
ford, and reported the master and seven of 
the crew drowned off Cape Horn by the boat 
being smashed by a whale. The names of 
the lost are Capt. W. H. Almy, his son George 
H. Almy, Hugh Bell, Henry Sanguinette, 



Edwin McXamara, James Castle, Warren 
Thurston, and Manuel Portuguese. 

Freshet in the Potomac. — The Potomac 
River rose higher this day than at any period 
for eight years. The Chesapeake & Ohio 
Canal was overflown at several points be- 
tween Cumberland and Harper's Ferry. The 
back-water from the river at points between 
Cherry Run and Sir St. John's Run extended 
up for more than a mile to within a few feet 
of the railroad-track; but no material damage 
resulted to the track. ■ At Harper's Ferry, 
the banks of the canal were, entirely sub- 
merged, and the lower section of the town 
overflown. Many merchants, shopkeepers, 
and housekeepers removed their property 
from the submerged and threatened build- 
ing to others higher situated. The armory 
buildings, being protected by the heavy Avails 
surrounding them, were not at all affected 
by the flood. 

Indian Murders in Texas. — Three 
White Men Killed. — In Texas, this day, 
Shadrach Styer, James Hamby, and a youth 
named William Lambshead, were killed by 
a party of Indians on Mountain Pass. They 
were between two and three hundred yards 
distant from a house, when they were at- 
tacked by fourteen Indians, all well mounted. 
Styer and Hamby were shot and scalped ; 
Lambshead, when last seen, was passing 
over the brow of a hill, about twenty or 
thirty yards in advance of his pursuers: 
his body had not been found; The Indians 
then assaulted the house, which was de- 
fended by one man, and shot several arrows 
into the door. After their departure, Shad- 
rach Styer, scalped and dripping with gore, 
— presenting a truly horrid spectacle, — 
walked to the house, and lived about ten 
minutes. Mr. Hamby's parents reside near 
Belknap. Mr. Styer was a native of Penn- 
sylvania. 

Arrival of the First Pony-Express at 
San Francisco. — The News in Nine Days 
from Ocean to Ocean. — This day, the first 
pony-express, with telegraphic dates from 
the Atlantic cities of April 3, and letters 
from St. Joseph, mailed at half-past six p.m. 
of the same day, reached the telegraphic sta- 
tion in Carson Valley at half-past two p.m., 
whence the news was telegraphed to San 
Francisco, and published the same evening 
in extras by the " Bulletin" and " Alta Cali- 
fornia." The news Avas only nine days from 
ocean to ocean. The great feat created un- 
bounded enthusiasm. The express encoun- 
tered serious obstacles in crossing the moun- 
tains from Carson to Placerville, snow having 
accumulated four feet deep during a storm 
which prevailed just previously. Only a 
narrow mule-path had been opened, and 
this was entirely occupied for miles by 



284 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



pack-trains on their way from California to 
the Washoe mines. 

The express-rider was compelled to dis- 
mount and break a path around each mule 
met, thus causing several hours' delay, 
finally, he overcame these obstacles, and 
reached Placerville at half-past two p.m. of 
the 13th, and Sacramento at half-past five 
p.m., and thence proceeded to San Fran- 
cisco by steamer, arriving at one a.m. on 
the 14th. A spontaneous celebration took 
place at every town through which the pony 
passed. 

At Placerville, guns were fired, speeches 
made, &c. At Sacramento, the Legislature 
adjourned in honor of the event ; while the 
streets were draped with banners, ladies 
thronged the balconies, and crowds blocked 
up the sidewalks along the streets through 
which the pony was expected to pass. As 
he came galloping along, followed by a wild 
cavalcade of men who had gone out on the 
plains to meet him, the city echoed with 
the ringing of bells, the booming of cannon, 
and the long-continued shouts of the multi- 
tude. 

The demonstration was equally enthu- 
siastic and more imposing when the express 
reached San Francisco at a late hour of the 
night. The city was lit up by numerous 
bonfires, and a torchlight procession was 
formed ; the military companies were out, 
and the pony was escorted from the steamer 
to the heart of the city amid a blaze of fire- 
works. 

Altogether, these were among the most 
joyous demonstrations ever witnessed in 
California, evincing a hearty appreciation 
of the enterprise so gloriously consum- 
mated. 

The Prtor and Potter Quarrel. — This 
day, Mr. Potter sent a letter to his second, 
Colonel F. N. Lander, immediately before 
his acceptance of the challenge by Mr. 
Pryor, of which the following is the sub- 
stance : — 

After addressing his second, Col. Lander, 
in the most familiar terms, Mr. Potter goes 
on to say that he is profoundly hostile to 
the whole system of duelling; that he re- 
gards it as barbarous in the last degree : 
that he said nothing in the course of the 
debate at which Mr. Pryor took offence 
which was intended as an insult to the lat- 
ter ; that he had no unkind feeling to Mr. 
Pryor; but, inasmuch as the latter had 
challenged unconditionally, without leaving 
the door open to explanation, he was ready 
to meet the final alternative; that the course 
of events in the House of Representatives 
during thirty days prior to the election of 
Speaker, and for some time after that, indi- 
cated that the right of free speech was in 
peril; and that, for his own part, if the 
sacrifice of his life could prevent a bloody 



collision upon the floor and secure the pro- 
tection of this right, he was ready to become 
the victim ; that, unless some one did this, 
the independent action of the Northern men 
in Congress, and the whole freedom of de- 
bate, would be violently "overthrown." 
He then rests his case with his second. 

The challenge was then accepted, — the 
weapons to be bowie-knives, which, as will 
be perceived by the following correspond- 
ence published by Col. Lander, Mr. Pryor's 
second refuses to agree to, — he (to use the 
words of the letter) "not recognising this 
vulgar, barbarous, and inhuman mode of 
settling difficulties as either usual among 
gentlemen or consistent with the notions of 
civilized society." Col. Lander says: — 

At half-past one o'clock p.m. on the 12th 
of April, I received the following from the 
hands of Hon. T. P. Chisman : — 

MR. PRYOR TO MR. POTTER. 

Virginia, April 12, 1860. 

Sir : — In order to be assured that I do 
not misapprehend the precise import of your 
note by Mr. Lander, I beg to inquire if you 
will accept a challenge from me in the Dis- 
trict of Columbia. I have the honor to be, 
very respectfully, Roger A. Pryor. 

Hon. John F. Potted. 

P.S. — My friend Mr. Chisman will deliver 
this note. R. A. P. 

A delay now occurred on my part, for 
which you are not responsible, and the note 
was not delivered to you until evening. It 
was immediately answered as follows : — 

MR. POTTER TO MR. PRYOR. 

April 12, 18G0. 

Sir: — If there be any ambiguity in my 
note of last evening, after the explanation 
by my friend Col. Lander to your friends, — 
Col. Keitt last night, and Mr. Chisman to- 
day, — which I understand he made, I beg to 
say that 1 will answer the inquiry contained 
in your note of to-day when a challenge 
shall reach me. I have the honor to be, 
very respectfully, &c, John F. Potter. 

Hon. Roger A. Pryor. 

The following note was at once pre- 
sented : — 

MR. PRYOR TO MR. POTTER. 

Virginia, April 12, 1800. 

Sir: — I demand the satisfaction usual 
among gentlemen for the personal affront 
you offered me in debate, and for which 
you were pleased to avow your responsi- 
bility. I have the honor to be, very re- 
spectfully, Roger A. Pryor. 

Hon. J. F. Potter. 

P.S. — My friend Mr. Chisman will deliver 
this note. R. A. P. 

The following was delivered at twenty 
minutes past eleven o'clock p.m. : — 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



283 



MR. TOTTER TO MR. PRYOR. 

April 12, 1800. 

Sir: — Your second note of to-day is re- 
ceived. I refer you to my friend, Col. F. 
W. Lander, to make the necessary arrange- 
ments. I Lave the honor to be, very re- 
spectfully, John F. Potter. 

Hon. Roger A. Prtor. 

At half-past eleven o'clock the following 
was delivered : — 

COLONEL LANDER TO MR. CIIISMAN. 

April 12, 11 J p.m. 
Hon. T. P. Ciiisman:— 

Sir: — I have to state that my principal, 
Hon. John Potter, disclaiming the particu- 
lar rides of the code, will fight Hon. Roger 
A. Pryor with the common bowie-knife, at 
such a place, private room or open air, in 
this District, as we may agree upon, at a 
time to be fixed upon within the next twelve 
hours by you and myself. Distance, four 
feet at commencement of engagement ; two 
seconds present to each principal; seconds 
restricted to one navy-revolver each ; knives 
of principals of equal weight and length of 
blade; fight to commence at the word 
"three;" the calling of the tally and the 
word to be decided by turning a piece of 
money. I have the honor to be, most re- 
spectfully, F. W. Lander. 

At about three o'clock a.m. I received 
this answer : — 

MR. CHISMAN TO COLONEL LANDER. 

Washington, April 12, 1860. 
Col. F. W. Lander :— 

Sir : — In response to the demand of my 
friend, Mr. Pryor, for the satisfaction usual 
among gentlemen from your friend, Mr. 
Potter, you state that your principal, dis- 
claiming the particular rules of the code, 
will fight Hon. Roger A. Pryor with the 
common bowie-knife, &c. &c. Not recog- 
nising this vulgar, barbarous, and inhuman 
mode of settling difficulties as either usual 
among gentlemen or consistent with the 
notions of civilized society, I must, without 
referring your communication to my prin- 
cipal, or even seeing him, emphatically re- 
fuse to allow him to engage in it. When- 
ever your principal will reply to Mr. Pryor's 
demand in such a way as may seem to me 
consistent with any fair and even most 
liberal construction of the rules of the code, 
whether particular or general, I shall be 
most happy to communicate to my principal 
such response. I have the honor to be, 
most respectfully, T. P. Chisman. 

The Missouri Democratic State Con- 
vention nominated delegates to Charles- 
ton this day. They stood: — Hunter, 11; 
Douglas, 3 ; Dickinson and Breckinridge, 2 
each. 



FRIDAY, APRIL 13. 

Appointments Confirmed by the Senate. 
— The Senate, this clay, confirmed a large 
number of appointments, among them George 
M. Wharton as District-Attorney of Phila- 
delphia, and Henry G. Key as Navy-Agent 
at Baltimore. Also the following post- 
masters. H. T. Phillips, Chattanooga, Tenn. ; 
H. S. Stevens, Clinton, Miss. ; C. B. Backus, 
Adrian, Mich. ; John II. Montgomery, Mar- 
shall, Mich. ; S. W. Denton, Pontiac, Mich.; 
Samuel Melcher, Exeter, N.H. ; John H. 
McFarren, Lasalle, 111. ; John H. Massey, 
South Bend, Ind. ; Herbert Clark, Andover, 
Mass. ; S. P. Morgan, West Meriden, Conn. ; 
Henry M. Clark, Booneville, Mo. ; J. B. 
McDade, Chapel Hill, N.C. ; George Gillet, 
Nebraska City; George Williams, White 
Water, Wis. ; R. Hoyt, Stamford, Conn. ; 
T. G. Birdseye, Derby, Conn. ; J. H. Baker, 
Milford, Mass. ; John Convers, Delaware, O. ; 
C. Zarby, Joliet, 111. ; N. Jay, Racine, Miss. ; 
John Burnham, Woonsocket, R.I. : E. Wins- 
low, Peru, 111. ; George Welket, Fond du Lac, 
Wis. ; W. P. Wonmack, Grass Valley, and 
George Klaber, Mokelumne, Cal. 

Harrisburg Election. — This day, Mr. 
William Kefner was elected Mayor of that 
city, by three huudred and thirty majority. 

Trenton (N.J.) Election. — This day, F. 
S. Mills (Dem.) was re-elected Mayor by a 
majority of three hundred and eighty-one, iu 
a total vote of 2049. 

Marine Affairs. — This day, the schooner 
Hill Carter, Fisk, from Baltimore for Boston, 
with a cai'go of corn, went ashore, in the 
night, on Point Rip, Nantucket. She has 
bilged. Crew saved. 

In Savannah, Ga., the schooner R. L. Fay, 
with three hundred bales of cotton on board, 
caught fire, this day, opposite the Lamar 
Press, when she was scuttled. 

Lake-Navigation. — The propeller Prairie 
State arrived at Milwaukie, this day, from 
the lower lakes, she being the first vessel 
through the Straits of Mackinac. She passed 
through some thirty miles of floating ice 
above Milwaukie, with but little difficulty. 

Western Navigation. — This day, the 
Northern Transportation Company's propel- 
ler Michigan, bound to Ogdensburg, N.Y., 
the first boat from Chicago this season, 
passed Sarena, C.W. She reports but little 
ice remaining. 

Freshets in Ohio. — The Ohio papers of 
this date state that the injuries sustained by 
the railroads and canals in the central por- 
tions of that State are much greater than 
were anticipated. The damage to the public 



286 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



works is immense, probably not. less than 
fifty thousand dollars. East of Newark, the 
Central Ohio road is covered with water for 
miles. At Marietta, the water was six feet 
deep on Harmer Street, and was rising at the 
rate of three inches per hour. At Zancs- 
ville, the Muskingum River was higher than 
ever before known. West Zanesville was 
entirely under water, and the lower side of 
Zanesville was in the same condition. 

The Central Ohio Railroad was very much 
damaged, and several warehouses upon it are 
washed away. 

Female Regulators. — Woman Tarred 
and Feathered. — In the night of this day, 
(says the "Westfield Republican,") fifteen 
young men and five women, including one 
married woman, went to the house of Elisha 
Whipple, in the south part of Portland, broke 
it open, took one of his girls — a young wo- 
man — out of bed, and tarred and feathered 
her. The reason alleged for the act is that 
she was of a disreputable character, and the 
house was disorderly. 

The perpetrators were all arrested and 
brought before Justice Young of this village, 
and gave bail for their appearance at the 
next Criminal Court. For the credit of the 
crowd engaged in the act, perhaps we should 
say that we were informed that the women 
did the tarring and feathering, — the men 
modestly retiring while the ceremony w r as 
being performed. 

As far as we are able to learn the facts, 
Mr. Whipple some time since lost his wife, 
and was left with a family of small children ; 
and this young woman, who had been living 
away, came home to help take care of the 
family. Recently suspicion had been excited 
that the house was disorderly, and this re- 
fined method was adopted by the young 
people of the neighborhood to reform it. 

The Mysterious Murder on Board the 
Oyster-Sloop E. A. Johnson. — Indictment 
of the Prisoner. — This day, in the United 
States Circuit Court of New York, Judge 
Betts presiding, the grand jury rendered a 
true bill of indictment against Albert W. 
Hicks, alias Johnson, for robbery on the high 
seas. The indictment was read to the prisoner 
by Mr. Stilwell, the deputy-clerk. It charges 
that Hicks, alias Johnson, on the 21st of 
March, while on board the sloop E. A. John- 
son, on the high seas, with force or fear, did 
take from the person of George H. Burr, the 
master thereof, gold coin to the value of $30, 
silver coin to the value of $150, a watch 
valued at $20, a guard-chain worth six cents, 
a canvas bag worth six cents, a coat, hat, 
trousers, and a felt hat, making a total 
amount of $250. The second count charges 
that the property belonged to George H. 
Burr, one of the company of the said sloop, 
which was owned by American citizens to 



the jurors unknown. The third count 
charges that the robbery and piracy were 
committed within the jurisdiction of the 
court, and that the Southern District was the 
place where the prisoner was first found and 
apprehended. 

The clerk asked if the prisoner was ready 
to plead to this indictment. 

His counsel said they would not be pre- 
pared to plead until Tuesday next. 

Mr. Dwight, assistant district-attorney, 
said this was a very important case, and that 
it would be necessary to try the indictment 
as early as possible. 

The court asked if it was a capital case. 

Mr. Dwight said yes. 

The court said, In such a case the prisoner 
must have a reasonable time to consult his 
counsel and to ascertain if he has any special 
plea. 

The prisoner was then remanded. 

In the New York Court of Oyer and 
Terminer, in the case of John D. Pfromer, 
this day, the jury could not agree. The 
judge discharged them. They stood seven 
for manslaughter and five for not guilty. 

In the case of Margaret Burk, charged 
with the Fourteenth Street poisoning, the 
district-attorney not being able to bring con- 
clusive evidence against the accused, she was, 
on motion of ex-Judge O'Connor, admitted to 
bail on her own recognizance. 

Attempted Suicide. — In Jersey City, this 
day, an elderly woman, who gave her name 
as Mary Ann McGinnis, attempted to destroy 
her life by jumping off a bridge, between 
Jersey City and Hoboken. She was rescued 
by some persons who observed the occur- 
rence. Ill treatment by her husband was 
assigned as the cause of the act. 

Probable Suicide by Shooting. — An in- 
quest was held at Hudson City, N.Y., this 
day, by Coroner Ackerman, on the body of 
an unknown man, found lying in a swamp in 
the meadows, near the Northern Railroad, 
with a portion of his head blown away. A 
pistol was found lying near by, indicating 
that he had shot himself. The jury rendered 
a verdict that deceased came to his death by 
his own hands, or was shot by some person 
unknown. Deceased was apparently a Ger- 
man, and was dressed in a black frock-coat, 
black cloth pants, dark-gray cassimere vest, 
white muslin shirt, gray knit under-shirt, 
striped drawers, gray woollen stockings, new 
boots, and felt hat. 

Found Drowned. — In New York, this day, 
John Larkins, a native of Ireland, about 
thirty years of age, was found drowned at 
the foot of Jay Street, North River. De- 
ceased has been missing since Wednesday 
last, and when last seen was intoxicated. 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



287 



Execution in South Carolina. — This 
day, in accordance with the sentence of the 
court, .lohu C. Terrell, who had been con- 
victed of causing the death of his grand- 
father, Ananias Graham, by poison, was hung 
at Bennettsville, S.C. 

Railroad-Accident. — This day, the ex- 
press-train from St. Louis for Chicago broke 
through the trestle-work bridge three miles 
north of Springfield, instantly killing two 
men who were riding in front of the baggage- 
car. The engineer and fireman were badly 
hurt. No others seriously injured. 

Suit against the Eighth Avenue Rail- 
road Company. — Verdict for $1U00. — This 
day, the case of Augustus Maverick and wife 
against the Eighth Avenue Railroad Com- 
pany, to recover for injuries sustained by 
Mrs. Maverick by a collision on the 18th of 
January, 1859, between a car of the company 
and a hook-and-ladder truck, was concluded 
in the Court of Common Pleas of New York, 
before Judge Brady. Two days were occu- 
pied in the trial of the case. The plaintiffs 
proved that the injuries sustained by Mrs. 
Maverick were a severe wound in the left 
breast and the fracture of a part of the right 
hand. A portion of the hand was subse- 
quently amputated. The defence set up was 
the culpability of the fire-company. The jury 
retired at five o'clock in the afternoon, and 
returned at half-past eight p.m. with a ver- 
dict of $1000 for plaintiffs. 

A Hard Case. — In New York, this day, 
Catharine Munson, a respectable-looking 
woman, about thirty-five years of age, living 
iu the upper part of that city, appeared before 
Justice Kelly, at the Jefferson Market Police 
Court, and made a complaint against her hus- 
band for drunkenness. She has been heart- 
broken for several months past by the cruel 
and reckless conduct of her husband, and, as 
a last resort, she was compelled to swear him 
up as a vagrant. Mrs. Munson was accom- 
panied by her son, a young man about nine- 
teen years old ; and he, too, had to take a 
part in sending his father to a felon's cell. 
Both mother and son wept bitterly while 
making their affidavits, and, as the prisoner 
Was conducted down-stairs in charge of a 
policeman, Mrs. Munson became so faint that 
she had to be supported. 

Singular Poisoning-Case. — In New York, 
this day, Coroner O'Keefe was called upon to 
hold an inquest upon the body of Robert T. 
Harper, a child about seven years of age, 
residing at the corner of Fifty-Ninth Street 
and Second Avenue, under circumstances 
which lead the parents to believe that death 
was caused by the administration of poison. 
Deceased, it appeared, had just recovered 
from the measles, when he was attacked with 



sudden vomiting and purging. This was on 
Sunday last. On Monday, deceased con- 
tinued vomiting, and became very much ex- 
hausted. That day Mr. Harper's entire 
family, consisting of seven persons, were 
similarly attacked with purging and vomit- 
ing, which continued for two days. Dr. 
Clark was called in to attend the family, and 
succeeded in restoring all the patients to 
health except Robert, the child, who was first 
seized with illness. Robert died this day. 
A post-mortem examination of the body of 
deceased was made by Drs. Finnell and Gal- 
lagher on Saturday, but the physicians are 
unable to arrive at any conclusion until after 
an analysis of the stomach shall have been 
made. Coroner O'Keefe thereupon adjourned 
the inquisition for two weeks, in order to give 
the chemist sufficient time to perform his 
labors. That the family have partaken of 
some poison there does not seem to be much 
doubt ; but in what form it was administered, 
and with what intention, remains to be seen. 
Mr. Harper does not believe that the poison- 
ing was the work of design, as they were all 
taken sick at different times. He has not the 
slightest suspicion of any one who could be 
guilty of such a crime. 

A Most Destructive Fire occurred at 
Whitehall, Vt., this day. It broke out at 
Hall's drug-store, in Canal Street. Twenty 
buildings were destroyed, including two 
banks, the post-office, telegraph-office, aud 
express-office. 

Arrival of the First Pony-Express 
from San Francisco. — This day, arrived at 
St. Joseph, Mo., the first messenger on the 
Central Overland Pony-Express, at four 
o'clock in the afternoon, with California 
dates to April 3, and Carson Valley dates to 
April 4. 

This messenger came through in ten days 
to a minute, he having left San Francisco at 
four o'clock p.m. on April 3. 

The last hundred miles of the route were 
made iu eight hours ; and the courier states 
that even better time had been made over 
other portions of the road. 

A celebration was immediately gotten up 
in honor of its prompt arrival. The city was 
illuminated, the citizens paraded the streets 
with bands of music, fireworks were set off, 
speeches were made appropriate to the occa- 
sion, and the best feeling was manifested by 
everybody. 

The Potter and Pryor Duel. — This day, 
the following correspondence took place be- 
tween Colonel Lander and Mr. Chisman, the 
seconds of Messrs. Potter and Pryor. Colonel 
Lander, in his publication of the correspond- 
ence, alluding to Mr. Chisman' s letter of 
yesterday, says, "I sent the following re- 
ply:"— 



288 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



COLONEL LANDER TO MR. CHISMAN. 

Washington, April 13, 3 a.m. 
Hon. T. T. Ciiisman :— 

Sir : — Your note is just received. Without 
replying to the terms of indignation which 
seem to pervade it, I will simply say that my 
principal detests and abhors the barbarous 
and inhuman mode of settling difficulties 
usual among gentlemen. He represents his 
constituents in the following manner: He 
asserts and maintains his right to present on 
the tioor of Congress, within parliamentary 
rules, any matter which he believes to be 
correct. Called upon by note to reply to 
your principal, he has made his statement. 
As his friend, I have presented it. You ob- 
ject to the terms. They were such as would 
alone enable my principal, who is unac- 
quainted with the usual weapons of the duel- 
list, to meet your friend on equal terms. He 
will not go out of this District to fight a duel. 
He waives the usual last resort of the non- 
duellist, — the assertion that he will defend 
himself whenever assailed. He even goes so 
far as to be willing to name time, place, and 
weapons. When at this stage of the affair 
you appeal to the strict terms of the code and 
express yourself dissatisfied, there is but one 
result. I disclaim any of the scruples which 
have actuated my friend Mr. Potter. Dif- 
fering with him as much as a man can in 
politics, 1 believe with him that every Ame- 
rican citizen is entitled to the free expression 
of opinion. I therefore present myself to you 
in his jjlace, without restrictions. 
I have the honor to be, 

Most respectfully, 

F. W. Lander. 

At half-past seven o'clock a.m. the follow- 
ing reached me : — 

MR. CHISMAN TO COLONEL LANDER. 

Washington, April 13, I860. 
Colonel F. W. Lander: — 

Sir : — Neither my friend Mr. Pryor nor 
myself have any personal quarrel with you. 
1 cannot, therefore, either permit him or my- 
self to take advantage of your courteous offer 
to substitute yourself in Mr. Potter's place. 
As Mr. Potter, who is, as you state, unac- 
quainted with the usual weapons of duellists, 
cannot meet my friend on equal terms in the 
District of Columbia, except with the com- 
mon bowie-knife, which mode of fighting I 
have refused to accede to, and as he will not 
go out of this District to fight a duel, and 
moreover waives the usual last resort of the 
non-duellist with the assertion that he will 
defend himself whenever assailed, I must 
terminate this correspondence with the ex- 
pression of my regret that we have been un- 
able to adjust the matter between our prin- 
cipals in the manner usual among gentlemen, 
winch manner, though your principal detests 



and abhors it as barbarous and inhuman, 
would seem to men of plain sense not more 
so than a tight with bowie-knives. 
I have the honor to be, 

Very respectfully, 

T. P. Chisman. 
It was replied to by this closing note, ad- 
mitted by the courtesy of Mr. Chisman : — 

COLONEL LANDER TO MR. CHISMAN. 

Washington, April 13, 1860, 8 a.m. 
Hon. T. P. Ciiisman: — 

Sir : — I received your last note at half-past 
seven o'clock this morning. In it you reite- 
rate your assertion that your principal shall 
not meet Mr. Potter with bowie-knives, 
making assurance doubly sure. I have to 
correct an impression I have apparently con- 
veyed in my last letter, — an expression also 
referred to in your note. It appears that my 
statement that Mr. Potter waives the usual 
last resort of the non-duellist, the assertion 
that he will defend himself whenever as- 
sailed, has led yon to believe that he will 
not defend himself if assaulted. This is a 
mistake. If for a time he waived the mere 
assertion and placed himself, so far as he 
could, at the disposal of Mr. Pryor in regard 
to a personal combat, by no means believe 
that he will not defend himself. I beg to as- 
sure you, without consulting with my principal, 
that he will protect himself with honor when- 
ever assailed. It also becomes my duty to 
inform you that the Hon. John Potter did 
not know of my offer to appear for him. 
The further remarks of your letter being 
mere expressions of opinion upon a mode of 
adjusting difficulties, the propriety of which 
we are not discussing, I have nothing to offer 
in reply. 

I have the honor to be, 

Most respectfully, 

F. W. Lander. 



SATURDAY, APHIL 14. 

Dreadful and Mysterious Murder of a 
Female. — In Jersey City, N.J., opposite New 
York, this day, about five o'clock in the 
morning, as private watchman Baldwin was 
engaged at his duties on the Cunard dock at 
Jersey City, his attention was attracted to 
something in the water at the end of York 
Street Pier. Upon close inspection, he dis- 
covered it to be the feet of a human being, 
with the head and body immersed in the 
water. Thinking that this might be one of 
the victims of the sloop Spray or the oyster- 
boat E. A. Johnson, the watchman summoned 
his partner, and the two attached a rope to 
one of the limbs and attempted to draw the 
body to the surface, when they found that it 
was held firm by some weight attached to it. 
They then made the line fast to the dock, 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



289 



and notified Coroner Morris. The coroner 
shortly after proceeded to the spot, and, 
upon taking out the body, found it to be that 
of a woman, iu a perfectly nude state, with 
the exception of the yoke of a chemise and 
about three inches of the top of a white cot- 
ton stocking. One end of a rope was found 
passed around the neck, and drawn twice 
tightly through the mouth, which caused the 
tongue to protrude. The rope was fastened 
by a peculiar knot, called by boatmen a 
"timber-hitch." The other end of the rope 
was fastened to a barrel of pitch, which was 
considerably imbedded in the mud and it is 
supposed could not have moved any distance 
after having been sunk. The remains were 
taken to Mr. Hope's, undertaker, in Newark 
Avenue, where they remained until next day, 
for identification. 

THE INQUEST. 

Coroner Morris summoned a jury, when 
the following evidence was taken : — 

Jonathan H. Baldwin testified : — 1 reside at 
No. 34 Essex Street, and am a watchman at 
the Cunard dock ; about half-past five o'clock 
this morning, I went into the shed of the 
Cunard dock, and, looking out of the window, 
discovered, as I thought, the feet of a human 
being swaying back and forth in the water 
at the end of the York Street pier; it struck 
me that it might be one of the persons that 
had been murdered recently on one of the 
vessels ; I told my partner, Peterson, and we 
went down and hitched a rope to one of the 
legs, in order to hoist the body up to see who 
it was, when I discovered that the body was 
anchored to something; then went and noti- 
fied ihe coroner; was present when the body 
was taken up, and found that it was attached 
to a barrel of pitch; the rope was passed 
through the mouth twice, and drawn very 
tight, — so much so that the tongue protruded ; 
the hitch of the rope was what boatmen call 
a timber-hitch ; the rope was about ten feet 
in length; the water where the body was 
found is about twenty feet deep at high tide 
and about thirteen feet at low tide ; do not 
think the barrel had floated at all, but think 
the body and barrel had been thrown into the 
water at the same time. 

Peter Peterson testified: — I am a private 
watchman at the Cunard dock ; I corroborate 
the testimony of Officer Baldwin ; the barrel 
was about ten feet from the dock; do not 
think it had moved after it was thrown in the 
water ; I have been a night-watchman at 
that dock the past three years, and have 
frequently heard screams in that vicinity; 
the last time we heard a scream at that place 
was about three o'clock in the morning some 
ten days ago, when Baldwin and myself 
saved a man from drowning ; he was a 
stranger from New York, dressed in black 
clothes, and apparently an Irishman ; do not 
know that any schooners loaded with pitch 
had laid at that dock very recently. 



As no person could be found to identify 
the body, and no further evidence touching 
this mysterious affair was forthcoming, it 
was decided to adjourn the investigation until 
Tuesday following, in order to give it pub- 
licity, which might bring it to the notice of 
some of the friends or acquaintances of the 
unknown woman. 

Dr. Quidor, City Physician, made a careful 
post-mortem examination of the body, which 
was in a good state of preservation, having, 
it is supposed, been in the water about ten 
days. He found considerable extravasated 
blood in the throat, which might have been 
caused either by strangulation or by the 
rope ; the left collar-bone was dislocated, an 
extensive bruise was on the left breast, and 
one on the right side of the stomach. 

Deceased was supposed to be an English- 
woman, about thirty years of age ; was about 
five feet in height, and rather thick-set ; black 
hair; teeth all perfect, with the exception of 
the right eye-tooth and the molar tooth on 
the left side, which are gone. 

Alleged Murderer Arrived. — This day, 
George Ellis, a seaman, arrived at New York, 
in the steamer Empire City, to answer a 
charge of murder. The prisoner, it appears, 
killed the second mate of the bark Henry 
Warren, while the vessel was lying at anchor 
in the port of Havana, and was sent home by 
the United States Consul for trial. The first 
mate of the vessel, Francis Morris, and one of 
the sailors, named N. D. England, were also 
sent home, as witnesses. The entire party 
were placed in charge of the United States 
Marshal. 

Horrible Case of Mal-Practice. — A 
Child Pulled to Pieces by a Quack Doctor. 
— A most shocking and revolting case of 
human butchery occurred in the town of 
Irondequoit, near Rochester, N.Y., on this 
day, the facts of which, as elicited before 
Coroner Bloss, are as follows: — 

Johu Bxmson is a laboring-man, and works 
for Mr. David Forrest on his farm in Iron- 
dequoit. He lives with his wife and children 
in a small shanty upon the land of Mr, For- 
rest, in Bay Street, about two miles from the 
city. On Friday night Mrs. Bunson mani- 
fested the signs which usually precede the 
advent of breathing humanity, and a young 
man named Holloway was despatched to 
Rochester for a physician. Having no par- 
ticular directions, and being ignorant of the 
location of respectable practitioners, he un- 
fortunately called upon one George Hauck, 
who lives in North Street, where he has a 
doctor's sign out, the messenger recollecting 
the sign from the fact that he had delivered 
a load of wood there. 

Hauck proceeded to the house and com- 
menced operations, the details of which are 
too revolting for publication. Suffice it to 



19 



290 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



say, — according to his own testimony and that 
of others, — that after he had operated in a 
most brutal manner for a long time, during 
■which the poor woman suffered the most 
intense agony and beseeched those around to 
kill her, Hauck, at the suggestion of Forrest, 
procured a small rope, and, placing it around 
the neck of the child, he and Forrest gulled 
upon it until it passed through, severing the 
head from the body and leaving the woman still 
undelivered ! 

The "doctor" then sought to remove the 
head, but could not, — when he tied the rope to 
one of the arms, and thus took away the 
body. Leaving matters in this position, he 
came to the city and procured the assistance 
of one "Dr." Adam Miller, with whom he re- 
turned, and with whose assistance he re- 
moved the head. 

On Saturday, Hauck presented a bill for 
fifteen dollars, urging that it was extremely 
reasonable, as other doctors would have 
charged twenty-five or thirty dollars. 

As may be supposed, Mrs. Bunson's con- 
dition, after undergoing such a horrible 
butchery, was most critical. Drs. C. H. 
Miller and Keuching were called in, and 
under their care she was getting along very 
well, with every prospect of a complete 
recovery. 

These physicians, on taking the case, as- 
certained the above facts, and that the body 
of the child had been buried in the "Hooker 
Cemetery." They gave information to Coro- 
ner B'oss, who immediately had the remains 
disinterred and summoned a jury to investi- 
gate the matter. Drs. Backus and Sumner 
were summoned as examining physicians, 
and the material portion of their evidence is 
given below. " Dr." Hauck, and his assistant, 
"Dr." Miller, were the only witnesses sworn, 
and all of the former's testimony that is fit 
for publication is given. The details of his 
operations, as he described them, were most 
revolting. The operations with the rope oc- 
cupied nearly an hour. 

Hauck was committed to jail by the coro- 
ner. 

Evidence of Drs. Azel Backus and Charles 
Sumner: — Have made an examination of the 
body of deceased ; it has every appearance 
ef a fully-developed child — chest well de- 
veloped, skin sound ; the head is separated 
from the trunk; the lower jaw is absent; it 
has the appearance of having been torn from 
the head; severed at the second vertebra; 
the eyes are sunk in their sockets, as though 
pressed in by fingers or an instrument ; the 
arms 011 either side show marks and bruises, 
as though something had been entwined 
around them and they had been pulled upon; 
there are deep indentations in the flesh above 
the elbow-joint of the arm, which is dislocated 
at the elbow; the neck, at the point of sepa- 
ration, presents discolorations; coagula of 
blood are found; the separation from the 



head appears as though accomplished by 
some tearing-instrument, and that great force 
must have been necessary to accomplish it; 
there is a fragment of the lower jaw in the 
napkin which enclosed the body ; also a 
piece of integument belonging to the upper 
part of the neck, probably ; the indentures 
referred to on the left arm are white-colored ; 
the child has never breathed, though it was 
alive during labor. 

Evidence of "Dr." Hauck: — Am a native 
of Germany, thirty-four years of age ; have 
lived in Rochester about eight months; came 
here from Oneida, where I practised medi- 
cine ; practised some in Germany ; have no 
diploma ; did not study at any medical 
school ; got my knowledge from books ; do 
not know their titles ; gave two of them away ; 
one that I gave away was a prescription-book, 
by a man named Lech; I use extracts; de- 
cline to specify what extracts ; have prac- 
tised surgery in Rochester on cripples; never 
performed an amputation ; I understand by 
surgery that when I find a person sick I 
examine them and prescribe what I think 
best for them ; I have now about twenty 
patients in all; three applicants to-day; 
have been in the habit of attending women 
professionally ; had one case on New Main 
Street ; do not know the name of the family ; 
they have moved away ; was paid two dol- 
lars ; had other cases offered, but did not 
take them, because they were difficult cases ; 
I said I had earned twenty-five dollars, but 
would not charge him, for medicine and all, 
but fifteen dollars ; I said that other doctors 
would have charged from twenty-five to 
thirty dollars for this kind of work — the way 
I do it ; I think myself qualified, by my medical 
education, to attend professionally such 
cases ; have been practising medicine about 
two years; I have a scientific knowledge of 
medicine; I obtained it out of my head; and 
the same of obstetrics ; I learned the latter 
in Schenectady, of a woman, and the rest 
out of my head ; I studied with her five or 
six months ; she was a midwife. 

Indian Outrages on the Frontiers of 
Texas. — Important Despatch of Governor 
Houston to the War Department. — This 
day, Governor Houston sent a despatch to 
the War Department, of which the following 
is a synopsis : — 

Governor Houston says he is actuated by 
a sense of duty, as well as impelled by the 
helpless condition of the Texan frontier- 
people, to again address the War Depart- 
ment. He says the regular troops are use- 
less in fighting the Indians, because they 
detest the service and they are not drilled 
to fight such a foe. While he considers it 
ridiculous to think of employing the regular 
service against the Indians, he pays the 
highest tribute to the valor of the regulars. 
He urges the necessity of a regiment of 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



291 



Texas volunteers, ten companies, to be sta- 
tioned at ten different points on the line of 
the Texan frontier, and patrols made to 
pass between the points. By this means 
the Indians could not pass into the white 
settlements without their trail being dis- 
covered and pursuit given before they 
would have an opportunity to massacre and 
depredate upon the people. Governor 
Houston estimates that the Texas Rangers 
are not only superior to any other class of 
troops for the service, but more economical. 
They are excellent horsemen, accustomed to 
hardships; and the Texas horses, having 
been raised on grass, can perform service 
without requiring grain, except to recruit 
their strength for a few days. The Texans 
are acquainted with Indian habits and 
know where to find their haunts. Governor 
Houston, as the executive head of Texas, 
expresses a wish to avoid the appearance 
of captiousness or complaining of his in- 
tercourse with the Federal Government. He 
states that within the past few hours of the 
date of writing, expresses arrived at Austin 
from Eastland and Palo Pinto counties, an- 
nouncing the murder of three men and two 
boys, one ten and the other eight years 
of age, with all the attendant barbarities 
of scalping and mutilation. The Indians 
are along the Texan frontier, and penetrate 
with unparallelled audacity to within forty 
miles of Austin. They are ravaging the 
German settlements on the Medina, within 
thirty miles of San Antonio. Not content 
with murdering the settlers and carrying 
off their horses, they shoot all the cattle in 
their path. Hidden in the dense brakes or 
mountain-fastnesses, they await an oppor- 
tunity to make a foray. The consequence 
is that people are quitting whole neighbor- 
hoods and forting up at the county sites. 
Their little cabins are deserted, and their 
fields of young corn and wheat are left to 
waste. In many counties there is no bread, 
and but a scanty subsistence for the women 
and children. While their men are in pur- 
suit of the foe, starvation is staring them 
in the face. A large portion of these people 
have been attracted to the frontier of Texas 
by the inducements held out by land-specu- 
lators. Most of them are from the West- 
ern States, a goodly share being from the 
States of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and 
most of them unused to the dangers of an 
Indian-frontier life. They emigrated at a 
time when there was no apprehension, and 
are not prepared for the terrible realities 
which are now upon them. The Indians 
have every advantage, and can surprise the 
settlements at any time. 

Governor Houston also informs the Secre- 
tary of War *that Texas is doing all in her 
power to repel the enemy. There are now 
in actual Indian service twenty-three minute- 
detachments of fifteen men each, with a 



reserve of ten men each. There are also 
three companies of seventy men each, two of 
forty men each, and three of twenty-five men 
each. A force of four companies of ninety 
men each will rendezvous at Fort Worth on 
the 13th inst., preparatory to making a de- 
termined effort to pursue and punish the 
Indians. 

Governor Houston thinks the General 
Government should not impose upon Texas 
the burden of sustaining this force in the 
field. He says that, in addition to the 
force named, every available man in the 
frontier counties is in the saddle, and has 
been for months. The whole distance of 
seven hundred miles from the Red River to 
the Rio Grande is exposed. This should be 
taken into consideration, he thinks, in the 
distribution of troops. 

Repfblican Convention' in Virginia. — 
This day, a Republican county convention 
met at Occoquan, Prince William county, 
Virginia, for the purpose of choosing dele- 
gates to the Wheeling Convention. Strong 
resolutions were passed in favor of the Re- 
publican party, protesting against the cen- 
sorship of the press at the South, and de- 
manding freedom of speech. After enume- 
rating several of the absurd and burdensome 
provisions of slave legislation, they came 
out with the following resolution: — 

••And all this must be borne without a 
murmur on our part, or we are charged as 
abolitionists and disloyal to Virginia. Thus, 
after a careful review of the politics of the 
country, we are forced to the conclusion 
that in the coming contest we are to make a 
choice between the Democratic and Repub- 
lican parties, as we are convinced that every 
other party will be swept away by the issues 
of 1860." 

A Severe Snow-Storm this day com- 
menced in New York and extended from 
Lake Erie to within a few miles of the Hud- 
son River. There were from three to six 
inches of snow on the ground. 

Fire in West Troy, N.Y. — This day, a 
large fire occurred in West Troy, destroying 
N. L. Dann's cooper-shop, a wagon-factory, 
a grocery, eleven dwelling-houses, and four 
barns. Loss, about $30,000: partially in- 
sured. The Arba Read, steam fire-engine, 
prevented even a more destructive conflagra- 
tion. 

Fire in Philadelphia. — This day, about 
noon, a fire broke out in the flour and grain 
store of J. S. & E. L. Perot, 36 North Dela- 
ware Avenue, and soon communicated with 
the adjoining tobacco-store, owned by Buck- 
nor, McCammon & Co , which threatened to 
be very destructive; but the timely arrival 
of the steam fire-engines with a strong force 



292 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



of the fire-department succeeded in extin- 
guishing the flames. The loss of flour, 
grain, and tobacco is estimated at $15,000 
to $20,000, which is covered by insurance. 

Fire in Vincennes, (Ind.) — This day, a 
fire at night destroyed Eastham's block, 
■with nearly all its contents. Loss, about 
$10,000: insured for $3400. The fire ori- 
ginated in a bakery in the building. 

The Dismal Swamp, in the vicinity of 
Norfolk, this day, was on fire. The flames 
raged with great violence. 

Two Children Burned to Death in Wil- 
liamsburg, N.Y. — This day, two little chil- 
dren of James M. Clary, residing at No. 184 
South First Street, Williamsburg, were 
burned to death by their clothes taking fire. 
The parents went out in the evening, leaving 
the children — one three and the other five 
years old — locked up in a room by them- 
selves. They found some matches in the 
room ; and while playing with them they 
became ignited, and the clothes of the chil- 
dren were set on fire, by which they were 
burned so severely that they died soon after 
the accident. 

Sinking of a Western Steamer. — This 
day, the steamer Defender, bound from New 
Orleans to Pittsburg, snagged and sunk 
near Laconia. The boat, with her heavy 
cargo, is a total loss. Three deck-passen- 
gers were lost. 

Committed for Sending Threatening 
Letters. — Christopher Evans, who was 
committed to Dover (Del.) jail, some three 
weeks ago, on a charge of sending threaten- 
ing letters to Daniel Cummins, Esq., had a 
hearing, this day, upon a writ of habeas cor- 
pus, before Chancellor Harrington, with a 
view to his liberation on the ground that he 
did not commit the offence charged, or if he 
did that it was not an indictable one under 
the statutes of this State. The Chancellor, 
after hearing the arguments, decided the 
offence indictable, and remanded the pri- 
soner. 

A Man, Woman, and Child Stabbed. — 
In Newark, N.J., a jeweller named Robert 
Donald was taken before Justice Medcraft, 
this day, charged with having stabbed An- 
drew Chrishelm, wife and child, who reside 
at No. 13 Ailing Street. It appears that 
Donald, in company with James Calhoun, 
went to Chrishelm's house late on Friday 
night, and solicited food and lodging, which 
were cheerfully accorded. While they were 
eating, a dispute arose, and the guests 
became very abusive. Chrishelm then or- 
dered the men to leave the house, which 
they refused to do; and, on his attempting 



to put them out, Donald drew a knife and 
stabbed him twice in the abdomen, and gave 
him a cut across the wrist which nearly se- 
vered it. Mrs. Chrishelm came to her hus- 
band's assistance, when Donald told her if 
she interfered he would cut her throat. Per- 
severing, however, in her endeavors to extri- 
cate her husband, Donald seized her by the 
hair and made a lunge at her throat with 
the knife. She put up her hand, which 
warded off the blow, though three of her 
fingers were nearly severed from her hand. 
During the struggle, the child was also 
slightly injured. The cries of the woman 
attracted the attention of the neighbors, and 
the ruffians fled. The police afterward ar- 
rested Donald, and subsequently his com- 
panion. Both of them were held for exami- 
nation. 

Alleged Attempt to Commit a Rape. — 
A young fellow named James Kelly was this 
day taken before Justice Ryder, of the East- 
ern District, New York, charged with having 
attempted to commit a rape upon a girl 
eighteen years of age, named Mary A. Whit- 
taker, residing in Merserole Street. It ap- 
pears that the young couple have been keep- 
ing company for a year or more past; and, 
as is alleged, on the 8th of March last, while 
they were walking home in the evening from 
Greenpoint, the accused took advantage of 
a secluded locality, where he attempted to 
violate her person. Mary said nothing to 
her parents about, the affair, but confessed 
to her spiritual adviser, who related the cir- 
cumstance to the parents. Kelly states that 
the young lady has for a long time manoeu- 
vred to entrap him in a matrimonial alliance, 
and has repeatedly asked him to marry her, 
— and that he used no violence on the occa- 
sion referred to. The accused was held for 
examination. 

Rise in the Ohio River. — A despatch 
from Petersburg, Va., of this date, says: — 

The Ohio River at this point, two hun- 
dred miles below Pittsburg, is twenty feet 
deep, and at a stand. Boats are plenty for 
all landings below. No damage has resulted 
to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, on track 
or bridges, by the recent freshet. Freight 
and passage trains are running regularly 
both ways. 

Killed by the New Haven Railroad. — 
This day, in New York, an inquest was held 
on the body of Mary Smith, who died at 
Bellevue Hospital, a few days ago, from the 
effects of injuries received on the New Haven 
Railroad, near Melrose Station. It resulted 
in a verdict of "accidental death," excul- 
pating the engineer of the train from all 
blame. Deceased was a native of Ireland, 
and was thirty years of age. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



293 



Partial Destruction of the Spartan- 
burg (S.C.) Female College. — This day, 
this college took fire in the morning. All 
the school-furniture — pianos, desks, &c. — 
was destroyed. The buildings which con- 
tained the sleeping-apartments were saved. 
The fire was discovered about three o'clock: 
when it had made such progress as to ren- 
der it impossible to save much of the con- 
tents of the buildings destroyed. 

Arrested for Incendiarism. — This day, 
Joseph Smith, Esq., of Lewisburg, Ark., 
was arrested on a charge of setting fire to 
the gin of Mr. Anderson Gordon, in that 
town, whereby sixty bales of cotton and a 
warehouse containing goods belonging to 
several planters were destroyed. 

A Negro Rides Fifty Miles on his 
Head. — This day, in Nashville, Tenn., a 
dray was driven to the office of Adams' Ex- 
press Company, Cherry Street, and a large 
dry-goods box rolled out upon the pave- 
ment. The box was addressed, "Mrs. Mar- 
garet M. Thompson: care of Levin Coffin, 
Cincinnati, Ohio." The driver stated that 
he was ordered to deliver it to the agent of 
the company and request him to have it 
forwarded as addressed without delay. He 
then collected the drayage, and informed 
the agent that the person sending it would 
call around, pay carriage, and get a receipt. 
The weight of the box was 265 pounds. The 
driver of the dray — or of the horse attached 
to the dray — then very innocently remarked, 
"Master, dat's de curiosest box I ever saw; 
for, every time I roll it over, the heavy side 
come down." The agent thought it a> cu- 
rious box too; but time was pressing, and 
he sent it down to the depot of the Louis- 
ville & Nashville Railroad, whence it de- 
parted on the first train. 

The express, says the Nashville "True 
Patriot," landed it at Louisville. Here it 
was hastened over to Jeffersonville, and 
hurried on to Seymour. At Seymour an- 
other change of cars was necessary ; and, 
as the box was hastily rolled from the Jef- 
fersonville to the Cincinnati & St. Louis 
train, the top accidentally came off, and the 
negro fell out. In changing the box from 
the Louisville to the Jeffersonville cars, it 
had been turned up so that he was head 
downward: and thus he made the trip from 
Jeffersonville to Seymour,— nearly fifty miles. 
But for the mishap at Seymour, in a few hours 
he might have been delivered in Cincinnati, 
— probably to be buried,- — probably to take 
a further trip on the underground railroad 
Canadaward. 

The negro was taken back to Louisville. 
He belongs to Mr. Newton McClure, of this 
city, and was shipped by a free negro named 
Nathan James. 



The Pryor and Potter Difficulty. — 
This day, in Washington, Mr. Potter was 
arrested and gave a bond of five thousand 
dollars to keep the peace, and especially not 
to fight a duel. 

Loss of the Bark Friendship and all 
her Crew. — This day, the bark Friendship, 
Capt. Knight, owned by Wm. C. Talbot & 
Co. of San Francisco, and employed in the 
north coast lumber-trade, was totally wrecked, 
six miles north of Cape Blanco. The ves- 
sel went to pieces within twelve hours of 
going ashore. All hands were lost. Five 
bodies were washed ashore; but no traces 
have been discovered of the remainder of 
the crew, five in number. 

Loss of the Bark Belle. — This day, the 
bark Belle, Capt. Ryder, of and from Boston 
for Philadelphia, was run into about eight 
p.m., off Long Island, by the ship Invincible, 
Kinstosh, from New York for Liverpool. 
The ship struck the bark on her port bow, 
carrying away bowsprit and head-gear, with 
foremast, mainmast, and mizzen-topmast, 
cutting her through clear to the foremast, so 
that she began to sink and the cargo to float 
out of her in a few minutes. The crew had 
to take to the stern-boat immediately, — some 
without their stockings, and none of them 
saving any thing at all but what they had 
on at the time. The captain lost his baro- 
meter, his nautical instruments, and his 
money. The oars, having been on the top 
of the house, were covered with the wreck 
of the masts and spars, and could not be 
obtained ; so that the boat had to be discon- 
nected from the bark without oars or any 
thing to direct her course. To add to the 
great danger of their already perilous situa- 
tion, the boat was stove in lowering by 
striking the rudder in consequence of the 
rough sea and the vortex of the sinking 
bark. As the ship had passed out of sight, 
the only hope of safety lay in the boat; and 
the captain and crew, nine in all, were 
quickly on board. The boat made water 
very fast, and must soon have sunk, but 
providentially a bucket which had washed 
from the cargo was picked up, and by means 
of continual baling the crew were enabled 
to keep her from sinking. They remained 
in the boat for four hours, the weather quite 
rugged, the sea breaking over the boat 
frequently; but through active exertions in 
baling, and by closing the largest holes by 
stuffing in mittens or other articles of cloth- 
ing, they managed to keep afloat until the 
brig A. Milliken hove in sight, which was at 
half-past twelve next morning; at which 
time they were all nearly exhausted, and 
could scarcely have endured the exposure 
and fatigue of their situation until day- 
break, as the weather was very cold, and 
their clothing but a slight protection. They 



204 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



■were taken on board the A. Milliken, -where 
they were supplied with dry clothing, and 
received every requisite kindness and atten- 
tion from Captain Fish and his crew. About 
sunrise the ship, which alter the collision 
passed out of sight in a few minutes, was 
seen wearing round and heading to the west- 
ward. The Invincible had stem and jib- 
boom carried away, with headstays and bob- 
stays, and sustained other slight damage. 
Alter having fully ascertained the extent of 
her injury, the ship concluded to proceed on 
Iter voyage to Liverpool. When last seen, 
the Belle was just visible above the -water. 
The Belle was owned by Messrs. Rice & 
Thaxter. Captain Ryder, and parties on 
Cape Cod, and was partially insured. 



SUNDAY, APRIL 15. 

LtxchLawto Liquor-Sellers Preached 
ix Minneapolis. — This day. in Minneapolis. 
Minnesota, in consequence of the death of a 
young man by delirium-tremens, the Rev. M. 
Nichols preached, in the Congregational 
church, a strong sermon, in which he ad- 
vised the citizens to take the "higher law'' 
into their own hands for clearing out the 
liquor-sellers and utterly exterminating the 
traffic in Minneapolis. 

Wreck of the Bark Belle. — This day. 
the pilot-boat Nettle. No. 20, fell in with 
the wreck of the bark Belle. She makes 
the following report : — 

Sunday, 1-Jth inst., at three p.m. fell in 
•with the wreck of bark Belle, of Boston, 
dismasted and waterlogged: attempted to 
tow her, but, wind being light, made no 
impression upon her: lay by her all night. 
On Monday, having a strong breeze from 
e.s.e., towed on her until eight p.m., -when 
the line parted. Tuesday, thick fog all 
day. On Wednesday, at sunset, fell in with 
her again, and the pilot-boat J. L. Jones; 
both boats towed on her all night, but at 
daylight found the bark sinking by the 
head : at noon nothing of her was above 
-water but the stern and rudder. She lies 
immediately in the track of vessels bound 
to and from the eastward, being seventy 
miles e. A s. from the Hook. 

The pilot-boat Edward Blunt likewise fell 
in with her. She makes the following re- 
port : — 

On Sunday, the loth inst., at four a.m.. 
made a sail bearing w. by x.. which proved 
to be the bark Belle, of Boston, Captain 
Enoch Ryder, from Boston for Philadelphia, 
which had been run into and sunk imme- 
diately, all excepting her stern. The fore 
and main masts were carried out of her, 
but the mizzenmast remained standing. She 
had been run into by the ship Invincible, 
hence for Liverpool. The crew of the bark, 



with the exception of John Charlotes, got 
into the boat, and, after four hours' expo- 
sure, were picked up by brig A. Milliken, 
of Fairhaven. The man John Charlotes 
managed to get on board the ship, where 
he remained all night. At eight a.m. the 
crew were taken from the brig and brought 
on board the pilot-boat Edmund Blunt. No. 
2. At twelve m. spoke the ship Invincible, 
and took from her the man John Charlotes. 
The captain of the Invincible reports making 
no water: part of his cutwater and jib-boom 
were carried away ; but he would proceed 
for Liverpool. 

Death or the Hox. William Cost 
Johnson. — This day. the Hon. William Cost 
Johnson died at his hotel in Washington, 
after an illness of several weeks" duration. 
Mr. Johnson was born in the year 1806, in 
Frederick county. Maryland, and was there- 
fore fifty-four years of age at the time of his 
death. He had received an academic edu- 
cation, ami. having studied law. was ad- 
mitted to the bar of the Supreme Court in 
1831. He soon acquired popularity in his 
district, and was elected a member of the 
State Legislature for 1833 and 1835 : and 
from 1837 to 1843 he was a member of Con- 
gress. w r hich body he served with credit as 
a member of the Committee on Public Lands, 
and also as a member of the Judiciary Com- 
mittee. Retiring from Congress, he served 
again in the Legislature of his native State, 
and was a member of the last convention 
for revising the Maryland Constitution. He 
was also President of the National Conven- 
tion of Young Men. which met at Wa>hing- 
ton to nominate Henry Clay for the Pre- 
sidency of the United States. He was also 
the Whig candidate for Governor of Mary- 
land, having been defeated by the Hon. 
Francis Thomas, the Democratic candidate, 
who was elected. 

Death of Charles Flaxders. — This 
day. Mr. Charles Flanders, for fifty years 
an honored member of the New Hampshire 
bar, died at Plainfield, in that State, aged 
seventy-two years. He was the author of 
"Lives and Times of the Chief-Justices of 
the United States," and of two legal works. 

Scddex Death. — In Wilmington, Dela- 
ware, this day, Mrs. Mary Ann. wife of 
Thomas Land, who resides at the corner of 
Washington and Second Streets, was taking 
a walk between five and six o'clock, when 
she was suddenly seized with a spell of the 
asthma, while in Fifth Street near Lombard. 
By the aid of her oldest daughter, who was 
with her at the time, she succeeded in reach- 
ing the house of Mr. John Conner, in Pop- 
lar Street, between Fifth and Sixth. Drs. 
Johnson and Wilson were sent for imme- 
diately : but it was too late : disease and 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



295 



death had done their work too speedily for 
medical aid. She died in about half an 
hour. Mrs. Land was about forty years of 
age, and leaves a husband and four or five 
children to mourn her loss. 

Supposed Suicide. — In New York, this 
day, a woman called at the Fourth Ward 
Station, apparently in a state of great ex- 
citement, and stated to Captain Seaman 
that she had just received a letter from her 
husband, whom she supposed to be in New 
Haven, that, he had contemplated suicide, 
and, from the statement made by him in the 
letter, she supposed that he had carried his 
design into execution. She wanted some 
steps taken by the police to try and if pos- 
1 sible recover the body. It seems that the 
writer of the letter left his wife on Satur- 
day morning with a view of going to New 
Haven : but, instead of so doing, he must 
have remained in the city, and, in all proba- 
bility, carried into execution his foolish de- 
sign. No clew has been obtained respect- 
ing him. 

Suicide. — In Brooklyn, New Yoi'k, this 
day, an inquest was held upon the body of 
Lewis 0. Rogers, who died from loss of blood 
caused by cutting the main artery of one of 
his arms. He also inflicted a gash in his 
throat, which of itself would not necessarily 
have proved fatal. It appears that the de- 
ceased was a man of intemperate habits, 
and had neglected his family for some time 
past. On Saturday night his wife gave 
birth to a dead infant, and shortly there- 
after she died also. Rogers left the house 
at midnight, and, calling upon a relative on 
the corner of Bedford Avenue and Hickory 
Street, informed them of what had occurred. 
He went away and was not seen until this 
day, when his lifeless body was found in an 
outhouse on the premises, with a razor lying 
on the floor. The verdict of the jury was ■ 
to the effect that he had committed suicide ! 
by cutting the artery of the left arm with a 
razor. 

Disappearing at Sea. — This day, Alvin 
Blakesley, of Utica, New York, a dentist, 
mysteriously disappeared at sea from the 
steamship Augusta, at Savannah, from New 
York. He is supposed to have been insane 
and to have been drowned. 

Fire at Grand Rapids. — This day, in 
Grand Rapids. Michigan, a fire destroyed 
nine stores and shops on Canal Street, two 
dwellings, one storehouse, and three barns 
on Kent Street, and one dwelling-house on 
Spring Street. The buildings were all of 
wood. Total loss, about $25,000: insured 
for $8000. 

Death of John C. Bell. — This day, in 



California, John C. Bell, member from El 
Dorado county, who was shot by Dr. Stone 
on the 11th, died of his wounds. 



MONDAY, APRIL 16. 

Destructive Tornado. — This day, a tor- 
nado passed over Carlinville, Illinois, in the 
evening, unroofing and blowing down houses, 
barns, trees, and fences. The roof of the 
Lutheran church was blown some distance, 
and the walls were much injured. The roof 
of a dwelling was carried nearly a mile and 
a half through the air. Children were picked 
up by the wind, and carried a considerable 
distance. Stock was killed in every direc- 
tion. A man named Lowe was killed by 
lightning, many persons were wounded, and 
the destruction of property was very great. 

A similar storm visited Louisiana, Mis- 
souri, on the same evening, doing much 
damage to property and injuring several 
people. 

The Annual Election of Sachems at 
Tammany Hall took place this day half an 
hour after the setting of the sun. The fol- 
lowing were chosen : — - 

For Sachems, Elijah F. Purdy, William 
D. Kennedy, James Conner, Nelson J. Water- 
bury, George E. Baldwin, James B. Nichol- 
son, John A. Dix, John Kelly, Wilson Small, 
Henry Vandewater, William Miner, Douglas 
Taylor, Richard B. Connolly. 

For Treasurer, John Y. Savage, Jr. ; for Se- 
cretary, C. C.Childs ; for Wiskinskie, George 
S. Messerve ; for Sagamore, J. C. Duryea. 

Accident and Sudden Death. — This 
day, as Henry A. Buttner, a florist of Wil- 
mington, Delaware, was proceeding from 
Philadelphia to that city with a load of 
flowers and shrubs, when within five miles 
of his destination, the harness of the horse 
he was driving by some means becoming 
deranged, the animal started at a full run, 
when he was caught beneath the wheels of 
the vehicle, by which the bones of his left 
leg, above the ankle, were seriously frac- 
tured. He was conveyed to the residence 
of his father, on the corner of French and 
Fourth Streets, and the services of Dr. 
White were called in requisition. The 
latter gentleman, upon approaching his 
patient, was by him requested to pay his 
first attention to his father, who was dis- 
tressed by his condition. The doctor, upon 
entering the chamber where the father was 
lying, found him in the agonies of death, 
having been stricken with apoplexy, super- 
induced, doubtless, by the condition of his 
son, for whom he had sent for aid. 

Two Men and a Boy Struck by Light- 
ning. — A terrible casualty occurred at Pera, 



296 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



Illinois, this day. Thomas Short, Esq., to- 
gether with his son, aged twelve years, and 
a man by the name of David Corbin, from 
Vermilion county, were out in the field. 
Noticing a storm approaching, they turned 
for the house, but were overtaken, and a 
terrific stroke of lightning descended upon 
them, instantly killing the son of Mr. Short 
and Mr. Corbin, and striking Mr. Short 
himself senseless to the earth. They were 
walking side by side, the latter gentleman 
in the middle. The heaviest stroke seems 
to have visited Mr. Corbin, who was ter- 
ribly lacerated, his clothing torn in shreds 
and burned, and the ground on which he 
stood was torn up to the depth of eighteen 
inches. The boy was less mangled, and Mr. 
Short, though severely, is not mortally, 
wounded. 

ROBBERY OF THE ADAMS EXPRESS COM- 

tany on the New Haven Road. — The New 
Haven express-train from Boston, on this 
night, was robbed of an iron safe belonging 
to the Adams Express Company, containing 
from $12,000 to $16,000 in bills and specie. 
After leaving New Haven depot, the express- 
agent of the company on board the train 
stepped into an adjoining apartment of the 
same car and engaged in conversation with 
the mail-agent, and whilst so doing some 
one entered the car and pushed the safe con- 
taining the money from the train. It is sup- 
posed that the thieves have watched for such 
an opportunity for some time. Cases have 
transpired in which six to eight months were 
spent by a villain in dogging the steps of an 
expressman, in the hope of making such a 
haul as this in the end. 

Death of a Famous Trotter. — The cele- 
brated six-year-old trotting-horse " Ben 
Higdon" died at St. Louis, of lung-fever, 
this day. He had trotted a mile in 2.27, the 
fastest time ever made by a six-year old. 
Three weeks ago, his owners, Messrs. Dun- 
ham & Higdon, refused $4000 for him. 

Shooting at Fort Bridger. — This day, 
Archibald Williams, brother to the T. S. Wil- 
liams who was murdered, left Provo with two 
men on a trading-expedition to the military 
post at Fort Bridger. When near the Cedars 
he was shot at and wounded with four or five 
dragoon revolver-balls and nine buck-shot. 

After being wounded he ran some distance, 
and on falling was taken up by some soldiers 
who were near by, and taken into the gar- 
rison, where he was receiving every attention 
that could be expected under the circum- 
stances. There was some mystery involved 
in the matter, and, in consequence of some 
alleged inattention or singular conduct on 
the part of the two men who were in company 
with Williams after the occurrence, they had 
been suspected of having^ something to do 



with the shooting, and were arrested ; but on 
examination they were discharged, nothing 
having been elicited that would tend to 
criminate them in the matter. 

Remarkable Escape of a Convict in 
Texas. — This day, Thomas Slayton, con- 
victed of the murder of his uncle, a Mr. 
Clark, in Cass county, and who has been in 
the Marshall jail for several months, where 
he was placed for safe keepiug pending the 
result of an appeal to the Supreme Court 
taken by his counsel, escaped. In the even- 
ing the brother, sister, and wife of Slayton 
visited him ; and, while these parties and 
others were in prison, Slayton walked out 
through the open door. The jailer, Mr. A. 
A. Wilson, testifies that before closing the 
door, he called upon Slayton and Zembrod 
to take their position in the iron cage ; that 
Zembrod answered, and that, seeing two in 
the cage, he supposed all things right. The 
next morning he found, instead of Thomas 
Slayton, his brother, Charles E. Slayton. 
Thomas Slayton is a man of thirty-five or 
forty years of age, thick-set, and with a 
heavy beard. The substitute was a boy of 
eighteen or nineteen years old, considerably 
smaller, and with a face as smooth as a 
young girl. Charles E. Slayton was brought 
before James M. Curtis, Esq., who, after 
hearing the case, required him to give bond 
in the sum of $3000 for his appearance at 
the next term of the District Court. 

Murder in Frankfort, Ky. — This day, 
there was a quarrel at a tavern in Frankfort, 
Ky., between Messrs. Reynolds and Evans, 
when they were separated, and Reynolds's 
friends took him home. Evans, however, 
procured a shot-gun and followed him to his 
residence, where he thrust the gun through 
a window and shot Reynolds dead. Evans 
was taken to jail. 

Terminated Fatally. — "Petty," alias 
Franklin Naif, who was shot in an affray in 
Baltimore, on the 26th of December last, by 
Wesley Woodward, a magistrate, died this 
day. The Sun says: — 

The wound was in the stomach, and, several 
of the intestines being severed, a great prostra- 
tion of his system followed, and for several 
weeks his existence wavered between life and 
death. But a powerful constitution, united with 
a most extraordinary muscular development, 
baffled the messenger of death, and for three 
months and twenty days the unequal struggle 
went on. Naff, ordinnrilyamanweighingabove 
one hundred and eighty pounds, was reduced 
in that time to considerably under one hun- 
dred pounds, and his most intimate friends, 
unless they were watchers of his wasting, 
could not, as he lay in the embrace of death, 
recognise the most marked feature of his 
countenance. Throughout his illness the 



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UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



297 



deceased was attended by the Rev. Father 
Cosgrove, and expressed deep repentance. 
Naif was between thirty-two and thirty-three 
years of age, and unmarried. He was a 
boatman at the custom-house. Woodward is 
still in jail. Political animosity is the alleged 
cause of the shooting. 

The Late Hudson River Railroad Ac- 
cident. — This day, the case of Mrs. Electa 
Thompson and her husband, John Thompson, 
against the Hudson River Railroad Company, 
to recover damages for injuries sustained by 
Mrs. Thompson on that road on the 18th of 
January last, was brought to trial in the 
Circuit Court of Kings county, N.Y., before 
Judge Lott and a jury. On the 18th day of 
January last, Mrs. Thompson purchased a 
ticket of defendants at Poughkeepsie for 
New York. The train was stopped between 
Sing Sing and Tarrytown, to make some re- 
pairs, and while at this point was run into 
by another train, going in the same direction. 
In this collision Mrs. Thomas W. Field, of 
Brooklyn, married that morning, was killed, 
and several others were seriously injured. 
Among the latter was the plaintiff in this 
suit, who had her collar-bone fractured in 
different places, the bones of one leg below 
the knee, and the ankle, were broken, and 
she was otherwise bruised and injured. The 
defence acknowledged carelessness on the 
part of the conductor of the train, and con- 
sequently the case was much simplified. Dr. 
Isaacs, Dr. Mason, and several other medical 
gentlemen were of opinion that the plaintiff 
would not be able to walk without a crutch 
for three years or more, and that her shoul- 
der would not be in a condition so that she 
could use a crutch for several months. The 
case was summed up for the defendants by 
T. M. North, and for the plaintiff by Mitchell 
San ford. The jury found a verdict of §8000 
for the plaintiff. 

The Chicago City Collector's Office 
Robbed of $19,000,— $3300 in Cash and 
$16,000 in Checks, etc. — A most daring 
and, as appears thus far, profitable robbery, 
was perpetrated at the court-house on the 
night of this day, when the room on the second 
floor, occupied by City Collector A. F. C. Muel- 
ler, was entered, the safe opened, and $3000 in 
currency, §800 in gold, a Treasury warrant 
for $14,000, and other small warrants, be- 
sides about $li000 in checks, were abstracted. 
No clew has as yet been obtained to the 
parties ; but it is scarcely to be doubted that 
to some one familiar with the building and 
the habits of the office the robbery is due. 
The loss falls on Mr. Mueller, who is able to 
bear it; and he can only be deemed chargeable 
with carelessness in allowing the large sum in 
question to remain in his safe over night, 
since it is the Collector's duty to deposit 
with the City Treasurer ever}' night, and all 



the money the Collector is warranted in 
keeping is what he collects after office-hours, 
which he is required to deposit the next 
day. On the morning following the robbery, 
Mr. Hogan, the janitor of #ie court-house, 
discovered the door leading into the City 
Collector's office open. He entered the room 
and found also the door of the Collector's safe 
standing open. 

Tried for Cruelty to a Seaman. — 
Captain Wm. H. Adams, of the ship Susan 
Howland, was tried in the U.S. District Court 
of New York, this day, charged with cruel 
and unusual punishment on Valentine De- 
veaux, a seaman on board that vessel, when 
on a voyage between Liverpool and the East 
Indies. 

Deveaux was examined, and deposed that 
about the 3d of June last the defendant or- 
dered the mate to tie him up ; that he did 
so, and the captain then gave him seven 
lashes with a Manilla rope, (reef point, ) and 
repeated the dose with "nine times more." 
For the defence it was proved that Deveaux 
was insolent and refused to work. Mr. 
Tyson, a respectable merchant and ship- 
owner, and other witnesses, deposed that the 
punishment alleged to have been inflicted in 
this case was usual for such offences, and 
that it was not "cruel or unusual." Ex- 
Judge Beebe summed up for the defence, 
and Mr. McLane for the Government. The 
jury acquitted the accused. 

Tebeible Hurricane in Indiana. — One 
Man Killed, and Property to the Amount 
of $30,000 Destroyed. — In the evening of 
this clay, a most destructive tornado visited 
the city of Terre Haute, Indiana. The 
" Express" says : — 

The heaviest part of the storm passed over 
the south part of the city, and was frightful 
in its devastation. The following is the list 
of property injured and destroyed: — 

The large engine-house of the Evansville 
& Crawfordsville Railroad was entirely de- 
stroyed, and is now a mass of ruins. A 
German named Michael Kuhardt was in- 
stantly killed, being terribly mangled about 
the head and face. There were five engines 
and a car in the house, the damage to which 
has not been ascertained. The dwelling of 
John Kirkman, engineer on the Evansville 
& Crawfordsville Railroad, was unroofed, 
and one side torn out. A part of Henry 
Stokeman's house was blown down. Con- 
siderable damage was done to A. P. Voorhees's 
dwelling by pieces of timber and brick blown 
from the engine-house, a distance of three 
hundred yards. 

A train consisting of two passenger-cars 
and one baggage-car of the E. & C. Rail- 
road were turned over on their side. A 
target at a switch on the same road was 
crushed by the flying timbers from the engine- 



298 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[ArRii,, 



house, a distance of a thousand yards. Ha- 
ger's ice-house was unroofed; Haggerty & 
Malor.ey's candle-factory was demolished ; 
Simpson & Co.'s book-bindery was unroofed; 
and the belfrjjof the Catholic church was 
blown over, and lies a mass of ruins across 
Fifth Street. We have heard, also, that seve- 
ral persons had limbs broken in the south- 
east part of the city. W. S. Cooper's house 
was more or less injured ; and we fear more 
damage has been done, of which we are not 
yet apprized. A most miraculous escape 
from death, or most frightful injury, was 
that of an employee on the E. & C. Rail- 
road, named Billy , who, seeing that he 

could not escape from the falling building, 
turned a large box over himself and escaped 
unscathed. 

We have been over the ruins in the region 
of Hager's ice-house. In addition to the 
foregoing, we found Peter Phillips's house 
blown to pieces ; J. M. Davis's house shat- 
tered, and furniture demolished; Leander 
Warren's house blown over, his arm broken 
and head injured; his child was taken from 
its crib, covered with rubbish, fast asleep 
and uninjured. Wm. Woollen's house a 
sightless mass of ruins, piled up two rods 
from the foundation ; his wife and two chil- 
dren slightly injured. Widow Murray's 
house blown from its foundation eighteen 
inches; Alex. Thomas's house moved; James 
McCruskey's shop utterly demolished: West's 
new house a mass of ruins; Joseph Parson's 
stable entirely destroyed ; Walter S. Cooper's 
new house utterly destroyed; some pieces 
of timber blown one hundred yards and 
stuck endwise in Hagers ice-house ; Ned 
O'Brian's house moved from the foundation; 
James OConnell's new house utterly de- 
molished. Loss much greater than first 
estimated,— will fall little short of $30,000. 

Elopement and Robbery. — In Milford, 
N.J., James Nelson, this day, eloped with 
the wife of Mr. Henry Vail, of that place, in 
addition to plundering him of money and 
goods. It appears that Nelson had been in 
the employ of Mr. Henry Vail for some time 
past, and on Friday announced his intention 
of going to Philadelphia. Having overdrawn 
the amount of wages due him, he applied to 
Mr. J. W. Vandeibilt for some money, and 
raised a small sum. Mr. Vail retired to bed 
about nine o'clock, leaving his wife engaged 
in some of her domestic duties, and he soon 
after fell asleep. About two o'clock on this 
morning he was awakened by the cries of one 
of his children. Upon calling for his wife, 
he found her missing, and upon further in- 
vestigation discovered that Nelson had stolen 
or taken away his (Vail's) clothing, the 
clothing of his wife, about fifteeu dollars in 
money, and then, to make the robbery more 
complete, had stolen his wife. Vail and his 
wife have hitherto lived harmoniously, and 



I are young and respectable. Vail is willing 
that his unfaithful wife may go, but is 
greatly afflicted at the reproach that may be 
thrown upon his children, two lovely girls, — 
one aged three years, another one year, — 
whom he will have to care for as well as he 
can. 

The British Outrage on the Brig 
Jehossee. — This day, the Secretary of State 
wrote the following letter to the Hon. Wm. 
P. Miles, M.C. from South Carolina: — 

In answer to your letter of the 4th inst., I 
have the honor to state that information has 
been received, through the Navy Department, 
from Commodore Inman, commanding the 
American squadron upon the coast of Africa, 
of the outrage committed by an armed party 
from the British cruiser the Falcon against 
the brig Jehossee, and that Mr. Dallas has 
been instructed to lay the case before the 
British Government and to demand the 
necessary redress. Lewis Cass. 

Escape of Prisoners. — In Norristown, 
Pa., this day, two prisoners in the county 
jail escaped. They dug through a wall 
eighteen inches and a stone wall two feet 
thick, when they knocked down the jailer, 
stole his keys, and escaped through the main 
entrance. One was a burglar, under ten 
years' imprisonment, and the other a horse- 
thief. 

A Fire in St. John's, Michigan, this 
day, in the morning, destroyed the following 
property: — Munger & Bro., dry-goods; J. 
Hicks, dry-goods; Vancise, grocery; Wright, 
millinery goods ; and " The Republican" office, 
with its types and press. The loss is esti- 
mated at $20,000, with but a small in- 
surance. 

Escape of Sergeant Ray. — Edward Ray, 
sergeant of marines on board the sloop-of- 
war Brooklyn, who a short time since was 
indicted for manslaughter in the first degree, 
in causing the death of George Hitter, a 
seaman on board that vessel, on the 7th of 
December last, escaped the vigilance of the 
officers in whose custody he was placed for 
a short time. Ray had been allowed the 
liberty of the village of Richmond, in charge 
of Wm. Egbert, and that functionary, it seems, 
was induced to accompany the prisoner to 
New York in a ferry-boat. Upon their ar- 
rival they proceeded to the house of Ray's 
father, in Leroy Street, at which place the 
prisoner managed to elude the officer, and 
escaped. 



TUESDAY, APKIL 17. 

Destitctive Fire in New York. — This 
day, between nine and ten o'clock at night, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



299 



a fire was discovered in the cracker-bakery 
of E. Treadwell & Sons, No. 214 Front St. 
The fire when discovered was burning on 
the first floor. The flames spread with 
great rapidity to the upper floors, and in a 
short time the entire building was on tire. 

The firemen were early at the premises, 
and soon at work, but, from the height of 
the building, six stories, were unable to get 
the mastery of the fire. Their efforts were 
then directed to keeping back the flames 
from communicating to the adjoining pre- 
mises. In about two hours after the fire 
broke out, the building and contents were 
totally destroyed. 

When the fire broke out, the wind was 
blowing quite strong from the westward, and 
caused the flames and dark masses of smoke 
to roll upward in fitful bursts, alternately 
illuminating and darkening the sky, while 
myriads of sparks were swept heavenward, 
rendering the scene one of grandeur ami 
sublimity. The loss on the stock and 
building was S16,000. 

The building 246 Front Street is occupied 
by W. Jackson & Son, dealers in grates. 
Their stock will be slightly damaged by 
water : insured. 

No. 242 is occupied by Jones & Co., dealers 
in flour. Damage about $100. 

The coppersmithy and bell-foundry of C. 
Dusenbury, 265 Water Street, was damaged 
about $600, caused by the falling of the rear 
wall of the burned building. 

The stock of clothing owned by William 
A. Hill, in 267 and 269 Water Street, was 
damaged about $100, caused by the firemen 
throwing a quantity of oiled clothing into 
the street. Insured for $6000 in the Na- 
tional, Eagle, and People's Insurance Com- 
panies. 

The origin of the fire is unknown ; but it 
is supposed that it was caused in some way 
from the ovens. 

Fire in Newport, R.I. — This day, the 
woollen-mill situated on Williams's Wharf, 
Newport, was destroyed by fire. Insured 
in Providence for $10,000. 

The Town of Lewisburg, Conway county. 
Ark., was, this day, entirely destroyed by 
fire. 

Sudden Death of Father and Son. — 
This day, at a town-meeting in Medway, 
Mass., (says the "Boston Journal,") Mr. 
Isaac S. Foster, apparently in a fainting- 
fit, fell upon the floor of the town-house, 
and soon died. The deceased was about 
fifty-five years old, and probably died from 
some affection of the heart. In view of the 
solemn event, the meeting was immediately 
adjourned. In the afternoon, Mr. Warren 
Foster, of Hopkinton, son of the above- 
named person, having heard of the death 



of his father, was preparing to go to Med- 
way, when he was suddenly seized with 
apparently a fainting-fit, and, although 
medical assistance was at hand, he was not 
restored to consciousness, but expired in a 
very few minutes. 

Ralph B. Romaine died, this day, at Big 
Pond, Franklin township, Bergen county, 
N.J. He was a soldier of 1812, and was 
stationed at Sandy Hook. He was a hale, 
hearty, and jolly old man, and was never 
sick in his life until after the late town- 
election. He took cold at the polls, and, 
returning home, was confined to his house 
and died eight days afterward. He was 
eighty-nine years old. 

Mrs. Mixdwell Granger, the venerable 
mother of Hon. Francis Granger and of 
General John A. Granger, died, this day, at 
Canandaigua, N.Y., at the age of ninety- 
nine years. 

Missing. — George W. Howe, of Chester, 
Mass., left New York, this day, for home, 
since which time he has not been heard 
from. He was about five feet eight inches 
in height, thin-favored, and light-com- 
plexioned. 

Death from Lightning. — This day, a 
wagon, in which four persons were riding, 
near Dayton, Ohio, was struck by lightning, 
which killed a lad, named Kasel, and stunned 
the other three. 

Daring Highway-Robbery in New York. 
— About three o'clock in the morning of this 
day, as Mr. George H. Glenville and wife, of 
No. 215 West Street, were passing through 
Canal Street on their way home, Mr. Glen- 
ville was suddenly felled to the pavement by a 
blow dealt from behind with a heavy club. 
He had scarcely fallen when a thief pounced 
upon him and robbed him of his gold watch, 
after which he fled. The screams of Mrs. 
Glenville brought Officer Mount to the spot, 
who met the robber as he was making off, 
and at once arrested him. The prisoner, in 
whose possession the watch was found, was 
taken before Justice Quackenbush and com- 
mitted for trial. He is about seventeen 
years of age, and gave his name as James 
Lloyd. 

Homicide in West Philadelphia. — This 
day, Patrick Kelly died at the hospital in 
Philadelphia, of wounds inflicted by Thomas 
Childs at a hotel in West Philadelphia. At 
the inquest, Samuel N. Johnson testified 
that he was at the hotel, and first saw Kelly 
in the bar-room and Childs in the kitchen. 
The former was counting money on the bar, 
and Childs approached him and spoke to 
him. Kelly told him to go away, or he 



300 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



would strike him ; to which Childs replied, 
" You would not strike an old man ?" Kelly 
said, "Yes, I would: you drew a knife upon 
me four years ago." He then shook his fist 
at Childs several times. Childs denied having 
pulled out a knife as Kelly said, and was told 
he was a liar. Other hard words were used 
by Kelly ; and witness saw the old man's 
(Ghilds) face bleeding, but did not see a 
blow struck. The next he saw was that 
Childs had a knife raised, and two stabs 
were given with it. They fell together on 
the floor, and Childs pulled the knife out of 
the wound, then got up and went out the 
door. The witness identified a knife which 
the coroner showed him as the weapon used. 
The blade is about four inches long, and 
pointed at the end. 

George Afflick, bar-tender at the hotel, 
corroborated the testimony of the former 
witness, and said, in addition, that he saw 
Kelly strike Childs in the face once or twice. 
The blows were so hard that there was blood 
upon the face. Other witnesses were ex- 
amined, but no new facts were elicited, ex- 
cept from the resident-physician of the 
hospital, Avho testified as to the post-mortem 
examination and the wound in the side pro- 
ducing death. The jury rendered a verdict 
of death from a wound with a knife, in- 
flicted by Thomas Childs. 

Reward in the Case of the Murdered 
Female found in New York Bay. — The night 
of this day, at the meeting of the Jersey I !ity 
Common Council, Alderman Hardenbergh 
offered the following resolution, which was 
adopted : — 

Resolved, That the Mayor be requested to 
offer a reward of two hundred and fifty dol- 
lars for the apprehension and delivery of the 
party or parties guilty of the murder of the 
female found in the waters of the Hudson 
River, near the Cunard dock. 

Suspension in Boston. — Allen, Neal & 
Co., bankers, suspended this day. 

Suspension of the Lawrenceburg Bank 
of Tennessee. — This day, the Lawrenceburg 
Bank of Tennessee suspended. 

Murdered by Lynch-Law. — This day, 
Joseph Smith, Esq., of Lewisburg, Ark., who 
was arrested on the 14th hist., charged with 
setting fire to a cotton gin and warehouse, 
was tried and acquitted ; but, on his way 
from the court-house to the ferry, he was 
shot in the left arm and pretty severely 
wounded. On reaching the hotel, he was 
placed in a back attic, for safety, and at- 
tended by a physician; but, during the night, 
some parties procured ladders, and, ascending 
to his bedroom-window, shot him in the 
shoulder and breast, causing his death in a 
few hours. According to the " Des Arc (Ark.) 



Citizen," no steps were taken to discover the 
murderers. 

Douglas Caucus in Washington. — This 
day, in Washington, a meeting of delegates 
to the Charleston Convention favorable to 
the nomination of Mr. Douglas was held. 
The feeling in favor of that candidate was 
most enthusiastic. Vallandigham and others 
maintained that the alternative before the 
convention would be "Douglas or defeat." 

Organization of the Missouri & West- 
ern Telegraph-Company. — This clay, the 
Missouri & Western Telegraph-Company was 
organized, at St. Louis, by the election of C. 
M. Stebbins as President and Treasurer, 
Edward Creighton, General Agent, and 
Robert C. Clowey, Secretary and Superin- 
tendent. Among the corjtorators of this 
company are Charles M. Stebbins, of St. 
Louis ; Isaac R. Elwood, of Rochester ; and 
J. H. Wade and Anson Stager, of Cleveland. 
This company contemplates the immediate 
construction of a line to Omaha, Nebraska, 
and Council Bluffs, Iowa, extending west- 
ward to the Pike's Peak gold-region. 

Warning, by Ladies, to Liquor-Sellers 
to Close their Saloons. — On the morning 
of this day, in Minneapolis, Minn., a commit- 
tee of the Order of Good Templars, composed 
entirely of ladies, waited on the proprietors 
of saloons, remonstrated with them in re- 
lation to the iniquity of their business, and 
warned them to close up. In the afternoon, 
all the saloons were opened for a "free 
treat," and a large number of citizens be- 
came intoxicated. 

The Great Chicago Divorce-Case. — 
This day, Mr. Isaac H. Burch, a prominent 
and wealthy banker of Chicago, made appli- 
cation to the Circuit Court of Cook county for 
a divorce from his wife, whom he charges with 
adultery with the Hon. David II. Stuart, for- 
merly a member of Congress from Michigan, 
but for some years a resident of Chicago. 
Mr. Stuart, while in Michigan, was charged 
with attempting the seduction of some of the 
ladies of the family of the Hon. Lewis Cass. 

The following is a copy of the amended bill 
filed in the Circuit Court : — 

To the Honorable George Manieere, Judge 
of the Circuit Court of Cook County, in 
Chancery sitting: — 

Humbly complaining, showeth your orator, 
Isaac H. Burch, of the city of Chicago, 
county of Cook and State of Illinois, and 
now the husband of Mary W. Burch, that on 
or about the 25th day of May, in the year 
one thousand eight hundred aud forty-eight, 
your orator intermarried with the said Mary 
W. Burch, in the city and county of Albany, 
in the State of New York, and has continued 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



301 



to live with the said Mary W. Burch from 
such period until shortly before the present 
time as her husband; that immediately after 
such intermarriage the said Mary W. re- 
moved to Chicago, and that from the time 
of such removal your orator and the said 
Mary W. have been, and at the time and 
times of the commission of the adultery here- 
inafter set forth they were, and now are, 
inhabitants of and residents in this State; 
and your orator further shows that during 
this intermarriage with the said Mary W. 
she has had two children by your orator, 
both of whom are now living, — viz., Mary 
W. Burch, who is of the age of ten years 
and ten months, and Harriet Corning Burch, 
who is of the age of one year and eight 
months. 

And jour orator further shows that he is 
informed, and believes, and charges the truth 
to be, that the said Mary W., disregarding 
the solemnity of the marriage-vow, has, since 
the marriage of your orator with her, com- 
mitted adultery at divers places, and es- 
pecially that the said Mary W., on or about 
the 14th day of October, in the year 1857, in 
the city of Chicago, in the county of Cook, in 
the State of Illinois, did commit adultery 
and have carnal connection with one David 
Stuart ; and your orator, by way of amend- 
ment, further shows that he is informed, and 
verily believes, and he charges the truth to be, 
that the said Mary W., on some day or days 
during the months of February, March, 
April, May, and June, in the year last afore- 
said, but on what day or days in particular 
your orator is ignorant, did commit adultery 
and have carnal connection with the said 
David Stuart, at the said city of Chicago, in 
the county of Cook, aforesaid. 

And your orator, by way of further amend- 
ment, shows that he is informed, and believes, 
and charges the truth to be, that about the 
twenty-fourth day of December, in the year 
last aforesaid, at the city of Chicago, in the 
county of Cook, aforesaid, the said Mary W. 
did commit adultery and have carnal con- 
nection with the said David Stuart, and that 
the said Mary W. did at various other times 
during the months of September, October, 
November, and December, in such year, com- 
mit adultery and have carnal connection with 
the said David Stuart, at the city of Chicago, 
in the county of Cook, aforesaid. 

And your orator, by way of further amend- 
ment, shows that he is further informed, and 
believes and charges the truth to be, that the 
said Mary W., on some day or days during 
the month of November, 1859, but on what 
day or days in particular your orator is igno- 
rant, at the city of Chicago, in the county of 
Cook, aforesaid, did commit adultery and 
have carnal connection with the said David 
Stuart ; and the said Mary W. did at various 
times during the year 1858, and at various 
times during the year 1850, and since that 



time, commit adultery and have carnal con- 
nection with the said Stuart, at the said city 
of Chicago, in the county of Cook, aforesaid. 
Your orator, upon his belief, further 
charges that the said Mary W., between the 
14th day of October, 1857, and the 17th day 
of January, 1860, did commit adultery and 
have carnal connection with divers other 
persons, whose names are unknown to your 
orator. 

And your orator, by way of further amend- 
ment, upon his belief, further charges that 
the said Mary W., on some day or days 
during the month of August, in the year 
1859, but on what day or days in particular 
your orator is unable to state, in the town 
of Guilford, in the county of New Haven, in 
the State of Connecticut, committed adultery 
and had carnal connection with a person, or 
with persons, whose names are unknown to 
your orator. 

And your orator further shows that he has 
been ignorant of the commission of the afore- 
said acts of adultery, or either of them, or of 
any other acts of adultery of said Mary W., 
until the 17th day of Januai-y, a.d. 1800, and 
that he has not voluntarily cohabited with the 
said Mary W. since the discovery thereof, 
and that such adultery was committed with- 
out the consent, connivance, privity, or pro- 
curement of your orator. 

In consideration whereof, and to the end 
that the said Mary W. may full, true, and 
perfect answers make to all and singular the 
premises, and that the marriage between 
your orator and the said Mary W. may be 
dissolved and a divorce decreed according to 
the statute in such case provided ; 

And that your orator may have such further 
relief in the premises as shall be equitable, 
may it please your Honor to grant unto your 
orator the People's Writ of Summons, issuing 
out of and under the seal of this honorable 
court, directed to the said Mary W. Burch, 
thereby commanding her at a certain day, 
and under a certain penalty therein to be ex- 
pressed, to be and appear before your Honor, 
in this honorable court, then and there to 
answer the premises, and to stand to and 
abide such order and decree therein as j r our 
Honor shall deem meet and agreeable to equity. 
And your orator will ever pray, &c. 

A correspondent of the " New York Tri- 
bune," from Chicago, speaking of this di- 
vorce, says : — 

Isaac H. Burch, Esq., is one of the most 
wealthy and prominent citizens of Chicago. 
He is the owner of the bank known as the 
Bank of I. H. Burch & Co., which is looked 
upon as one of the soundest institutions in 
the State, possessed of a very considerable 
capital, and doing an extensive and lucrative 
business. 

Mr. Burch for many years has occupied a 
prominent position in one of the most uristo- 



302 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



cratic churches in the city, — that of which 
the Rev. Dr. Patterson is the pastor, — and is 
known and beloved all over the city for his 
constant acts of benevolence and Christian 
charity. As a banker, the reputation of Mr. 
Burch is unsullied, and his bank has outrid- 
den in safety all the panics and reverses 
which have proved too much for the standing 
of many of our moneyed institutions. His resi- 
dence is a beautiful mansion on Michigan 
Avenue, and for many years past he has 
devoted large sums of money to the work of 
filling his house with articles of beauty and 
taste, and in making his home the seat of 
refined and elegant enjoyments. 

On the 25th of May, 1848, Mr. Burch 
married, in Albany, New York, a young, 
accomplished, and handsome lady, the 
daughter, by adoption, of Erastus Corn- 
ing, Esq. There have been but few unions 
which promised so much happiness as this ; 
but there have been few which have been 
productive of so much misery. Removing 
with his young wife to this city, Mr. Burch 
entered upon that career of industry and 
integrity which has won for him so high a 
position in this community. His wife be- 
came equally a favorite with himself, and, 
by her unassuming manners, her devotion 
to her household duties, and her general 
affability and kindness of heart, seemed to 
merit the popularity which she speedily 
attained. Two children were born to this 
couple, — Mary W. Burch, (named for her 
mother, and now about eleven years of age,) 
and Harriet Corning Burch, an infant of one 
year and eight months. 

There resides in this city a prominent 
lawyer and politician, named David Stuart. 
Mr. Stuart was originally' from Michigan, 
of which State he was once a Congressman. 
For several years past he has held an attor- 
neyship for two of the railroads running 
out of this city, and is besides in the enjoy- 
ment of a large and lucrative criminal and 
civil practice, particularly in the Recorder's 
Court of Chicago, before which tribunal he 
was famed for his success in defending 
criminals. Mr. Stuart is married, and has 
a large family of children. He has always 
sustained the character of a gallant and a 
rake, and more than one family in Chicago 
is said to lay at his door the ruin of its do- 
mestic peace. At some period prior to the 
month of October, 1857, Mr. Stuart became 
an intimate acquaintance and visitor at the 
residence of Mr. Burch, and, as will be seen 
by the bill which is copied below, is accused 
of having', on the 14th day of the month 
named, succeeded in seducing Mrs. Burch 
and committing adultery with her. The 
connection thus formed continued until the 
17th of January last, when Mr. Burch dis- 
covered that his honor had been sacrificed 
and that his wife had proved false to her 
marriage-vow. 



The intelligence of this deplorable affair 
fell like a thunderbolt in this community, 
and the steps which have been subsequently 
taken have not served to allay in the least 
the excitement first produced. Mrs. Burch, 
immediately after her husband had dis- 
covered her fall, left Chicago for the home 
of her adopted father in Albany, where she 
has since remained. She appears to have 
impressed her friends there with the belief 
that she was more sinned against than sin- 
ning, and Mr. Corning announced his inten- 
tion of resisting to the utmost all the efforts 
which the husband might make to obtain a 
divorce ; and it is understood that it is due 
to his exertions that a decree of divorce has 
not already been obtained. 

It will be observed in Mr. Burch's bill of 
complaint that he alleges a number of acts 
of adultery as well in this city as in other 
places, and with other parties besides Mr. 
Stuart. 

Battle between Heenan and Savers 
for the Championship of England. — This 
day, a pugilistic battle was fought in a field 
near Aldersholt, England, between John C. 
Heenan, an American known by the nickname 
of the Benicia Boy, and Thomas Sayers, the 
champion of England. The fight was for 
the belt or championship of that country. 
The London " Times" gives the following 
account of the battle : — 

The instant the enclosure of ropes and 
stakes (twenty-four feet square) was formed, 
Sayers stepped into it, and was cheered 
tremendously. Heenan, who followed, was 
greeted in the same manner, and the two 
men, who there for the first time met, 
warmly shook hands, and then stepped back 
to take a long and careful survey each of 
the other. There was a toss for corners, 
which Heenan won, and chose that in which 
he would have the highest ground and with 
his back to the sun, leaving Sayers the spot 
where the glare was full in his face. Umpires 
for each man were appointed, and referees 
for both ; and, these preliminaries over, 
Heenan proceeded to strip to his waist. It 
seemed impossible to restrain a murmur of 
admiration at the appearance he then pre- 
sented. In height he is about six feet two, 
with extraordinarily long arms, deep chest, 
and wide and powerful shoulders. His ap- 
pearance yesterday was truly formidable. 
Exercise and long training had developed 
the immense muscles of his arms and shoul- 
ders, till they appeared like masses of bone 
beneath the thin covering of skin. There 
seemed not an ounce of superfluous flesh. 
His ribs showed like those of a greyhound, 
save where they were crossed by powerful 
thews and sinews ; and, as he threw up his 
long, sinewy arms and inflated his huge 
chest with the morning air, he looked the 
most formidable of the tribe of gladiators 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



303 



who have ever entered the arena. Every 
movement, showed the sinews and muscles 
working like lithe machinery beneath their 
thin, fine covering, and every gesture was 
made with that natural grace and freedom 
which always seem to belong to the highest 
development of physical power. Sayers 
looked at him long and earnestly, and as 
one who saw in his every movement a dan- 
gerous customer ; and he too stripped in 
turn. The contrast between the men was 
then still more marked than before. Sayers 
is only about five feet eight ; his chest is not 
broad, nor are his arms powerful, and it is 
only in the strong muscles of the shoulders 
that one sees any thing to account for his 
tremendous powers of hitting. Sayers, too, 
looked hard as flint ; but his deficiencies in 
regard to his antagonist in height, weight, 
and strength, and, above all, length of arm, 
made it almost a matter of surprise how he 
could hope to contest with him at all. 

When to these disadvantages are added 
the superior height of the ground on which 
Heenan stood, and the light of the sun full 
in Sayers's eyes, it will be seen how tre- 
mendous were the obstacles with which he 
had to contend. 

As the men stripped, the spectators sat 
down outside the ropes, about six feet dis- 
tant, in an outer ring, in which were gentle- 
men of all ranks, — members of both Houses 
in plenty. Authors, poets, painters, sol- 
diers, and even clergymen, were present. 

There was a minute's pause after the final 
shaking of hands, when the seconds retired 
and left the antagonists face to face at last. 
Both instantly put themselves into position, 
— the right hand held close across the body, 
the left advanced at length, and kept moving 
gently out as if to feel its way. The im- 
mense difference between the height, weight, 
strength, and length of arm of the men was 
now more than ever manifest, and the dis- 
advantages under which Sayers labored ap- 
peared to many to be too much for him. 
The sun shone bright and full in his face, 
so as almost to blind him ; yet Sayers seemed 
cool and confident, and smiled cosily as he 
ventured in reach of that tremendous mus- 
cular arm. Both seemed very cautious. The 
feints were quick and constant, and, as each 
avoided the other with more or less agility, 
neither could help laughing. 

The fight continued for two hours and six 
minutes, during which time thirty-seven 
rounds weie fought. We omit the details 
of these rounds. At three minutes past 
seven a.m. they commenced. Tom Sayers 
drew first blood. 1st round, Tom fell. 2d, 
Heenan threw Sayers, falling heavily on 
him. 3d, Tom knocked completely off his 
pins. 4th, Tom struck on the jaw, and 
down he went. 5th, Tom fell. 6th, Tom 
fell. 7th, This round lasted thirteen min- 
utes, and was a fair specimen of stratagem 



and skill, especially on Tom s part ; Tom, 
however, rolled over laughing, his right 
arm much swollen. 8th, Tom again knocked 
off his pins. This round lasted twenty min- 
utes, — Tom's arm the chief drawback ; Hee- 
nan's right eye closed up, cheek fearfully 
swollen, and mouth out of perpendicular. 
9th, Tom dropped. 10th, Tom slow to call ; 
Heenan lifted Tom from the ground and 
threw him heavily with the greatest ease. 
11th, Tom fell. 12th, Heenan caught him 
on the jaw. 13th, Tom knocked clean off 
his legs. 14th, Both down, Heenan under. 
15th, The champion down again in a heap. 
16th, Tom down again. 17th, Tom down 
again. 18th and 19th, Tom fell. 20th, Both 
down on the ropes. 21st and 22d, Cham- 
pion down. 23d, Both down, Tom under. 
24th, Tom down again. 25th, Heenan, wild, 
rushed in and bore Tom down. 26th, Tom 
went down, Heenan hitting him when down : 
the blow was obviously accidental. 27th, 
The Boy bored Tom down on the ropes. 
28th, In the end Tom went down. 29th, 
Tom slipped down. 30th, Heenan's other 
eye closing fast ; the Boy rushed at Tom, 
ami literally ran over and fell on him. 31st, 
The champion down again. 32d, The betting 
was now even, — Sayers for choice ; Tom 
floored by a right-hander; Heenan fast 
going blind. 33d, The Boy, feeling he had 
no time to lose, rushed in ; Tom slipped 
through the Boy's arms. 34th, Both fell, 
Tom under. 35th, Sharp exchanges at close 
quarters, ending in the downfall of Tom. 
(Two hours had now elapsed.) 37th and 
last, Tom was first up, and seemed the bet- 
ter man; Heenan caught Tom round the 
neck at the ropes and then held him ; Tom's 
efforts to extricate himself were vain, but 
he administered severe punishment to the 
Boy's face. 

The police now made a determined effort 
to interfere, which those present seemed 
equally determined to prevent ; and the end 
of the ring having been cut, the enclosure 
then was inundated by a dense crowd, which 
scarcely left the combatants six feet to fight 
in. Umpires, referees, and all were over- 
whelmed, and the whole thing became a 
mere close mob round the two men fighting. 
After this, four other rounds were fought 
in the midst of this dense mass of partisans 
on either side, who, however, allowed the 
men to fight in the fairest way they could 
consistent with their having hardly any 
room to fight at all. This, however, was, 
on the whole, unfair to Sayers, whose only 
chance now lay in avoiding the tremendous 
blows of his antagonist, against whom he 
contended with only one hand, and who, 
though now as blind as a bat, was still pos- 
sessed of nearly all his immense strength, 
and, to a little man like Sayers, very nearly 
as formidable as ever. In these rounds, 
sometimes Sayers got awful blows upon the 



304 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



head and body, and sometimes he managed 
to give in return his tremendous lunges full 
in the disfigured face of his antagonist. At 
one time the caps were thrown up, and 
cheers given for Heenan as having won, 
when he knocked down Sayers, who would 
spring to his feet and give the American 
such staggering blows that he in turn was 
hailed as conqueror. 

At length the police forced their way to 
where they were fighting, in a space not 
much larger than an ordinary dining-table, 
and the referee ordered them at once to dis- 
continue. To do them justice, both seemed 
very willing to leave off; and Heenan was 
so blind that in the last round he could not 
see Sayers, but hit his unsuspecting second 
a tremendous blow in the face, which 
knocked him head over heels. Both men 
then left what had been the ring, Sayers, 
though much blown and distressed, walk- 
ing lirmly and coolly away, with both his 
eyes open and clear. His right arm, how- 
ever, was helpless, his mouth and nose were 
dreadfully beaten, and the side of his head 
and forehead much punished. Heenan was 
almost unrecognisable as a human being, so 
dreadful had been his punishment about 
his face and neck. Yet he was still as 
strong on his legs, apparently, as ever, — 
thanks to his perfect training; and, after 
leaving the field of battle, he ran as nimbly 
as any of the spectators, and leaped over 
two small hedges. This, however, was a 
final effort, and he almost instantly after 
became so utterly blind that he was obliged 
to be led by the hand to the train. 

Once in the early stages of the fight, says 
the " Times," shouts went round the ring 
that Sayers had virtually already lost ; and 
indeed the punishment he had received was 
so much more severe than that bestowed 
upon his tall, wiry antagonist, — who seemed 
always smiling and always fresh, — that mat- 
ters really began to look serious for the 
champion, and almost to warrant the belief 
that the belt was going to Troy. 

One incident is thus related. It had been 
noticed in the last two rounds that Sayers 
made not the least use of his right hand, 
with which in all his previous contests he 
had administered such terrific punishment 
that a full blow from it may almost be said 
to decide the fate of a battle. The reason 
of this was now painfully apparent on his 
again stepping into the ring. In stopping 
one of Heenau's tremendous blows, it is 
supposed that one of the bones of his right 
arm was broken. Certain it is that the 
limb was frightfully swollen, and so power- 
less that he could only manage to support it 
across his chest. From this time, therefore, 
Sayers fought the rest of the battle with his 
left hand, only seeking every opportunity 
to ease the evident pain of the injured limb 
by opening the hand and resting it on his 



chest or ribs. He, however, advanced 
smiling, as did also Heenan, though the 
features of the latter were so distorted and 
swollen that it was hard to say what he was 
doing. Eighty-seven noblemen, and a mi- 
nister from Cambridge, were present at the 
fight. 

Mr. Wilkes, in his account, gives a differ- 
ent version from the " Times." He says : — 

In the 9th round Sayers showed signs of 
distress. At the 10th he came up uncertain 
on his legs. That 20 to 10 were offered to 
be bet on Heenan. That on the 13th 2 to 1 
were bet on him, without takers. That on 
the 18th 100 to any thing was offered on 
him. That at round 25, Sayers appeared to 
freshen. At round 30, 3 to 1 were bet on 
Heenan. Round 31, 2 to 1 offered to be 
taken by the friends of Sayers. Round 37, 
cries of "police!" were raised in the English 
corner, to distract Heenan. That in round 
39 Heenan held Sayers helpless in his 
hands, — when the crowd rushed on him, tore 
the champion from his grasp, and struck 
Heenan several blows. That in the 40th 
and 41st rounds this conduct was repeated; 
and that finally, in the 42d and last round, 
finding that though Sayers could not, or 
would not, rise from his seat in his corner, 
his seconds refused to award him the victory 
that belonged to him, by throwing up the 
sponge, he advanced upon him in the midst 
of his seconds, and struck him where he sat. 
Being struck in return by some one else in 
that corner, he turned upon that other 
party, and, in his just indignation at the 
outrageous manner in which the object of 
his ambition had been dishonorably wrested 
from him, he opened a free fight among 
them all. His friends, however, interfered 
and carried him back to his corner; from 
whence, after declaring himself to be the 
winner of the fight, and the true owner of 
the belt, and title of the Champion of Eng- 
land, he left the ring. 

Arrested for Kidnapping. — In Cincin- 
nati, this day, two men, named Francis Bas- 
tick and Sylvester Gardner, were arrested, 
charged with kidnapping a free negro man 
named John Brown i'roni Pittsburg, Pa. 



WEDNESDAY, APKIL 18. 

Loss oe the Schooner A. L. Packhr, of 
New Haven. — One Man Drowned. — As the 
schooner A. L. Packer, Capt. Willett S. Hem- 
mingway, loaded with one hundred and 
eighty-five tons of coal, was proceeding 
down Long Island Sound, about one o'clock 
on the morning of this day, when near 
Thimble Island, the captain, who was at the 
wheel, discovered a large schooner close 
upon them and approaching at fearful 
speed. The near proximity of the vessel 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



303 



•when discovered rendered a collision un- 
avoidable, and the Packer was struck nearly 
amidships, and sunk in three minutes. Cap- 
tain Hemmingway states that, after an un- 
successful attempt to clear the boat from 
the wreck, he, with others, jumped as far as 
possible and went down quite a distance, — 
coming up directly against the bottom of 
the more fortunate vessel, which proved to 
be a large schooner called the Yankee Boy, 
Capt. Risley, of Hartford. Catching hold 
of a stray rope, he clung to it about twenty 
minutes, when, with the assistance of those 
on board, he was drawn upon deck in an 
exhausted condition. 

Nathan Briggs and another hand, whose 
name is not known, were also saved. 

Frank Stears, the cook, a young man 
about eighteen years old, who belongs to 
Poughkeepsie, is known to have been lost. 
He was seen holding on to a line at some 
distance from the vessel, but could not be 
reached, on account of the boat being ab- 
sent. Two of the hands on board the Yan- 
kee Boy had taken the boat and cou- 
rageously put off to the rescue of the mate, 
George Smith, of New York, who had drifted 
some distance leeward, and succeeded in 
saving him. 

The Yankee Boy was damaged consi- 
derably, and put back to New London for 
repairs. 

The sunken vessel, belonging principally 
to H. W. Benedict & Co., was valued at 
$3500: no insurance. 

Missing Ship St. Patrick. — Her Pro- 
bable Destruction by Fire. — The New 
Orleans "Picayune" of this date says: — 

Great anxiety has been felt in our city for 
some time past in reference to the ship St. 
Patrick, which left this port about the 1st 
of December last, bound to Liverpool with a 
cargo of cotton, but has not been heard of. 
We have therefore obtained from Capt. Doyle, 
of ship Marathon, as also from Capt. Crock- 
ett, of bark Oraville, which two vessels 
left this port about the same time as the St. 
Patrick, the following reports, which it is 
to be hoped may lead to some more certain 
knowledge as to the probable fate of the 
missing vessel and her crew. Capt. Doyle, 
of ship Marathon, states that on a voyage 
from this port to Havre, on the 29th of De- 
cember last, at two a.m., in lat. 38°, Ion. 46°, 
he came up with a large ship, laden with 
cotton, on fire, with all the masts gone, bow- 
sprit and jib-boom standing, mizzenmast 
towing over the stern by the rigging, the 
ship heading before the wind and sea, and 
in one mass of fire from stem to stern, — all 
the top-work and upper deck burned off. 
After lying by and around the wreck to be 
fully satisfied that there could be no living 
being on board, no boats holding on to the 
leeward, as was thought might be the sase, 



20 



bore up and proceeded on our voyage, leav- 
ing the ship to her fate, and with a sad and 
painful uncertainty as to what was or would 
be the fate of the unfortunate crew, even if 
they had got clear of the wreck in the boats. 
Capt. Crockett, of bark Oraville, on a voyage 
from this port to Corunna, states that in 
about the same latitude and longitude, on 
the 29th Dec. last, at ten p.m., or twenty 
hours after the Marathon passed, he saw a 
vessel on fire, — changed his course and went 
as near the wreck as possible. The wind 
and sea were very high ; and, being under 
close-reefed topsails, passed near enough to 
be satisfied there was no one on board. The 
wreck was burned to the water's edge, and the 
sea breaking over it so as to deaden the fire, 
which at intervals, however, continued to 
break out in a large blaze. Capt. Crockett 
kept his vessel before the wind for some 
time, thinking there might be some boats 
from the wreck to leeward. He also says it 
is probable the vessel might have been struck 
by lightning, as he had experienced heavy 
lightning and thunder for two or three days 
previous and at the time of passing the 
wreck. The following is a list of the missing 
officers and crew of the St. Patrick: — Capt. 
Washburn Fales, wife, and son, of Thomas- 
ton, Me.; Wm. Grant, first officer, of Rock- 
land, Me.; Charles Spear, second officer, do.; 
Daniel Rogers, steward, unknown ; Gabriel 
Rogers, cook, of Boston; Wm. Griffith, Peter 
Callann, John Backus, Antoni Tupa, George 
Robinson, John Cadd, George Harris, Rost 
Fry, Phineas Patrick, Henry Baker, John 
Money, Joseph Morris, John Davis, and 
Charles Cook, seamen, all unknown; car- 
penter, name unknown. 

Lake-Navigation.— This day, the schooner 
Three Bells arrived at Dunkirk, N.Y., with a 
cargo of wheat from Milwaukee. She made 
an attempt to reach Buffalo, but was pre- 
vented by the ice. 

Philomene of Boston found Abandoned. 
— This day, oft* Mai-tinique Island, a vessel 
fell in, about six leagues south of Bouc, with 
the wreck of a vessel of apparently about two 
thousand tons, having "Philomene, Boston," 
on her quarter-board. 

Fire. — In New York, this day, about two 
o'clock in the morning, a fire broke out in 
the large building No. 100 Centre Street, 
occupied in the basement by John Reitz, as 
a lager-beer saloon ; on the first floor by 
Jacob Koehler, as a billiard-saloon ; on the 
second, third, and fourth floors by Henry 
Hansen, piano-forte manufacturer. The fire 
originated on the third floor, and thence ex- 
tended rapidly in evei*y direction, the flames 
bursting furiously forth from the front and 
rear windows. Great consternation pre- 
vailed among the occupants of the low houses 



306 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



in the neighborhood, and many removed 
their household effects. The streets in the 
vicinity were filled with men, women, and 
children, among whom were many thieves 
and dissipated characters. The building, 
owned by Mr. Wolf, was entirely destroyed. 
Loss, about $4000: insured. Loss of Mr. 
Hansen, $12,000: insured for $2000 in the 
St. Mark's and $1000 in the Rutgers In- 
surance Company. Mr. Koehler sustained 
about $500 damage : no insurance. Loss 
of Mr. Reitz, about $300: no insurance. 
Several of the neighboring buildings were 
much damaged by water. Joseph Howard, 
of Engine No. 22, was struck in the head by 
a falling brick and badly injured. 

L\ Brooklyn, the night of this day, about 
nine o'clock, a fire broke out in Haskins's 
oilcloth-factory, Prince Street, near Con- 
cord. The fire originated from one of the 
ovens, and spread throughout the building, 
causing considerable damage before it could 
be suppressed. A large number of oilcloths 
were destroyed. The loss amounts to se- 
veral thousand dollars. 

In Chicago, this day, the roundhouse and 
machine-shops of the Illinois Central Rail- 
road were totally destroyed by fire. Four 
locomotives, and a large number of lathes, 
forges, patterns, and machinery, were also 
destroyed. The fire is supposed to have 
been kindled from sparks from the copper- 
room. Loss, $150,000: covered by insurance 
in the Liverpool & London Company. 

Death of a Soldier of 1812. — This day, 
Simon Hill, who was one of the United 
.States marine corps at the battle of New 
■-Orleans, died near Winchester, Va. In the 
action with the British shipping he received 
a shattering wound in his left arm, was 
taken prisoner and conveyed on board an 
English ship, where a British surgeon pro- 
posed to him the necessity of amputation, in 
order to save his life, which he promptly 
declined, emphatically responding, "If I 
die, sir, my arm shall go with my body." 
He has received a pension for that service 
from the Government. 

Death of the Sister of Singleton Mer- 
cer. — This day, Mrs. Sarah McCauley was 
buried in Philadelphia, from the residence 
of her mother. The deceased was formerly 
Miss Sarah M«rcer; and she figured promi- 
nently in a painful tragedy which took plac* 
some seventeen or eighteen years ago. In 
consequence of a wrong done the you ig 
lady, her brother (Singleton) shot HutcHn- 
eon Heberton, while in a carriage on a f rry- 
iboat in the dock, on the Jersey side , ' the 
river. Young Mercer was tried a' un "ood- 
bury, and acquitted on the grou ( j ^in- 
sanity. The affair caused an inte- ft or .oite- 



ment at the time. Miss Mercer, who was a 
very beautiful girl, married a young gentle- 
man of Philadelphia, but they were soon 
afterward divorced. She subsequently mar- 
ried Dr. J. B. McCauley, of New York. She 
was about thirty-five years of age at the 
time of her death. Singleton Mercer went 
to Norfolk as a nurse, at the time of the ter- 
rible fever there, in 1855, and he fell a vic- 
tim to the scourge. His remains lie at Laurel 
Hill, along with the other Philadelphia vic- 
tims of the epidemic. 

Death of a Revolutionary Soldier and 
Centenarian. — This day, N. W. Lyon, a 
Revolutionary soldier, died at his residence 
in Easton, Conn., in his one hundred and 
first year. He was engaged in the Commis- 
sariat Department of the Army for some 
time. 

Death of H. L. Tobey. — This day, Henry 
L. Tobey, of the Utica "Morning Herald," 
died of congestion of the brain. He had 
been ill only a few days. 

Murdered. — This day, in Philadelphia, 
Andrew Arthurs murdered Manus Schmidt 
by stabbing him with a knife. An inquest 
was held, and the verdict of the jury was: — 

That the death of Manus Schmidt was 
caused by a stab inflicted with a knife in the 
hands of Andrew Arthurs, on the night of 
April 18, 18U0. 

Convicted for Murder in Burlington, 
Vt. — This day, Peter McDonnel, who was last 
fall tried and convicted for the murder of 
J. O. McKeen, and subsequently granted a 
new trial by the Supreme Court, was con- 
victed of manslaughter. 

A Desperate Affair. — The Augusta (Ga.) 
"Constitutionalist" of this date relates the 
following scene as having occurred in Co- 
lumbia county : — 

A crazy negro man, belonging to Mrs. Pace, 
went to the neighboring plantation owned 
by Col. T. Clanton, and brutally murdered 
four negroes! One was an old woman, and 
the ot hers . were children. Mr. Whittington, 
Col. Cla iton's overseer, hearing the dis- 
turbance, promptly proceeded to the spot, 
and the crazy negro made a desperate effort 
to kill him. The overseer then shot the 
crazy negro, and in that way arrested fur- • 
ther destruction of life. 

Hanging in South Carolina. — This day, 
J. C. Terrell, for the murder of Ananias 
Graham, his grandfather, was hung at Ben- 
nettsville, South Carolina. 

A Philadelphian Shot by a Philadel- 
phian. — On the night of this day, according 
to the "Memphis Argus," in the Eldorado 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



307 



Billiard-Saloon, a difficulty occurred between 
two men, named William Myers and Charles 
Skinner, growing out of insulting language 
used by the latter toward the former. Skin- 
ner, who was considerably intoxicated at the 
time, assailed Myers with a number of most 
opprobrious epithets, which induced the latter 
to strike him a blow with a billiard-cue. 
Parties here interfered, and the combatants 
were separated. After the hostile meeting 
last night, we learn that Skinner informed a 
number of persons that he designed killing 
Myers; but his threats were regarded only as 
the paroxysms of rage, his friends having no 
idea he would attempt their execution. 

Early this morning, after having his wounds 
dre-sed by a physician, Skinner related the 
circumstance of the saloon-affray to a gentle- 
man of his acquaintance, whom he informed 
that the affair was not yet terminated, and 
that he would hear something more of it 
during the day. 

Some time afterward, Skinner met Myers 
on Adams Street, and requested a moment's 
interview. The latter complied, and the two 
walked along the street together, — few words, 
if any, passing between them. On arriving 
in front of the cigar-store at the east end 
of the Worsham House building, Skinner 
suddenly turned around, and, drawing a pis- 
tol, presented it at Myers's breast and fired. 
The ball took effect in Myers's left breast, 
immediately above the heart, and, after utter- 
ing one or two groans, the wounded man 
staggered back and fell on the pavement. 
Skinner, in the mean time, coolly put up his 
pistol, and looked on, making no attempt to 
escape, and was immediately seized by two 
police officers and committed to jail. 

The report of the pistol attracted a very 
large crowd to the spot, and for a few mo- 
ments the most intense excitement prevailed. 
At one time it was thought an attempt 
would be made by the crowd to wrest Skinner 
from the officers who were conducting him 
to jail, and lynch him; but better counsel 
prevailed, and the law was suffered to take 
its course. 

Mr. Myers is a married man, probably 
twenty-eight years of age, and has a wife 
and two children residing in 1 hila3elphia, 
whence he came to this city a few weeks since 
for the purpose of engaging in business with 
Captain Shock, mail and passenger agent, on 
the 1 st of May. 

The prisoner, Mr. Skinner, is about twenty- 
one or twenty-two years of age, and a na- 
tive of Philadelphia, where his parents re- 
side. He has been in this city for some 
time, engaged as bill-agent for the Memphis 
& Ohio Railroad Company, and is repre- 
sented as a most, reckless, dare-devil being, 
over whom passion has complete mastery. 

The wounded man was still able to con- 
verse rationally, at the la«t accounts, and, 
although confident that his injuries will prove 



mortal, denounced the attack made on him as 
cold-blooded in the extreme and one of which 
he had no warning. Such is the general 
opinion of all acquainted with the circum- 
stances of the affair; and we have no hesi- 
tancy in saying that the assault was the 
most cold-blooded and unprovoked ever per- 
petrated in this city. 

Man and Woman found Drowned. — In 
New York, this day, the body of a man 
named Florence Donahue was found floating 
in the water at Pier No. 2, North River, under 
circumstances which left no doubt as to the 
case being one of accidental drowning. 
Coroner Schirmer held an inquest upon the 
body. Coroner Jackman held an inquest at 
Pier No 31, North River, upon the body of an 
unknown woman, about twenty years of age, 
who was found drowned. Deceased was 
about five feet high, was of medium size, and 
had small, regular features. The body ap- 
peared to have been in the water about two 
weeks. 

Fatal Accident. — In New York, this day, 
Philip Richert, a carpenter, employed on 
Bonner's new building at No. 113 Fulton 
Street, while ascending a ladder, missed his 
step, and was precipitated from the fourth to 
the third floor, and was killed almost instantly. 
Coroner Jackman held an inquest upon the 
body of deceased. Verdict, " Accidental 
death." Deceased was a native of Germany, 
and was forty years of age. 

A Portuguese lad, named Victor , 

employed on board the brig A. Hopkins, 
lying at Pier 12, East River, fell from aloft 
and was almost instantly killed. Deceased, 
who belonged to a respectable family, left his 
home in consequence of some domestic dif- 
ficulty, and was obliged to accept the position 
of a cabin-boy in order to earn a livelihood. 

Contempt of Court. — In Baltimore, this 
day, Judge Krebs, of the Circuit Court, com- 
mitted Thomas B. Gaither to jail, for con- 
tempt of court, in refusing to surrender the 
papers and docket of the court to the clerk 
appointed by the court to fill the vacancy 
caused by Gaither's removal from the office 
by an act of the Legislature, which declared 
his election null and void. He was fined two 
hundred dollars. The Governor remitted the 
fine. 

The Maryland Court of Appeals, this 
lay, decided in favor of the constitutionality 
of the Metropolitan Police bill, passed at the 
recent session of the Legislature. 

\ he South Carolina Democratic State 
CoN. ti ""NTioN met this day, and reaffirmed the 
Ba' r ^ n - e and Cincinnati platforms and the 
D.-i e d aL tt deci-ion. The pioceedings were 
cons. ve. The convention adjourned. 



308 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



The New York Republican State Con- 
tention assembled this day at Syracuse. 
They chose delegates to the Chicago Conven- 
tion, and passed a resolution declaring that 
Mr. Seward was their first choice for the 
Presidency. Some little excitement occurred 
in the convention from a speech of Mr. 
Sherman, of Brooklyn, who denounced the 
election of General Nye from the Eighth Dis- 
trict as delegate as the work of politicians 
and not of the people. The delegation was 
divided between David Dudley Field and Ge- 
neral Nye, and by some legerdemain, facili- 
tated by a report that the former was a Chase 
man, against the earnest etforts and denials 
of Messrs. Opdyke, Northrup, and others, Mr. 
Nye was put on the ticket by the committee. 
Mr. Johnson defended the committee, and 
asserted that Mr. Field said he would drop 
Mr. Seward, after complimenting him with 
one or two vot'es. Mr. Northrup defended 
the soundness of Mr. Field, and advanced 
his claims upon the party. 

The Body of Mrs. Lamb ForxD. — A corre- 
spondent of the New York "Police Gazette" 
of this date, writing from St. Louis, says : — 

Your readers are all familiar with the 
sickening details of the murder of Mrs. 
Lamb by her demon of a husband : — how 
he took her from his home in Vandalia, Illi- 
nois, brought her to this city, put up at the 
Astor House, on Franklin Avenue, and 
while residing there administered poison to 
her without its taking fatal effect ; how he 
subsequently took her into a skiff under the 
pretence of rowing to the opposite side of 
the Mississippi River; how he returned to 
the shore after getting into the stream, tell- 
ing his confiding wife that he must get some 
heavy stones to ballast the skiff; how he 
took her by the shoulders and held her 
under the water until life was extinct : how 
he fastened a rope to her neck, with one of 
the rocks that he had for ballast to the 
other end of the rope, and how he sunk 
them in the river a few miles below the 
city ; of his return to Illinois, and report- 
ing to her parents that she died in Mem- 
phis, Tenn., and was buried, &c. &c. ; 
how he married a girl within eight, days 
after the committal of this horrid act ; of 
his first life's father's visit to Memphis, 
and discovering that Lamb had never taken 
his daughter to that city. Lamb was sus- 
pected of murder, arrested, and brought 
back to this city, by Captain Lee; he con- 
fessed the unheard-of and atrocious deed, 
was tried, found guilty of murder upon his 
own confession, and was finally hung about 
a year ago. All of these details I suppose 
your readers are familiar with ; and now 
they are informed that, after a lapse of more 
than eighteen months, a dead body has been 
found in the river near where Lamb said he 
threw it, and upon close inspection proved 



to be the last remains of the unfortunate 
Mrs. Sarah Lamb. The body washed ashore, 
and was very much decomposed, and with- 
out the head. It is supposed that the rope 
had severed the head from the body, thus 
releasing the latter and permitting it to wash 
ashore. After Lamb's conviction and sen- 
tence to death, his counsel applied for a 
new trial, upon the ground that the body 
of the supposed murdered woman had not 
been found, and it was not in evidence that 
she was dead; but the court refused a new 
trial, and the miserable wretch received his 
jnst dues upon the scaffold. Many people 
argued that it was an unheard-of proceed- 
ing for a man to be hung for murder when 
the corpse of the suspected victim had 
never been seen : but time has revealed the 
fact that his confession was true : therefore 
no doubt now remains of the guilt of Lamb, 
who certainly was guilty of as cold-blooded 
a murder as ever was committed by civilian 
or savage. 



Challenge to Fight a Duel. — This day, 
the Hon. Robert J. "Walker sent a peremptory 
challenge to Attorney-General Black, about 
four o'clock in the afternoon, by the hands 
of Senator Brown, of Mississippi. Mr. 

' Black verbally declined accepting the invi- 
tation, without explanation. 

The action of Governor Walker grows out 

| of the testimony of Mr. Schnable, of Penn., 
before the Covode Committee. That part 
of Mr. Schnable"s testimony which led Mr. 
Walker to take this course is as follows : — 

Question. — Have you recently conversed 
with any member of this Administration on 
the subject of this letter? If so, are you 
at liberty to speak of it ? 

Answer. — I have recently had such con- 
versation. There is no secret about it, — no 
confidential restraint upon either of the 
parties. I have described the scene to 
many persons since Friday last. I presume 
I this committee, like many others, has heard 
of it. I had an accidental discussion with 
Attorney-General Black upon the truth of 
the existence of such a document as the one 
referred to in this testimony, he denying 
and I affirming. He declared that no such 
document existed, and never did exist. I 
told him I had seen it. He affirmed that I 
was mistaken, — that if such a letter existed 
no good citizen would withhold it. I in- 
quired of him whether he invited its pro- 
duction in the name of the President. He 
replied "Yes;" that he challenged its pro- 
duction; that if Governor Walker had such 
a paper, his duty to his country, as well as 
to himself, required him to produce it. 
That in point of fact, however, he said, the 
story was not founded in truth, — or words to 
that effect. Many severe remarks passed 
between us. He was in a state of great 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



309 



excitement. When I referred a second time i 
to my having seen it, he again, in high rage, | 
declared that I was in gross error; that the 
President never wrote such a document; and if 
Governor Walker, or any other person, pretended \ 
to have such a document, it was a mere pre- 
tence to cover up a perpetrated or intended trea- 
son to the Democratic party, or a mere pretext 
for deserting to the Black Republican ranks. 
He further added, that, if any one attacked 
the Administration on this ground, (to use 
his exact words,) " We will put a shirt upon 
him from which he will never escape." 

Question. — In case you had such interview, 
what led to it ''. 

Answer. — I was making a visit to one of 
the editors of the "Constitution," in refer- 
ence to another matter entirely; I met 
Judge Black there accidentally ; I did not 
expect to see him : my business with the 
editor was in no way, directly or indirectly, 
connected with the objects of this com- 
mittee: I decline answering the question 
solely on the ground of irrelevancy. 

The following is the letter referred to : — 

Washington, July 12, 1857. 
Mr dear Sir : — I duly received your 
letter of the 28th ult., on Friday last, and 
read it to the Cabinet then in session. The 
views which it contained were not calculated 
to assure us of your success, though we 
did not despond. Hence you may judge 
with what satisfaction we received an ac- 
count of the proceedings of the National 
Democratic Convention held at Lecompton I 
on the 3d inst. The point on which your 
success depends is the submission of the [ 
Constitution to the people of Kansas ; and 
by the people I mean, and I have no doubt 
you mean, the actual bona fide residents, J 
who have been long enough in the Terri- 
tory to identify themselves with its fate. 
The Legislature determined three months 
as the period of residence to entitle indi- 
viduals to vote for members of the conven- 
tion ; and if the convention should think 
proper to adopt the same period to entitle 
individuals to vote for or against the Con- 
stitution, it appears to me this would be 
reasonable. On the question of submitting 
the Constitution to the bona fide residents 
of Kansas, I am willing to stand or fall. 
It is the principle of the Kansas-Nebraska 
bill, the principle of popular sovereignty, 
and the principle at the foundation of all 
popular government. The more it is dis- 
cussed the stronger it will become. Should 
the Convention of Kansas adopt this prin- 
ciple, all will be settled harmoniously, and. 
with the blessing of Providence, you will 
return triumphantly from your arduous, im- 
portant, and responsible station. The strict- 
ures of the Georgia and Mississippi Con- 
ventions will then pass away and be speed- 
ily forgotten. 



In regard to Georgia, our news from that 
State is becoming better every day. We 
have not yet had time to hear much from 
Mississippi. Should you answer the reso- 
lution of the latter, I would advise you to 
make the great principle of the submission 
of the Constitution to the bona fide residents 
of Kansas conspicuously prominent. On 
this you will be irresistible. With the ques- 
tion of climate every person is acquainted, 
and the more you insist upon this, the more 
will our opponents urge that we are vio- 
lating the principle of non-interference at 
the foundation of the Kansas and Nebraska 
bill. It is strange that people at a distance, 
who have no practical acquaintance with 
the condition of Kansas, should undertake 
to be wiser than those on the spot. It is 
beyond all question the true policy to build 
up a great Democratic party there to main- 
tain the Constitution and the laws, composed 
of Pro-Slavery and Free-State Democrats, 
and, if the majority should be against sla- 
very, to obtain such constitutional provi- 
sions as will secure the rights of slaveholders 
in Missouri and other States and maintain all 
the laws guarding the just rights of the South. 

You are right in your conjecture as to 
the cause of Judge Williams's appointment. 
We supposed it would be peculiarly accept- 
able to yourself, and that he might aid in 
carrying out your policy. 

Colonel Cumming has been appointed 
Governor of Utah. This will cause his 
place to be vacant after the brief period 
required for settling up his business, and 
I certainly shall be disposed to fill it by the 
appointment of Mr. Stevens. 

General Harney has been ordered to com- 
mand the expedition to Utah ; but we must 
continue to have him with you, at least 
until you are out of the woods. Kansas is 
vastly more important at the present mo- 
ment than Utah. The pressure upon me 
continues without intermission. I pray 
that Divine Providence, in which I place 
my trust, may graciously preserve my life 
and my health until the end of my term. 
But God's will be done in any event. 
With every sentiment of esteem, 
I remain always sincerely your friend, 

[Signed] James Buchanan. 

To Hon. Robert J. Walker. 

Painful Event. — Young Man Drowned. 
— This day, as Harrison Stilwell, a lad of 
sixteen years, was rowing across the inlet 
between the residence of Francis Morris and 
Mr. Zerega, on the East Fuver, accompanied 
by his tutor, the boat was swamped by the 
waves and turned over. The tutor threw 
off his coat and hat, and, by great exertion, 
succeeded in reaching the shore and farmer's 
house belonging to Mr. Zerega. When he 
left young Stilwell, he was holding on to the 
bottom of the boat, and appeared to be con- 



310 



VINCENT'S SEMIANNUAL 



[AruiL, 



fident that be could maintain his position 
until assistance from the shore could be 
obtained; shortly after he left him on the 
boat he heard him distinctly cry "Help!" 
several times, in a loud and strong voice ; 
and, on turning his head, he saw a schooner 
approaching the place from whence the cry 
came. The tutor was so much exhausted 
when he reached shore that for more than 
an hour he was unable to give an intelligible 
account of what had occurred ; and, when 
the alarm was given and boats sent out on 
the bay, no trace was to be found of the un- 
fortunate lad. His father made diligent 
inquiries during the day, and was able to 
find his cap on the Long Island shore, near 
Flushing Bay ; but the boat could not be 
found. Hopes were entertained that he was 
taken up by a schooner; but they were soon 
dissipated, as some time afterward his body 
was found washed on shore. 

Arrest of a Wealthy Magistrate tor 
Counterfeiting. — This day, Deputy-Mar- 
shal Cable, of Jefferson county, Ohio, ar- 
rested Joseph L. Ball, of Newberg, in that 
county, a magistrate and wealthy citizen, 
indicted at the United States court for 
making and passing counterfeit money. The 
"Cleveland Herald" says: — 

The arrest is one of the most important 
that has been made for some time. Ball is 
an old man, sixty years of age, and is re- 
puted to be wealthy. He has a fine house 
and large farm, and ranks among the sub- 
stantial men of Jefferson county. For a 
long time he has been suspected of being 
connected with an extensive gang of counter- 
feiters; but his position and power in the 
neighborhood were such that no one dared 
give information against him. Ball is a 
magistrate, and his position was used to 
shelter the counterfeiters and oppress any 
one that was suspected of interfering with 
their operations. Several instances have 
been known where members of his gang 
have been brought before him, and either 
released at once, in defiance of law and evi- 
dence, or sentenced in such a manner that 
they escaped by a legal quibble. In one in- 
stance a notorious counterfeiter was brought 
before him, and the circumstances were such 
that a committal of the accused was impera- 
tive. The man was accordingly committed ; 
but, after the examination, Ball secretly ad- 
vised the prisoner to consult a lawyer who 
was cognizant of the proceedings of the 
gang, and have him sue out a writ of habeas 
corpus, on the ground of a legal defect in 
the commitment-paper. The writ was ac- 
cordingly sued out, and, a legal defect having 
purposely been made in the commitment, the 
man was dismissed. 

S. S. Conn, who has been tried and sen- 
tenced to the penitentiary for seven years 
for passing counterfeit money, was a favorite 



pupil of Ball ; and it was probably on Conn's 
trial that the facts were developed that led 
to Ball's indictment and arrest. He has 
been lodged in jail. Ball has a wife and 
four children. 

Commercial Integrity". — In Philadelphia, 
this day, L. J. Levy & Co., the large retail 
dry-goods-house, who suspended in 1857, 
paid $50,000, — the last instalment on their 
extension-paper. The whole amount of their 
indebtedness was over a million of dollars. 

The New York Union State Convention 
met, this day, at Troy. They effected an 
organization by calling William C. Has- 
brouck, an Old-Line Whig and ex-Speaker 
of the House of Assembly, to the chair. 
Delegates were appointed to the convention 
at Baltimore, and, after passing a series of 
resolutions, the convention adjourned. 

The Maryland Union State Convention 
assembled at Baltimore this day. Daniel 
Weisell, of Washington county, was made 
President. 

Discussion ensued relative to the admis- 
sion of two delegations from Baltimore, — one 
representing the Union Convention and the 
other the American party. It was proposed 
to have both represented. 

The convention settled the difficulty in 
regard to the different sets of delegates from 
Alleghany county and Baltimore city by ad- 
mitting both. 

A committee of one from each county, to 
prepare the business, was appointed at the 
night session. 

The committee reported in favor of send- 
ing representatives to the National Consti- 
tutional Convention, and recommended the 
appointment of electors. The first resolution 
was adopted. The second, recommending 
the appointment of district electors, caused 
much discussion. Some thought the con- 
vention should appoint electors only for the 
State at large, leaving the people of the dis- 
tricts to select their own electors. 

Prize-Fight between an American and 
an Englishman for the Championship of 
Light Weights. — A prize-fight came off, 
this day, in England, between Charles 
Lynch, an American, and an Englishman, 
denominated "Young Shaw." After fight- 
ing thirty-seven rounds, the police appeared 
on the ground and broke up the fight. The 
parties agreed to decide the matter on the 
coming Friday. The fight was for the 
championship of the light weights. 

Young Girl Hanging Herself. — The 

night of this day, Miss Delia Vanduzer, 
aged seventeen years, whose mother, a 
widow, resides about two miles north of Le 
Claire, Scott county, Iowa, was found hang- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



311 



ing by the neck, dead, in a stable near the 
house. It appeal's that there was a singing- 
class in the neighborhood on that evening, 
and her brother and sister attended it. She 
left the house, and her mother supposed she 
had gone also. Upon the return of the 
family from the school, her absence being 
made known to her mother, search was 
made and her body found as above described. 
Disappointed aifection is said to have been 
the cause of her committing the act. 

Church Destroyed by Incendiarism in 
Minneapolis. — The night of this day, the 
Congregational church of Minneapolis, Min- 
nesota, in which Mr. Nichols preached his 
sermon advising the abolition of liquor- 
selling by the higher law, was entirely de- 
stroyed by fire. It was supposed to have 
been burned by the liquor-sellers. 



THURSDAY, APRIL 19. 

Fire in Albany, N.Y. — This day, a fire 
broke out in Orange Street, near Hawk, and, 
before it was subdued, fifteen frame build- 
ings were destroyed. The total loss will not 
exceed $15,000, which is partially insured. 

Four Churches Burned. — Arrest of the 
Incendiary. — The "Fayetteville Observer" 
of this date says that, on the Tuesday pre- 
ceding, Ishana P. Rudd, a half-witted man, 
was arrested in Fayetteville, Va., charged 
with setting fire to four churches in that 
place. The "Observer," speaking of the 
affair, says : — 

County Line church, situated three miles 
above Lynchburg, was destroyed by fire on 
Wednesday night of last week ; and on the 
following Friday night, Mount Moriah 
church, two miles north of Mulberry vil- 
lage, was also burned. Both fires were the 
work of an incendiary. 

The "Observer" also states that, on 
Monday night last, about ten o'clock, New 
Harmon church, two miles and a half 
north of Charity, was set on fire and 
entirely consumed ; and about an hour 
later, or at eleven o'clock, Charity church 
was discovered to be in flames, and, the fire 
communicating to Charity Academy, both 
buildings were soon in ruins. The loss is 
estimated at from $6000 to $8000. This 
wanton destruction of property naturally 
created great excitement ; and the citizens 
of Charity, with commendable spirit and 
energy, at once instituted proceedings to 
discover who was the guilty party. From 
circumstances that to them seemed to justify 
the course, they arrested, about two hours 
after the fire, a man well known in the 
neighborhood, who is said to be about half- 
witted; and on the following day he con- 
fessed to burning the four churches, and 



gave up the books and other articles that 
he had taken from Charity church. He said 
his object had been to burn every church in 
Lincoln county that was over ten years old, 
as he thought that was long enough for such 
a building to do service ; and he had given 
himself six months in which to do the work. 
The incendiary was placed in jail in Fayette- 
ville on Tuesday. 

The Texas Democratic State Conven- 
tion met, this day, and nominated General 
Sam Houston for the Presidency. 

Accepted the Appointment. — This day, 
Joseph W. Alsop, President of the Eastern 
Division of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, 
appeared before the U.S. Circuit Court at 
Cincinnati, accepted the appointment of 
Receiver of that road, and gave bonds for 
the faithful execution of the trust in the 
sum of $20,000. O. S. Flint, Vice-President 
of the company, will be continued in the 
actual charge of the road. 

A Car passed, this day, through, without 
break, from St. Louis to Philadelphia, loaded 
with produce. 

Suicide and Forgery. — This day, Charles 
Stone, a prominent lawyer of Plymouth, New 
Hampshire, and a member of the New Hamp- 
shire Legislature, committed suicide by 
taking strychnine. After his death, it was 
found that he had raised money on a large 
quantity of forged paper, in amounts from 
$10,000 to $15,000. The "Manchester 
Mirror" says : — 

The names of the sureties on his paper are 
all forged. We understand that all the banks 
in Concord have his notes, and the savings- 
bank there has a forged mortgage of some 
real estate owned by Stone's wife to secure 
it. A knowledge of his forgeries was be- 
coming too public, and he knew the State 
prison must be his home if he lived, and 
hence he took the fatal draught. 

Found Dead. — In New York, this day, 
Mrs. Sullivan, of No. 19 Cherry Street, 
found one of her boarders, named Patrick 
Shay, lying dead upon the second-story 
stairway-landing. The deceased was a man 
of intemperate habits. 

Body Recognised. — In New York, the 
coroner held an inquest on the body of a 
man who died on this day night at the 
New York Hospital. Mr. Lyon, of No. 119 
West Forty-Fifth Street, recognised the 
body as that of his son, W. H. Lyon. 
The deceased was riding in the Sixth 
Avenue car on the evening of this day, 
when he was ejected by the conductor, who 
supposed him to be intoxicated. A carman 
subsequently found him in the street, and 



312 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



discovered that lie was not drunk, but sick. 
He conveyed him to the hospital imme- 
diately, where he died shortly after. A post- 
mortem examination revealed the fact that 
death was the result of a fractured skull. 
The deceased was formerly in the employ of 
the Adams Express Company, and was con- 
sidered a sober, industrious man. He was 
unmarried, and but twenty-seven years of 
age. How he came to his injuries was not 
known. 

An Indignant Mother. — A correspondent 
of "The Boston Traveller" writes that, on 
this day, a man in Woburn, Mass., who had 
enticed away and ruined a young girl, was 
met on the street by the mother, who 
flogged him with a cowhide till he ran, then 
pursued him, and continued the castigation 
till the whip was broken. 

Burglary and Attempted Murder. — In 
Brooklyn, this day, the house of Dr. Nelson 
A. Garrison, on the Myrtle Avenue plank- 
road, near Reid Avenue, was feloniously 
entered about three o'clock in the morning. 
A hired man, named Owen Cox, who slept in 
the basement, heard a noise overhead, and, 
procuring a spear, stationed himself on the 
stairs. After a time the burglars came down, 
when Cox attacked them. One of them fired 
a pistol, and the other struck him on the 
head, when they fled. The occupants were 
aroused, and Br. Garrison, coming down, 
found Cox lying at the bottom of the stairs, 
bleeding profusely. An examination proved 
that the ball entered the left side under the 
arm, and a little in front of the shoulder- 
blade. The wound was probed to the extent 
of four inches, but the ball could not be 
found. Justice Cornwell took the wounded 
man's deposition during the following day. 
in which he accused two brothers, named 
Daniel and James Ludlam, of having com- 
mitted the deed. They resided in the neigh- 
borhood, and worked, as silversmiths, in 
Maiden Lane, New York, where they were 
arrested by Officers Leich and Smith, of the 
Ninth Ward. 

Death of Mrs. J. T. Paine. — This day, 
Mrs. Jane T. Paine, relict of the late Hon. 
Lemuel Paine, died atWinslow, Maine. In 
the death of Mrs. Paine another of the 
links which bind the present generation to 
the trying days of the Revolution is broken. 
She was the daughter of the Hon. Ebenezer 
Warren, brother of General Joseph Warren. 
Her father, after making many sacrifices in 
defence of his country, had relinquished his 
house (now known as the "Warren House," 
in Roxbury, Mass.) for the accommodation 
of the French and American officers, and 
had taken his family to a marquee on the 
premises; and there the future Mrs. Paine 
was born. She was a person of a deeply- 



religious nature, and her moral and intel- 
lectual endowments were of a most exalted 
order. 

The Robbery of Adams Express. — The 
safe which was stolen from the messenger 
of the Adams Express Company on the Kith 
of this month, while on a train coming from 
Boston, was found, this day, broken open 
and rifled of its contents. It was lying on 
the road near the Westport depot, Conn. 
The supposition is that the thief, after 
throwing the safe from the cars, proceeded 
as far as the Norwalk drawbridge, which 
Avas the first stopping-place, and, leaving 
the train at that point, walked back to the 
spot where he threw it oft", and there, break- 
ing it open, left it, after appropriating its 
contents. 

Miraculous Escape. — The bridge which 
crosses the Baltimore Central Railroad at 
Kennett Square, Pa., was, this day, the scene 
of an almost miraculous occurrence. Mr. 
Thomas Mitchell, of New Garden, Chester 
county, with his wife, was driving a two- 
horse carriage, intending to pass over the 
said bridge, which is some twenty-five feet 
above the railroad-track. While making 
the ascent to reach the bridge, the horses 
took fright at a passing hand-car, com- 
menced backing, and became unmanage- 
able. Mr. Mitchell at once sprang from his 
seat and seized the horses by the head. But 
he was too late. Back, back they went! 
With horror Mr. Mitchell saw the mad ani- 
mals tumble off the bridge-way and roll 
down to the railroad-track with a crash. 
Mr. Mitchell quickly descended, expecting 
to find his wife a corpse, as no thought 
occurred that amid such a scene human life 
could escape. To his great surprise and 
satisfaction, however, he found that Mrs. 
Mitchell was not only not killed, but. that 
she had escaped with very trifling injury. 
After being helped from the wreck, she 
walked up to the town. The carriage was 
completely broken up. The horses were not 
much injured, and were soon got out. The 
distance from the point where the carriage 
toppled over the bridge-way to its landing- 
place is over twenty feet. The lack of serious 
injury to the horses may be measurably ac- 
counted for by the fact that the ground where 
they landed was soft and muddy. 

Meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, 
Warning Liquor-Sellers to Close their 
Business. — This day, a meeting of the citi- 
zens of Minneapolis was held, and a depu- 
tation of about fifty gentlemen was in- 
structed to wait on all the saloon-keepers 
and give them notice that unless they closed 
up their business it would be closed by force. 
This duty was performed, and the saloon- 
keepers announced their intention of making 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



313 



a forcible resistance in case they were mo- 
lested by a mob of the citizens. In t lie 
mean time, an association had been formed 
in St. Anthony, composed of Americans and 
Germans, of which a prominent German, 
named John Orth, was the leader, for the 
purpose of assisting the liquor-sellers in 
case they are unlawfully molested. 



FRIDAY, APKIL 20. 

Killing of a United States Marshal 
in Topeka, Kansas. — This day, Leonard 
Arms, United States Marshal, in attempting 
to arrest John Ritchey, was by the latter shot 
dead. The offence with which Ritchey was 
charged was robbing the Post-Office during 
the Kansas troubles. To give the reader a 
just idea of the transaction, we insert ac- 
counts from two papers of opposite political 
proclivities, as the death of Arms was evi- 
dently caused from the feeling excited by 
former political troubles. 

The "State Record," a paper published in 
the vicinity, says: — 

John Ritchey was a prominent and fearless 
member of the Free-State party during the 
years 1855, 1856, and 1857, and on this ac- 
count he had been an object of hatred to the 
Slave party. He was arrested in 1856, on a 
charge of mail-robbery, said to be ridiculously 
improbable by those who knew him. After 
suffering much at the hands of his captors 
and jailers, he effected his escape. On the 
20th inst., Arms, the Deputy Marshal, tried 
to rearrest him on the same charge, and was 
shot by Mr. Ritchey. 

The latter gave himself up, was at once 
tried, and was acquitted. From the address 
of his counsel we quote enough to show the 
line of argument: — 

Mr. Dow opened the case on the part of 
the defence by expressing his gratification 
at the honorable course pursued by Mr. 
Brockway, the attorney of the people, in this 
examination. He announced his intention 
to do little more than read the law, upon 
which the defence would rely for an acquittal. 
He conceded to the Territory, what they had 
not proved, that Leonard Arms was a Deputy- 
Marshal of the United States, and had in his 
pocket two writs for the arrest of John 
Ritchey. He said no testimony had been 
adduced for the defence, but they were will- 
ing to take such a case, not as the Territory 
had made, but such as they wished to make 
and desired to make, and, upon their own 
showing, John Ritchey must be discharged. 

Arms fell in the house of Ritchey, with a 
drawn pistol in his hand loaded with powder 
and ball. Did he fall as an officer in the 
discharge of his duty, or a citizen entering 
Ritchey's house feloniously? The Territory 
has shown that Arms asserted that he had no 
writ or process for Ritchey, in the presence 



of Rice, and therefore was without the pro- 
tection of the law as an officer. 

But even as an officer in the discharge 
of his duty he should not have entered 
Ritchey's house without Ritchey had first 
refused him admission. Leonard Arms en- 
tered unlawfully and was shot down, when 
Ritchey had more than retreated to the wall. 
He read the law of homicide from the statutes 
of Kansas, and showed that Leonard Arms - 
was shot while committing an assault with a 
deadly weapon upon the person of John 
Ritchey; and under our laws the latter was 
justified, and must be discharged. 

The decision of the judge was as follows: — 

"I have had the matter under candid con- 
sideration since the commencement of the. 
trial, and I believe that I realize the import- 
ance of the position that I occupy, and that 
I have endeavored fairly to scrutinize the 
evidence with that candor and impartiality 
which the subject under consideration so 
justly demands; and, after fully weighing the 
evidence with all the ability which my poor 
feeble nature possesses, I have come to the 
honest conclusion, in view of my responsi- 
bility to my God, my country, and myself, 
that John Ritchey has committed homicide, 
but one justifiable in the sight of God and 
man. This being my honest conviction, the 
court deems it to be its duty to acquit the 
prisoner at the bar charged with the murder 
of Leonard Arms, and discharge him from 
the custody of the law." 

An Administration paper published in the 
vicinity says: — 

It has already been mentioned that Leonard 
Arms, a Deputy United States Marshal, was 
shot dead a few days ago, at Topeka, Kansas, 
by John Ritchey. The latter, it appears, 
was under indictment for an alleged post- 
office robbery and resisting an officer. Arms, 
who was a man much respected, was sent 
with a warrant to arrest him. He proceeded 
to the house of Ritchey and told him he had 
come to arrest him. Ritchey raised his re- 
volver, and, retreating, told Arms not to ap- 
proach. Arms, disregarding the menace, 
advanced another step, when Ritchey fired. 
The ball passed through his throat, imme- 
diately below the chin, and killed him in- 
stantly. The " Leavenworth Herald" says that 
Ritchey gave himself up, and adds, "John 
Ritchey is from Indiana. He is a Republican 
of the John Brown school, and, we understand, 
was engaged with him in his deeds of blood 
in this Territory. He is a large property- 
holder in Topeka, and a prominent politician 
in his party, having served in the Legislature 
of 1859." 

Unknown Man Found Drowned. — In New 
York, this day, the body of an unknown man, 
apparently a mechanic, was found floating in 
the river, at the foot of Grand Street, E.R. 
An inquest was held by Coroner Murphy, 



314 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[x\PRIL, 



but no person could be found to identify the 
body. A verdict of "found drowned" was 
rendered. The remains had been in the 
■water a long time, and were so much decom- 
posed as to render identification impossible. 

Attempted Scicide. — In New York, this 
day, Thomas Wheeler attempted to commit 
suicide, at No. 115"VVooster Street, by taking 
a large quantity of strychnine. He was just 
recovering from a spell of dissipation, and 
was much depressed in spirits. 

Died. — This day, Colonel James Monroe, 
the third son of the late Hon. Benjamin 
Monroe, died at his residence in Frankfort, 
Kentucky, of consumption. Colonel Monroe 
commanded a company of Kentucky volun- 
teers at the memorable battle of Buena Vista, 
on the 2_!d and 23d of February, 1847, and 
afterward represented Franklin county in the 
Kentucky Legislature. 

Charged with Rape. — This day, in New 
York, Gustav Lefevre, of No. 52 Howard 
Street, was arrested by Officer Sackmeister, 
charged with having committed a rape upon 
Emily Mayer. The complainant, a feeble 
girl about eighteen years of age, was at work 
for the prisoner's wife, who is a dressmaker, 
when the occurrence took place. In default 
of $3000 bail, Justice Quackenbush com- 
mitted the accused to answer. 

Fire at Sheboygan. — This day, Hecker's 
brewery, at Sheboygan, Wis., was destroyed 
by fire. Loss, $10,000: insured for $3000. 

Wreck Found. — This day, schooner Sarah, 
from Boston for Wiscasset, was boarded about 
twenty-five miles s.s.w. of Monhegan, by 
schooner Seguin, at Calais. The wreck was 
full of water, only a small piece of the stern 
and main-topmast being out of water, the bow 
being down, and the hull in an almost per- 
pendicular position. Took from her davits 
a boat in perfect order, no water in it; some 
few blocks and part of mainsail were also 
taken ; the whole mainsail was set. Left the 
wreck in charge of brig North America, of 
and for Jouesport ; she had taken the main- 
topmast aboard. 

Girls Inveigled away by their Father. 
— The Henry county (111.) "Dial" of this 
date says : — 

About ten days since, a middle-aged gentle- 
man of respectable appearance stopped at 
the Kenawee House, via the Eastern train. 
f Soon after he inquired for the residence of 
Mr. Clyde, of Wethersfield, and, procuring a 
horse and buggy, started thither. On ar- 
riving, he went to the door and inquired for 
Jenny Bassett, — a girl about fifteen years of 
age, who was at service in the family. The 
girl met the gentleman at the door, and, after 



a long and earnest conversation, carried on 
in low tones, the latter left, and Jenny in- 
formed the lady she was living with that she 
wished to leave, as she had been offered 
easier services at better wages. The next 
day the gentleman called again, and the girl 
left with him, with the concurrence, as the 
lady supposed, of the girl's mother, Mrs. 
Greer, who lives in the neighborhood. 

It appears, however, that Mrs. Greer knew 
nothing of her daughter's intentions. After 
having left her place, Jenny went to her 
mother's and obtained her consent to let 
Ella Bassett, aged about eleven years, ac- 
company her to Mr. Glyde's. 

The two girls left home together; but, 
instead of going where the elder one had 
been living, they joined the gentleman above 
referred to, and all left by the next train for 
the East. The mother of the girls was al- 
most distracted on learning of this strange 
escapade of her daughters, and then the 
public obtained a clew to the probable cause 
of this sudden and most unexpected disap- 
pearance. It came out that many years ago 
the mother was married to a man named 
Bassett, in Connecticut. They lived together 
until the elder girl was four years of age and 
the younger some three months, when the 
husband and father left for California. For 
five years not a syllable was heard from him 
by the deserted wife, and, naturally con- 
cluding that he was dead, she was married 
to her present husband, Mr. Greer. 

Mrs. Greer knew nothing of the existence 
of her former husband; but since the girls 
were inveigled away it has been ascertained 
that he communicated by letter with the elder 
one, and thus, it is supposed, obtained her 
consent to go with him when he should come. 
Jenny, as we have seen, on his arrival, was 
made the instrument to induce the younger 
child also to abandon her mother, who feels 
her loss very keenly. 

Narrow Escape of Fayette McMullen. 
— This gentleman, formerly Member of Con- 
gress and Governor of Washington Territory, 
met with a narrow escape from death, in 
Smith county, (Va.,) this day. He was 
riding on horseback, and on approaching the 
railroad, near Marion, discovered that the train 
was near at hand and running very rapidly. 
He at once checked his horse ; but the animal, 
becoming frightened, dashed off, and reached 
the track where the road crosses at the very 
moment the approaching train got to that 
point. The horse was run over and instantly 
killed, and Mr. McMullen thrown on the cow- 
catcher, where he remained for some mo- 
ments, until the engineer was able to reach 
him and succeeded in dragging him on the 
engine, — the train all the while being in rapid 
motion. The most singular part of the whole 
transaction was the fact that he was not 
injured in the slightest degree. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



315 



Heavy Verdict. — This day, in the suit of 
Wavy E. Clayes against the Boston & Wor- 
cester Railroad Company for $20,000 dam- 
ages for personal injuries on the road, the 
jury of the Supreme Court awarded the 
plaintiff $10,000. 

Finish of the Fight between Charles 
Lynch and "Young Shaw." — This fight, 
which was commenced on Wednesday last, 
came off in England this day. After an 
obstinate contest of sixty-one rounds and 
one hour and three-quarters' time, Lynch's 
second threw up the sponge in token of de- 
feat. This battle was for the championship 
of light weights. Lynch is a New Yorker. 

Murderous Outrage on a Lady. — This 
day, a respectable lady of Martinsburg, Vir- 
ginia, upon going into the yard attached to 
her residence, was seized by two unknown 
men, who instantly covered her mouth with 
a handkerchief, carried her to the creek, 
and, throwing her in it, left her to drown. 
She managed to escape, and reached her 
home, in a state of utter prostration, about 
ten o'clock. The mayor offered a reward 
of $300 for the arrest and conviction of the 
guilty parties. 

Dreadful Ice-Storm in Kansas. — This 
day, some parts of Kansas were visited by 
a terrible storm of ice. The smallest of the 
pieces were of the size of a hen's egg, and 
many were as large as a quart-bowl. Several 
ice-balls of prodigious weight were picked 
up, — one weighing a pound and a half. Quite 
a number of persons were severely injured, 
and live stock was killed. Some of the hail- 
stones pierced the roofs of the houses. 

Man found Drowned in Mobile, Ala- 
bama. — In Mobile, this day, the body of an 
unknown white man was found drowned in 
Three-Mile Creek. The body was that of a 
large man ; but the features were so much 
eaten that it was impossible to recognise 
them. His appearance was that of a labor- 
ing-man, tolerably well dressed, wearing a 
white shirt, light-colored summer panta- 
loons, and calf-skin shoes. Verdict, " Found 
drowned." 

Death of Joseph Wiswall, an Old 
Citizen of Mobile. — This day, Mr. Joseph 
Wiswall, one of the oldest and most esteemed 
citizens of that city, died. 

Railroad between Savannah and 
Charleston Finished. — This day, connec- 
tion was made by railroad between Savan- 
nah and Charleston, the last rail having 
been laid. 

Church Burned. — In Mobile, this day, 
the Wesley Chapel, (better known as the 



South Ward Methodist Church,) at the 
southeast corner of New Hampshire and 
Warren Streets, was totally destroyed by 
fire, between twelve and one o'clock in the 
night. 

Bills become Law in California. — Ad- 
vices from California, of this date, say that 
the Governor has approved the following 
bills passed by the Legislature: — An ap- 
propriation of $10,000 for a deaf and dumb 
and blind asylum at San Francisco ; an act 
appropriating $35,000 for a State reform 
school at Maysville; an act establishing 
county infirmaries for the indigent ; and an 
act appropriating $13,000 to the San Fran- 
cisco Orphan-Asylum. 

Quick Passage. — This day, arrived at 
Honolulu, Sandwich Islands, the schooner 
Nettie Merrill, one hundred and eighteen 
days from New York. She left New York 
December 22, 1859; made the run to the 
equator, in the Atlantic, in twenty-seven 
days; to the Cape in fifty-nine days; 
passed through the Straits and was an- 
chored there four days during a heavy 
gale ; crossed the line, in the Pacific, in 
Ion. 102° 30', on the 28th of March,— 
making the run from New York to Hono- 
lulu in one hundred and fourteen sailing- 
days. During the passage, experienced all 
kinds of weather, and found the vessel a 
beautiful sea-boat. The best run made was 
seven hundred and six miles in three days, 
— -an average of about two hundred and 
thirty-five miles per day. The Nettie Mer- 
rill was built by E. F. Williams, Esq., of 
Greenpoint, for A. K. Clarke, Esq., Post- 
master-General of the Hawaiian Islands. 
The most experienced in such voyages 
estimated the shortest time for her run to 
Honolulu at from one hundred and thirty 
to one hundred and forty days. She was 
commanded by Captain Latham A. Brown, 
of New London, Connecticut. 



SATURDAY, APRIL 21. 

Died in a Cell. — In New York, this day, 
an inquest was held on an unknown man 
who died in his cell, at the Jefferson Market 
Police Court, under rather peculiar circum- 
stances. The evidence went to show that 
on Thursday deceased was found lying on 
the sidewalk, at the corner of Thirty-Fourth 
Street and Eighth Avenue. One of the 
Twentieth Precinct police arrested deceased 
on the charge of drunkenness, and conveyed 
him before Justice Kelly, who committed 
him to prison for examination. Soon after 
being locked up, deceased became very ill, 
and, notwithstanding he received proper 
medical attendance, he continued to sink, 
and died the day following his incarceration. 



316 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



The doctor who attended deceased, and the 
keeper of the prison, were not aware that 
deceased's skull was fractured until after a 
post-mortem examination of the body had 
been made by Drs. Beach and Gallagher. 
No evidence going to show how deceased 
received his injuries could be elicited, and 
in the absence of such proof the jury were 
compelled to render a verdict of "Death 
from compression of the brain, caused by 
fracture of the skull; but how or in what 
manner the fracture was received, the jury 
are unable to say." Deceased was about 
fifty years of age, and, judging from his 
appearance, he was a native of Ireland. 

Murder in New York. — At a late hour 
in the night of this day, Charles Rabert, a 
German, stabbed a man named Thomas 
Greenman, in a midnight brawl, at the cor- 
ner of Orchard and Canal Streets, New 
York. At the inquest on the body, the fol- 
lowing testimony was adduced : — 

John Crinion — the friend and companion 
of the deceased on the night of the affray- 
deposed that as they were passing down 
Orchard Street, near Canal, about twelve 
o'clock on Saturday night, they overtook 
three persons. Deceased jostled against 
one of the men ; a scuffle then ensued be- 
tween deceased and one of the men, when 
they both fell to the ground ; when deceased 
arose, he exclaimed that he was stabbed; 
an umbrella was found near the spot where 
the affray occurred, and, when they got to 
the station-house, the prisoner, Rabert, 
claimed it as his property. Samuel Cal- 
houn deposed that, as he was entering a 
drinking-saloon near the corner of Canal 
and Orchard Streets, on Saturday night, 
about twelve o'clock, he saw the prisoner 
standing in the doorway ; the prisoner said, 
"Me kill a man;" and soon afterward a 
policeman came along and arrested him. 
Policeman Wright deposedthat. upon search- 
ing the prisoner, a rag and some change 
covered with blood were found in his pos- 
session. Two Germans, named Peter and 
Gilbert Gaylor, were then examined: they 
deposed that, as they were standing at the 
corner of Orchard and Canal Streets with 
the prisoner, about midnight on Saturday, 
deceased and some other persons came up ; 
deceased offered to fight the prisoner, and 
struck him a blow ; both men clinched, 
and, after a short struggle, they fell to the 
ground ; the witness did not see any knives 
used ; did not stay to see the end of the 
fight. The medical testimony of Drs. Beach 
and Gallagher was then presented. The 
jury, after due deliberation, rendered a 
verdict of " Death by wounds received from 
some instrument in the hands of the pri- 
soner, Charles Rabert, while engaged in a 
Street-fight, on the 21st of April, I860." 

The prisoner, who is a native of Germany 



and about twenty-one years of age, was then 
committed to the Tombs to await the action 
of the grand jury. 

Fatal Railroad-Accidents. — This day, 
as the seven a.m. Dunkirk express-train, on 
the New York & Erie road, was rounding a 
curve near the Goshen depot, a girl, thirteen 
years of age, daughter of Richard McGowen, 
was struck by the locomotive, throwing her 
some fifty feet, and causing injuries that re- 
sulted in her death a short time afterward. 
The girl was walking on the track for the 
purpose of ascertaining if her father — who 
is a brakesman — was upon the freight-train 
which was coming in at the time from the 
opposite direction. An inquest was held, 
and a verdict of "Accidental death" ren- 
dered. 

At Paterson, N.J., the same day, a boy 
whose name was not ascertained, in attempt- 
ing to jump upon some cars attached to ike 
drill-engine, missed his hold, fell under the 
wheels, and was instantly killed. 

Negro and White Man Tied toc.kteiek. 
— In the afternoon of this day, the Mont- 
gomery (Ala.) "Mail" says: — 

We saw a large number of persons in 
front of the Exchange Hotel, and, upon 
going into the crowd, saw a "nigger" and 
a white man — in this case the "nigger" 
comes first— a "nigger," we repeat, and a 
white man ironed together. Upon inquiry, 
we learned that the negro belonged to Rev. 
Mr. Andrews, of Bumsville, Dallas county, 
in this State ; that the white man (named 
R. R. Ringgold) had stolen the negro, and 
was carrying him East, when both were 
arrested in Palmetto, Campbell county, 
Georgia, where the negro made a con- 
fession, and whence information concern- 
ing the arrest was transmitted to Mr. An- 
drews, in Burnsville, who went to Palmetto 
after his negro, and on Saturday reached 
this city with both negro and thief, en route 
for Burnsville. 

The "nigger" looked like he was well 
pleased at being brought back, and the 
white man looked kind of don't-care-a- 
darnish, until the crowd made them mount 
a chair together, so that all could take a 
good look at them, when we thought a 
shade of sorrow or shame fell upon his 
countenance. 

Partial Destruction of a Ferry-Boat 
by Fire. — In Staten Island, New York, in 
the afternoon of this day, the steamboat 
Hunchback, belonging to the Staten Island 
Ferry Company, took fire from some cause at 
present unknown, and was nearly destroyed 
before the flames could be extinguished. 
The boat was lying in the basin between the 
Quarantine and Stapleton landings, and the 
flames, when first seen, were issuing from 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



317 



the promenade-deck near the smoke-stack. 
The tire spread with great rapidity, and, in 
less than fifteen minutes after the alarm 
Avas given, the upper deck was all in a 
blaze. The alarm created considerable ex- 
citement at Stapleton, and the villagers, 
together with those who had gone down to 
the island to spend the day, hastened to the 
shore, and every exertion was made to save 
the vessel from destruction. After con- 
siderable labor, the fire above-decks was 
extinguished, not, however, before the up- 
per-works were nearly destroyed. Some 
persons in the employ of the Ferry Com- 
pany went out in small boats and scuttled 
the Hunchback, when she sank in deep 
water. She was an old boat, and had been 
plying between New York and Staten Island 
for several years past. The Staten Island 
Ferry is owned by George Law, and it is 
stated that all the boats on the line are in- 
sured. The loss has been estimated at 
$8000 or $10,000. 

During the excitement, several persons 
were slightly injured, and two or three 
seriously. A young man, named Benjamin 
Brown, was struck on the head by a boat, 
and so badly injured that his life is de- 
spaired of. Brown was married only a few 
weeks ago. 

Another man, named Thomas Richard- 
son, while at work on the burning boat, fell 
from the upper to the main deck, head fore- 
most, and received injuries that may termi- 
nate fatally. 

Fatal Accident in Philadelphia. — This 
day, James Lehman, about ninety years old, 
was in a skiff, and was towing a log to the 
lower part of the city, and, when off Walnut 
Street, a gust of wind blew the skiff about 
so that it became unmanageable. While he 
was endeavoring to extricate himself, a 
steam-tug passed, and the skiff was jammed 
and crushed against the wharf. Mr. Leh- 
man was injured so badly that he died soon 
after his admission into the hospital. 

Alleged Outrage on a Child. — A man, 
named Paul McDermott, was arrested in 
Brooklyn this day, charged with violating 
the person of a little girl only seven years 
of age, the daughter of Mr. Charles Brennan. 

Caestang versus Shaw. — Another Chap- 
ter. — This day, (according to the St. Louis 
'* Democrat,'' ) were filed counter-affidavits to 
those heretofore filed by counsel for plaintiff 
in support of the pending motion for a new 
trial. The new trial is claimed on various 
grounds, the most important of which is the 
misconduct of jurors. It is charged that 
opinions were expressed, before and after 
the empanelling of the jury, inconsistent 
with an unbiassed decision of the case. 
The jurors named are Antone Gens, John 



T. Carter, and Charles Schiller. It is 
charged that Gens, the evening the jury 
was sworn and after the close of .Mr. 
llomes's opening speech, said to Richard S. 
Taylor, at Florissant, that the plaintiff 
"would not get a cent." The defendant 
files an affidavit of Gens, denying the charge 
point-blank. Against John T. Carter it is 
alleged that, last May or June, he said to 
J. R. Havenner that the $100,000 on the 
first trial was a singular verdict, and that 
he did not regard Miss Carstang as a decent 
woman. Carter likewise denies this state- 
ment, — never having spoken, as he affirms, 
to Havenner on the subject, though the latter 
may have heard him speak to others about 
it ; bijrt this was last June, and could not 
influence him on the second trial. Schiller 
is accused of saying that Major Wright 
might talk all day and could not convince 
him of any thing. This was while the trial 
was in progress. In reply, Schiller swears 
that he never said any such thing, and. 
always expressly avoided conversation with 
anybody about the case. 

Suicide by a Banker. — This day, Mr. 
Robert Campbell, a banker of Davenport, 
Iowa, shot himself in his office. His son 
and the sheriff were in the room at the time. 
He had paid the officer one thousand dollars, 
and the latter was engaged in counting it 
when the pistol was discharged. He died 
instantly. 

The " Keokuk Gate City" says the act was 
the result of excitement on the subject of 
Spiritualism. The deceased, shortly before 
his death, not only picked out his grave, but 
had a suit of clothes made to wear in the 
other world. These were never put on until 
after his death, and he was buried in them. 
His Spiritual brethren have been talking 
with him since his decease, and he expresses 
himself satisfied with the change. The im- 
pression in Davenport is said to be, that 
although the deceased might have been in- 
fluenced by the fact of having security debts 
to pay, yet the main idea was that he could 
get along more comfortably by going into 
the other world. 

Nomination of Gen. Samuel Houston 
for the Presidency, on the Battle-Ground 
of San Jacinto. — This day, being the 
twenty-fourth anniversary of the battle of 
San Jacinto, pursuant to a call, a large body 
of the friends of General Samuel Houston 
assembled, and nominated him for the Pre- 
sidency. Many of them were participants 
in that battle. Among them were Michael 
McCormick, Samuel Paschall, Ellis Benson, 
Geo. W. Jones, Wm. McFarland, Andrew 
Montgomery, C. O. Kelly, Wm. Dunbar, and 
Wm. S. Taylor, who acted as Vice-Presidents. 
The identical "Lone Star flag" which was the 
standard on that occasion was now borne by 



318 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



a veteran who had fought at Lundy's Lane. 
Addresses were delivered by Judge Gibson, 
Capt. Daly, and A. C. Hyde. C. D. Atchinson 
was appointed permanent President. Resolu- 
tions were adopted to the effect that the present 
division of parties was a sectional one, dan- 
gerous to the peace of the country ; that this 
created a necessity for the people of all the 
States to rally around some Presidential can- 
didate of national character, whose public 
services have been devoted to the best in- 
terests of the whole country, whose name 
shall inspire confidence in the hearts of 
all Union-loving patriots, and under whose 
banners they can form from every portion of 
our beloved Union, forgetting sectional and 
partisan rancor. They recommende^Gene- 
ral Houston as the candidate with those 
qualifications; also that an American pro- 
tectorate should be formed over Mexico. 

Sailing of a Colonization Ship for 
Liberia. — This day, the ship Mary Caroline 
Stevens, of the Colonization Society, sailed 
from Baltimore for the republic of Liberia. 
Among the passengers are George Tucker 
and two daughters, of Philadelphia. Tucker 
has purchased the freedom of himself and 
children. He intends locating in Campburg, 
Liberia. Between forty and fifty emigrants 
from Pennsylvania sailed in the ship. Tuc- 
ker, who is a cabinet-maker, not only carries 
with him the implements of his trade, but a 
complete library of religious and other books, 
with the design of establishing a Sunday- 
school in Africa. 

Duel with Knives. — In Richmond, Vir- 
ginia, this day, two individuals, named 
George Bloomer and Josiah Trumpore, fought 
a duel with knives. A written challenge 
was sent in the regular manner, and the 
parties met near the old bone-factory. Trum- 
pore was severely cut and gashed. Bloomer 
was taken before the Mayor to answer for 
the offence, but Trumpore, being confined to 
his bed, was not arrested. 

War-Bonds Issued by California. — 
This day, the California Assembly passed a 
bill to issue war-bonds to run ten years bear- 
ing six per cent., but no interest to be paid 
until the bonds become due. The amount of 
the bonds is limited to $295,000. 

This act is to pay the expenses incurred 
in the Indian hostilities in 1857 and 1858. 
The proposition is to apply to the General 
Government to pay said indemnities ; but if 
the United States fail to do so, California 
will at the expiration of ten years. 

Loss of the Bark John Henry. — This 
vessel, which sailed from Havana on the 
18th, this day, in the evening, ran ashore on 
the Rocks of Cross of the Father. She struck 
and soon bilged and tilled. The vessel and 



cargo will be a total loss. Sails, rigging, 
spars, anchors, and chains, will be saved. 
The John Henry was built at Bath, Maine, 
in 1848, three hundred and forty-seven tons, 
rated A 2, and owned by B. Rairden, of 
Bath. 

Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaugh- 
ter. — This day, in the Circuit Court of Rich- 
mond, Virginia, Judge Meredith sentenced 
John L. Taylor, convicted of the involuntary 
manslaughter of William Graves, to twelve 
months' imprisonment in the city jail, in 
addition to the five hundred dollars imposed 
by the jury. 

Unknow<n Man Found Dead. — The night 
of this day, in New York, an unknown man 
was found lying upon the sidewalk in Vesey 
Street, near St. Paul's Church, suffering 
from an injury of the head, and apparently 
in a dying condition. Policeman Spencer, 
of the Third Precinct, made an effort to bring 
the unknown to the New York Hospital, but 
as the deceased was placed in a carriage he 
breathed his last. 



SUNDAY, APRIL 22. 

Probable Murder at Staten Island, 
(N.Y.) — The morning of this day, at Ross- 
ville, Staten Island, Mr. John Wood, a re- 
spectable resident of that place, was found 
lying in an insensible condition in a barn- 
yard about three miles from home. His 
body was terribly bruised and mangled, and 
there was a severe cut across the temple. 
His clothes were entirely torn from him, 
and his pockets rifled of their contents. 

Mr. Wood started from home on foot 
about eight o'clock on Saturday evening, 
with a view of purchasing a quantity of 
eggs. He is said to have called at a neigh- 
boring house after having made his pur- 
chases, which place he left about ten o'clock. 
His basket, with a quantity of eggs, which 
were broken, was found on the road, about 
three-quarters of a mile from where he lay. 
A bloody spot in the road near by indicated 
that a severe struggle had taken place, and 
that the old man was afterward dragged 
some distance and thrown into the barn- 
yard mentioned. His friends have no 
doubt that he has been made the victim of 
a brutal attempt at murder and robbery, 
though at the time he was in possession of 
but little money. 

Mr. Wood, who is about fifty years of 
age, married but having no family, is known 
as a temperate, well-disposed resident of 
the island; against whom no enmity has 
existed which should give rise to revengeful 
feelings with any. 

A Child Devoured by Rats. — Horrible 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



319 



Case. — This day, in New York, a poor 
Irishwoman named Mary Connor, far ad- 
vanced in pregnancy, was admitted to Bclle- 
vue Hospital, and placed in the waiting- 
department; She was attended by one of the 
physicians attached to the institution, and 
made tolerably comfortable. The doctor then 
retired for the night, promising to call upon 
the patient at an early hour the following 
morning. Upon visiting the poor woman, 
as he promised, a horrid spectacle met his 
view. By the side of the unfortunate crea- 
ture lay the dead body of a full-grown child, 
with its nose, upper lip, toes, and about 
half of its left foot eaten off, apparently 
by rats. Upon questioning the unhappy 
mother respecting the fate of her child. 
the doctor learned that during the night 
she was seized with the pains of labor, and 
gave birth to a child. She felt something 
like rats crawling about her bed, in the 
neighborhood of the spot where the infant 
lay, but she was so weak that she was un- 
able to d^jve off the vermin. She had no 
idea, however, that the rats were engaged 
in any mischief other than prowling about 
the bed, or else she would have called for 
help ; and it was not until the following 
morning, when daylight appeared, that she 
could realize the horror of her situation. 
The remains of the half-eaten infant were 
removed to the dead-house, where, upon ap- 
plying the aerostatic test, it was shown be- 
yond all doubt that the child was born 
alive. 

Suicide of a Medicine-Pedlar in his 
Wagon. — The evening of this day, the town 
of Red Bank, N.J., was the scene of intense 
excitement. A foul murder, it was sup- 
posed, had been committed, the victim being 
a pedlar. The following are the circum- 
stances of the case : — Just after dark, a 
horse, drawing a pedlar's wagon, came run- 
ning into town at the top of his speed. A 
crowd rushed to stop the horse, when he 
wheeled into the shed attached to Atkins's 
Hotel. On looking into the vehicle a fear- 
ful spectacle presented itself. On the bot- 
tom, in the last agonies of death, lay a man 
with a pistol-shot-wound in his right tem- 
ple. The man was removed into the hotel 
and a physician called immediately, but he 
breathed only a few times. 

The deceased was at once recognised as 
William S. Sterling, of the firm of Sterling 
& Brothers, dealers in patent medicines, at 
Trenton. The supposition was that he had 
been shot on the road, and, after being 
robbed, his horse turned loose. An exa- 
mination of his person and a close inspec- 
tion of the wagon showed plainly, however, 
that he had come to his death by his own 
hands. His money, amounting to some 
fifty dollars, and a gold watch, were found 
undisturbed. On the bottom of the wagon 



was discovered a Colt's revolver, with two 
of the chambers discharged. Marks of 
burned powder about the wound showed, 
moreover, that he had put the muzzle of the 
pistol close to his temple before firing. 
The following morning an inquest was held 
by Mr. Borden, a justice of the peace, and 
a verdict was rendered attributing his death 
to suicide. The deceased was about forty- 
five years of age. No cause is assigned for 
the act. 

Death. — This day, the Rev. E. F. Cooley, 
D.D., one of the oldest ministers of the Old- 
School Presbyterian Church, died suddenly, 
at his residence, near Trenton, N.J. 

This day, Hon. William C. A. Lawrence, 
late Speaker of the House of Represent- 
atives of Pennsylvania, died at his resi- 
dence in Harrisburg. His disease was con- 
sumption. 

Drowned Man Found. — This day, about 
four o'clock, the body of a man was found 
floating in the water at Port Morris, West- 
chester county, N.Y., by a lad named 
Ramsay. It was recognised as being that 
of William Lawler, who had been an inmate 
of one of the institutions on Blackwell's 
Island for some time. In December last he 
was missing, no person being able to ac- 
count for his absence. 

Outrageous and Fiendish Villany. — 
The night of this day, some ruffians en- 
tered the dwelling of Mrs. F. S. Riday, in 
the town of Oxford, Chester county, Penn., 
and perpetrated a number of diabolical out- 
rages on the person of Mrs. Riday, many 
of which are so atrocious as to be name- 
less. 

A gentleman who has seen and conversed 
with Mrs. Riday gives the following as the 
substance of her statement concerning the 
terrible scene through which she passed : — 

In the evening, Mr. Riday left his house 
to go to the Methodist church. Mrs. 
Riday remained at home with her brother 
and children. During the evening, after the 
children had retired, her brother left the 
room, and shortly after he went, out, she 
states, she heard a knock at the door, 
and, thinking some neighbors were making 
a friendly call, she bade them "come in." 
A stranger entered, and asked her if she 
knew him. She answered, "No." She then 
looked him in the face, and recognised him 
as one of the men who had previously 
robbed the house. Becoming alarmed at 
this recognition, she hallooed, ran, and at- 
tempted to escape. He caught her, locked 
the door, and thrust the key in her mouth to 
stop her making a noise. As she continued 
to scream, he picked up a burning candle 
and thrust that into her mouth, burning her 



320 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



considerably. When lie seized her, a scuffle 
ensued between them, and, while he was at- 
tempting to gag her, she tore off his shirt- 
collar. This enraged the demon and made 
him more furious. He then kicked her in 
the side, causing her great pain, and from 
which she is still suffering very severely. 
He then threatened to kill her, and said, 
"We would have got all the things away 
the other night, if it hadn't been for you." 
He then demanded the candle which they 
had left behind them on the occasion of the 
burglary. He told her it was worth gold to 
him. Unable to speak, she pointed him to 
the cupboard, where he found the candle. 
This candle she had found the morning 
after the robbeiy. He told her he wouldn't 
kill her this time, but if she talked the way 
she did the other time he would. He said 
he knew all that she had said about him, 
and charged her with having told what 
he had done at the time of the burglary. 
He said he had been at all the stores on 
Saturday evening and heard all the reports. 
Mrs. Kiday detailed how she was tied, as 
we have already stated. When he was 
about tying her to the chair he was going 
to use his own handkerchief ; but his col- 
league cautioned him against this, as it 
might lead to their detection. After fasten- 
ing her in the chair, he cut off a lock of her 
hair with a knife. Flourishing the knife 
before her, he declared, "By the Holy Vir- 
gin, I'll cut your throat, you d d Pro- 
testant b h!" He found a bottle of 

turpentine in a cupboard, with which he 
saturated her clothes, and attempted to 
set them on fire with the candle; but her 
clothes, being woollen, did not readily burn. 
After she was tied, she states, he placed a 
hot iron plate on her breast, which was 
burned to a crisp. He fastened her on a 
chair with her feet in the stove, where they 
remained until they were roasted. After 
placing her in this position, his comrade 
told him to "build up a large fire and burn 

tjie d d thing up." She remained in 

this painful position until removed by her 
children after the brutes had left. A sig- 
nal from his colleague at the door induced 
the ruffian to desist and leave the house. 
Two small children then came down from up- 
stairs and relieved the mother. The scream- 
ing and crying of the children up-stairs 
alarmed the neighbors, and they rushed to 
the spot, and forced open the front door, 
which remained locked. When they entered 
the room, Mrs. Riday had fainted, and they 
supposed her dead. Drs. Thompson and 
Hutchinson were sent for, and she soon 
revived, but fainted away again. The rob- 
bers mentioned the names of several re- 
spectable citizens of the borough whom they 
intended to visit. They said the people of 
the borough might set a watch upon them, 
but they were not afraid of being detected. 



The Tuesday previous, the dwelling of 
Mr. Riday had been entered at night, in 
his absence, by some thieves, and various 
articles carried off. While the villains were 
gathering their plunder, Mrs. Riday was 
awakened by the noise, and, upon getting 
up, discovering several persons in the 
house, she immediately gave the alarm, and 
endeavored to arouse the hired men who 
were in the house asleep, but found it im- 
possible, as chloroform had been admi- 
nistered to the sleepers ; and, before they 
could be aroused from their stupor, the 
burglars had time to make good their escape 
with their booty, consisting of hams, clo- 
thing, &c. Some were on horseback, and 
others in a wagon. The chloroform had 
taken no effect upon Mrs. Riday. 

Great Fire in Kenosha, (Wis.) — This 
day, a fire occurred at Kenosha, AVis., which 
destroyed almost the entire business por- 
tion of that place. All the buildings on 
both sides of Main Street, south of the 
City Hall to the Park, together with a num- 
ber of dwellings on Wisconsin Street, were 
destroyed. 

The principal losers are G. E. Runals, on 
buildings, $50,000; Kellogg & Co., dry- 
goods, $18,000, insured for $5000; J. Vale, 
bakery, $9000, no insurance; Brown & 
Weeks, brewers, $10,000, insured for 
$10,000. The Odd-Fellows' Hall was also 
destroyed : insured for $6000. The total 
loss is estimated at $100,000 : total insurance 
will not, probably, exceed $40,000. The fire 
was undoubtedly the work of an incendiary. 

Large Fire in Chelsea, Mass. — Thirty 
Valuable Horses Destroyed. — A stable 
occupied by Deane & Bodwell, corner of 
Park and Pearl Streets, Chelsea, Mass., was 
discovered to be on fire this day. So rapid 
was the progress of the flames that twenty- 
four out of thirty horses in the building were 
destroyed. Of the six got out, two died sub- 
sequently from the injuries received. Some 
of the horses were valued at one thousand 
dollars, and none less than two hundred and 
fifty dollars. The flames spread to a car- 
riage-house and barn belonging to George 
W. Wells, in which were two horses, which 
were destroyed. Three carriages were also 
burned. Adjoining the stable, on Park 
Street, was a block of frame houses, three 
in number, belonging to George W. Gerrisb. 
which were also destroyed, with their con- 
tents. On Division Street, the flames com- 
municated to the roof and windows of a 
brick block ; but the damage was incon- 
siderable. 

The whole loss is estimated at about 

j $15,000, which is partly covered by in- 

! surance. The fire is supposed to have had 

an incendiary origin. Its most serious 

I aspect is the loss of valuable horses. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



821 



Drk vdful Murder by a Slave, in Ptjbjdy, 
(Tenn.) — The night of this day, six miles 
south of Purdy, Tennessee, a negro man, 
belonging to Mr. John P. Erwin, entered 
the house of his master at the hour of 
twelve o'clock, or thereabouts, and assaulted 
Mr. and Mrs. Erwin while they were asleep 
in bed, beating them over the head with a 
cudgel in such a manner as to almost in- 
stantly kill Mrs. Erwin, and injuring Mr. 
Erwin to such a degree that but little hope 
is entertained of his recovery. There was 
intense excitement manifested among those 
who assembled at the house where the 
grievous affair occurred, and so overwhelm- 
ing was the evidence against the negro boy, 
whose name is Henry, that the excited popu- 
lace thought strongly of dealing summarily 
with the criminal ; but the mobbish passion 
was allayed, and, under a promise that he 
should not lie dealt with until examined by 
the authorities, Henry confessed his guilt, — 
said it had been bis intention to kill his 
master. John P, Erwin, but he had no thought 
of injuring his mistress. Henry was exa- 
mined before a committing court, and or- 
dered to jail, where he awaits his trial. He 
gives no excuse for his grievous crime. 
There was a young lady sleeping in the 
house at the time, in a room adjoining 
that occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Erwin. She 
was aroused when he commenced his hell- 
ish work. She heard Mrs. Erwin say it 
was Henry. In addition to this, the boy 
was searched for and found in bed with his 
clothes all on. Both Mr. Erwin and his 
wife are old and respectable citizens of that 
county. 

A New Orleans Policeman Arrested 
on the Charge of Murder. — This day, 
Corporal Jean Gros, of the New Orleans 
Second District Police, was arrested, charged 
with the murder of his mistress, a yellow 
girl named Palmyra Flatus, in October 
last. The following are the circumstances 
of the murder as related by the corre- 
spondent of the New York "Police Ga- 
zette :" — 

Gros became jealous of his mistress, and 
concluded to murder her. His duty took 
him out every night, as he was night-cor- 
poral, thus leaving her alone. He hired a 
cabman to drive him within two squares of 
her house, when he got out and told the 
driver to wait for him, that he would return 
presently. He walked to the house of his 
victim, and by stealth entered her bed- 
room while she lay asleep and unconscious 
of his approach ; he then lit, a lamp, that lie 
might more effectually carry out his hellish 
design, drew his revolver, took deliberate 
aim at her head, and fired, tearing the upper 
part of her skull completely off, causing 
instant death. The murderer left in haste, 
and entered the cab, ordering the driver to 



take him up to the First District by a cir- 
cuitous route, which was done, and the mur- 
derer landed as he ordered. When he left 
the cab he gave his club and rattle to the 
cab-driver, telling him to give them to his 
fellow-corporal at the guard-house. Early 
next morning the murdered girl's mother, 
an old negress, visited the house, and found 
her daughter a mangled corpse. 



MONDAY, APRIL 23. 

Dreadful Railroad-Accident near St. 
Louis, (Mo.) — This day, a dreadful railroad- 
accident occurred near the above-mentioned 
city. The St. Louis "Republican," speaking 
of the affair, says :— 

This morning the Carondelet train left the 
depot in this city as usual. It arrived in 
Carondelet in due time, and was there char- 
tered by the Board of Health to take them 
down to the Quarantine. The train ac- 
cordingly left Carondelet for the Quarantine. 
When it had reached to about "one-quarter 
of a mile below Jefferson Barracks, just as it 
was turning a curve in the road, it was met 
by a construction-train backing from below, 
which had been sent out in the morning with 
several workmen to repair the Victoria 
Bridge. The Carondelet train, consisting 
of locomotive, two passenger-cars, and one 
baggage-car, was going at a pretty swift 
r-ate, and a collision ensued, which resulted 
in the deaths reported. 

Both the cars and the locomotive were 
smashed to pieces, — the latter, after the ac- 
cident, being found on the top of the 
cai'S, and having actually run over them. 
The following is a list of the killed and 
wounded : — 

John Simonds, Esq., a well-known citizen, 
and paymaster of the road, who had been 
down on business, and, returning home, was 
on the construction-train coming up, and at 
the time of the accident was upon the loco- 
motive. He had observed the approach of 
the danger and attempted to jump off, but, . 
in so doing, he was caught between the cars 
and his legs and abdomen were severely 
crushed. He died at half-past seven.. His 
wife, hearing of the accident, at once pro- 
ceeded to the spot in the special train, and 
had the satisfaction of attending on. him for 
one hour. He suffered intensely from the 
injuries received, but pronounced himself 
ready to die, and continued sensible to the 
last. 

Dr. Gustavus Klier, Clerk of the Board of 
Health, was killed instantly. He was stand- 
ing on the front platform of the last car at 
the time when the accident occurred, and 
was crushed by the cars coming in violent 
contact. 

James Murray, brakeman, who was stand- 
ing on the same platform with Dr. Klier, 



21 



322 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



holding the brake, was terribly bruised and 
injured. He was taken to the barracks, suf- 
fering intensely, and very shortly afterward 
died. 

George Pilcher, brakeman, was standing 
on the back platform of the first car, opposite 
to Murray and Dr. Klier. He had one of 
his legs cut off, and the other broken. He 
was taken to Carondelet, where all efforts 
are being made to relieve his sufferings ; but 
it is doubted whether he can live. 

J. J. Witzig, master mechanic on the road, 
had his head cut severely. 

Messrs. Kyler, Dreyer, Adreon, and Sexton, 
members of the City Council, Dr. Smith, 
Health-Officer, Mr. Pullis, Street-Inspector 
of the Tenth Ward, and several others, were 
slightly injured. 

The boy Murray, who was a train-boy on 
the road, was terribly lacerated, his right 
thigh being torn and literally ripped from 
his loins to the knee, creating a wound that 
even shocked the surgeons. 

Mr. Simon ds was an old citizen of St. Louis, 
and identified with its interests for a large 
number of years, and enjoyed, in a high de- 
gree, the confidence of our citizens. One of 
his thighs was badly broken and fractured, 
and he was otherwise seriously injured. We 
are informed by those who were on the train 
that the shock was so great as to tear up 
the seats in the hindmost car, pitching the 
passengers into one confused mass, and, of 
course, resulting in bruises and contusions. 
This, however, was a matter of small moment 
when the stake was life, and the result, 
unfortunately, with others, was a terrible 
death. 

The wounded were taken to the barracks, 
where every attention was shown them. Dr. 
Smith, the Health-Officer, was on the train, 
and, of course, afforded his valuable services. 
Dr. Adreon was also along, but was severely 
stunned ; while Drs. Power and Bailey, of 
the Quarantine, were in immediate attend- 
ance. 

A Minister Arbested for Opening An- 
other Person's Letter. — Rev. William C. 
Hubbard, of Clyde, N.Y., was arrested by 
Deputy United States Marshal Shatluck, in 
Syracuse, N.Y., this day, on a charge of 
opening a letter directed to another per- 
son. Mr. Hubbard is pastor of the Baptist 
church in Civile, and has lately had some 
difficulty with a portion of his church, 
though he is sustained by a majority of his 
society 

Colored Men on the Jury. — The Wor- 
cester (Mass.) "Transcript" of this date 
says : — 

When the jury-list was revised the present 
year, it was intrusted to three aldermen, 
who reported, among other names, those of 
William H. Jankins and Francis A. Clough. 



Both are colored barbers, doing a very good 
business. Mr. Jankins owns houses on 
Prospect Street, and Mr. Clough is not far 
behind him in material wealth. Mr. Jankins 
was a slave who ran away, came to Wor- 
cester, and when he earned the money paid 
fur himself. Both are very intelligent men. 
The report passed successfully and unani- 
mously through the Board of Aldermen, and 
has now reached the lower branch of the 
city Government. 

A Negro of Seventy Marries a White 
Girl. — The evening of this day, a negro 
named Winston (black as the ace of spades) 
married a young white girl named Mary 
Singleton, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The dis- 
parity in color was, however, only equalled 
by the difference in ages, — the bridegroom 
verging on threescore years and ten, while 
twenty summers have not yet passed over 
the head of the bride. The fact that the 
marriage was to take place was known to 
those inhabiting the upper part of the city, 
and when the marital rites were performed, 
a crowd, large in numbers and promiscuous 
in character, participated. 

There was a tragic circumstance con- 
nected with the history of this girl that 
caused an additional interest in this mar- 
riage, as several years ago her father, 
Richard .Singleton, had murdered a man for 
seducing her. 

Wicked Attempt at Rape. — In Cincinnati, 
this day, a young woman named Phoebe 
Patterson, from Osgood, Indiana, left the 
depot, when she was accosted by a man 
named John Barracks, who saw that she was 
unprotected, and offered to obtain lodgings 
for her with an acquaintance of his. It being 
rather late for a young girl to be alone, she 
accepted hisproffered friendship, Hetookher 
about a square from the depot and went into 
an alley where there was a stable, into 
which he dragged her, knocked her down, 
and in the most demon-like manner violated 
her person. Her screams were heard by 
Officers Cartwright and Mount, who quickly 
reached the spot, and caught the hound in 
the very act, with his hand grasped tightly on 
the girl's throat. Barracks was committed 
to jail to answer for the offence. 

Elopement of Married People. — The 
Fort Valley (Ala.) "Sentinel" of this date 
says :— 

A Mr. Aaron Weaver, of the upper edge 
of Houston county, eloped on Monday night 
with the wife of Mr. Samuel Felker, recently 
of South Carolina, the parties leaving behind 
home, wife, husband, and "responsibilities." 
The last heard of them was that they had 
taken the train at Everett's Station, going 
west, intending to leave the cars at Mont- 
gomery, Ala. Mr. Weaver left a wife and 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



323 



one child. Mrs. Felker has had two children, 
and has been a wife about ten years. 

Conviction of an Old Counterfeiter. — 
This day, the trial of Old Bigelow, the Nestor 
of counterfeiters, was concluded in the United 
States District Court of Chicago by a verdict 
of "guilty." The Chicago "Press, " which 
gives him that cognomen, says :— 

The old man has a fame of his own, and 
no very fragrant one, earned by a forty 
years' checkered connection with bogus- 
coin-making. With enough of the "Simon 
Suggs" order of talent to give him and his 
doings a peculiar flavor and stamp, he 
has mind enough to have fitted him for 
more than mediocrity iu any useful calling. 
Bleached as his features are by ill health 
and confinement, the old man wears a cast 
of countenance that would not do discredit to a 
deacon of the old school ; but there is still a 
lurking devil in his eye that shows he is 
good for something yet in his chosen voca- 
tion of law-breaker and coin-maker, if the 
penalty due the laws leave him scope enough 
this side of the grave. 

According to his own statement. Bigelow 
has been engaged in the business of counter- 
feiting for forty years, and has been con- 
victed at least four times, and served terms 
of imprisonment in four State penitentiaries. 

Old Bigelow was indicted with his fellows 
some months since, and his trial came up on 
Saturday, terminating on this day. The 
testimony was brief, conclusive, and most 
damning in its character, and the jury were 
out of their seats only ten minutes. The 
man Clark, a confederate, was put upon the 
stand and became State's evidence, stating 
succinctly, and beyond all possibility of con- 
ition, Bigelow' s leadership and pro- 
prietary interest in the affair. 

Death of the Sailor Dedrickson. — Henry 
Dedrickson, the Swedish sailor, who was 
assaulted by a party of sailors and boarding- 
house runners on the 7th inst., lingered in 
great agony until this day, when death put 
an end to his sufferings. The police ar- 
rested four men on suspicion of having been 
implicated in the murder, — Jeremiah Mur- 
phy, John Greenwood, Richard Williams, and 
John Moss. The assault upon Dedrickson 
was a most unprovoked and aggravated one. 

Railroad Opened for Travel. — This 
day, the Charleston & Savannah Railroad 
was opened for travel. 

Meeting of the Democratic National 
Convention. — -This day, the Democratic Na- 
tional Convention assembled at Charleston, 
S.C., fur the purpose of nominating a can- 
didate for President and Vice-President of 
the United States. There were full delega- 
tions from every State in the Union, and 



double delegations from Illinois and New 
York. One of the New York delegations was 
elected by the State Nominating Conven- 
tion which met at Syracuse the preceding 
autumn, while the other was elected by dis- 
tricts, and led by Fernando Wood, Mayor of 
New York. From Illinois, one of the dele- 
gations was in favor of the nomination of 
Senator Douglas for the Presidency, the 
other in favor of the Administration and 
therefore opposed to him. Tickets of admis- 
sion were given by the National Committee 
to the "Soft" delegation of New York, 
thus deciding, as far as their power extended, 
against the Wood or "Hard" contestants, 
who were understood to be opposed to the 
nomination of Douglas. 

The convention was called to order by 
Judge Smalley, Chairman of the National 
Committee. Francis B. Flournoy, of Ar- 
kansas, was chosen temporary Chairman, 
and Wm. F. Richie, temporary Secretary. On 
motion of Mr. Cochrane, the rules of the 
last convention were adopted tor this. An 
angry and stormy debate here ensued on the 
question of disputed seats. Mr. Fisher, of 
Virginia, presented a protest from Mayor 
Wood, on behalf of his delegation, against 
their exclusion from the hall. The reading 
of the protest was ruled out of order, and, 
after a wrangling debate, committees were 
appointed on permanent organization and 
credentials, and the communication of Mayor 
Wood was referred without reading to the 
latter. The convention adjourned to meet 
next day at ten o'clock. 



TUESDAY, APRIL 24. 

Earthquakes. — This day, shocks of earth- 
quakes were experienced in South Carolina, 
Georgia, and Tennessee. They occurred at 
about eight o'clock in the evening. In Lexing- 
ton, Georgia, one of the concussions was suffi- 
cient to " dash water out of a tumbler on the 
tea-table, and rattle the crockery considerably 
on a sideboard." The oscillation seemed to 
be from east to west. 

Direct Trade between Mobile and 
Europe. — This day, a meeting was held at 
Mobile, in the United States Court-Room, 
favorable to direct trade between that city 
and Europe. The "Mercury" says: — 

The meeting was addressed by Mr. G. N. 
Stewart. W. II. Redwood, Price Williams, T. 
Sanford, J. Smith, and others. At a subsequent 
period, Mr. George N. Stewart submitted the 
following resolutions, which were adopted 
unanimously : — 

Resolved, That this meeting feel a lively 
interest in the subject of direct trade be- 
tween Mobile and Europe, and believe that a 
concerted action of our citizens is expedient 
and necessary to promote the object pro- 
posed. 



324 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



Resolved, therefore, That gentlemen be ap- 
pointed to consider of this subject, and lay 
before an adjourned meeting such views, in- 
formation, and suggestions as they may deem 
proper for consideration, and submit such 
propositions as they may think will advance 
the object we have in view. 

Insurance Company Dissolved. — In Al- 
bany, N.Y., this day, at the special term 
af the Supreme Court, on an application 
made by the Attorney-General, Judge Henry 
Hogeboom directed an order to be entered, 
dissolving the Poughkeepsie Fire-Insurance 
Company and appointing a receiver. 

A Prisoner Murdered in the Court- 
house at Austin, Texas. — In Austin, 
Texas, this day, John Taney, who had been 
arrested, and was being tried at the court- 
house, on suspicion of having killed John 
Edwards, was shot down by a preconcerted 
attack of several men, while he was in the 
custody of the sheriff of Travis county. The 
morning session of the court had been held, 
and the prisoner was about being taken to 
jail till after dinner, when a gang of some 
eight or ten men, who had been in attend- 
ance on the trial, came up, and one of the 
number, Jesse Graham, reached out his 
hand and said, " How do you do, Taney?" 
and jerked him from Sheriff Blackwell, and 
the men with him discharged a volley of 
shot at Taney. Blackwell had only a couple 
of small Derringers with him. He fired with 
one and shot Graham, who made off, exclaim- 
ing, "By God, he's shot me." The sheriff, 
when in the act of discharging his second 
pistol, was caught by one of the gang and 
held. Taney was then finished with balls to 
the number of thirteen or fourteen. About 
twenty-five shot were fired at him, and the 
parties then rushed to their horses, which 
were tied close by, mounted, and made their 
escape. The sheriff, assisted by Messrs. 
Cullen, Norton, Hancock, and other citizens, 
arrested Parson Milton T. Caperton and his 
son Reuben, and put them in jail. They 
have since been tried, and the parson bound 
over in the sum of $5000, and the son re- 
manded to the county jail to await his trial. 
C. S. West, Esq., appeared as attorney for 
the State, by appointment of Judge Tirrell, 
and Shelley and Freeman for the defendants. 
Taney was a young man who had become, 
from the force of circumstances, desperate 
and abandoned. 

Schooner Wrecked. — This day, the 
schooner Wave, of Bentley, N.Y., from Stony 
Point, loaded with lime, bound up James 
River, went ashore on Wachapreague Shoals, 
and on the following Sunday went to pieces. 

Steamer Sunk. — Thi^ day, the steamer 
Coose Belle, from Montgomery, bound to 



Mobile, at Bridgeport, struck a snag and 
sunk immediately Boat a total loss ; part 
of cargo saved in a damaged condition. 

Death of Edgar C. Wilson, of Virginia. 
— This day, Edgar C. Wilson, a distinguished 
lawyer in Northern Virginia, and at one time 
a Representative in Congress from Wheeling 
district, died at his residence in Morgan- 
town, Va. 

Dead Body of a Woman Found Float- 
ing in the North River. — This day, in 
New York, says the New York "Herald," the 
dead body of a female was discovered floating 
in the North River, near Twentieth Street. 
The body was secured by a rope, and made 
fast at the foot of Eighteenth Street dock. 
From the appearance of the body, it is pre- 
sumed it has been in the water several days. 
It was reported that there were marks of 
violence about the head of the deceased, and 
it may turn out to be another brutal murder. 
Several females have been reported to the 
police as missing of late. Detectives Young 
and Elder, in whose charge most of these 
cases are placed, are doing all in their power 
to ascertain the whereabouts of no less than 
four who have suddenly disappeared. 

Lady Burned to Death. — This day, as 
Mrs. Hanford Graham was engaged in prepar- 
ing some liniment on the stove in her house 
at Lagoon Valley, Solano county, California, 
her clothes caught fire, enveloping the un- 
fortunate lady in flames. She was released 
from her sufferings by death. 

Habeas Corpus to Obtain a Wife. — 
In Philadelphia, Mr. J. H. Bogart, of Mis- 
sissippi, then residing in the before-men- 
tioned city, applied to Judge Thompson, in 
the Quarter Sessions, for a writ of habeas 
corpus, to obtain the person of his wife, who 
was alleged to be restrained of her liberty 
by Mrs. G. A. Posey. The circumstances 
of the case were peculiar. The young lady 
who was the subject of the writ was about 
sixteen years of age, and a native of Ala- 
bama. She was placed at school in Phila- 
delphia, and, while there, made the ac- 
quaintance of Mr. Bogart, and notwith- 
standing the eflbrts of Mrs. Posey, who had 
charge of the lady, to prevent any communi- 
cations between the parties, they met on 
this day, and were married by the Rev. Mr. 
Bartine. When her absence was discovered, 
the services of a detective, Mr. Bartholomew, 
were obtained, and the newly-married pair 
traced to their boarding-house, and the 
young lady was immediately separated from 
her husband and given into the custody of 
Mrs. Posey, but by what authority it is diffi- 
cult to discover. The writ of habeas corpus 
was issued; and to the officer who served it 
Mrs. Posey stated that she would not produce 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



325 



the lady for all the judges in the city. Sub- 
sequently, the whole matter was amicably ar- 
ranged, and the wife — late Miss Queen A. 
Rose — was allowed to join her husband. 

Accidentally Killed. — At Sandy Hook, 
near New .Fork, this day, a laboring-man, 
named John Gallagher, employed on soot- 
works at Sandy Hook, was accidentally 
killed by being struck by the crane used on 
the wharf for discharging stone from vessels. 
He only survived about half an hour. Gal- 
lagher was a native of Cleveland, and has 
two daughters living somewhere in Mas- 
sachusetts. 

Another Body Found in Forty-Fifth 
Street, New York.— The "Tribune" of this 
date says that a Mrs. Fox, while looking at 
the ruins of the late calamitous fire in a tene- 
ment-house in Forty-Fifth Street, discovered 
what appeared to be some human remains. A 
search was instituted immediately, which re- 
sulted in bringing to light the charred body of 
a full-grown male person. Acting Captain 
Slott, of the Twenty-Second Ward, had it re- 
moved to the station-house. At the time of 
the fire, a young man named John Young, who 
sometimes lodged in the house, was reported 
as missing, and no trace has since been found 
of him. It is now supposed that he must 
have perished in the building with the eleven 
other persons, and that the remains found 
are those of that individual. This is the 
twelfth victim of that most disastrous fire. 

Died in a Station-House. — In Jersey 
City, opposite New York, this day, an in- 
quest was held upon the body of George 
Tobias, who died the evening previous while 
being conveyed to the station-house, as was 
supposed, in a state of intoxication. The 
post-mortem examination by Drs. Quidor and 
Morris revealed the fact that the luu^s and 
heart were very much diseased, and were 
undoubtedly the cause of death. A verdict 
to that effect was rendered. 

Probable Suicide. — In New York, this 
day, a Frenchman named Nicholas Rierback, 
aged twenty-six years, while in a saloon, 
No. 112 West Broadway, drew a pistol and, 
placing it toward his head, fired. The ball, 
it seems, nearly cut the tongue in two, and 
lodged among the arteries of the neck. He 
was immediately conveyed to the New York 
Hospital, where, upon examination, it was 
found impossible to extract the ball. The 
cause of the rash act is attributed to some 
difficulty the suicide had with his mistress. 

A Prize-Fight came off at Riker's Island, 
East River, New York, this day, between 
Harry Gribbin, of New York, and Ed. Wil- 
son, of Wcehawken, for one thousand dol- 
lars. Although the fight commenced at day- 



break, before it was decided it was broken 
up by the police. 

Died from Injuries whilst in Prison. 
— This day, an inquest was held at Black- 
well's Island, New York, on the body of a 
German named Valentine Courtney, who died 
from the effects of violence. The deceased 
was committed to the workhouse on the 
19th inst. by Justice Quackenbush, ho 
having been found the night previous in the 
street. The deceased was an intemperate 
man, aged sixty years, and in very destitute 
circumstances. He was admitted to the 
work-house, where he was washed and 
dressed without exhibiting any greater signs 
of distress than might be expected of so old 
a man. He was placed in a cell with two 
other vagrants, one of them being an idiot 
and the other nearly so. W r hile there he 
took his meals with regularity, and was 
treated as the other inmates, with the ex- 
ception that he was not required to work. 
On this day morning, the keepers state, 
he was found to be suffering, and was 
placed in the hospital for treatment. The 
attending physicians did what they could 
for him, but he died shortly after. A 
post-mortem examination was made, which 
showed that the skull of the deceased had 
been extensively fractured, his ribs nearly 
all broken, his shoulder shattered and dislo- 
cated, and numerous wounds made on the 
body. A number of witnesses were examined 
by the coroner, who showed most conclu- 
sively that he was not injured till after he 
reached the island. 

The keepers testify that they heard some 
noise in his cell, but it always ceased when 
they spoke. On Monday he wandered about 
the grounds at his own option; and nothing 
further appears to be known concerning him 
till he was found suffering severely on the 
following morning. The physicians state 
that he could have lived but a short time 
after being hurt. No one knows any thing 
about how he met his death ; but it is sup- 
posed that he must have received a fall. No 
evidences of violence appeared in the cell 
which he occupied. 

The Democratic National Convention. 
— This day, the Committee on Organization 
reported the name of Caleb Cushing, of Mas- 
sachusetts, for President, with one Vice- 
President and one Secretary from each State, 
which report was adopted. They also re- 
ported a rule " that in any State in which it 
has not been provided or directed by its 
State convention how its vote may be given, 
the convention will recognise the right of 
each delegate to cast his individual vote." 
This was also adopted. A committee on 
resolutions and platform was appointed; 
and it was voted that no ballot for President 
and Vice-President should be taken until 



826 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



after the adoption of a platform. They then 
adjourned until next day. 



"WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25. 

First Locomotive West of the Missouri 
River. — The locomotive Albany was this 
day taken across the .Missouri River and 
placed upon the first section of the railroad 
to the Pacific, laid in Kansas, opposite St. 
Joseph. The St. Joseph '-Daily West" 
Says : — ■ 

The story of this engine, as told to us. 
shows that it has had an important and 
interesting part to perform in the railroad- 
history of the country, having been dona toil 
by Eastern companies to the first railroad 
constructed west of Albany, and so on to 
another as the chain was extended toward 
sunset, until at last it stands firm and in 
good order upon the first section of the great 
Central Pacific Railroad. This is a virtual 
commencement of the Central Railroad route 
to the Pacific, which, beyond a doubt, will 
be located from St. Joseph, as the shortest, 
the most direct and feasible route for the 
work. The report of the special committee 
in the House shows that this route, while 
possessing every other natural advantage 
of location, is shorter by some hundri 
miles, and through a tract of country espe- 
cially adapted to its construction. This we 
regard as the most important event which 
has occurred in the history of St. Joseph; 
and following close, as it does, upon the con- 
summation of the great mail-enterprise from 
San Francisco, it augurs well for the future 
prosperity of the country through which it 
will run, ami is but an extension of the 
gigantic railway-system which has become 
a cardinal principle with the American 
people. 

Destructive Fiee. — The night of this 
day, a fire in Gardiner, Me., destroyed thir- 
teen dwelling-houses, several planing and 
sawmills, and some mechanics' shops. Loss, 
$50,000. Among the principal sufferers are 
William Sargent, Hooper, Libby & Co., J. 
& A. Berry, R. II. Gardiner, N. 0. Mitchell, 
J. L. Mitchell, J. Masey, R. K. Littlefield, 
Robinson & Merrill, and 13. F. Johnson. 

Poor-Hoitse Destroyed by Fire. — A 
Dumb Girl Burned to Death. — The night 
of this clay, the poor-house in Sturbridge, 
Mass., was destroyed by fire. A deaf and 
dumb girl was burned to death. Loss, 
$1500: no insurance. 

Two Persons Burned to Death in Ohio. 
— This day. a fire broke out in a house about 
a mile north of Independence Centre, Ohio. 
The house was occupied by a German family. 
So sudden was the alarm that no time was 



given for the rescue of any of the pro] ■ vty. 
Two of the inmates were burned to i . th. 
The eldest son. a line young man of uii teeB 
j ears of age. leaped from his bed and rushed 
toward the door. On the way his night- 
clothes took tire, and before he could reach 
the door he was enveloped in thrnies. The 
door was bolted, so that his escape was pre- 
vented, and he sank to the floor and was 
burnt d to death. A younger brother, four- 
ears old, did not awake until too late 
to make his escape, and was burned to a 
cinder as he lay. 

Fire in Algiers, La. — This day, several 
warehouses, situated at Algiers, La., were 
burned. Loss, S 70,000. 

Inquest ox the Body found in Forty- 
Fifth Street, New York. — This day. Coro- 
ner Gamble held an inquest on the remains 
which were found in ihe ruins of the tene- 
ment-house No. 90 Forty-Fifth Street, It 
was impossible to identify them; but it was 
thought that they were the remains of a 
person about fifteen years of age. The phy- 
sicians failed to determine the sex. A ver- 
dict was rendered similar to the one found 
on the other victims of that- conflagration. 

Found De \d. — In New York, this day, an 
unknown man was found dead in the yard 
of the tenement-house No. 27 Lark Street. 
A cut was found on the back of the head, 
and an empty whiskey-bottle told too plainly 
the cause of death. 

Probable Murder,. — Arrest of the 
Murderer. — Attem pted Rescue. — In New 
York, the night of this day, about eleven 
o'clock, John Gowan. a laborer in the em- 
ploy of the corporation of the city, in com- 
pany with James Foley, entered the liquor- 
store of Patrick Mullen, No. 107 Bayard 
Street, corner of Baxter, and called for 
liquor, which was furnished them. While 
standing in front of the bar conversing, two 
other men, named John McAndrew and 
Thomas Kildee, came in, and, approaching 
the bar, called for drinks. Mullen set, about 
preparing their liquor, when McAndrew 
made some unintelligible remark. 

Mullen asked him what he said, and he 
replied, "Nothing." At this moment Gowan 
turned around, and, addressing ?dcAndrew, 
desired to know what he said about him; 
but the latter again replied, "Nothing." 
•• Yes. you did," retorted Gowan, and, at the 
same time stepping up to McAndrew, he 
seized him by the collar. A scuffle ensued 
bet ween the two men ; but, before any of the 
other persons present decided upon inter- 
ference, Gowan exclaimed, "I'm stabbed!" 
and fell to the floor. Officers Caddell and 
Conner, of the Sixth Ward, were attracted to 
the spot by the disturbance, and, upon 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



327 



learning the facts of the case, took Mc- 
Andrew in custody. 

Additional help was called, and the 
wounded man was removed to the Sixth 
Ward Station-House, where a doctor, who 
examined his wounds, pronounced them of 
a mortal character. The wounds, two in 
number, were inflicted apparently with a 
long-Id .aded jack-knife. The first was about 
an inch below the collar-bone, but the ex- 
tent of it could not be distinctly ascertained ; 
the second was in the left breast, and in the 
region of the apex of the heart. The he- 
morrhage was entirely internal, and from 
the appearance of the wounded man it did 
not seem probable that he would live until 
monii 

While the officers were on their way to the 
station-house with the prisoner, Kildee at- 
tempted to rescue him, but was himself 
taken into custody and locked up by Ser- 
geant Esterbrook. Upon the person of Mc- 
Andrew was found a long-bladed jack-knife, 
but whether it is the one with which he com- 
mitted the deed is unknown. 

Five Persons found Drowned in New 
York in One Day.— In New York, this day, 
Coroners Jackman and Schirmer held in- 
quests on the bodies of five persons, who 
were found drowned in various parts of the 
North and East Rivers. 

An unknown colored man, about thirty 
years of age, was found in the water at the 
foot of Murray Street, North River. He 
was well dressed, and was about five feet 
nine inches in height. The body had evi- 
dently been in the water two or three 
month-. 

An unknown man was found floating in 
the river opposite Pier No. 26, East River. 
He was about forty years of age, five feet 
nine inches in height, and was well dressed. 
He had probably been a tailor, as a thimble 
and some thread were found in the pocket 
of his clothes. 

The body of Mary Ann McCutcheon, a 
native of Ireland, fifty-five years of age, 
was found at the foot of Eighteenth Street, 
East River. She was a widow woman who 
went out to clay's work, and had been miss- 
ing since November 25. 

An unknown man was found drowned at 
the foot of Spring Street, North River. He 
was about thirty years of age, well dressed, 
five feet nine inches in height, and had in 
his pocket a pair of sea-shell buttons and a 
large gold breast-pin. 

An unknown man, about thirty-six years 
of age, was found in the river at Pier No. 
fit). Easl River. Deceased had dark whiskers 
all around his face, was five feet eight inches 
in height, and was well dressed. The jury 
in each case returned a verdict of "Death 
from supposed drowning." 



Suicides. — In New York, this day, an 
inquest was held on the body of Rudolph B. 
Fahn, formerly a clerk at the drug-store No. 
140 Houston Street, who died at Bellevue 
Hospital, from the effects of a dose of mor- 
phine which he had taken. A policeman 
found him suffering in the street, and con- 
veyed him to the hospital, where he died 
shortly after. Sickness and poverty were 
the reasons assigned for the act. A verdict 
of "Suicide" was rendered. 

In Hoboken, N.J., this day, Justice Whit- 
ley held an inquest on the body of a man, a 
German, found dead at the Hudson and Dela- 
ware new docks, lying at the base of Wee- 
hawken. From the testimony and the ap- 
pearance of the body there remained no 
doubt as to the act of suicide. On his per- 
son were found a silver watch, two brass 
and three iron keys, some gunpowder and 
bullets, and a blue pocket-handkerchief, 
with white spots. Three cents and two 
tickets to a German garden in New York 
were in his pockets. His dress was brown, 
his age about thirty, his beard large — no 
moustache. 

Elopement of a White Girl with a 
Negro, in Michigan. — The "Detroit Free 
Press" of this date says: — 

A case of practical amalgamation has just 
come to light in our neighboring county of 
Washtenaw, which is, as usual, replete with 
the disgusting features which characterize 
these affairs. A young girl, seventeen years 
of age, a daughter of Mr. Hiram L. Stout, 
of the town of Sharon, eloped a day or two 
since with a negro boy who was in the 
service of her father, and, it is thought, has 
gone with him to Canada. The sable se- 
ducer's name is Dill Strong, and he is about 
twenty-three years old. The girl is an intel- 
ligent, well-educated female; and no reason 
can be assigned for her conduct except that 
her father is an abolitionist. The parents 
are nearly distracted over the occurrence, 
and are making every effort to recover their 
daughter. She has always been looked upon 
with esteem and respect, and the whole com- 
munity were taken by surprise when the 
facts were revealed. No suspicion was 
excited by the conduct of the couple, their 
love-scenes having been transacted strictly 
in private. They went at first to the village 
of Napoleon, where they tried to get mar- 
ried, but could find nobody to perform the 
ceremony. From there they departed for 
unknown localities, and are supposed, rea- 
sonably enough, to have made a straight 
wake for the Canadian territories. 

A Rhode Island Elopement. — The "Bos- 
ton Traveller" of this date says: — 

Mrs. John Cameron, of Providence, R.I., 
eloped in company with James Stewart. 
The parties came to this city, and, not being 



328 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



able to procure a license, were married, at 
South Boston, by Rev. John Duncan, with- 
out one. They remained in this city that 
night, and the next morning went back to 
Providence, where the late Mrs. Cameron 
and her husband had been keeping boarders, 
one of whom was Stewart, who is only nine- 
teen years of age. Circumstances soon oc- 
curred that made Mr. Cameron suspicious ; 
and, upon questioning his wife, she told him 
of her second marriage. Yesterday Stewart 
was brought to Boston, that he may be com- 
plained against, for adultery ; but he refused 
to tell at what hotel they passed the night 
after marriage, and thus far no evidence has 
been produced upon which a warrant can be 
properly granted. Mrs. Cameron's brothers 
are exceedingly angry, and have threatened 
to kill Stewart if they can get an oppor- 
tunity. 

Elopement from Poughkeepsie, N.Y. — 
A telegraphic despatch was received, this 
day, at Troy, N.Y., (according to the "Troy 
Times,") requesting the police to arrest a 
man named Needhain, a description of whom 
was given. The despatch was from a man 
named Charles Hanckell, a resident of 
Poughkeepsie, who said that Needhain had 
run away with his (Hanckell's) wife. The 
despatch was not received till after the 
boat and cars had arrived, and it was there- 
fore impossible to get track of the run- 
aways. 

Charge of Bigamy. — In New Yoi-k, this 
day, Thomas Lee, alias Thomas Edward 
Smith, was brought before Justice Connolly, 
on a charge of bigamy, preferred against 
him by Catharine Brennan, of No. 61 Wash- 
ington Street. The complainant alleges that 
the prisoner married her while his wife, 
Mary Anne Lee, was alive and undivorced. 
The prisoner had been living with his first 
wife about six years, when he was seized 
with a notion to marry a second time, and, 
abandoning his wife, took up the complain- 
ant. The magistrate committed the accused 
for examination, and ordered the complain- 
ant to be locked up in White Street, for 
fear of any accident whereby she might 
be induced to absent herself as a wit- 
ness. 

The New Hampshire Republican Con- 
vention met at Concord, N.H., this day, 
and elected delegates to the Chicago Con- 
vention. 

Launch of the Largest Canal-Boat in 
the United States. — At Rochester, N.Y., 
this day, the canal-boat City of New York 
was launched from the yard of John Thomp- 
son & Co., on the Feeder, — the largest boat 
that ever floated in the Erie Canal. Her 
dimensions are ninety-three feet keel, seven- 



teen feet six inches beam, eleven feet two 
inches between the keelson and deck, twelve 
feet three inches from top of deck to bottom 
of keel. Capacity, eighteen hundred and 
fifty barrels under deck, and may be laden 
to draw fully seven feet of water. 

Seizure of a Vessel Fitted out for a 
Slaver. — In New York, this day, the Ame- 
rican bark Charlotte E. Tay was seized, on 
suspicion of being fitted out for engaging in 
the slave-trade. The "New York Tribune," 
speaking of the matter, says: — 

Information was received at the District- 
Attorney's office, on Tuesday, that the bark 
Charlotte E. Tay, an American vessel, lying 
at the foot of Tenth Street, North River, 
was being fitted out at this port as a slaver. 
The vessel had already cleared at the cus- 
tom-house for the port of Punt a Da Lenha, 
about thirty miles up the Congo River, 
Africa, and she was to have sailed on Tues- 
day evening. Upon the application of the 
United States District Attorney, a monition 
was issued by the District Court, and the 
vessel was seized on the same evening. At 
the time of taking possession, the crew were 
all on board, waiting for the arrival of Cap- 
tain Trainer, the master of the vessel, who 
is a resident of this city. The first and 
second mates are also residents of this 
city. 

The Charlotte E. Tay is a beautiful bark 
of two hundred tons, and was built at Wil- 
mington, Del., in 1852. She was found to 
be newly painted and coppered, and was 
provided with a larger quantity of sail than 
is usual for vessels of her tonnage. The 
masts and spars were so rigged as to be 
well calculated to insure speed in the vessel. 
On board were fifteen thousand gallons of 
water, a large number of Avater-casks, and 
a large quantity of rice ; but there was no 
article on the manifest which was adapted 
for sale or trade. On mustering the crew, 
it was found that they did not correspond 
with the vessel's crew-list. The equipments 
of the vessel throughout gave rise to the 
suspicion that she was fitting out for the 
slave-trade. 

By the custom-house register, it appears 
that Mr. John W. Berry, of this city, is the 
owner of the vessel. Messrs. Beebe, Dean, 
and Donohue appear in opposition to the 
libel in his behalf. 

A Conspiracy Revealed. — Two Villains 
Plot to Precipitate a Railroad-Train 
into the River. — The " Detroit Free Press" 
of this date says: — 

A conspiracy of a startling nature was 
revealed a few days since, involving the 
commission of a frightful crime, which, but 
for the circumstances which interfered with 
its accomplishment, might have entailed a 
wholesale destruction of human life. The 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



329 



plot, revealed by one of the projectors, was, 
in substance, a deliberately-formed plan to 
destroy the railroad-bridge at Mt. Clemens, 
on the Grand Trunk Railroad, and allow the 
regular passenger-train to precipitate itself 
into the river. The object of this fiendish 
proceeding was plunder alone, the perpe- 
trators intending to conceal themselves in 
the vicinity and watch for the catastrophe, 
and then pounce upon the victims on the 
pretence of assisting them from the wreck. 
The projectors and partial executors 
of this plot were two men named Charles 
Smith and Reed Bowman. They went so 
far as to commence work on the bridge, re- 
moving, by the use of a wrench, a number 
of nuts from the long bolts which support 
the trestle-work. Smith was sentenced last 
week to the State Prison for life, for the 
crime of burglary and attempted murder, 
and Bowman went to the same institution 
for three years. After sentence, Smith re- 
vealed the plot ; and, on examination, the 
fruits of their nefarious labor were found to 
be exactly as described. But for their de- 
tection and conviction for other crimes, 
we should have had another Des Jardines 
disaster, with its bloody record, to add to the 
list of railroad-tragedies. 

Attack by a Mob on a Newspaper 
Office. — In the night of this clay, the office of 
the " Morning Herald" newspaper, of Scran- 
ton, Pa., was attacked by a dozen persons 
from the neighboring town of Dunmore. 
The editor, J. B. Adams, and his employees, 
were severely handled. The difficulty grew 
out of an expose of a gambling-house in 
Dunmore. The mob wanted to know who 
was its author. 

Letter from Captain Turner, of the 
Saratoga. — Capt. Turner, of the Saratoga, 
this day addressed the following note to 
the "New Orleans Picayune:" — 

United States Ship Saratoga, "1 

Off Vera Cruz, April 25, 1860. / 

To the Editor of the New Orleans Picayune. 

Sir : — It may excite surprise that I should 
notice any publications of the individuals, 
Marin and Arias, commanding the steamers 
which I captured at Anton Lizardo. 

The contradictions contained in their pro- 
tests, depositions before the courts of New 
Orleans, and official letters published in the 
papers of Havana, show them entirely un- 
worthy of notice or credence. 

No such conversations ever took place in 
my cabin between myself and those persons 
as related by them in the "Diario de la Ha- 
bana," nor was there the slightest approach 
to insolence on the part of either of them. 

Had there been, I should simply have 
rung the bell for my orderly and directed 
him to remove them from my cabin. 



Their deportment was respectful in the 
extreme. It was humble, obsequious, and 
servile, as was natural, having been detected 
and arrested by their own folly and rash- 
ness in such an enterprise. 

It is true that I offered them refreshments, 
a civility prompted by my sympathy for 
their unhappy condition, which it seems 
they did not deserve, as they could not ap- 
preciate it. 

The disorderly conduct of the marines 
and sailors who boarded the Gen. Miramon, 
the theft of his watch, &c, complained of by 
the admiral, are alike destitute of truth, and 
the product of the fertile brain of that dis- 
tinguished personage. 

A sentry was placed over his cabin-door, 
and all intercourse forbidden with its in- 
mates; and the officers commanding that de- 
tachment knew too well their duty to have 
permitted any thing of the sort ; nor did the 
admiral ever complain before leaving here 
of any of these outrages or hardships, fabri- 
cated for the purpose of producing an effect 
upon public opinion. 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient 
servant, 

T. Turner, Commander. 

Explosion of the John C. Calhoun. — The 
Boat afterward Destroyed by Fire. — 
This day the U.S. Mail-Steamer John C 
Calhoun exploded her boilers at Ridleyville, 
on the Chattahoochee River, about, five 
o'clock in the morning, and the ill-fated 
boat was afterward entirely destroyed by 
fire. Captain Leander Crawford was badly 
scalded, and is not expected to live. The 
clerk, Mr. H. Atkins, is also seriously in- 
jured internally. The principal engineers, 
Mr. Church and Harry Brought on, are also 
injured, but not- seriously. Mr. Bryan, an- 
other engineer, it is found, is seriously in- 
jured. There were only two passengers on 
board the Calhoun at the time, and both are 
injured. The pilots and steward are unin- 
jured, but six negro deck-hands are missing. 
The mails of the Calhoun were entirely de- 
stroyed. A steamer was immediately sent 
on from Appalachicola, with a physician and 
nurses, to the relief of the sufferers, as soon 
as the news reached that city. 

White Man Burned to Death. — Horri- 
ble Affair. — A correspondent of the " New 
York Tribune," in a letter of this date, from 
Buchanan, Texas, gives the following horri- 
ble account of the burning of a white man 
to death. It seems too horrible to be true, 
and has some appearance of a hoax. But, 
though extensively published, we have as yet 
seen no contradiction. 

Buchanan, Texas, April 25, 1860. 
Allow me a place in your columns for the 
following recital of a tale of horror, — but 



330 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Apeil, 



one of many of which this section of our 
country is the theatre, but which, for ob- 
vious - are kept out of the public 
prim,-:, and especially out of those honest, 
and pi iotic sheets which would hold them 
up in their true colors to the detestation of 
an enlightened people. A young man, whose 
name I residence I shall suppress for fear 
oi tng the feelings of a fond mother 
ami sis ers to whom ignorance is bliss, came 
into this country as a "colporteur:" he had 
a valuable stock of books, maps, &c, con- 
sisting mainly of Bibles and religious works, 
the mdards of the Christian world, his- 
tories, | Prescott's, and others,) school- 
books, and atlases, and, unfortunately for 
him, a few copies of the " Impending 
Crisis," and some tracts favoring the cause 
of freedom. 

These were accidentally seen by some in- 
tense pro-slaveryite, who raised the hue 
and ci \ against the "d — d Yankee Aboli- 
tion book-pedlar." A mob soon had him in 
their cl Lnd he was at once unmerci- 

fully fli gged, and robbed of his wagon and 
its contents. Here, perhaps, the affair would 
have ended, but that just at this juncture 
a in i i mi was brought upon the ground, 
purporting to have been caught running 
away fn m his master with a forged free 
pass in his pocket; he, the negro, was 
St 1 8 ghtway lashed to a tree, and after a most 
barl arous beating lie was told to say who 
had given him the pass. The half-dead and 
terrified negro, glad of a chance to save 
himself, and well knowing who his captors 
wished him to accuse, pointed out the col- 
porteur, adding also, in answer to artful 
questions, that he had received a knife from 
the pedlar, with the advice to take it and 
cut his way to freedom, and to burn his 
master's house over his head in revenge for 
the barb.-i ions treatment he had received. 
Now. of all this there was no proof but the 
word of the negro, who would have told any 
tiling to procure his own release ; and yet 
it was enough for the infuriated mob, now 
numbering about one hundred and fifty 
owners of slaves, their overseers and their 
sons. 

After a short consultation, the poor man 
was delivered into the hands of six of the 
most furious of the crowd. 

These rolled the wagon under a tree, co- 
vered it over with dry fagots, and over the 
whole of it poured a barrel of tar. Having 
first stripped their victim and immersed him 
in the same, they passed a rope around his 
neck and over a limb. Then, raising him so 
that his toes barely touched the top of the 
combustible pile, the negro was made to ap- 
ply the flaming torch : and thus the fearful 
tragedy closed in the flames of the hellishly- 
concocted funeral-pile, and the shrieks of 
the agonized victim. 

In justice to outraged humanity, I must 



say that this was witnessed by those who 
would have had it otherwise, but too few to 
avail aught against the infuriated mass. 

The Kentucky Republican State Con- 
vention met this day at Covington. In an 
address before it, Cassius M. Clay thus de- 
scribes the alleged outrages on West and his 
daughter (Bereans) by the Kentucky Vigi- 
lance Committee : — - 

He said that West had never certified to 
the Madison County Committee, as pub- 
lished, that the alleged outrage was not 
committed. On the contrary, he had the 
certificate of W r est, which he would show to 
any person desiring, in a proper spirit, to 
see it, attested by three competent wit- 
nesses; and, besides, he could adduce the 
testimony of two other witnesses, who, to 
satisfy themselves of the truth of the alle- 
gation, had called upon West w T hen he lay at 
the point of death, and received the state- 
ment from his own lips, — West weeping like 
a child when he recounted the affront to his 
daughter. " That certificate," said Mr. Clay, 
'•is now in my pocket. It sets forth that 
while West lay upon his deathbed, his 
daughter watched by his bedside with filial 
devotion. She saw horsemen leaping the 
fence into the yard surrounding the house, 
and sprang to the front door and closed it. 
She then closed the back door, when it was 
knocked down, and West's daughter with it, 
by one of the ruffians, who walked over the 
door with her under it, injuring her person. 
One of them, with a pistol at the dying 
man's breast, demanded all the informa- 
tion he had about the Bereans, and the 
daughter was forced against the cupboard 
with a pistol, the same demand being made 
of her." 

The convention nominated delegates for 
Chicago. 

The Democratic National Convention 
again met this day. The ojiiestion of con- 
tested seats was settled, — the "Softs" being 
admitted from New York, and the Douglas 
men from Illinois. 



THURSDAY, APRIL 26. 

The Connecticut Republican State 
Convention met at Concord this day, and 
elected delegates to Chicago. 

The Maryland Republican State Con- 
vention met in Baltimore this day. There 
were about thirty delegates present, besides 
a large crowd of spectators, including a 
considerable portion of the roughs. A com- 
mittee was appointed to prepare business. 
Before the president had time to announce 
them to the audience, a crowd of ruffians, 
led on by a man named Erasmus Levy, made 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



331 



a rush and upset the president's table, 
knocking several Republicans down, and 
(earing up their papers and documents. 
The police who were in attendance at- 
tempted to make some arrests. The con- 
vention then adjourned until two o'clock. 
As the members left the hall, they were 
greeted on the outside by a large crowd, who 
followed, hooting. Mr. Gunnison was pur- 
sued by an immense mob, crying, " Lynch 
him!" "Hang him!" "There goes a man 
who stole a nigger !" "There goes the spirit 
of John Brown!" &c. Mr. Gunnison took 
refuge in the Marine Bank, and the police 
escorted him to a place of safety. The 
crowd then slowly dispersed. 

At two o'clock, the hour of meeting, the 
crowd again assembled in front of the hall. 
The Police Commissioners, with a large 
force of police, were on hand to pre 
order: but the convention did not assemble, 
the owner of the house having refused to 
permit it to be longer used for the purpose. 
The Republicans had held a private confer- 
ence, ami decided to hold a convention in 
the ollice of James Carey Coale, agent of 
the New York Underwriters, in the Ex- 
change Building, where they chose delegates 
for Chicago, whom they instructed to vote as 
a unit, appointed an Executive Committee 
for the Slate, the said committee to form an 
electoral ticket to be supported by the Re- 
publican voters of the Slate, and passed a 
resolution pledging the Republican party to 
support the nominee of the Chicago Conven- 
tion, be he who he may. 

" The Baltimore Sun" gives the following 
account of the affair: — 

Before the president had time to announce 
the committee, there was a sudden move- 
ment, when the table of the secretary went 
up, and the secretary went down toward the 
floor. In an instant. Captain Brashears, 
who was in the hall, took hold of Erasmus 
Levy, and they struggled together for nearly 
a minute, when the latter released himself 
from the grasp of the officer, the crowd 
which had occupied the rear of the room 
rushing forward to the assistance of Levy. 
Officer Eldridge interposed to assist Captain 
Brashears, when he was seized from behind 
ami an uncomfortable pressure put on his 
throat. At that time the crowd was very 
much i rvraged, and one of them approached 
William 1*. Ewing, who was standing on one 
of the benches, and pushed him over. 

A voice in the crowd put a vote of ad- 
journment, which prevailed; but there was 
no movement toward the door. The presi- 
dent requested the members to be seated, 
that the business for which they had assem- 
bled might be proceeded with; but there was 
no disposition on the part of the crowd to 
retire. Calls were then made for the presi- 
dent to leave the room, which were inter- 
rupted by a motion to adjourn until three 



o'clock. That was thought by some of the 
delegates too late an hour, and, on motion 
of William P. Ewing, two o'clock was fixed 
upon as the time for the reassembling of 
the body in the same place, and a motion 
was made for the appointment of a commit- 
tee to wait on the authorities and ask pro- 
tection, but the committee was not mimed. 

A large crowd had gathered in the street 
in front of the building, and at half-past 
eleven o'clock the members of the conven- 
tion began to leave the hall. William Gun- 
nison, one of the delegates, left in company 
with Marshal Herring, and as soon as he 
made his appearance at the street-door, 
there were yells and groans, and some one 
hailed him as "Old Ossawatomie ;" while 
others cried, "Tar and feather him!'' 
"Lynch him!" Mr. Gunnison left the 
marshal a. few steps from the door, and pro- 
ceeded alone down Gay Street at a rapid 
walk, followed at a considerable distance by 
a large crowd. 

When about half-way between Baltimore 
and Second Streets, the crowd began to 
press more closely toward him, and Mr. 
Gunnison struck into a side street, when the 
whole crowd of at least a thousand persons 
followed after him as rapidly as they could. 
He took refuge in the Marine Bank, when 
Marshal Herring, with a posse of officers, 
soon arrived and protected him from the 
crowd. As soon as he made his appearance 
at the door of the bank there were groans 
and hisses: but the officers formed a hollow 
sijuare, and escorted him through Second, 
South, Baltimore, and Calvert Streets, fol- 
lowed by the throng, who hooted all the 
way, until he sought shelter in the neigh- 
borhood, when they left him ami dispersed. 

Fire in New York. — Arrest of the 
Supposed Incendiary. — A tire occurred in 
New York this day, in the afternoon, about 
one o'clock, in a tenement-house, No. 187 
Avenue C, in the apartments occupied by 
Sebastian Augustine, on the second floor. 
The alarm of fire created a terrible excite- 
ment among the tenants. Pails of water 
were applied, which partly subdued the 
flames until the arrival of the firemen, who 
quickly put out the fire before it spread be- 
yond the room in which it originated. Sus- 
picion was at once expressed by the tenants 
that the fire was purposely made by Augus- 
tine or his wife. The latter was the last per- 
son who had been seen to leave the room. The 
fire was, upon examination, found to have 
begun under the bed. A lot of shavings and 
pieces of pine wood was found partly 
burned. Fire-Marshal Baker was imme- 
diately sent for, and an investigation gone 
into. Search was made for the suspected 
parties, and Officer Carland took into cus- 
tody Augustine on suspicion of the arson. 
It appears that the accused is two months 



332 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



behind in his rent, and is also in debt for 
groceries, — in addition to which he is in- 
sured for $250 on his household effects, in 
an insurance company in Wall Street, the 
name of which the accused could not recol- 
lect. It is said the appearance of the burn- 
ing does not look as if the fire had been an 
accidental affair. The accused is a tailor, 
and alleges that he has lost several new 
coats from his apartments. 

The Attempted Sale of Feee Negroes. 
— In the United States District Court of 
Norfolk, this day, in the case of Capt. Braley, 
and the mate of the British schooner Alice 
Rogers, for attempting to sell free negroes, 
the jury were unable to agree. The vessel 
has been forfeited and the cargo released to 
the owners. 

Destruction or the Steamer A. T. Lacey 
by Fire. — Sixteen Lives Lost. — The night 
of this day, about ten o'clock, the steamer 
A. T. Lacey, Capt. George Taylor, was de- 
stroyed by fire, at the foot of Island Sixteen, 
in the Mississippi, below St. Louis, together 
with her cargo, and the lives of sixteen 
human beings. Mr. A. G. Cunningham, the 
clerk, gives the following account to the 
" Memphis Appeal :" — 

Just before the hour of ten o'clock, when 
the A. T. Lacey was opposite Island Sixteen, 
a quantity of hay near the larboard derrick 
was discovered to be on fire. The alarm 
was given at once, and the boat was headed 
for the shore. Almost instantaneously the 
flames shot forth in every direction; and in 
the space of two minutes after the fire had 
communicated with the forward portion of 
the boiler-deck, the entire cabin was en- 
veloped in a sheet of flames. 

Many of the passengers, about seventy- 
five in number, pretty equally divided be- 
tween the cabin and deck, had retired for 
the night ; and the appalling scene which 
ensued may be imagined, but could not be 
described. The affrighted passengers from 
the cabin gathered on the starboard guard 
behind the wheel-house, and by lowering 
themselves into the water, with the aid of 
life-preservers, drift-logs, and the standing 
trees in the vicinity, the greater number 
gained the shore. Mr. Cunningham esti- 
mated the number of the lost at twelve or 
fifteen ; but as the cabin-register, together 
with all the other books and papers of the 
boat, were lost, there is no means of arriving 
precisely at the extent of the fatality. The 
loss of life was, in the main, confined to the 
deck-passengers and subordinate employees 
of the boat. Those known to be lost are a 
child about six years of age, daughter of 
Capt. A. T. Lacey, three or four deck-hands, 
three negro children and two cabin-servants, 
together with two or three deck-passengers, 
and a child belonging to a deck-passenger, 



which was rescued but died afterward of its 
injuries. 

Mr. Cunningham rescued a lady whose 
name is Hutchison, the wife of a lawyer of 
Little Rock, and brought her to this city 
on board the Magnolia. Mrs. H. is at the 
Gayoso House, and, although she received 
no serious wounds, she was in delicate health 
at the time, and was considered in a critical 
condition on the following evening. 

The heroic conduct of a lady, whose name 
we did not learn, deserves mention. She 
coolly jumped overboard, swam clear of the 
wheel, and made her way safely to shore. She 
also arrived in this city yesterday. Capt. 
Alfred T. Lacey was making a trip to New 
Orleans at the time with his family, consisting 
of his wife, four children, and a servant. 
Directing Mrs. Lacey to throw herself over- 
board, he followed her and bore her safely 
in his arms to the shore. In like manner 
he separately rescued three others of his 
children, and the servant. In the mean 
time the freight-clerk caught up the young- 
est child of the family, an interesting girl 
of six years, and jumped overboard ; but his 
h~dd relaxed ere he reached the shore, and 
tin. child went down to rise no more. 

During the conflagration the steamer 
Magnolia, Capt. Thomasson, came down, 
and approached as near the burning wreck 
as safety would justify, Capt. T. and his 
officers rendering every service that hu- 
manity and kindness could suggest. Through 
their agency many lives were saved and the 
sufferings of the injured were greatly alle- 
viated. All the survivors were transferred 
to the Magnolia, by the officers of which 
they were hospitably received and enter- 
tained, receiving every attention and favor 
that could be desired. These attentions 
were the more highly appreciated inasmuch 
as the passengers and crew lost every thing, 
including not only their money, but, in many 
instances, their clothing. 

The following are the names of persons 
known to be lost : — 

Mr. A. T. Lacey's little daughter, four or 
five years old. 

One German woman, name unknown, on 
deck. 

One Irish woman, name unknown, on 
deck. 

Mrs. Eliza Head, assistant chambermaid 
for the trip. 

One Irish woman, who was sick when she 
came on board the boat, burned in her berth 
on deck. 

One black gild, about five years old. 

One black boy, about eight years old. 

Two Irish children, from eight to ten 
years old. 

Two German children, from ten to twelve 
years old. 

Deck-sweeper, name unknown. 

Two firemen, names unknown. 






I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



333 



Charley Barnett, black porter, better 
known as King. 

John Beckley, mulatto, berthmaker. 

Anthony Tremble, mulatto, pantryman. 

One 'white cabin-boy, name unknown. 

One infant, belonging to an Irish woman, 
one of the deck-passengers. 

The boat was valued at $00,000: insured 
for $40,000. The cargo at $12,000, and 
fully insured. 

Schooner Sunk. — The night of this day, 
the schooner Eliza Matthews, Bradley, from 
Philadelphia for Richmond, ran afoul of a 
wreck off Sassafras River and sunk im- 
mediately. 

Capture of the Slaver, Wildfire, with 
Five Hundred and Twenty Slaves on 
Board, by the U.S. Steamer Mohawk. — 
The correspondent of the New York " He- 
rald," giving an account of this affair, which 
happened this day, says: — 

The Mohawk sailed from Key West on 
the 9th of April on a cruise off the eastern 
end of the island of Cuba. She steamed 
and sailed about the barren keys of the Ba- 
hamas, occasionally landing and procuring 
supplies of fish and turtle. She also visited 
the Lobos Keys, and had two or three ex- 
citing chases after suspicious craft. On the 
23d she put into the harbor of Nuevitas, 
and remained there until the 25th, when she 
took the American brig Pedro Sanchez Dolz 
in tow, the weather being calm, and carried 
her outside of the reefs. She remained in 
companj' with the brig until the next morn- 
ing, when, discovering a sail in the offing 
heading for the land, she cast oft' the brig 
and made chase. 

There being no wind, the sail, which 
proved to be a bark, was speedily approached. 
She was evidently an American-built vessel, 
but, having no name upon her stern, she was 
requested to show her colors, in response to 
which the American flag was hoisted. As 
the Mohawk ranged alongside, men were 
observed at work in the rigging, others about 
the decks. — a few in number, — while the 
captain and his officers coolly leaned upon 
the rail observing the steamer's movements. 
She did not look the slaver ; but from force 
of habit, with a spice of curiosity, Captain 
Craven ordered Lieut. Carpenter to board 
her. As the boat approached the vessel it 
was observed that no rope was thrown out, 
and it was evident that the visit was not 
agreeable. 

The lieutenant, unassisted, boarded the 
vessel, and was no sooner on her bulwarks 
than he waved his sword, and the men in 
the boat raised a shout, — a signal that she 
was a slaver and a prize. The moment that 
the slaves, who had just been driven below, 
caught sight of the officer's uniform, (the 
hatches were covered with gratings only,) 



they sang and clapped their hands with joy. 
They instinctively knew that their deliverers 
were at hand. 

The vessel was at once taken possession 
of by Capt. Craven, a prize-crew put on 
board, the officers and crew transferred to 
the Mohawk, and the bark taken in tow. 
The Mohawk then headed for the Florida 
Keys. 

The bark proved to be the AVildfire, a 
handsome clipper of three hundred and 
thirty-seven tons, built in Philadelphia in 
1855. She sailed from New York on the 
16th of December, 1859, with an American 
crew, for the West Indies. She made a 
good run to St. Thomas, where she remained 
eight days, and then sailed for the Congo 
River. She took on board six hundred and 
three slaves the night of March 21. She 
got safely oft* the coast, and had not seen a 
sail up to the day of her capture. When 
they left the coast, the American captain 
and crew were superseded by a Spanish 
captain and crew, the former then acting as 
passengers. This cargo consists of children 
and young men and women, the majority 
being from twelve to sixteen years of age. 
They are in a remarkably sound and healthy 
condition. 

Death of Lawrence Johnson. — This day, 
Lawrence Johnson, Esq., the well-known 
type-founder and stcreotyper, died of para- 
lysis, at his residence, at Eighth and Pine 
Streets, Philadelphia. Mr. Johnson was 
taken ill on Tuesday afternoon, while at- 
tending a meeting of the Board of Directors 
of the Green and Coates Streets Railway 
Company, ami was taken home and died. 

Mr. Johnson was about sixty years of 
age at the time of his death. lie was an 
Englishman by birth, and he emigrated to 
this country when quite a young man. In 
partnership with Mr. Smith, the father of 
his late partner, he purchased the stereo- 
type foundry of Binney & Ronaldson, on 
the extinguishment of that firm; and the 
house of L. Johnson & Co. has been for 
many years the leading establishment in 
the country for the supply not only of type, 
stereotype plates, electrotypes, &c, but of 
every other article of printers' findings. 

Johnson & Co. had a branch establish- 
ment at Cincinnati, and their business was 
as wide-spread as the Union. Mr. Johnson 
was also active in private enterprise. He 
owned Sansom Street Hall, and much other 
valuable property, and he was also largely 
interested in the city-railway enterprises. 
He was very wealthy at the time of his 
death, and his success in life is attributable 
to his industry and strict integrity. The 
deceased suffered a severe blow in the 
recent death of his eldest daughter, the 
wife of the Bev. Mr. Wylie. 

In his will he made the following bequests, 



334 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Apkil, 



provided that his real and personal estate 
shall exceed $324,000, one year after his 
death: — To the Printers' Benevolent Asso- 
ciation, $1000; American Sunday-School 
Union, $3000; Union Benevolent Associa- 
tion, $1000; Temporary Home for Friend- 
less Children, $2t)00; Pennsylvania Insti- 
tution for the Blind, $100U; Deaf and Dumb 
Asylum, $1000. 

Attempted Rape by a Public Officer. — 
In New York, this day, two men. one named 
Louis Bet hoii, a constable in the Nineteenth 
Ward, the other the keeper of a house of bad 
repute on the corner of Broadway andBartlett 
Str et, who is known as Nig Brown, were 
arrested on the complaint of Mrs. Mary Ann 
Blake, residing at No. 132 Hamilton Avenue, 
who charges them with having induced her 
to enter the house of Brown, and, while 
there, attempting to outrage her person. 

Child Burned to Death. — A little girl 
named Armstrong, aged about nine years, 
living near Milwaukee, was burned to death 
in the afternoon of this day. She was 
playing with other children near a burning 
brush-heap, when her clothes took fire, and. 
before assistance could be rendered, she 
was burned to a crisp. 

E ulroad Company Sued for Injuries to 
a Child. — In New York, this day, Michael 
Gillen, Jr., by his guardian, sued the New 
York & Harlem Railroad Company for dam- 
ages for injury done to plaintiff, a child, by 
being run over by the defendants' cars in 
Centre Street, on the 10th of December, 1857, 
in consequence of which amputation of the 
leg ' j necessary. It appears thai the child 
resided with its parents in Worth . v 
and was crossing the railroad-track in Centre 
with an elder brother, when one of 
the defendants' horse-cars ran over the child 
and inflicted the injury complained of. 
Dai iges were held at $10,000. The de- 
fendants set up a denial of their liability in 
consequence of the negligence of the parents 
in allowing a child, then only two years of 
age, to wander about the streets. The 
plaintiff was nonsuited. 

The Democratic National Convention 
again met this day. No particular busi- 
ness was done. There were several angry 
debates and threats of secession from the 
cotton States. 



FRIDAY, APKIL 27. 

Fuoitive-Slave Case in Troy, N.Y. — 
This day, in Troy, N.Y., United Slates 
Deputy-Marshal Holmes arrested a colored 
man, named Charles Nalle, as a fugitive 
from Virginia, the property of B. W. Hains- 



borough, of Culpepper county. The fugi- 
tive was taken before Commissioner Beach, 
and witnesses identified him as t lie fugitive 
described in the papers. The commissioner 
therefore remanded him. Soon after. Judge 
Gould issued a writ of habeas corpus for 
the fugitive, and the same was served by a 
deputy-sheriff. By this time an excited 
crowd of some one thousand persons had 
gathered about the commissioner's office, 
threatening a rescue. "When the fugitive 
was brought down to be taken before Judge 
Gould, the crowd surrounded the officers 
and endeavored to take him from them. A 
successful resistance was made for some 
time, but the rescuers finally gained the 
advantage, when the negro was carried to 
the river, where a ferryman was in wailing. 
He was rowed across the river and landed 
in safety. After getting over, the Troy 
"Arena" says, manacled as he had been 
from the first, he proceeded to make his 
way up to the main street. At this juncture, 
Mr. Wm. L. Oswold called the attention of 
Officer Becker to the fleeing prisoner and 
recommended his arrest. This Mr. Becker 
had little difficulty in accomplishing. As- 
sisted by another officer, he took the fugitive 
up to the office of Esquire Stewart, in the 
second story of the building, near the ferry- 
way, where he was placed to await the ar- 
rival of his captors from this side. In ad- 
dition to the officers, Postmaster Grattan, 
Mr. A. J. Morrison, and several others, were 
in the room, and determined to prevent a 
rescue. 

Meanwhile a large number of the rescuers 
from this side, apprehending what had oc- 
curred, crowded upon the steam ferry-boat 
to the number of two hundred or more, as 
soon as it touched the dock, and were trans- 
ported to the new theatre of war. On find- 
in?,' that the fugitive was in the office of Mr. 
Stewart, the building was at once placed in 
a state of siege. Led by several persons 
from this side of the river, and others, the 
colored men made two vigorous assaults 
upon the stairway,, which were repelled, — 
Mr. P.ecker standing at the head of the stairs 
anil tiring at the crowd, without effect, the 
only damage being a bullet-hole in the hat 
of a barber in the employ of Mr. Peter Bal- 
timore. Mr. Morrison says that over twenty 
shots were fired during this melee, the offi- 
cers reloading their revolvers. That no one 
was killed is a fact attributable only to an 
astounding lack of accuracy in aim. After 
two repulses, the attacking party rallied, 
armed with brickbats, clubs, and the like, 
and carrying a small dry-goods box as a. 
shield, which was dropped near the foot of 
the stairs. 

Mr. Kissellburgh preceded the crowd and 
effected an ingress to the office, although fired 
at twice. A powei-ful colored man named 
Martin followed him, and was pushing 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



335 



through the doorway, when Mr. A. J. Mor- 
rison, who defended it, struck him upon the 
forehead violently with the back of a hatchet. 
The blow stunned him, and he fell in the 
doorway in such manner as to prevent its 
closure, and to enable those just behind to 
rush over and seize the fugitive, who stood 
near the door. Mr. Morrison was unable to 
withhold him from their grasp. They hur- 
ried him down-stairs, one or two bullets fol- 
lowing them. Amid the exclamations of the 
crowd, Nalle was hurried oif down the 
street. Near the post-office an unwilling 
farmer was stopped and obliged to take him 
on board. But his wagon soon broke down. 
Again the parry hurried off toward the 
Shakei* road, on foot, until near the rear of 
the arsenal wall, when they were overtaken 
by a fleet horse provided for the purpose by 
a colored man named Hank York. With 
this and a good supply of fire-arms Nalle 
was hurried off "toward the north star and 
freedom. Hank York and Andrew Parker, 
another resolute colored man, accompanying 
him. 

Stjicidb or a Druggist in San Fran- 
cisco, Cal. — This day, Mr. P. M. Anderson, 
formerly a druggist in New York in good 
standing, committed suicide in San Fran- 
cisco, California. 

Suicide in Stockton, Cal. — This day, a 
man aged fifty years, named John Foster, 
committed suicide, at Stockton, by taking- 
opium. He was a native of Foster, R.I., 
which town was named after his father. 

The Maine Union State Convention 
this day a -semnled at Waterville and nomi- 
nated delegates for Baltimore. 

The Kentucky Republican State Con- 
vention this day assembled at Covington 
and nominated delegates for Chicago. 

Lake-Navigation. — On the morning of 
this day arrived at Oswego, N.Y., the first 
fleet of sail-vessels from Lake Michigan. 
The total receipts of grain for the day were 
200,000 bushels, mostly corn. 

Canal-Navigation in New York. — The 
Rochester "Union" of this day says, "The 
water in the Erie Canal does not rise fast, 
owing to the heavy draught eastward to fill 
the lower levels. It is yet eighteen inches 
below full banks, and loaded boats cannot 
float. Light boats are running west and 
south." 

Convicted of Felonious Shooting. — This 
day, in Richmond, Va., John H. Melton, a 
negro-trader, was convicted of feloniously 
shooting Oliver P. Sims, and sentenced to the 
penitentiary for three years. 



Female Institute Burned. — The night 
of this day, the Female Institute at Colum- 
bus, Miss., was burned to the ground. Loss, 
about $10,000, which is insured for $3500. 
The fire originated from afire-balloon which 
fell upon the roof. 

The National Democratic Convention 
this day continued its session. The Com- 
mittee on Platforms, being unable to agree, 
presented several, from which the con- 
vention were expected to make a selection. 
The following is the majority-report pre- 
sented by Mr. Avery, of North Carolina: — 

Resolved, That the platform adopted at 
Cincinnati be affirmed with the following 
resolution : — 

That the National Democracy of the 
United States hold these cardinal principles 
on the subject of slavery in the Territories. 
First, That Congress has no power to abolish 
shivery in the Territories. Second, That 
the Territorial Legislature has no power to 
abolish slavery in the Territories nor to 
prohibit the introduction of slaves therein, 
nor any power to destroy or impair the 
right of property in slaves by any legisla- 
tion whatever. 

Resolved, That the enactments of State 
Legislatures to defeat the faithful execution 
of the fugitive-slave law are hostile in 
character, subversive of the Constitution, 
and revolutionary in their effects. 

Resolved, That it is the duty of the Federal 
Government to protect the rights of persons 
and property on the high seas, in the Terri- 
tories, or wherever else its jurisdiction ex- 
tends. 

Resolved, That it is the duty of the Govern- 
ment of the United States to afford protec- 
tion to naturalized citizens from foreign 
countries. 

Resolved, That it is the duty of the Gov- 
ernment to acquire Cuba at the earliest 
practicable moment. 

The principal minority-report, which was 
presented by Henry B. Payne, of Ohio, and 
signed by the members of the committee 
from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, 
Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, 
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wiscon- 
sin, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, and Penn- 
sylvania, (all the free States except Califor- 
nia, Oregon, and Massachusetts,) reaffirmed 
the Cincinnati platform, declared that all 
rights of property are judicial in their 
character, and that the Democracy pledge 
themselves to defer to the decision of the 
Supreme Court on the subject: ample pro- 
tection to citizens, native and naturalized, 
at home and abroad; aid to "a Pacific 
Railroad;" the acquisition of Cuba; and 
that all State resistance to the fugitive- 
slave law is revolutionary and subversive 
of the Constitution. 

Gen. Benj. F. Butler, of Massachusetts, 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



presented another minority-report, reaffirm- 
ing the Cincinnati platform and declaring 
Democratic principles unchangeable in their 
nature when applied to the same subject- 
matter, and only recommending in addition 
to the Cincinnati platform a resolution for 
the protection of all citizens, whether na- 
tive or naturalized. 

Mr. Payne stated that his report, although 
a minority one, represented one hundred and 
seventy-two electoral votes, while the mi- 
nority-report represented only one hundred 
and twenty-seven electoral votes. 

Mr. James A. Bayard (U. S. Senator of 
Delaware) presented another series of reso- 
lutions, as follows: — 

The first affirmed the Cincinnati plat- 
form. 

The second declared that the Territorial 
Governments are provisional and temporary, 
and that during their existence all citizens 
of the United States have an equal right to 
settle in the Territories without their rights 
of either person or property being de- 
stroyed or impaired by Congressional or 
Territorial legislation. 

The third, that it is the duty of the Govern- 
ment to protect the rights of persons or 
property on the high seas, in the Territories, 
or wherever else its constitutional authority 
extends. 

The fourth, that when the settlers in a 
Territory have adequate population to form 
a State Constitution, the right of sovereignty 
commences ; and, being consummated by 
their admission into the Union, they stand 
upon an equal footing with the citizens of 
other States : and that a State, when organ- 
ized, is to be admitted into the Union, slavery 
or no slavery. 



SATURDAY, APRIL 28. 

Affrays among the Delegates at the 
Democratic National Convention at 
Charleston. — This day, (according to the 
correspondence of the "Boston Traveller,") 
two members of the Ohio delegation had a 
fight at the INI ills House, and threw plates 
at each other. One then drew a pistol, 
when the other clinched with him. Their 
friends separated them. 

Colonel Craig, of Missouri, and Mr. Lang- 
more, of the St. Louis "Republican," also 
had a rough-and-tumble fight at the Mills 
House, which is to be settled by a duel on 
their return home. 

The correspondent of the "New York 
Herald" says: — 

The bitterness of feeling between the 
Northern and Southern wings of the party 
increases every hour. Probably nine out 
of ten of the Southerners carry deadly 
weapons. They cannot be called "con- 
cealed" weapons ; for they make no effort 



to keep them concealed. Notices of re- 
volvers lost are posted in public places like 
notices of tenements to let. A Boston 
gentleman w r as lately conversing with a 
Southerner in the rotunda of the Mills 
House, and the Southerner, not liking 
something that was said or done by the 
Northerner, drew a bowie-knife upon him 
and threatened to slice him upon the spot 
The difficulty was subsequently reconciled 
An affray occurred in one of the hotels last 
evening, a pistol drawn and fired, and the 
bullet passed between the legs of the bar- 
keeper. 

Melancholy Suicide. — This day, a me- 
lancholy case of suicide for want of employ- 
ment occurred at Buffalo. A sober, indus- 
trious young man, named Edward Hitch- 
come, aged twenty-three years, a ship-car- 
penter by trade, destroyed his life delibe- 
rately, assigning as a reason his inability 
to obtain employment. He had been un- 
able to obtain any work during the winter, 
and told his stepmother that, as he was en- 
tirely useless, he had better die than live. 
Opium was the fatal drug used to effect his 
purpose. 

Suicide by Poison. — In New York, this 
day, Alphonse Gaskill, a native of England, 
aged thirty-five years, committed suicide at 
his residence, No. 182 Grand Street, by 
taking a dose of cyanide of potassium. 
Coroner Schirmer held an inquest upon the 
body, when it appeared in evidence that de- 
ceased was a man of rather intemperate 
habits. He had recently been very much 
depressed in spirits in consequence of an 
inability to procure employment, and in- 
dulged in the use of ardent spirits to a 
greater extent than ever. On Thursday, 
deceased came home quite intoxicated, and 
retired to his room, where he remained 
until this day, when one of the inmates of 
the house found him lying dead in bed. By 
his side was found a glass containing some 
cyanide of potassium. Upon making a post- 
mortem examination of the body, Dr. Bout on 
discovered evident traces of the poison in 
the stomach of the deceased. The jury 
rendered a verdict of "Suicide by taking 
cyanide of potassium." Deceased was re- 
spectably connected, and at one time occu- 
pied the position of clerk in the Military 
Institute at Bermuda. 

Attempted Suicide. — This day, Charles 
Young, implicated in the death of Cordelia 
A. Caulkins, at Cincinnati, again attempted 
suicide. This is the third effort he has 
made at self-destruction since that melan- 
choly event. 

Men found Drowned. — In New York, 
this day, the body of a Norwegian, named 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



Abraham A. Anderson, was found floating 
in the water near Pier No. 56, East Paver. 
Coroner Schirmer held an inquest upon the 
body, when it appeared that dec.eased was 
intemperate in his habits, and had been 
missing from his home since the 17th ult. 
He was a ship-carpenter by trade, and lived 
at the corner of Cherry and Market Streets. 
The jury rendered a verdict of "Supposed 
drowning." 

Coroner Schirmer also held an inquest on 
the body of an unknown man, about thirty 
years of age, who was found drowned at 
Pier No. 33, North River. Deceased was 
about five feet three inches in height, had 
dark hair, side-whiskers, and was dressed 
in a brown coat, dark vest, blue checked 
shirt, and brown pantaloons. Verdict, 
"Supposed drowning." 

Fatal Accident at Staten Island, N.Y. 
— This day, a fatal accident occurred to 
Mr. John Loud, at Port Richmond, Staten 
Island. He was director of the grain-ele- 
vator at the Atlantic Docks at Brooklyn, 
and removed to the island on Friday. On 
Saturday, while unpacking his household 
goods, he took from a trunk a loaded pis- 
tol, remarking to Mrs. Loud that he would 
hang it up somewhere out of the way. Ac- 
cordingly, he was hanging it upon a nail in 
a closet, but by some accident the weapon 
was discharged, and the contents entered 
his breast in the region of the heart. Mr. 
Loud leaped or sprang into the entry, and 
then fell dead. One of his daughters, in the 
momentary excitement and alarm, rushed 
out, exclaiming that her father had shot 
himself, which at first created the im- 
pression that he had committed suicide. 
This, of course, was corrected as soon as 
the facts were known, and the coroner's 
jury brought in a verdict accordingly. Mr. 
Load has left a family, between whom and 
himself there existed a more than ordinary 
love and attachment. 

A Tragedy in Earnest. — In Wilmington, 
North Carolina, this day, Joseph S. Canady, 
a young mechanic, who had just purchased 
a dirk, while jesting with a companion, play- 
fully struck his own breast with the knife, 
crying, "Lay on, Macduff!" His friend 
told him that he had stabbed himself. He 
stated that he had not, but, upon looking 
at his breast, perceived the blood, when he 
uttered, "Good Lord!" and, falling back- 
ward in the doorway, died almost imme- 
diately. It is supposed that when he struck 
himself with the dagger he intended to do 
so with the handle, as he had often done 
before, repeating dramatic quotations and 
"suiting the action to the word." 



Child Suffocated by Falling in a Sink. 
— In New York, the evening of this day, 



Manilla Mooney, a child about two years 
old, accidentally fell into a sink in the rear 
of the dwelling-house No. 170 Franklin 
Street, and was suffocated before assistance 
could be rendered her. Coroner Schirmer 
held an inquest upon the body, when the 
jury rendered a verdict of "Accidental 
death." 

Three Sudden Deaths in One House. — 
In New York, this day, a woman, named 
Catharine Welsh, died suddenly at No. 27 
Amity Street ; on Thursday, her husband 
died ; and, on Friday, a female relative died 
also, — all suddenly, — having previously en- 
joyed apparently good health. 

Completed. — The railroad between 
Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, 
Georgia, has been completed, and trains 
commenced running, this day, between the 
two cities. 

House Burned. — Narrow Escape of the 
Inmates. — The night of this day, at nine 
o'clock, the house of Judge Tyson, in Aston 
township, Delaware county, Pa., was burned 
to ashes. In the afternoon of the same day, 
a colored man, living with the family, took 
Mrs. Tyson to see her brother, a few miles 
distant. Mr. Tyson, in the absence of his 
wife, took his children to bed at the usual 
time ; he left the candle, which he supposed 
he had extinguished, on the centre-table, 
and he lay down upon the bed with his chil- 
dren and went to sleep. It appears that 
the tablecloth (undoubtedly from the can- 
dle) ignited, and the flames extended to the 
bed upon which he and the children were 
lying, fast asleep, unconscious of the de- 
structive element that was surrounding 
them. At this juncture, the black man 
who had taken Mrs. Tyson away in the 
evening came home, and saw the fire, 
through the windows of his master's bed- 
chamber. He rushed into the room and 
woke the sleepers: they just escaped in 
time to save their lives. Mr. Tyson had 
part of the hair burned off his head and 
face. There was not even time to get the 
money — amounting to $200 — from the bu-> 
reau. The house and all its contents were 
consumed. The loss is estimated at $2500. 

Great Fire in Pell Street, New Yore~ 
— This day, in the afternoon, a fire broke 
out on the fourth floor of the building 22 
Pell Street, in the premises of N. Clark, 
cotton -batting- manufacturer. The fire 
spread rapidly, and in a few minutes the 
whole upper part of the building was en- 
veloped in flames. The occupants made 
their escape into the street, but were un- 
able to save any of their property. The 
fire raged furiously, and soon spread to the 
adjoining building, (No. 20,) and r in. about 



22 



338 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



an hour afterward, both buildings were a 
heap of ruins. The four-story brick tene- 
ment-house on the rear of No. 24 was 
crushed in by the falling wall. The occu- 
pants — some eight or nine families — only 
succeeded in saving a part of their furni- 
ture. A horse-shoeing shop on lot No. 26, 
owned by John Madden, was also destroyed 
by the falling wall. Damage, about $150: 
no insurance. The loss of the families in 
the tenement-house will amount to about 
$300: no insurance. The following is a 
list of the occupants of Nos. 20 and 22, to- 
gether with their losses and insurances : — 

Building No. 22. — Basement, occupied by 
J. Stacey, edge-tool-grinder. Loss, about 
$600 : no insurance. 

First, second, and third floors, occupied 
by John Sperry, oval and gilt frame manu- 
facturer. Loss, about $1200: insured for 
$1000. Mr. Sperry was moving out of the 
premises, and had taken away the greater 
portion of his stock, or his loss would have 
been very heavy. 

Fourth floor, occupied in front part by Ed- 
ward Baggert, surgical-instrument-maker. 
Loss, about $300 : no insurance. The rear 
part was occupied by N. Clark, cotton-bat- 
ting-manufacturer. Loss, about $2000: said 
to be insured for $1000. 

Fifth floor, occupied by Mr. Birmingham, 
oval-frame-maker. Loss, about $400: no 
insurance. 

Building No. 20. — Basement, occupied by 
James Titus, veneer-cutter. Loss, $300: 
no insurance. 

First floor, occupied by Allen & Co., 
moulding-mill. Loss, about $8000: insured 
for $1000 in the Quaker City Insurance 
Company. 

Second floor, occupied by P. P. Dennis, 
scroll-sawing-factory. Loss, about $1800: 
insured for $1000 in the Safeguard In- 
surance Company, (failed.) 

Third floor, front, Brude & Esser, manu- 
facturers of corner-stands. Loss, about 
$600: no insurance. The rear was occu- 
pied by William Robertson as a turner's 
shop. Loss, about $1000: no insurance. 

Fourth and fifth floors, occupied by Cart- 
wright & Lewis, cotton-batting-manufac- 
turers. Loss, about $6000 : partly insured. 
The buildings Nos. 20 and 22 are owned 
by William W. Winans. The loss on them 
will be about $12,000, and on machinei'y 
about $6000 : said to be partly insured. 

E. B. Conlin, chair-manufacturer, who 
occupies the building No. 18, has sustained 
damage to his stock to the amount of about 
$1200 or $1500, caused by a wall crushing 
in the rear building: insured for $500 in 
the Quaker City and $500 in the Everett 
Insurance Company. The building is owned 
by J. C. Baldwin. It is damaged about 
$1000: fully insured in the Citizens' In- 
surance Company. 



Several tenement-houses on the opposite 
side of the street were on fire two or three 
times, which caused great consternation 
among the tenants. At one time it was 
feared that several of the adjacent build- 
ings would also be destroyed ; but, owing 
to the efficient aid of the steam fire-engines, 
the progress of the fire was stopped. 

A man, named James McDonald, a mem- 
ber of 58 Hose, was severely injured by a 
portion of the front wall when pulled down 
by the firemen. He was on the opposite 
side of the street at the time. His friends 
conveyed him to the New York Hospital. 

The fire, it is said, was caused by the 
friction of a carding-machine. 

Steamboat Burned. — This day, steamer 
Tennessee Belle was burned near Paducah, 
Ky. She was valued at $8000. 

Sentence of a Defaulting Cashier. — 
Daniel C. Kenyon, the defaulting cashier of 
the Rhode Island Exchange Bank, was this 
day sentenced to eight years' imprisonment 
in the State Prison, by the Court of Common 
Pleas, (Judge Shearman.) 

Murder in Peekskill, (N.Y.) — The night 
of this day, Thomas Pryor stabbed John 
Kennedy, at Peekskill, N.Y., so that he died. 
He was afterward arrested in New York by 
a gentleman from Peekskill, whom he stabbed 
whilst he was attempting to take him. 

Arrested for Murder. — In New York, 
this day, John Stalerly, alleged to be a fu- 
gitive from justice from Greene county, N.Y., 
where he is indicted for the murder of a 
man in that neighborhood, was arrested by 
Capt. Dowling, of the Sixth Precinct. 

Affray at Charleston between Penn- 
sylvania Delegates. — An affray occurred 
this day at Charleston, between Collector 
Baker, of Philadelphia, and II. B. Wright, 
of the Pennsylvania delegation. According 
to the correspondence of the Philadelphia- 
"Press," the circumstances of the assault 
were as follows: — 

After the convention had decided to re- 
commit the whole question of the Platform 
to the Committee on Resolutions, and that 
body held its meeting to discharge the duty 
thus imposed upon it, when Hon. H. B. 
Wright cast the vote of Pennsylvania for the 
minority resolutions, he was told by Senator 
Bayard, of Delaware, that he (Mr. Wright) 
was instructed to vote with the Southern 
members of the committee. 

Mr. Wright replied that this statement 
could not be correct, as the Pennsylvania 
delegation, at a formal meeting held on that 
(Saturday) morning, had refused to instruct 
him. Another member of the committee 
said that such instructions had certainly 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES KEGISTER. 



339 



been given, for he had seen them. Mr. 
Wright then withdrew from the committee 
to ascertain the fact. On his way to the 
steamer Keystone State, tie met Hon. John 
L. Dawson, Senator Bigler, and Collector 
Baker. Dawson handed him a paper, pur- 
porting to be instructions from the Penn- 
sylvania delegation, which directed him to 
vote for the Bayard proposition. Mr. Wright 
refused to recognise instructions of such a 
character, inasmuch as there had been no 
meeting of the delegation. 

On hearing this, Collector Baker called 
Mr. Wright a falsifier. The latter rejoined 
that he (Baker) was a liar, whereupon the 
collector struck Mr. Wright, accompanying 
the blow with a number of epithets. . . . 
At the same time violent attempts were made 
to wrench the paper of instructions from 
Mr. Wright's hand and to destroy it, but he 
retained it in his possession. 

Terrible Calamity. — Three Persons 
Burned to Death. — This day, on the 
prairie, about ten miles west of Amboy, 111., 
a farm-house, owned by Mr. Kelley, caught 
fire, and was burned to the ground, con- 
suming three of its inmates. This terrible 
calamity can only be accounted for by the 
igniting of live coals in an ash-pan, which 
was placed near a back kitchen. About half- 
past nine o'clock p.m., Mr. Kelley and his 
wife, who slept on the first floor, were aroused 
from sleep by the noise of the burning 
kitchen. This is about all the account of 
the matter he can give, save that the chil- 
dren, a young lady of seventeen and two boys 
of about nine and six, were awakened and 
brought down-stairs, only to be smothered 
in the smoke and consumed in the devouring 
flames, so that nothing but a few bones were 
left. Mrs. Kelley's account of the affair is 
that she went up- stairs, aroused the chil- 
dren and young lady, told them to follow 
her, and that they did so until they got into 
a bedroom, intending to get out at the win- 
dow; that the flames cut her off from the 
children, and knocked her down insensible; 
she did not recover until she found herself 
sitting on the ground near the house. Mr. 
Kelley and his son, a young man who was 
quite sick, narrowly escaped, they hardly 
know how, considerably burned. Every 
article of clothing, bedding, and furniture 
in the house was destroyed. 

Sailor Killed at Sea. — This day, the 
brig Monticello, from Baltimore for Rio Ja- 
neiro, experienced a heavy gale, was thrown 
on her beam-ends, and lost all the water on 
board. George W. Cross, of Scotland, sea- 
man, was killed by falling from aloft. 

Nearly Gored to Death by a Bull. — 
This day, as Mr. John Green, of Broome co., 
N.Y., was leading his bull from a pasture- 



lot to the barn, the animal, from some cause, 
became irritated, and suddenly attacked him. 
The onset was so unexpected, Mr. Green 
being completely off his guard, that he was 
hurled violently to the ground. So long as 
Mr. Green remained quiet, however, the bull 
ceased to molest him; but, on making the 
least effort to rise, the infuriated animal 
would recommence the attack. Fortunately, 
his perilous situation was discovered by Mr. 
Cephas Tilliston, who was ploughing near 
by, and who came to the rescue in time to 
prevent his being gored to death. 

Sad Calamity. — Babes Burned to Death. 
— The dwelling-house of Mrs. Ray, Roscoe, 
Goodhue county, Minnesota, was this day 
burned, and with it two infant children. 
The mother was awakened by the infants, 
and, discovering the house to be on fire, feeble 
as she was from her recent confinement, 
succeeded in awakening her hired girl and 
three little boys. The girl, in her haste to 
open the door, lost the key, but succeeded in 
opening the window, out of which she es- 
caped and ran for assistance. The mother 
assisted the little boys through the window; 
but the flames had made such progress that 
it was impossible to save the infants, who 
had been the means of saving the family. 
The half-frantic mother and children were 
rescued with nothing on but their night- 
clothes. All their money, clothing, and 
provisions were destroyed. The husband 
and father left a short time previous for 
Pike's Peak. 

Murder from Disputing about a Prize- 
fight. — In New Orleans, this day, Charles 
Wyman, and a young man named Cunning- 
ham, met at a grocery, corner of Annuncia- 
tion and St. Thomas Streets, when an alter- 
cation occurred about the respective prowess 
of Heenan and Sayers, which soon resulted 
in the death of Cunningham from a shot 
from Wyman's pistol. A correspondent of 
the New York "Police Gazette" says: — 

I also heard of a fight on the levee, day 
before yesterday, between two steamboat- 
men, when one received what is supposed to 
be a mortal stab. This, like the other fight, 
was about Heenan and Sayers. 

Bite of a Mad Dog. — Dreadful Case 
of Hydrophobia. — This day, a young man 
in Brooklyn, N.Y., was attacked with hydro- 
phobia. The "Herald" gives the following 
account of the matter : — 

A young man named Frederick Myers, 
eighteen years of age, residing with his pa- 
rents at No. 190 Schermerhorn Street, and 
engaged as clerk in a store in Atlantic Street, 
near Hicks Street, was bitten by a mad dog 
on Saturday, the 21st of April. Myers was 
engaged in the store, when a little dog ran 
in and, jumping at him, bit him in the palm 



340 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Apeii,, 



of the hand. He turned to kick him, but 
the dog ran out again with as much pre- 
cipitation as he came in. The injury was 
but slight, — a mere scratch, which healed up 
in a few days ; and nothing further was 
thought of the circumstance until the follow- 
ing Saturday, the 28th, when the young man 
was seized with unmistakable symptoms of 
hydrophobia. His agonies since that time 
have been intense, and he is still undergoing 
all the varied horrors of that dreadful ma- 
lady, without the least hope of relief. His 
sufferings are represented as so terrible 
during the paroxysms of rage with which 
he is seized at intervals, that his friends are 
compelled to keep him bound in cords to 
prevent him from tearing himself in pieces 
or injuring others about him. There appears 
to be no remedy and no relief except in 
death. 

An Old Woman Murders her Husband 
and Throws him in a Well. — The Fort 
Wayne (Indiana) "Times" of this date gives 
the following account of the murder of an 
old man by his wife. It says: — 

The murdered man and the murderess 
were husband and wife, and had maintained 
that relation to each other for a period of 
upwards of fifty years. They resided on a 
small farm which they owned in De Kalb 
county. Mrs. Knapp informed her son 
"Jakey" of her intention to kill the old 
man, and requested "Jakey" to hold the old 
man's hands while she would choke him to 
death. "Jakey" refused. So she said no 
more about the matter until the next morn- 
ing, when she persuaded Knapp, under some 
pretence, to enter the milk-house, and, as he 
was in the act of stepping out of the build- 
ing, she struck him on the back of the head 
witli a heavy club. She then seized the axe 
which she had ready, and struck him on the 
forehead, fracturing the skull. She then 
dragged him to the well and threw him in, 
and as he went down he grasped the top of 
the gum, which grasp she forced him to re- 
lease by striking him upon the hands with 
the end of a heavy board. He then sank to 
the bottom of the well. 

She then threw a number of chunks into 
the well, remarking to her son, at the time, 
that, in case search was made for the old 
man, his body would not be discovered. 
There being some stains of blood upon the 
dress she had on at the time, she placed a 
second dress over it, directing "Jakey" to 
hide the axe and club with which she had 
committed the deed. She went to a Mrs. 
Smith's, living about a mile distant, and 
spent the day. "Jakey," in obedience to 
her command, also spent the day away from 
home. She met her son-in-law, Place, and 
told him that she had just learned that the 
old man was lost, and hastened on her way 
home. Place and a number of the neigh- 



bors immediately instituted a search for 
Knapp, and, noticing that the surface of the 
water in the well was covered with chunks, 
they put down a hook and dragged the body 
of the murdered man out. Mrs. Knapp ex- 
hibiting no grief, but on the contrary mani- 
festing the most perfect indifference, sus- 
picion pointed at her. 

She was accordingly arrested, but denied 
all connection with the murder. A committee 
of females was appointed to examine her 
clothing, and found upon her second dress the 
stains of blood spoken of, — when she became 
alarmed, and inquired for "Jakey," stating 
that lie was a simple boy, and that they would 
get all out of him. "Jakey" was then inter- 
rogated, and at first denied all knowledge 
of the matter, but afterward made a full 
statement. She was tried last week, found 
guilty, and sent to the penitentiary for 
life. 

The Democratic National Convention. 
— This day, Senator Wm. Bigler, of Penn- 
sylvania, moved that the majority and mi- 
nority reports be recommitted to the con- 
vention, with instructions to report in an 
hour the following resolutions : — 

Resolved, That the platform adopted by 
the Democratic party at Cincinnati be af- 
firmed, with the following explanatory reso- 
lutions : — ■ 

Resolved, That the Government of a Ter- 
ritory organized by an act of Congress is 
provisional and temporary, and during its 
existence all citizens of the United Stntes 
have an equal right to settle in the Territory 
without their rights either in person or pro- 
perty being destroyed or impaired by Con- 
gressional or Territorial legislation. 

Resolved, That the Democratic party stands 
pledged to the doctrine that it is the duty 
of Government- to maintain all the con- 
stitutional rights of property, of whatever 
kind, in the Territories, and to enforce all 
the decisions of the Supreme Court in re- 
ference thereto. 

Resolved, That it is the duty of the United 
States to afford ample and complete pro- 
tection to all its citizens, whether at home 
or abroad, and whether native or foreign. 

Resolved, That one of the necessities of 
the age, in a military, commercial, and postal 
point of view, is speedy communication be- 
tween the Atlantic and Pacific States; and 
the Democratic party pledge such constitu- 
tional Government aid as will insure the 
construction of a railroad to the Pacific 
coast at the earliest practicable period. 

Resolved, That the Democratic party are 
in favor of the acquisition of the island of 
Cuba, on such terms as shall be honorable 
to ourselves and just to Spain. 

Resolved, That the enactments of State 
Legislatures to defeat the faithful execution 
of the fugitive-slave law are hostile in cha- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



341 



racter, subversive of the Constitution, and 
revolutionary in their effects. 

Mr. Bigler moved the previous question. 

Mr. W. Montgomery, member of Congress 
from Pennsylvania, moved to lay Mr. Big- 
ler's motion on the table. He did not re- 
gard as a compromise a proposition for a 
Congressional slave-code and the reopening 
of the African slave-trade. But, learning 
that the adoption of his motion would have 
the effect, of tabling the whole subject, lie 
withdrew it. A division of the question 
was called for, and the vote was first taken 
on the motion to recommit, which was car- 
ried, 152 to 151; but the proposition to in- 
struct the committee was laid on the table, 
24'J.] to 56A, as follows:— 

Yeas. — Maine, 8 ; New Hampshire, 5 ; Ver- 
mont, 5 ; Massachusetts, 12£ ; Rhode Island, 
4 ; Connecticut, 5 ; New York, 35 ; Pennsyl- 
vania, 8 ; Delaware, 3 ; Maryland, 5J ; Vir- 
ginia, 15 ; North Carolina, 10 ; South Caro- 
lina, 8; Georgia, 10; Florida, 3 ; Alabama, 
9 ; Louisiana, G ; Mississippi, 7 ; Texas, 4 ; 
Arkansas, 4 ; Missouri, 4 ; Kentucky, 5 ; 
Ohio, 23 ; Indiana, 13 ; Illinois, 11 ; Michi- 
gan, 6; Iowa, 4; Minnesota, 4; California, 
3L—2m. 

Nays. — Massachusetts, \ ; Connecticut, 1 ; 
New Jersey, 7 ; Pennsylvania, 15 ; Mary- 
laud, 2}; Missouri, 9; Tennessee, 11 ; Ken- 
tucky, 7 ; Indiana, 6 ; Wisconsin, 5 ; Cali- 
fornia, \ ; Oregon, 3. — 56J. 

Subsequently, on the same day, Mr. Avery, 
from the majority of the Committee on Plat- 
form, reported the following : — 

Resolved, That the platform adopted by the 
Democratic party at Cincinnati be affirmed, 
with the following explanatory resolu- 
tions : — 

First, that the Government of a Territory 
organized by an act of Congress is provi- 
sional and temporary, and, during its exist- 
ence, all citizens of the United States have 
an equal right to settle with their property 
in the Territory without their rights, either 
of person or property, being destroyed or 
impaired by Congressional or Territorial 
legislation. 

Second, That it is the duty of the Federal 
Government, in all its departments, to pro- 
tect, when necessary, the rights of persons 
and property in the Territories and wherever 
else its constitutional authority extends. 

Third, That when the settlers in a Terri- 
tory, having an adequate population, form 
a State Constitution, the right of sovereignty 
commences ; and, being consummated by 
admission into the Union, they stand on an 
equal footing with the people of other States ; 
and the State thus organized ought to be 
admitted into the Federal Union whether its 
Constitution prohibits or recognises the in- 
stitution of slavery. 

Fourth, That the Democratic party are in 
favor of the acquisition of the island of 



Cuba, on such terms as shall be honorable 
to ourselves and just to Spain, at the ear- 
liest practicable moment. 

Fifth, That the enactments of State Legis- 
latures to defeat the faithful execution of 
the fugitive-slave law are hostile in cha- 
racter, subversive of the Constitution, and 
revolutionary in their effect. 

Sixth, That the Democracy of the United 
States recognise it as the imperative duty 
of this Government to protect the natural- 
ized citizen in all his rights, whether at 
home or in foreign lands, to the same extent 
as its native-born citizens. 

Whereas, One of the greatest necessities 
of the age, in a political, commercial, postal, 
and military point of view, is a speedy com- 
munication between the Pacific and Atlantic 
coasts : Therefore be it 

Resolved, That the Democratic party do 
hereby pledge themselves to use every means 
in their power to secure the passage of some 
bill, to the extent of the constitutional au- 
thority of Congress, for the construction of 
a Pacific railroad from the Mississippi River 
to the Pacific Ocean, at the earliest prac- 
ticable moment. 

Mr. Avery took the floor and spoke at 
length in favor of his report. Mr. H. B. 
Payne, of Ohio, replied at length in oppo- 
sition, asserting that non-intervention in 
the Territories had always been the doc- 
trine of the Democratic party. To prove 
his position he gave extracts from speeches 
of Howell Cobb, John C. Breckinridge, 
James L. Orr, A. H. Stephens, and other 
leading Southern politicians. 

Mr. Samuels, of Iowa, presented the fol- 
lowing report on behalf of the minority of 
the Platform Committee : — 

1. Resoloed, That we, the Democracy of 
the Union in convention assembled, hereby 
declare our affirmance of the resolutions 
unanimously adopted and declared as a 
platform of principles by the Democratic 
convention at Cincinnati in the year 1856, 
believing that Democratic principles are un- 
changeable in their nature when applied to 
the same subject-matters; and we recom- 
mend as the only further resolutions the 
following, inasmuch as differences of opi- 
nion exist in the Democratic party as to the 
nature and extent of the powers of a Ter- 
ritorial Legislature, and as to the powers 
and duties of Congress, under the Consti- 
tution of the United States, over the insti- 
tution of slavery within the Territories. 

2. Resolved, That the Democratic party 
will abide by the decisions of the Supreme 
Court of the United States on the questions 
of constitutional law. 

3. Resolved, That it is the duty of the 
United States to afford ample and complete 
protection to all its citizens, whether at home 
or abroad, and whether native or foreign. 

4. Resolved, That one of the necessities 



342 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



of the age, in a military, commercial, and 
postal point of view, is speedy communi- 
cation between the Atlantic and Pacific 
States ; and the Democratic party pledge 
such constitutional Government aid as will 
insure the construction of a railroad to the Pa- 
cific coast at the earliest practicable period. 

5. Resolved, That the Democratic party 
are in favor of the acquisition of the island 
of Cuba, on such terms as shall be honor- 
able to ourselves and just to Spain. 

6. Resolved, That the enactments of State 
Legislatures to defeat the faithful execution 
of the fugitive-slave law are hostile in cha- 
racter, subversive of the Constitution, and 
revolutionary in their effects. 



SUNDAY, APRIL 29. 

Sailor Washed Overboard. — This day, 
the brig W. H. Townsend, of Yarmouth, 
Mass., according to the report of the cap- 
tain, in lat. 34° 10', Ion. 75° 02', had a heavy 
gale from the north, which commenced in 
a, squall, lost jib-boom, three jibs, and main- 
topsails, stove bulwarks, the vessel lying 
for twenty hours with her lee rail under 
water, washing the deck-load adrift, but 
succeeded in saving it ; at the same time 
William Stephens, of Virginia, second officer, 
was washed overboard and lost. 

Captain Washed Overboard. — The night 
of this day, the captain of the brig Fanny 
Crosby, from Cardenas to Frankford, (Me.,) 
during the gale, was washed overboard and 
lost. 

Fire in Rochester, New York. — This 
day, a fire destroyed the flouring-mill owned 
and run by Main & Chapman, insured for 
$6000, which will nearly cover the loss on 
the building. Loss on stock, $4000 to $6000 : 
insured for $2000. W. W. Carr's mill, ad- 
joining, was not much injured by fire, but 
the stock was injured by water to the ex- 
tent of a few hundred dollars. The cause 
of the fire was unknown. 

Fires in New Orleans. — In New Orleans, 
this day, two squares, embracing fifty small 
dwellings, in the Third District of that city, 
were burned. Loss, $100,000. Another fire 
destroyed two houses in the First District. 
Loss, $5000. 

Burning of a Railroad-Bridge. — Alli- 
gator Bridge, on the Mobile & Ohio Rail- 
road, about five miles from Enterprise, 
Tenn., was destroyed by fire, this day. It 
was thought to be an incendiary fire, and 
a reward of one thousand dollars was offered 
for the conviction of the guilty parties. 

Loss of Brig Exall. — Sailor Washed 



Overboard from Schooner Alexander. — 
Captain Christie, of the schooner Alexander, 
reports that on this day, in lat. 35° 20', Ion. 
74° 16', in a heavy gale from the eastward, 
while setting storm-trysail, we shipped a 
heavy sea, which swept the decks of every 
thing movable. At the same time, Cor- 
nelius Davidson, the steward, was washed 
overboard and lost. In the same gale we 
lost our jib-boom and every thing attached. 
While lying to in the same gale, in company 
with a brig and a schooner, at two a.m. 
made out the brig had signals of distress 
flying, set the head of the jib and ran down 
to her ; fell in with her boat, and took from 
it Captain Beadling, the mate and wife, and 
seven seamen, of the brig Alfred Exall, of 
Philadelphia, for Savannah. 

Death of Captain Robert Waterman. — 
This day, Captain Robert Watermnn, one 
of the oldest shipmasters in the country, 
died at New Orleans. He was one of the 
last survivors of the race of seafaring men, 
now rapidly disappearing, whose daring and 
enterprise established the high character 
of the American merchant-marine. He was 
a native of Nantucket, born about 1785, and 
followed the sea from boyhood, commencing 
at the age of eleven years. In 1804 he 
came to New York, and was in the employ 
of Jacob Barker, as a shipmaster, sailing 
from that port. During the war between 
England and France he sailed from Bor- 
deaux under French colors in the merchant- 
service, running the risk of capture by 
English cruisers, and, with many hair- 
breadth escapes, succeeding in getting his 
cargoes into port, where the war prices 
enabled him to sell at handsome profits. 
In the War of 1812-15, he sailed under 
a letter of marque, and was captured by 
a British frigate, but succeeded in get- 
ting permission to remain on his vessel, 
which was put in charge of a prize crew and 
sent to the nearest English port. On the 
voyage, an American ship, also sailing under 
letters of marque, retook the vessel, and 
Waterman escaped from his captors. He 
afterward for many years commanded one 
of the «hips of the old line of Liverpool 
packets from New York. Captain Water- 
man was a fine specimen of the American 
shipmasters of the old school, — courageous, 
courteous, and inflexibly honest. He was 
well known and universally esteemed by the 
shipmasters and owners of New York, and 
by all who had dealings with him in business 
or social relations. 

Sudden Death. — This clay, died, near 
Rev. Dr. Bomberger's church, Race Street, 
below Fourth, Philadelphia, Miss Rebecca 
Beecher, an interesting young lady, and the 
daughter of William Beecher, an old resident 
of that city. She was in unusually high 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



epirits, and received the congratulations of 
numerous friends. In the evening, at an 
early hour, with her affianced, she started 
for that church from her residence, and, on 
reaching Fifth and Noble Streets, fell* dead 
on the pavement. The young lady had 
long been afflicted with the heart-disease. 

A Prisoner Killed in his Cell. — In New 
York, this day, the inquest in the case of 
Valentine Courtney, the pauper who died at 
the work-house, on Blackwell's Island, on 
Tuesday last, from injuries received in some 
manner unknown, was concluded by Coroner 
Jackman. A number of witnesses were ex- 
amined, but no evidence as to how the inju- 
ries were inflicted could be elicited. Neither 
the keeper nor any of his officers knew any 
thing about the matter. The following ver- 
dict was rendered: — "From the evidence 
elicited, we find that death was the result 
of great violence ; the post-mortem examina- 
tion showing a fractured skull, a dislocated 
shoulder, fifteen fractured ribs, and nume- 
rous other wounds ; and we believe that the 
injuries were received but a short time pre- 
vious to his death, and, consequently, after 
his admission to the work-house ; and we 
censure in the severest terms the keeper, 
who, having plenty of other cells, placed the 
deceased in a cell with idiots and crazed 
persons, wholly irresponsible for their ac- 
tions, and who may at any time violently 
assail a fellow-prisoner." 

Colored Sailor Washed Overboard. — 
This day, Josh Smart, colored seaman, a 
native of Providence, R.I., was washed 
overboard and lost from the schooner 
Charles Smith, Captain Gilbert, from Wil- 
mington for New York. 

An Unknown Man Found Dead. — In 
New York, an unknown man, about thirty- 
five years of age, was found lying upon the 
sidewalk, at the corner of Canal and Green- 
wich Streets, at a late hour, in a state of 
gross intoxication. He was placed in a cart 
by one of the Eighth Precinct police and con- 
veyed to the station-house. This day morn- 
ing, he was discovered to be dead in his cell, 
and the coroner was immediately notified of 
the affair. An inquest was held upon the 
body by Coroner Schirmer, when the jury, 
without being afforded the benefit of a post- 
mortem examination, rendered a verdict of 
"Death by intemperance." Deceased was 
five feet two inches in height, had black 
hair, but no whiskers, and, judging from his 
features, he appeared to have been a native 
of Ireland. 

Outrage at Albany, N.Y. — A respectable 
widow lady, thirty-six years of age, was 
dreadfully outraged, this day, in Albany, 
by a party of rowdies, ten or twelve in 



number. Her experiences were bitter. 
Going from Buffalo to visit friends in New- 
ark, N.J., she could not find them, and was 
compelled to return. Arriving in New 
York, she went on board the Isaac Newton 
and gave to an officious stranger her last 
fifty cents, he proposing to purchase her 
ticket for her. She never saw the man or 
the money again, and when she landed in 
Albany she was forced to leave her um- 
brella to pay her passage. Then she went 
to the Little Basin, endeavoring to engage 
a situation as cook on board a boat, thus 
hoping to earn her passage home. By false 
pretences she was inveigled into the brutal 
party above alluded to, and at their hands 
she suffered her last and greatest misfortune. 
John Newman, William Campion, and James 
Meigan were arrested and committed for 
trial, being fully identified by the victim of 
this outrage as participators in it. 

Shocking Wife-Murder in Philadel- 
phia. — Between seven and eight o'clock in 
the evening of this day, a shocking murder 
took place in Bush Row, America Street, 
below Norris, Philadelphia. The victim was 
a colored woman, named Hannah Whittaker, 
and the perpetrator was her husband, James 
Whittaker. It seems that the latter had 
real or supposed grounds for suspecting the 
fidelity of his wife, and the suspicion haunted 
his mind and caused him much distress. The 
family, consisting of the father, mother, and 
two children, had finished their supper, and 
the woman was. about raking the fire, when 
Whittaker, suddenly losing his self-control 
at the thought of his injuries, seized a chair 
and knocked his wife down with it. He 
then rushed upon her with a butcher-knife 
and cut her throat, inflicting a wound that 
resulted in death in a few minutes. 

The murderer then attempted to commit 
suicide ; and he gashed his own throat and 
arms with the knife. In this attempt he 
was foiled by a colored man, named Jerry 
Williams, who secured Whittaker after a 
hard struggle. The police were soon upon 
the spot, and the murderer was removed to 
the Nineteenth Ward Station-House, and 
subsequently to prison. Whittaker was a 
sober man, and he bore a good character. 



MONDAY, APRIL 30. 

The National Democratic Convention 
again met this day. The first business done 
was the taking of a vote, by States, on Mr. 
Butler's platform, which affirmed the Cin- : 
cinnati platform, and added a resolution for 
the protection of citizens abroad. 

The vote was then taken, by States, on 
Mr. Butler's amendment, with the following 
result, — Yeas, 105; Nays, 198: — 

Yeas. — Maine, 3; Massachusetts, 8; Con- 



344 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



necticut, 2 \ ; New Jersey, 5 ; Pennsylvania, 
16J; Delaware, 3; Maryland, 5J; Virginia, 
12£; North Carolina, 10; Georgia, 10; Mis- 
souri, A\; Tennessee, 11; Kentucky, 9; 
Minnesota, 1J; Oregon, 3. — 105. 

Nays. — Maine, 5 ; New Hampshire, 5 ; 
Vermont, 5; Massachusetts, 5; Rhode Island, 
4; Connecticut, 3J; New York, 35; New Jer- 
sey, 2 ; Pennsylvania, 10i ; Maryland, 2£ ; 
Virginia, 2J; South Carolina, 8; Florida, 3; 
Alabama, 9 ; Louisiana, 6 ; Mississippi, 7 ; 
Texas, 4; Arkansas, 4; Missouri, 4J ; Ten- 
nessee, 1; Kentucky, 3; Ohio, 23; Indiana, 
13; Illinois, 11; Michigan, 6; Wisconsin, 5; 
Iowa, 4 ; Minnesota, 2£ ; California, 4. — 198. 

So the amendment was rejected. 

The minority-report (that of Mr. Samuels) 
was then read ; and, after ineffectual at- 
tempts to table the subject and proceed to a 
nomination, the vote was taken, and the 
minority-report was adopted as an amend- 
ment or substitute, as follows : — 

Yeas. — Maine, 8; New Hampshire, 5 ; Ver- 
mont, 5 ; Massachusetts, 7 ; Rhode Island, 
4 ; Connecticut, 6 ; New York, 35 ; New 
Jersey, 5; Pennsylvania, 12; Maryland, 33 ; 
Virginia, 1; Missouri, 4; Tennessee, 1; 
Kentucky, 2i ; Ohio, 23 ; Indiana, 13 ; Illi- 
nois, 11; Michigan, 6; Wisconsin, 5; Iowa, 
4; Minnesota, 4. — 165. 

Nays. — Massachusetts, 6 ; New Jersey, 2 ; 
Pennsylvania, 15 ; Delaware, 3 ; Maryland, 
4£; Virginia, 14; North Carolina, 10; South 
Carolina, 8; Georgia, 10; Florida, 3; Ala- 
bama, 9; Louisiana, 6; Mississippi, 7; Texas, 
4; Arkansas, 4; Missouri, 5; Tennessee, 11; 
Kentucky, 9i; California, 4; Oregon, 3. — 
138. 

The question was then taken on the adop- 
tion of the report as amended, the vote being 
taken on each resolution separately ; and, 
with the exception of the one pledging the 
Democratic party to abide by the decisions 
of the Supreme Court on the subject of 
slavery in the Territories, which was re- 
jected, they were adopted by a vote which 
was nearly unanimous. 

The delegation from Alabama, through its 
chairman, then presented a written protest, 
signed by all its members, announcing their 
purpose to withdraw from the convention. 
They were followed by the delegations from 
Mississippi, Florida, Texas, all the Louisi- 
ana delegation except two, all the South 
Carolina delegation except three, three of 
the Arkansas delegation, two of the Delaware 
delegation, (including Senator Bayard,) and 
one from North Carolina. 

The convention having decided to proceed 
to ballot for President at four p.m., William 
Howard, of Tennessee, moved that two- 
thirds (202) of a full convention (303) be 
required to nominate; which, after much 
discussion and confusion, was adopted, — 
141 to 112, — as follows : — 

Yeas. — Maine, 3; Massachusetts, 8|; Con- 



necticut, 2\ ; New York, 35 ;New Jersey, 5^ ; 
Pennsylvania, 17i- ; Delaware, 2; Maryland, 
6; Virginia, 15; North Carolina, 10; South 
Carolina, 1; Missouri, 4J; Tennessee, 11; 
Kentucky, 11; Minnesota, \\; California, 
4; Oregon, 3.— 141. 

Nays. — Maine, 5 ; New Hampshire, 5 ; Ver- 
mont, 5; Massachusetts, 4J; Rhode Island, 
4; Connecticut, 3£; New Jersey, H; Penn- 
sylvania, 9-J ; Maryland, 2 ; Arkansas, 1 ; 
Missouri, 44 ; Tennessee, 1 ; Kentucky, 1 ; 
Ohio, 23; Indiana, 13; Illinois, 11; Michi- 
gan, 6; Wisconsin, 5; Iowa, 4; Minnesota, 



-112. 



Candidates were put in nomination, and 
the convention proceeded to ballot, as fol- 
lows : — 



1 








c 


g 




.3 






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I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



345 



Seceding National Democratic Conven- 
tion. — This day, the retiring Democrats of 
the National Democratic Convention met at 
St. Andrew's Hall, in Charleston, and were 
waited on, with manifestations of sympathy, 
by a portion of the Wood delegation from 
New York, who, however, were not invited 
or admitted to seats. The seceders organ- 
ized by the appointment of Senator James 
A. Bayard, of Delaware, as chairman, and, 
after four days' session, adjourned to meet 
in Richmond, Va., on the second Monday in 
June. Delegates were present from the fol- 
lowing States : — Alabama, Texas, Arkansas, 
Missouri, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, 
Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, and Dela- 
ware. They passed the series of resolutions 
of the majority-platform rejected by the 
convention on the 30th of April. 

Arrival of a Captured Slaver at Key 
West. — This day, the slaver Wildfire, cap- 
tured by the United States steamer Mohawk, 
was towed into Key West. The negroes were 
placed in charge of the United States Mar- 
shal, who put them in hastily-constructed 
but comfortable sheds, built expressly for 
them upon Whitehead Point, a portion of 
the land purchased for Fort Taylor, but 
half a mile distant from the fortification. 

The crew were committed to jail. Most 
of the slaves were children. 

Vessel Struck by a Water-Spout. — This 
day, the brig State of Maine, of Machias, 
Me., Capt. Gates, in lat. 33° 20', Ion. 55° 36', 
at four a.m., was struck by a water-spout, 
which carried away fore-yard and filled 
main hatch, damaging cargo, &c. 

Two Men Washed Overboard. — Unknown 
Vessel Sunk with All her Crew. — This 
day, a fearful hurricane overtook the bark 
Ocean Home, on her passage from Matan- 
zas. The report of the captain, Brandt, is 
as follows : — Blowing a hurricane, and the 
sea fearful, washing all the water-casks and 
every thing movable overboard, staving bul- 
warks and skylights, filling the cabin, start- 
ing and lifting fifteen feet of the deck, the 
water rushing in the chasm badly, and com- 
pletely gutting the galley; at 8.30 a.m. Wil- 
liam Davis, seaman, was washed overboard, 
and at 9 a.m. David Davis was washed over- 
board, and both were lost, — the sea making 
fearful breaches over the bark at the time, 
and all hands in momentary expectation that 
she would be knocked to pieces : at this time 
saw a black-painted schooner, with fore- 
mast standing and foresail in rags, running 
before the wind, with a signal of distress fly- 
ing ; saw one man going up the fore-rigging, 
when she must have gone down, as she disap- 
peared, and we were unable to render any 
assistance; throughout that day and night the 
weather was the same. 



Lake-Navigation. — This day, the steamer 
City of Cleveland, from Milwaukee for Buf- 
falo, went into Dunkirk and landed her 
passengers, having been unable to reach 
Buifalo on account of the ice. 

Fire and Loss of Life in Orange, N.J. 
— The afternoon of this day, in Orange, N.J., 
a fire broke out in a small story-and-a-half 
building in the rear of Willow Hall, which - 
was destroyed, as well as two adjoining 
dwellings. The building in which the fire 
originated was not intended for a dwelling, 
and was occupied on the first floor, as a 
blacksmith-shop, by Jonathan Hobs, who, 
with his wife and six children, lived in the 
upper part. Many conflicting statements 
were in circulation as to the origin of the 
disaster ; but it appears that the fire caught 
near the stairway leading to the upper part, 
thus cutting oft' the means of escape, although 
the second story was not over eight feet 
from the ground. Mrs. Hobs, it is said, had 
recently been confined with twins, and she, 
with the infants and one other child, perished 
in the flames. Another child, a daughter of 
Patrick Burke, about ten years old, who 
happened to be in the room at the time, 
was also so severely burned that she died 
in about two hours after. 

This girl stated, after being rescued, that 
Hobs, who was shoeing horses at the time, 
set fire to a pile of shavings near the stair- 
way, and then locked the door and ran away. 
Others say that the fire caught by sparks 
from the anvil. Hobs was in Newai'k, and 
stated that his wife and six children had 
been burned to death in Orange, before he 
could have known the particulars of the 
affair. Officers are in pursuit of him. 

Paper-Mill Burned. — This day, the 
paper-mill of Dr. Flagler, called the Poca- 
hontas Mill, near Morristown, N.J., was 
destroyed by fire, with all the machinery. 

Fire in Warren, Ohio. — This day, a fire 
at Warren, Trumbull county, Ohio, con- 
sumed most of the business part of the 
town. 

A Whiskey Duel. — This day, a German 
and an Irishman, at Muskeegon, Michigan, 
obtained a quantity of whiskey, and went 
into a back yard to drink it on a wager, to 
be won by the one who should drink the 
larger quantity. The Irishman drank two 
and a half pints, and the German three 
pints. The Irishman, Thomas Caton, died 
during the night ; but the German saved his 
life by eating a quantity of cold tallow, 
which sickened him and caused his stomach 
to eject its contents. 

Funeral of L. Johnson, Esq. — This day, 
the funeral of Mr. Lawrence Johnson took 



346 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



place, in Philadelphia, from his late resi- 
dence, Pine Street, below Eighth. The in- 
terment was at Woodland Cemetery. The 
funeral, which was very large, was attended 
by the employees of the firm of which the 
deceased was a member, by representatives 
from the various publishing-interests with 
which Mr. Johnson had extensive business 
relations, by the Typographical Society, and 
by a large number of personal friends. The 
religious services were conducted by Rev. 
Albert Barnes. 

Bellevue Hospital Rats. — This day, the 
inquest held on the body of the infant that 
was eaten by rats in Bellevue Hospital, New 
York, was concluded. The evidence of Mary 
O'Connor, the mother of the child, and that of 
numerous other witnesses, was taken. The 
jury returned a verdict to the effect that the 
child came to its death from accidental suffo- 
cation, and recommended that proper means 
be taken to rid the hospital of the rats that 
now infest that institution. They also re- 
commended that the Board of Public Chari- 
ties and Correction appoint a night-watch 
to guard the wards of the hospital. 

Coroner's Inquest. — In New York, this 
day, Coroner Schirmer held an inquest on 
the bod}' of Michael Lynch, who died at 
the New York Hospital from the effects of 
injuries received on the 20th hist. Deceased 
f was at work on the building at the corner 
of Reade and Church Streets, when he lost 
his footing on the scaffold and fell to the 
ground. A verdict was rendered in accord- 
ance with the facts. The same coroner 
held an inquest at the hospital on the body 
of Joseph Hoffman, who was killed by 
falling through a hatchway from the fifth 
story of No. 100 Walker Street. A verdict 
of " Accidental death" was rendered. De- 
ceased was a native of Germany, and thirty 
years of age. 

Murder in Danville, Pa. — This day, 
Andrew McGenty stabbed and instantly 
killed Thomas Shaveland, at Danville. Mc- 
Genty went into Shaveland's house with a 
bottle of liquor, and wanted him to drink. 
Shaveland refused, and ordered McGenty 
to leave. He went out, but soon returned 
with a knife and committed the murder 
without uttering a word. Shaveland died 
in three minutes. The murderer was cap- 
tured and lodged in prison. The crowd 
was with difficulty prevented from lynching 
the prisoner. 

California Legislature Adjourned. — 
This day, the California Legislature ad- 
journed. Bills were passed to submit to a 
vote of the people whether a convention 
shall be called to revise the State Constitu- 
tion ; to grant the right of way to the San 



Francisco & Los Angeles Telegraph Com- 
pany, and to appropriate $100,000 to aid 
the Continental Telegraph Line. The ap- 
propriations for ordinary State purposes ex- 
ceed one million of dollars. 

The favorite objects of the majority of the 
Legislature were defeated by the Governor's 
veto, or by his withholding an approval of 
them until the last day of the session. These 
were the San Francisco Bulk bill, the bill 
appropriating $250,000 to build nine wagon- 
roads over the mountains to the Washoe 
Mines, an act amending the law of libel, so as 
to permit newspapers to be sued for libel in 
any county in the State, irrespective of the 
residence of the plaintiff or defendant, and 
an act providing for the issue of $300,000 
Indian war bonds, unless Congress should 
sooner redeem them. 

Loss of the Ship Roger Stewart, 
of Brunswick, Me. — This day, the ship 
Roger Stewart was struck by a sea, and 
foundered in twenty minutes. Capt. John- 
son, of the brig Rockingham, who picked 
up the mate, reports : — May 1, lat. 36° 10' 
N.,lon. 72° 03' W., at 1.30 p.m., saw a bale 
of cotton floating on the water, and a few 
minutes afterward discovered a man on a 
small piece of wreck, making signals to us. 
Hove to and picked him up. He proved 
to be Mr. William Coneway, chief mate of 
the ship Roger Stewart, of Brunswick, 
from Mobile, bound to Liverpool, she having 
foundered the day previous in an easterly 
gale. Mr. Coneway had been twenty-four 
hours in the water. Tacked ship and stood 
to the southward, in hopes of finding some 
more of the crew. Saw several bales of 
cotton, but no more men. Spoke the bark 
Western Sea, of and from Boston, bound to 
Wilmington, N.C. ; she had picked up the 
cook and five men. Mr. Coneway says that 
he saw another bark in the morning heave 
to to windward of him, and thinks it proba- 
ble that she has picked up some men. The 
Western Sea had lost her jib-boom and fore- 
topgallant-mast. 

Another report says : — Ship Roger Stew- 
art, of Brunswick, Me., was struck by a 
heavy sea, and sunk in twenty minutes after- 
ward. There were twenty-four persons 
on board, eighteen of whom were colored 
men, the most of them clinging to pieces of 
the wreck or floating stuff after the ship 
foundered. Mr. Coneway, who was rescued 
and carried to Salem, states that he found 
himself at first with two colored men float- 
ing on a piece of the wreck, but, not liking 
his position, he divested himself of all of his 
clothing but his shirt and drawers, and 
swam to the piece from which he was taken, 
and on which he remained twenty-six hours 
in that exposed condition. At one time 
there were fourteen of the crew floating 
around him. Six, it appears, were picked 



I860.] 

up by the bark Western Sea, bound to Wil- 
mington, N.C. Sixteen of the crew were 
drowned. 

Loss of the Schooner H. M. Jenkins, 
the Captain and Three Men. — This day, 
this schooner was capsized, and the captain 
and three men drowned. Henry Granville, 
boy, and Charles Doane, seaman, were saved 
by Captain Sisson, of the Benj Morgan, the 
next day, who reports as follows: — May 1, 
ninety miles north of Hatteras, fell in with 
the wreck of schooner H. M. Jenkins, Dodge, 
late master, from Wiscassett for Havana, 
with lumber, and took from her Henry 
Granville, boy, and Charles Doane, two of 
the crew, who report the schooner capsized 
April 30, and the captain and three men 
were drowned. The two seamen clung to 
the wreck twenty-four hours, until taken 
off by the Benjamin Morgan. The whaling- 
bark Kingfisher, at New Bedford, also re- 
ports :— May 1, lat. 36° 30', Ion. 72° 0b v , fell 
in with the wreck of the H. M. Jenkins, 
abandoned, masts gone to the deck, and ap- 
parently waterlogged ; part of her deck- 
load of lumber was still remaining ; ran 
alongside of her ; she had apparently been 
in that condition but a short time. 

Loss of the Ship Cicero and Fourteen 
Lives. — The night of this day, at about a 
quarter before twelve, the ship Cicero, Capt. 
Smith, from Boston for New Orleans, with an 
assorted cargo between-decks and ice in the 
lower hold, went ashore on Great Guano 
Key, Bahamas, with all sail set. Such was 
the force with which she struck that in half 
an hour she went to pieces. Capt. Smith, 
with Mr. Carney and Mrs. Smith, passen- 
gers, and the cook and ten seamen, all of 
whose names are unknown, save that of 
James Sheppard, were drowned. H. E. Har- 
rison, the steward, tried to save himself by 
holding on to a hatch and then to an oar, but, 
losing these, was nearly exhausted, when he 
grasped at something which proved to be the 
leg of a live pig, by which he was brought to 
land insensible, and, though badly bruised, 
is likely to recover. The other seamen saved 
were Reynolds, Cluer, Robson, Brown, 
Langton, Lucking, and Watson. The rest 
of the names were unknown. 

The following is the steward's account : — 
The ship Cicero, one thousand tons' burden, 
sailed from Boston for New Orleans on the 
23d of April, with a full cargo and two pass- 
engers, — a lady and gentlemen. All went on 
well, with the exception of the captain's find- 
ing fault with his chronometer, until the night 
of the 30th of April, at a quarter to twelve, 
when the vessel struck, with all sail set, on 
the Great Guano Key, Bahamas. Such was 
the violence of the breakers that in half an 
hour the ship was dashed to pieces. The 
captain gave orders to cut the three masts 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



347 



away, which was done. The sea then made 
an entire breach over the deck, washing 
away the four boats and all the houses, the 
crew and passengers clinging on the star- 
board side or the after-quarter. The ship 
then swung around as the breakers broke 
heavily upon her. The captain then gave 
orders for all to go forward, hoping thereby 
to save the lives of those on board. With 
great difficulty we succeeded in getting out- 
side on the forward chain-plates, nothing 
remaining of the ship but her starboard 
broadside, lying as her deck might lie. 
We remained in that position for a very 
little while, when she headed to the surf; 
and then the scene was such that I can- 
not describe it. There was nothing but 
death before us ; but we still kept clinging 
on. Mrs. Smith was between the captain 
and myself, and her cries of terror and dis- 
tress were agonizing. Seeing at last there 
was no hope of lives being saved by our 
efforts, I divested myself of my clothing, 
and, bidding the captain and the lady good- 
bye, I plunged into the water and swam to- 
ward a piece of the floating wreck. There 
was such an eddy-current that I came near 
going down, when I caught hold of a part 
of the hatch and climbed upon it. After 
three hours' buffeting with the waves, I got 
near to the beach, but could not land my- 
self, on account of the surf being so high. 
I was thrown up twice, but taken back 
again. In one of these struggles I fell in 
with one of our hogs, which I laid hold of. 
At this moment a heavy surf threw me some 
thirty feet on the shore, where I remained 
senseless until about nine o'clock in the 
morning. On recovering, I had great diffi- 
culty in clearing my mouth of the sand. I 
then went in search of aid, and found only 
one man on the island, and he told me it 
was easier for the sun to come down from 
the sky than for any boat to get to the 
wreck to rescue the crew. About eleven 
o'clock we saw a part of the vessel coming 
on shore with the two mates and fourteen 
sailors clinging to it. They had a hard 
struggle of it, but landed safely. On 
Wednesday, May 2, we found the body of 
Captain Smith, and buried him on the beach 
in Cattenang Key, and on Friday we found 
the body of Mr. Carney. We buried him 
on the same spot. The lady and the other 
man we never found. We then proceeded 
to Nassau, N.P., where the American con- 
sul provided us with clothing and procured 
for us a passage to New York in the royal 
mail-steamship Karnak, on which we re- 
ceived kind attentions from the captain, 
crew, and passengers. 

H. E. Harrison, Steward. 

The following is a complete list of all 
drowned by this sad catastrophe: — 
Captain Smith, of the Cicero. 



348 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



Mr. Carney and Mrs. Smith, passengers, 
of Galveston, Texas. 

James Sheppard, seaman, and ten other 
seamen and the cook, names not known. 

The Cicero was an Al ship, of nine hun- 
dred and ninety-five tons burden, built at 
Chelsea, Mass., in 1855, and owned by 
Messrs. White and others, of Boston. 

Death of Ltjke Hitchcock. — Died, this 
day, Luke Hitchcock, for many years a pro- 
minent and wealthy citizen of the town of 
Vernon, in Oneida county, N.Y., at his resi- 
dence in the village of Oneida. Mr. Hitch- 
cock was well known throughout Oneida 
county. In the days of De Witt Clinton 
he was a prominent supporter of the " Clin- 
tonians," and was a large contractor in 
building the Erie Canal. By his energy and 
sagacity he acquired property, and at the 
time of his death was reputed the wealthiest 
man in the village where he resided. Mr. 
Hitchcock held many positions of trust. In 
1841 he was a member of Assembly from 
Oneida. A Democrat in his political faith, 
he became dissatisfied with the rulers of 
that party, was a delegate from Madison 
county to the Saratoga and Auburn conven- 
tions which organized the Republican party, 
and gave to that party his warm and cor- 
dial support throughout. 

Loss of the Snip Neptune, of Boston. — 
This day, the ship Neptune, of Boston, Cap- 
tain J. 11. Bartlett, from New Orleans for 
Liverpool, was wrecked on the Irish coast, 
by running on shore. The captain's report 
says: — The weather thick and the wind 
s.s.w., struck on a ridge a short distance off 
the mainland, which proved after to be 
Ballyteigue, near Kilmore, Wexford. After 
striking a short time on the ridge, she 
forged over on to the main, where she be- 
came a complete wreck. 



EVENTS OCCURRING IN APRIL, 
THE EXACT DATE OF "WHICH 
COULD NOT BE ASCERTAINED. 

The Fugitive-Slave Law. — A flaw has 
been found in the fugitive-slave act. In 
the case of Lewis W. Weld, on trial before 
the United States District Court, at Leaven- 
worth, Kansas, for assisting in the rescue 
of a Kentucky slave, last fall, from the hnnds 
of a guardian of the children to whose estate 
the slave belonged, Judge Petit decided that 
the indictment does not hold, because the fu- 
gitive-slave hi w does not authorize pursuit and 
reclamation by a guardian. He says there 
is no provision for recovering slaves owned 
by minors ; which is a very singular omission. 

Marine Disasters for April. — There 
were 29 American vessels reported during this 
month as totally lost or missing. Of these, 3 



were ships, G barks, 4 brigs, and 16 schooners ; 
of which 16 were wrecked, 3 abandoned, 1 
capsized, 2 sunk by collisions, 2 missing, 2 
burned, and 3 foundered. 

The following are their names, &c, in- 
cluding 6 foreign vessels lost on their way 
from or to American ports. [Those marked 
w were wrecked ; a, abandoned ; c, cap- 
sized ; s c, sunk by collision ; m, missing ; 
b, burned; /, foundered:] — 

Ships. Where from. Wlitrt bound. 

Robt. Kelly, m Liverpool New York. 

Try, (Br.,) to Granada Savannah. 

Jac. A. Westervelt, b *..New York Liverpool. 

St. Patrick, m New Orleans Liverpool. 

Barks. 

Fanny Holmes, b Appalachicola... Antwerp. 

M. A. Kendall, to Matanzas Philadelphia. 

Dirigo, to New York New Orleans. 

E. T. L., /f Callao China. 

Glimpse, to San Francisco... Victoria, V.I. 

Belle, s. c Boston Philadelphia. 

Brigs. 

Watson, to Philadelphia Boston. 

Triton, w New Orleans Cienfuegos. 

Ann Tyler, a Turk's Island... Portland. 

Atterdag, Norw.,)«J New York Leer. 

Spitfire, (Br..) w Gunaives Boston. 

Emily, (Br.,) to Cardenas Boston. 

Caroni. to Darieu Havana. 

Schooners. 

Spartan, to New Bedford Providence. 

Wynkoop, w Fernandina. 

S. S. Twitchell. s Philadelphia Norwalk. 

Betsey & Deborah, !O...Thomaston Boston. 

Josefa Edward, (N.G.)aAcapulco San Francisco. 

Sophy Collins, w New York Plymouth, N.C. 

Chalcedony, w 

Jane, s Baltimore Norwich. 

Hill Carter, w Baltimore Boston. 

Grandilla, to New York New Orleans. 

Ann, rv Calais Providence. 

Glassblower, to Philadelphia Wilm'gton, N.C. 

Alva, (Br.,) w Savannah St. John's, N.B. 

Julia Rogers, w Maracaibo New York. 

George & Edgar, c 

A. L. Packer, 4' c Port Ewen Providence. 

Sarah, a Boston.. 



Richard, to (Whaler, of Provincetown.) 

The total value of all the above is estimated 
at $475,000, exclusive of cargoes. 

* Can be repaired for $45,000 or $50,000. 
t Owned by an American at Valparaiso. 

The Missing Ship Robert Kelly. — Below 
is a list of the crew on board the ship Robert 
Kelly, Capt. Sherman, which has been re- 
ported missing and of whose fate nothing 
has been heard : — 

Capt. M. E. Sherman, of ; George 

Green, of New York, 1st officer; Mr. Collins, 
of New York, 2d officer; Matthew Morgan, 
of New York, carpenter ; Robert Walker, of 
Boston, cook; John Kehoe, of Boston, 2d 
cook ; Margaret Walker, of Boston, stew- 
ardess. 

Seamen. — Wm. Rentford, New London; 
John Eagar and John Maltbe, Boston ; R. 
Zinnow and John Flynn, Baltimore ; R. 
Williams and Wm. Lovey, New York ; Samuel 
Gaston, Boston ; Henry Woods, New York ; 
Wm. Hayel, Massachusetts ; Louis Larrobee, 
Rochester ; Thomas McMahon, Boston ; Da- 
vid Christopher, New York ; Richard Wilson, 
New Jersey ; John William, New York ; 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



James Hastie, Baltimore ; A. Woolfe, New 
York. 

Wholesale Pardoning. — Governor Moore, 
of Louisiana, lias, 'with the consent of the 
State Senate, pardoned twenty-four con- 
victs, sentenced to undergo a variety of 
punishments for crimes of all grades, in- 
cluding murderers, incendiaries, &c. 

The Mormons. — A Manifesto from Jo- 
seph Smith, the Son of the Prophet. — The 
following is the manifesto of young Joe 
Smith for the organization of a new Mormon 
Church : — 

In taking the head of the Mormon 
Church, I am running counter to the opinions 
of many people; but, believing that "there 
is a destiny that shapes our ends," I am con- 
tent to let those who are astonished and 
opposed to such a measure stand the test of 
time and an opportunity for reflection, satis- 
fied that an investigation will result in my 
favor. 

To those familiar with the books upon 
which our faith is founded, the Bible being 
the ground-work, I have no apologies to 
offer; and to those not familiar with them, and 
those who do not believe them, none is due. 

I know that many stories are now being 
circulated in reference to what will be the 
result of the step I have taken. I know 
that many believe that I will emigrate to 
Salt Lake. To those who know me, it is 
needless for me to say that I am not going 
to do any such thing while the doctrines of 
polygamy and disobedience to the laws are 
countenanced there. To those who do not 
know me personally, and to whom my prin- 
ciples are unknown, I must say, Withhold 
your censure until such time as I shall, by 
some flagrant act of disobedience to the 
law of the land, or some striking breach of 
morality, deserve the just indignation of 
society. When I do either the one or the 
other, I am ready for the opening of the 
vials of wrath of outraged society, and shall 
cheerfully receive the condemnation I shall 
merit. 

Numbers of the readers of the "Democratic 
Press" know me personally and have been 
warm friends to me: they know my senti- 
ments in regard to those obnoxious features 
in Utah Mormonism; and I trust in their 
knowledge of me as a pledge to them of what 
my future actions shall be. 

Religious toleration is one of the prin- 
ciples of our Government ; and so long as 
any denomination shall keep within the pale 
of the law, so long is it entitled to the con- 
sideration and protection of Government; but 
when those bounds are exceeded the claim 
is forfeited, and society ought to ignore it, 
and the law proclaim against it. 

A man is known by his acts. I have been 



judged heretofore by mine; and I am willing 
still to be so judged, asking all to do so 
fairly and impartially, laying their prejudices 
aside, relying not upon rumor for their know- 
ledge, but investigating for themselves. 

I leave the result in the hands of Him who 
"doeth all things well," hoping no man will 
judge me without knowledge. 

Joseph Smith. 

Escape of a Noted Convict. — Abraham 
N. Kingsbury, who was convicted a few 
years since of robbing General Halsey, of 
Ithaca, of some $10,000 or $12,000 worth 
of jewelry, railroad-bonds, &c, at Congress 
Hall, Saratoga, has escaped from Clinton 
prison. He obtained in some way a suit 
of plain clothes and a false moustache, and, 
thus disguised, walked boldly out of the yard, 
and was not missed till night. 

Fort Gorges. — The new fort in Portland 
Harbor, erected by the United States Gov- 
ernment, on Hog Island Ledge, has been 
named by the Secretary of War "Fort 
Gorges," in honor of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, 
"the original proprietor of the Province of 
Maine, and the father of English civilization 
in America." 

Loss by the Fbeshets. — The recent 
freshets in Ohio are said to have damaged 
the canals of that State to the amount of 
$100,000. 

Skeletons Found. — As Mr. Eaton, of 
Rockport. Ohio, -was ploughing in his field, 
he turned up the skeletons of three persons. 
Two of these had all double teeth and all 
sound. The skeletons lay near together 
only a foot below the surface. About a 
year since, near the same spot, another 
was ploughed up. The affair is mysterious, 
and excites the people among whom it oc- 
curred. 

Insanity Resulting from Vanity. — The 
"Lafayette (Indiana) Journal" says the 
sheriff of that county took a young fellow 
to the lunatic-asylum from that place, who 
is remarkably handsome, and whose insanity 
is believed to have been produced by a mor- 
bid development of his self-conceit. 

The Process of Raising Entire Blocks 
of Buildings. — Probably the greatest me- 
chanical feat on record is the raising of an 
entire block of buildings, weighing thirty- 
five thousand tons and presenting a front of 
three hundred and twenty feet, which has 
been accomplished at Chicago. The Chicago 
papers say the process of raising is by the 
screw, at six thousand of which, three inches 
in diameter and of " three-eighths thread," 
six hundred workmen have been employed, 
each man in charge of from eight to ten 



350 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



screws. A complete system of signals was 
kept in operation, and by these the workmen 
passed each through his series, giving each 
screw one-quarter turn, then returning to 
repeat the same. Five days' labor saw the 
immense weight rise through four feet and 
eight inches to where it now stands on tem- 
porary supports, rapidly being replaced by 
permanent foundations. 

The block comprises thirteen first-class 
stores, and a large double structure, the 
Marine Bank building. Its subdivisions 
are a five-story marble-front block, of three 
stores ; a second four-story block, of three 
stores ; and a five-story block, of four stores, 
at the corner of Clark Street, — these all pre- 
senting an unbroken front in the heart of 
our city, and filled with occupants. It pre- 
sents some of the best retail-establishments 
in the city, and some of the heaviest stocks 
of drugs, dry-goods, &c. Its upper stories 
are full of offices, and contain millinery- 
rooms, printing- establishments, binderies, 
&c. &c. ; and yet, so admirably has the work 
been conducted, the ceaseless daily tide of pe- 
destrians has not been impeded, but rather 
increased, from the novelty of the sight ; and 
the merchants and others even speak of an 
improved trade, — though they will welcome 
the completion of the work none the less. 
The block has been raised four feet eight 
inches, the required height, in five days. 
The entire work will occupy about four 
weeks. The total cost of this stupendous 
work is only $17,000. 

Death of John 0. Woodruff. — Mr. John 
0. Woodruff, a prominent merchant of New 
Orleans, and well known in New York, died 
from injuries resulting from being thrown 
from a carriage. Mr. Woodruff was a na- 
tive of New York, and received his mercantile 
education in the shipping-house of E. K. 
Collins & Co. In 1845, he went to New 
Orleans, where he established the house of 
John 0. Woodruff & Co., in connection with 
his brother, James F. Woodruff, at St. Louis, 
Mo. The latter gentleman, with his wife 
and Mrs. Collins, his sister, was among those 
lost on the ill-fated Arctic. 

Corpse Identified through a Woodcut. 
— The body of a man found in the harbor of 
New Haven, Conn., has been identified, by 
means of a woodcut portrait published in 
one of the "illustrated" weeklies, as that of 
Mr. Eldred, of Auburn, N.Y. 

Dr. Hikes Convicted.— Dr. J. Washing- 
ton Williams, alias Dr. Hines, who spent six 
months in the Louisville workhouse in 1855, 
was convicted at Memphis, Tenn., of obtain- 
ing money under false pretences. He was 
sentenced to the State prison for three years. 

Present from the Pope. — Pope Pius IX. 



presented to the Sisters of Mercy of New 
York a splendid cameo. It was put up at 
lottery for the benefit of the institution. 

Refused a Passport. — Fred. Douglass, 
while in Newcastle, made application through 
the American Minister in London for a pass- 
port to enable him to visit Paris as an Ame- 
rican citizen. The reply made by the min- 
ister was in effect that the Constitution of the 
United States did not recognise persons of 
color as citizens : the passport was therefore 
refused. Through the kindness, however, of 
the French consul at Newcastle, the required 
permission was obtained. 

A Lafayette Ex-Councilman Sentenced 
to the Penitentiary. — John Sperin, an ex- 
member of the council of Lafayette, Ind., we 
learn from the "Courier" of that city, has 
been sentenced to the penitentiary for two 
years for stealing hogs. Intemperance led 
to his downfall. 

Finding Water. — The Richmond (Ind.) 
"Broad Axe" says that while the people of 
Centreville, in that State, recently, were 
boring for water, their auger suddenly struck 
into an immense reservoir. They dug six- 
teen feet and then walled it up, then bored 
seventeen feet, when, night coming upon them, 
they suspended operations for the time-being. 
In the morning they were astonished to find 
the well filled to overflowing with water. 
Pumps were called into requisition, but all 
attempts to lower the fluid have proved un- 
availing. The water is somewhat w r arm, and 
smells slightly of sulphur. 

Woman Cowhiding. — A woman in Atlanta, 
Ga., feeling herself aggrieved by the conduct 
of a furniture-dealer of that place, met him 
on the street, and undertook to administer a 
flogging. The man was, however, more than 
a match for her, and she was in clanger of 
suffering defeat, when Gen. E. R. Mills, the 
editor of "The Southern Statesman," went 
to her assistance, finished the punishment, 
drove the assaulted man from the field, and 
gallantly escorted the assailant to her home. 

Dead Sailors. — The State Department in 
Washington have received information of the 
death of the following-named seamen at 
Singapore : — I. Green, I. Campbell, George 
Ford, J. Zork, W. Gardiner, C. F. Proff, 
Peter Hanson, Frank Curry, Wm. Shaw, 
Wm. Thompson, and John Storkes. 

Lumber for the Holy Land. — A firm in 
Savannah, Georgia, has received an order for 
200,000 feet of lumber, which is to be shipped 
for Beyrout, thence to be taken to Jerusalem 
and Damascus. 

Cincinnati Manufacturing-Statistics. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



351 



— A complete canvass of Cincinnati has been 
made, with a view to obtain information in 
reference to its manufacturing-interest. It 
appears there are engaged as operatives in 
manufacturing and mechanical pursuits, 
23,161 men, 1422 girls, and 949 boys. The 
value of the aggregate annual production is 
$56,502,440. 

Race in Making Horse-Shoes. — In Troy, 
N.Y., John McKinney and Patrick Kennedy, 
blacksmiths both, had an extraordinary trial 
of skill. The former challenged the latter to 
compete with him in making horse-shoes for 
the championship. The challenge was ac- 
cepted, the working-time fixed at ten hours, 
and each man, with his "helper," went at 
the metal. Their shops were surrounded 
through the day with an interested throng, 
and ropes were stretched about the forges to 
give sufficient space. At the expiration of 
the ten hours Kennedy had made two hun- 
dred and forty shoes, and McKinney two 
hundred and ten. Near the close of the 
contest the "helper" of the latter fainted 
from fatigue. It is not probable that an 
equal feat has ever been accomplished before. 

Monet Found in a Log. — The administra- 
tors of one Elisha Harris, deceased, late a 
resident of Luzerne county, Pa., offered his 
effects at public sale, among them an uncouth 
block of wood, supposed to be part of a 
cheese-press, and which was purchased for 
fifteen ceuts by one David M. Hatmacher. 
On the morning succeeding the sale, the 
purchaser split the block open, when he dis- 
covered a queer secret door, opened by the 
pressure of a long rod, and containing bonds, 
notes, and other matters, besides about $2000 
in silver coin. To test the right of owner- 
ship in the treasure, an amicable suit for its 
recovery was instituted in the Common Pleas 
of Luzerne county, resulting in a verdict for 
the executors for $1000. 

Legal Rate of Interest in Wisconsin. 
— Wisconsin has reduced the legal rate of 
interest from twelve per cent, to ten per cent., 
and allows two years for the redemption of 
lands which have been sold out on mortgages. 

Emancipation of Seventy-Five Negroes. 
— Mr. A. Cuthbert, from Georgia, son of a 
former United States Senator of that State, 
has purchased and settled on a farm four miles 
northwest of Paterson, N.J., bringing with 
him five negroes, to whom he has given liberty. 
They are the last of seventy-five emancipated 
by Mr. Cuthbert, the others having been sent 
to Liberia through the Colonization Society. 
This gentleman is still in the prime of life, 
and possessed of abundant means. 

Fire in the Mountains. — The mountains 
along the line of the Virginia & Tennessee 



Railroad, from Big Spring Depot to a con- 
siderable distance westward, were on fire for 
several days. 

Fire in the Dismal Swamp. — The fire in 
the Dismal Swamp is raging furiously in 
some places, and the light and smoke are 
visible from Norfolk. The flames nearly 
reached the track of the Norfolk & Peters- 
burg Railroad, and at one time the cars 
passed through the dense clouds of smoke 
with difficulty. Great exertions were re- 
quired to prevent one or two dwellings from 
being consumed. 

The Fire in the Pines. — The fire in the 
pines has been extinguished by the recent 
rains. This conflagration has proved an 
extensive one, and is supposed to have 
swept over a surface of twenty miles in 
length and from ten to twelve in breadth, 
destroying thousands of acres of pine- 
timber. 

Every year there are more or less fires in 
the pines ; but they are rarely so extensive 
as the present one. The frequency of these 
conflagrations, and the rapidity with which 
they run over thousands of acres of timber- 
land, are sufficient to induce the belief that, 
in a comparatively few years, if their de- 
structiveness should continue, our renowned 
Jersey pines, reaching from Monmouth to 
Cape May, will be, to a great extent, de- 
stroyed. — Moiuit Holly {N.J.) Mirror. 

Poisoning of Children. — At the Orphan- 
Asylum in Lexington, Kentucky, the chil- 
dren ate by mistake some arsenic prepared 
for the destruction of rats. Twenty-one of 
the victims were seriously poisoned, but, 
by great care, were saved from death. 

A Family Poisoned. — The family of Mr. 
George T. Jones, bookseller, near the Uni- 
versity of Virginia, consisting of himself, 
wife, and five children, and his clerk, were 
poisoned, but not fatally. Suspicion rests 
upon a negro cook. 

Revolutionary Soldier Dead. — There 
died, in Jackson county, Tennessee, a sol- 
dier of the Revolution, by the name of Yel- 
vaten Nevill. The deceased was born in 
Rutherford county, North Carolina, on the 
25th December, 1763, and was consequently 
in the ninety-seventh year of his age. He 
was an active participant in the closing 
scenes of the Revolution, from the time of 
the defeat of Ferguson, at King's Mountain, 
to the ever-memorable surrender of Corn- 
wallis in 1781. He was an ardent patriot 
and a true Whig, of tall and slender form, 
but blessed with a fine constitution. Active 
and energetic, he would, at the age of 
eighty-one, ride horseback with the ease 
and grace of a boy. Gifted with a retentive 



352 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



memory, his recollection was, to the latest 
years of his life, quite distinct. His vera- 
city was unimpeachable, and he was ever 
esteemed by his neighbors as a conscien- 
tiously honest man. He took a lively in- 
terest in the institutions and politics of his 
country. He had voted in every Presidential 
election which had been held in the United 
States. He voted twice for Washington, 
once for the elder Adams, twice for Jeffer- 
son, twice for Madison, twice for Monroe, 
three times for General Jackson, and once 
each for White, Harrison, Clay, Taylor, 
Scott, and Fillmore. 

State-Tax of New York for 1860. — The 
State-tax the present year, says a cor- 
respondent of the Albany "Argus," is the 
largest ever known. From a careful com- 
pilation of the value of property, as re- 
ported by State Assessors, in Assembly Do- 
cument No. 11, of 1860, the following are 
the amounts to be paid in by each county 
to satisfy the 3£-mill State-tax: — 





::2.1S6 42 
27,820 23 
'27.138 28 
72.055 67 
54,982 38 
26,602 07 
41.297 03 
23.240 55 
54 954 80 
21,687 01 
32.192 15 

109,037 93 

176,410 12 
10,r,r>0 34 
16.704 72 
16,622 S7 
49,240 14 
27.030 90 
1.772 23 
37.472 31 
59.200 88 

400,929 78 
1<.732 0(1 
53,708 56 
43.157 81 

103,622 37 

. 32.746 83 

. 2.07o.o:;-_: 7S 

51.655 37 

rotal 


Ouondaga 


99,136 23 
65,304 80 






96,389 95 


Cayuga 

Chautauqua. 




36,088 64 


Otsego 


55,971 01 

45,238 33 
19,265 74 

76.062 09 


Delaware 


Rensselaer 

Rockland 

Schenectady.. 

St. Lawrence. 
Suffolk 


100,028 30 
27.889 95 

22.01)0 :u 
41.607 84 
21.358 91 




24.009 OO 




39,958 92 
15,980 54 




55.958 13 
60,998 45 




41.235 35 




Tioga 


15.506 23 
20,772 74 




Ulster 

Washington.. 


2S,093 59 


Lewis 

Liviugston .. 


56,097 02 
9,359 10 

52.100 15 
60.722 90 


Montgomery 

New York.... 


Westchester... 


174. 32S 77 
31,326 90 
28,981 80 










85,311.090 64 



Death of ax Aged Woman. — Catharine 
Brannon died at her residence, near Pitts- 
burg, Pa., at the extraordinary age of one 
hundred and four. She was born in Done- 
gal, Ireland, in 1756, and came to this 
country in 17S2. Before her death she had 
received her second sight, and could read 
well without spectacles. She had lived up- 
ward of three generations, and had wit- 
nessed many stirring events in the rise and 
progress of the Republic. 

Turning out a Speaker. — There was an 
extraordinary scene in the Territorial Legis- 
lature of New Mexico. At the last session, 
a law was passed protecting slave-property 
in the Territory. Judge Keithley, the 



Speaker of the House, introduced a bill re- 
pealing this law ; a debate ensued, and the 
bill was laid on the table till the next day. 
In the mean time, the news spread like wild- 
fire all over Santa F6, and the members 
were summoned in hot haste. The follow- 
ing morning, on entering the House, the 
Speaker was handed a copy of the proceed- 
ings of a committee appointed by the mem- 
bers of the House, the substance of which 
was that they could never consent to have 
any person preside over them who could 
dare to introduce so anti-Democratic a bill 
before such a high-toned National Demo- 
cratic House of Representatives. In pur- 
suance of instructions received at the caucu3 
held the previous night, Mr. Cueller intro- 
duced a resolution declaring the Speaker's 
chair vacant ; and, after considerable delay 
in excusing members from voting, the reso- 
lution was carried in the affirmative. 

Donation to a Retiring College Pre- 
sident. — The sum of twenty thousand 
dollars was presented to Rev. Dr. Walker, 
the retiring President of Harvard Uni- 
versity, by a few gentlemen of Boston, who 
desire, by this addition to his resources, to 
relieve his mind altogether from cares which 
might perhaps in some degree prevent him 
from spending the remainder of his life in 
such pursuits — for the benefit of his fellow- 
men rather than of advantage to himself — 
as are most congenial to his character. The 
gift certainly was well merited ; and the 
quiet and easy manner in which it was be- 
stowed, says the "Boston Advertiser," is 
creditable to the civilization of the age. It 
was simply proposed to raise a subscription 
of ten thousand dollars ; but in a few hours 
the paper was filled to the amount we have 
stated, and the thing was accomplished with- 
out exertion. 

A Will-Case Settled. — The will of Stiles 
Park — the validity of which was disputed — 
has been sustained by the Superior Court, 
in session at Norwich, Conn. The amount 
involved was $34,000; and a provision of 
the will declared that none of the money 
should be applied in any manner whatever, 
directly or indirectly, to the support or for 
the benefit of any religious teacher, society, 
church, or denomination, on condition of re- 
verting the property to the Retreat for the 
Insane in Hartford, for the support of the 
insane poor. 

Liberal. — J. H. Brown, who supports 
fifty-two young Baptist theological students 
at Howard College, in Alabama, at an an- 
nual cost of $13,000, has endowed a theo- 
logical chair in that college by a contribu- 
tion of $25,000. 

Wills and Bequests. — The celebrated 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



Craig will-case, in Arkansas, has been ended 
by a compromise, by which Miss Wright, of 
Louisville, receives $200,000, the college at 
Helena $100,000, and Mr. W. P. Halliday, 
who was appointed administrator, $30,000; 
the remainder of the estate to be divided 
among the natural heirs of the deceased. 

Dr. Beck, who was killed at Santa Fe, 
left property valued at from $50,000 to 
$100,000,— all of which he bequeathed to 
Miss Nellie Shoemaker, to whom, it was 
said, he had been engaged in marriage, as 
had been his brother, Preston Deck, before 
his death took place. 

Mr. Charles Brewer, of Pittsburg, in his 
will, bequeaths to the Western Pennsyl- 
vania Hospital and to the department for 
the insane of the same institution, $1000. 
He gives $10,000 in trust to the Western 
Pennsylvania Hospital, the interest of which 
is to be applied to the purchase of fuel for 
the worthy poor; $5000 to the Pennsyl- 
vania Colonization Society; $5000, in trust, 
for the advancement of the moral condition 
of the seamen of the port of Philadelphia; 
$4000 to Sunday-schools ; and a further 
bequest of $2500, to be applied to the ac- 
climating of colored emigrants in Liberia. 
The bequests, in all, amount to $100,000, of 
which about half goes to public institutions. 

The executors of the will of Ezra W. 
Fletcher, late of Whittinsville, Mass., and 
formerly of Providence, with whom was left 
a portion of the estate, to be disbursed ac- 
cording to their discretion, have appro- 
priated the following sums, which have been 
paid over by £. Whittin Dudley, Esq., one 
of the executors :— 
American Board of Foreign Missions $1000 

Massachusetts Home Missions 1000 

American Education Society 1000 

American Congregational Union 1000 

Pacific University, Oregon 1000 

The will of Mrs. John Chambers, wife of 
Rev. John Chambers, of Philadelphia, just 
admitted to probate, bequeaths the interest 
of $25,000 to Mr. Chambers, and divides 
$105,000 among the children of Mr. Cham- 
bers by his first wife. 

Kidnapper Sentenced. — Benjamin Crad- 
dock, of Albemarle, Virginia, convicted of 
kidnapping a slave, has been sentenced to 
five years' imprisonment in the peniten- 
tiary. 

The Supreme Court of Mississippi has 
affirmed the validity of the law making it 
penal for retailers to sell liquor to a drunken 
man, and declaring that the owner of the 
establishment is responsible for the act of 
his barkeeper on his behalf. 

Foreclosing of Mortgages extended 
in Iowa. — A bill passed the Iowa Legisla- 
ture, giving the defendants in all mortgage- 



foreclosure cases nine montns after the 
service of notice within which to file his 
answer. This law expires by limitation 
next year, and it amounts simply to staving 
off all foreclosures till after January 1, 1861. 
The appraisement-law has also passed ; and 
henceforth all property taken on execution 
is to be appraised, and not sold unless two- 
thirds of such appraised value is offered. 
This law does not take effect by publica- 
tion, and hence will not go into operation 
until July 4 next. 

Poisoning of a Husband. — The Pitts- 
burgh (N.Y.) "Express and Sentinel" re- 
lates a poisoning-case brought to light in 
the town of Saranac, which occurred a year 
ago. It appears that a Mr. St. John and his 
wife, with a family of five or six children, 
lived on a small farm in a secluded place, 
that an unmarried Irishman named James 
Creed was employed by them, and lived at 
their house some three years, when Mr. St. 
John discovered that an improper intimacy 
existed between fhem. He therefore dis- 
charged Creed and forbade him from coming 
into his house. Creed, however, remained 
in the vicinity, and frequently met with Mrs. 
St. John. Finally the latter sent to Pitts- 
burgh by a stage-driver for arsenic and cro- 
ton oil, and on the next day, May 25, 1859, 
Mr. St. John died. A while afterward Creed 
and Mrs. St. John were married. Since then 
it has been suspected that the husband was 
poisoned, and his remains were found, upon 
investigation, to contain arsenic. Both the 
suspected parties are in jail. 

A Wealthy Man Drowns Himself for 
Fear of Coming to Want. — Geo. W. Scott. 
Esq , a valued and highly-respected resident 
of Toledo, flung himself into a pond, and 
drowned himself. He was a man said to be 
worth $60,000 in property and funds, and 
did not owe a dime. Of late he has thought 
that he should be brought to want ; and the 
idea ulminated in his effecting self-destruc- 
tion. 

A Singular Suicide was committed near 
Lawrenceburg, Indiana, by a Mr. Joseph 
Grimsley, the cause of which appears to 
have been depression produced by the report 
of a dying brother, who stated on his re- 
vival from a trance, believed to be death for 
a time by all who were about him, that he 
had been to heaven and seen there all his 
family who were dead, and learned that all 
would go there except Joseph. This an- 
nouncement, coming from a dying, almost a 
dead, brother, seems to have disordered the j 
poor fellow's mind. He acted strangely 
for several days, and finally disappeared, 
and was not found until some days after- 
ward, when two men in search of game 
accidentally discovered him swinging by the • 



354 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



neck to a pole which crossed a deep ravine. 
The sick brother died the same day the body 
was found. 

Death of Judge Edward Turner. — Died, 
Judge Edward Turner, one of the earliest 
settlers of Natchez. He was a distinguished 
lawyer, jurist, and Mason, known in Missis- 
sippi as a legislator and chancellor, and 
in Masonic bodies as the last survivor of the 
convention which formed, in 1818, the M.W. 
Grand Lodge of Mississippi. 

Death of the Largest Man in Balti- 
more. — Thomas Weber, aged fifty-two years, 
died quite suddenly at his residence. The 
deceased, at the time of his death, weighed 
four hundred and sixty pounds. His coffin 
is seven feet in length, four feet in width, 
and four feet deep. Ten years ago, he only 
weighed one hundred and fifty pounds; since 
which time until his death he grew into a 
mountain of flesh. Those who knew him 
intimately assert that he drank, on an ave- 
rage, one keg of lager-beer a day. In his 
transactions through life he was the soul of 
honor, and many a poor family will have 
sufficient cause to lament his death. His dis- 
ease was a gathering of fat about the heart. 

A Lady Ticked up on the Snow-Plough 
of a Locomotive. — Narrow Escape from 
Death. — A singular accident, occurred on 
the Central Railroad, at Waterloo, says the 
Rochester "Union," by which a lady of that 
village had a gratuitous ride before a loco- 
motive, and narrowly escaped a terrible 
death by being crushed beneath the wheels of 
the engine. As the mail-train, due at Roch- 
ester at 11.30 p.m., was coming into Waterloo 
at 8.40, Mr. Wright, the engineer of the loco- 
motive "General Gould," saw a lady running 
along one of the streets toward the train. 
Not supposing that she intended to cross the 
track ahead of the train, he kept on his way, 
running slowly, perhaps five or six miles per 
hour. The lady, probably deceived some- 
what by the speed of the train or the distance 
it was from her, attempted to cross the track 
ahead of the engine, but did not succeed. 
She was struck by the small snow-plough or 
pilot, and fell upon it in such a manner that 
she rode quite safely for ten rods or more. 
The engineer, the instant that he saw how 
summarily he had taken up a passenger, 
shut oif steam, reversed, and, by the appli- 
cation of the brakes, stopped the train as 
soon as possible. He ran to the lady and 
found that she was not so much injured but 
that she was able to walk and speak. She 
was somewhat disconcerted by the accident, 
but expressed the belief that she had received 
no serious injury. It was a miraculous es- 
cape from a dreadful death. 

Sudden Death from a Singular Cause. 



— The Lowell (Mass.) "News" gives the 
following particulars of a very singular 
case: — 

On Saturday, Miss Harriet A. Blacking- 
ton, after sewing all the evening, felt a pecu- 
liar soreness in one of her thumbs, which 
pained her so much through the night that 
she was unable to sleep. On Sunday morn- 
ing she visited a physician, who examined 
it and prescribed a poultice. At this time 
the thumb had upon it a black spot resem- 
bling a blood-blister. In the course of the 
day the doctor was sent for again, but she had 
become insensible, and was removed to the 
residence of her brother, on Franklin Square, 
where she died on Tuesday. Several phy- 
sicians were called, and they pronounced it 
to be a phlebitis, a case of very rare occur- 
rence. It is a disease of the blood, and the 
result is like that which would follow from 
the bite of a rattlesnake or any poisonous 
animal. During her spasms she bit the finger 
of a young lady who attended her vei"y 
severely ; but the wound was immediately 
cauterized, and no danger is now appre- 
hended from it. 

A Shocking Accident. — The Howard 
county (Indiana) " Tribune" says that Mr. 
Levi Sizelove, in the eastern part of the 
county, after he had chopped down a tree 
and had walked on it to the top, discovered 
something writhing, and slowly approached 
it, thinking the tree had fallen on a pig. 
What must have been his feelings when 
he discovered that it was his own six- 
years-old girl! There was Jiis child, its 
head almost entirely cut apart, and one of 
its eyes lying on its breast ! The lower ex- 
tremities still moved; but life had thus been 
horribly taken. The child had gone to the 
woods to seek its parent, without any one 
of the family knowing of its absence. 

Shocking Murder in Texas. — The In- 
dianola (Texas) "Courier" has the follow- 
ing particulars of a dreadful tragedy which 
occurred at the Shell Bank, in Refugio 
county: — 

We learn, through Mr. Cyrus P. Hiller, 
of the occurrence of a shocking tragedy 
which was enacted at the Shell Bank, in 
Refugio county. The actors were the mem- 
bers of two families named Stephenson 
and Bishop. It appears, from what our 
informant gathered during the legal investi- 
gation which followed, that a Mr. Stephenson 
had sold a piece of land to Gen. Bishop, and, 
after the purchaser had made improvements 
on the land, Stephenson wanted to get it 
back for the same amount he had been paid 
for it, but the proposition was refused by 
Bishop. This incensed Stephenson, and on 
Monday he, with his wife, son, and daughter, 
went to Gen. Bishop's house, where they 
found young Thomas Bishop sick in bed. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



355 



The wife and daughter held the sick man 
down while young Stephenson cut him lite- 
rally to pieces with a knife, killing him al- 
most immediately. While this was going on, 
Gen. Bishop knocked out the eye of the elder 
Stephenson with a hatchet. The Stephen- 
so'ns were arrested. 

Burned to Death. — Mrs. Alexander was 
burned to death near Salem, Ind., by her 
clothes taking fire while engaged in cooking, 
and her husband, who was fatally injured 
while attempting to relieve her, also died 
soon after. 

Shocking Death. — The young son of 
Newell Wyman, of Winchendon, Mass., a boy 
of ten years, went upon his father's hay- 
mow to look for hen's eggs, when a portion 
of the hay upon which he was standing 
slipped from its place. The boy fell, strik- 
ing upon a curved hay-hook, sixteen and 
one-half inches in length, which penetrated 
one thigh and passed up through the body. 
The iron passed partly through the bowels, 
the ribs, and into the flesh of the back. 
Strange as it may seem, the little fellow lived 
three hours, bearing his suffering with the 
greatest bravery, neither crying nor shedding 
a tear from the beginning. 

Died in the Midst of Marriage Pre- 
parations. — A young medical student died 
suddenly at Arcadia, N.Y., at the home of 
his expectant bride, in the midst of marriage 
preparations. An only sister of the unfor- 
tunate man died, a month or two before, under 
circumstances almost precisely similar. 

Wife Perishing in the Flames in the 
Absence of her Family. — The Marion 
(Ga.) "Star" says the house of Mr. D. W. 
Larrimore, in that place, was destroyed by 
fire, and that his wife perished in the flames. 
Mr. Larrimore was absent at the time, and 
his children were at school. It was thought 
that Mrs. Larrimore, who was subject to fits, 
was taken with one and fell into the fire, her 
clothing communicating the flames to the 
furniture. Her bones only were found in 
the embers. 

Two Children Burned Alive. — The La- 
fayette (Ind.) "Courier" chronicles the fol- 
lowing: — 

This community was shocked by a horrible 
casualty which occurred three miles west of 
the city, in which two children of Mr. Am- 
bler, a worthy and industrious farmer, one 
aged three years and the other sixteen 
months, both boys, were burned alive. The 
father had started for town after dinner, 
with a load of wood, and the mother left in 
charge of the children, fastened them in the 
house to prevent their egress, and went out 
into the field. She had been gone about an 



hour, when the flames were seen issuing from 
the building, and before the affrighted 
mother and the nearest neighbors could reach 
the house, the roof fell in with a fearful 
crash, burying the unfortunate children, 
doubtless already beyond all pain, in the 
burning mass. The bodies were recovered 
soon afterward, burned almost to a crisp and 
every human lineament fearfully obliterated. 
The remains were found near the door, indi- 
cating that the little sufferers had vainly- 
essayed to escape from the burning building. 
The horror of the spectacle and the anguish 
of the broken-hearted mother unnerved the 
stoutest hearts, and strong men, unused to 
tears, wept like children. 

A Man Burned to Death while Reading 
in Bed. — In Cheatham county, Tennessee, 
James Morgan retired to bed to read, and 
after he had fallen asleep the family was 
aroused by his screams, when they hurried 
to his room just as he threw the door open 
and fell prostrate to the floor. He was so 
badly burned that he died in a day or two 
afterward. He had some $3000 in his room, 
the greater part of it being in gold, some 
of which has been recovered in a damaged 
condition, but the paper money was entirely 
lost. 

A Boy Accidentally Kills his Mother. 
—A Mrs. St. Ohen, of Mt. Carroll, 111., was 
shot and killed by her little son, a boy about 
ten years of age. The boy levelled the gun 
at his mother in sport, not knowing that it 
was loaded, when, to his infinite consterna- 
tion, it went off, killing her almost instantly. 

Nearly Killed while Sleep-AValking. 
— At St. Louis, a young lady rose from her 
bed in a somnambulic state and went to an 
open window : in some way she managed to 
fall through to the ground, where she lay in 
a helpless state, with several of her bones 
broken, till the morning. She will probably 
die. 

Sad Event. — Death of a Lost Child. 
— A sad event happened at Albion, N.Y. A 
widow woman residing there lost her boy, a 
child of three years. The neighbors turned 
out in large numbers and sought for him 
during a day and two nights. On the second 
day, he was found dead in a ditch within 
half a mile of his home. He had clearly died 
of starvation, after having vainly endeavored 
to escape from the pit into which he had 
fallen. 

Romance in Real Life. — The Cattarau- 
gus "Freeman," published at Ellicottville, 
gives an interesting chapter from the ex- 
periences of a couple who commenced the 
journey of life together in Buffalo. Mr. 
Wm. E. Harrison, of Ellicottville, and Miss 



856 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[April, 



Maria P. Smith, of Buffalo, were married at 
the Genesee House, in that city, two years 
ago. The marriage was celebrated in the 
month of April. The bride was young, 
amiable, handsome, and accomplished ; the 
bridegroom a widower, but still in the pride 
and vigor of manhood, the fortunate pos- 
sessor of a prosperous business, and the lucky 
owner of enough of the world's goods to 
enable him to live in circumstances of com- 
parative ease and comfort. For a brief period 
all went well, and the marriage seemed likely 
to prove a highly advantageous and happy 
affair for both parties. But a " change came 
o'er the spirit of their dream," and their cup 
of happiness was rudely dashed to the earth. 
In the month of June succeeding their mar- 
riage, Mrs. Harrison made a visit to some 
friends at the West, and, listening to their 
officious intermeddling and ill-considered 
advice, was prevailed upon, much against 
the natural promptings of her heart, to desert. 
her husband, whom but eight short weeks 
before she had solemnly vowed to love, 
honor, and obey. Feeling that he had been 
deeply, grievously wronged, and naturally 
anxious to be freed from an entangling 
alliance that had been productive of such 
bitter fruits, Mr. Harrison sought and ob- 
tained a bill of divorce from his wife in the State 
of Ohio. But the affair was destined not to 
terminate in that abrupt and unhappy man- 
ner. The erring and sadly misguided woman, 
convinced of the perfidy of her friends, at 
length awoke to a perfect consciousness of 
the great wrong she had inflicted upon her 
late husband. A correspondence was opened 
between them ; she fully and freely acknow- 
ledged her fault, and asked for and obtained 
his forgiveness. The smouldering flame of 
their old affection was rekindled, mutual 
vows of love were exchanged anew, and 
she again became the wife of Mr. Har- 
rison ! 

Singular Marriage. — Forcible Sepa- 
ration. — A novel case of habeas corpus, in- 
volving curious and important questions of 
law, was tried before Judge S. M. Moore, of 
the Circuit Court, Covington, Ky. A resi- 
dent of that city, named William Ross, a 
short time since, became enamored of his 
step-daughter, Margaret Coleman, who re- 
ciprocated his affections, and a marriage en- 
gagement was the consequence. But the 
affianced pair found that their relationship 
was among the degrees prohibited by the 
laws of Kentucky. But the river was easily 
passed, and once in Ohio the restraints of 
the law would be removed, — marriage be- 
tween blood-relatives alone being prohibited 
in that State. They accordingly visited Cin- 
cinnati, were united in matrimony, and re- 
turned home rejoicing. The friends of the 
parties, however, were dissatisfied with the 
nuptials, and determined to separate them. 



The girl being a few months under twenty-one 
years of age, — the period of female majority 
in Kentucky, — and till the time of her mar- 
riage having been under the guardianship of 
a man named Hall, but who had resigned as 
soon as that event had taken place, a guardian, 
named Elisha Coleman, a relation of the 
lacty's, was appointed for the occasion, and a 
writ of habeas corpus was sued on Ross, com- 
manding him to produce his wife before 
Judge Moore and show by what authority 
she was detained by him. The proper evi- 
dence of the marriage was produced, and 
the fact that she was more than eighteen 
years of age, which concluded the period of 
her infancy at the place where the marriage 
was solemnized, was proved in court. The 
attorneys for the guardian claimed that, 
as the parties were residents of Kentucky, a 
marriage elsewhere, to evade the laws of that 
State, was null and void. The judge sus- 
tained this position, nullified the marriage, 
and gave the lady into the custody of Mr. 
Coleman. 

Sentence of a Bigamist in Massachu- 
setts. — Noah F. Bishop, of Groveland, ar- 
rested for having four wives living, has been 
sentenced, at the spring term of the Superior 
Court for Essex county, to six years' con- 
finement in the State prison. 

Case of Betrayal. — A Husband's Re- 
venge. — His Insanity. — A case of betrayal 
in Groton, Tompkins county, N.Y., which 
has just come to light, is the subject of a 
great deal of anxiety among the friends of 
the parties, and indignation in the commu- 
nity. The facts of the case are, as near as 
we can gather them, as follows : — 

Something more than a year ago, a mer- 
chant of that town, whose previous intrigues 
with the fair sex had rendered him obnoxious 
to a large portion of the community, made 
a public profession of religion, joined tint 
Methodist. Church, and succeeded in making 
people believe that he really meant to lead a 
better life. His victim was the wife of a re- 
spectable and industrious machinist, belong- 
ing to the same church; and report says that 
they were thrown much together at prayer- 
meetings and became very intimate, — so much 
so that it became the subject of general re- 
mark, and finally came to the ears of her 
husband. 

His suspicions were excited, but he did 
not believe his wife unfaithful to him, until 
one Wednesday evening, on coming home, he 
found the house deserted, and on instituting 
search found the merchant and his wife to- 
gether at or near a barn standing in a field 
some distance from the house. The outraged 
husband knocked the merchant down and 
jumped on his face with both feet, breaking 
the ridge of his nose and cutting his face in 
a. shocking manner. The merchant begged 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



357 



for his life; but the husband continued to 
stamp him until he supposed life was extinct, 
when he took his faithless wife home and in- 
formed one of his neighbors of the circum- 
stances and that he supposed he had killed 
the merchant and he had better see to it. 
The next morning some of the neighbors 
went to the spot indicated and found that 
the man had not been killed, but had come 
to and crawled home, as they easily found 
by his blood along his route home. The 
machinist's wife saj-s that she and the mer- 
chant have met clandestinely for the last six 
or eight months. She has been sent to her 
friends. The aifair has made the husband 
insane, and he has since made two attempts 
to go to the house of the merchant with the 
avowed intention of taking life, but has been 
restrained by friends. The merchant has 
been taken away from Groton and secreted 
in Homer or Cortland, to keep him from the 
vengeance of the man whose domestic hap- 
piness he has ruined. 

Rawiiiding Young Ladies in School. — 
The Kenosha (Wis.) "Times" gives an ac- 
count of the rawhiding of a youug lady in a 
school in Kenosha. The teacher's name was 
Pope. The pupil is a young lady fifteen 
years of age, daughter of E. F. Morris, of 
that city. The "Times" says: — 

We understand that it appeared in the 
evidence that the girl was flogged across the 
back and bare neck with a raw hide, some 
five or six strokes being given, drawing blood, 
all for the offence of chewing gum. 

The "Times" goes on to state the master 
had been arrested for the offence, but the 
jury did not agree. 

Divorce-Laws in Indiana not Legal 
in Kentucky. — During the late term of the 
Circuit Court in Covington, Ky., a suit was 
brought up for trial which tested the laws 
of divorce of Indiana when applied to a citizen 
of Kentucky. An individual residing in 
Kentou county, by the name of Owen R. 
Powell, in the possession of a wife and child, 
emigrated to the State of Indiana, declared 
himself a citizen, and brought suit in one of 
the courts of that State for a divorce, and 
obtained it even before he had acquired 
citizenship. Having thus repudiated his 
wife, in accordance with the laws of Indiana, 
he went back to Kenton county, his actual 
residence, and married another woman, who 
has since added a youngster to his house- 
hold. In view of the fact that Mr. Powell 
had thus obtained a divorce, Mrs. Dorcas 
Powell, the repudiated wife, came forward 
and made an application in the circuit court 
for a divorce from her husband, and asking 
in her plea that alimony be allowed. The 
evidence in the case was heard, and, when 
concluded, Judge Moore, in delivering his 
opinion, declared that the course pursued by 



Mr. Powell, in going to the State of Indiana 
to procure a divorce from his wife, was all a 
farce ; Powell was a citizen of Kentucky, 
and therefore no legal divorce could be 
granted by any court in Indiana ; the plain- 
tiff, Mrs. Dorcas Powell, was then the legiti- 
mate wife of Owen R. Powell, and the circuit 
court over which he presided had no power 
to decree a divorce. The result of the trial 
placed Mr. Powell in rather an unpleasant 
predicament, for according to the decision 
of an Indiana court he had two wives, though 
a Kentucky court allowed him but one. 

Blooming in the Grave. — A metallic 
coffin, containing the body of a young lady 
who had been buried more than four years, 
was opened in Memphis, Tennessee. The 
body was in an excellent state of preserva- 
tion : the hair, particularly, was very life- 
like, and, what was more astonishing, a full- 
blown camellia japonica, which some affec- 
tionate hand had twined in the tresses of 
the girl, was remarkably fresh-looking, the 
leaves retaining their soft, greenish hue to 
perfection. 

Elopement. — The New York " Tribune" 
says : — 

The other day we noticed the disappearance 
of a young lady from Toledo, Ohio : she was 
supposed to be struck with an irrepressible 
desire to become an actress, and the report 
was set on foot that she had applied to sun- 
dry managers for engagements, but without 
success. After being seen in Detroit, she 
vanished, and was discovered no more till 
last week. Then she was found at Pontiac, 
and the whole truth came out. It appears 
that a Mr. J. B. Howard, a painter living in 
Toledo, had seduced her, promising to pro- 
cure a divorce from his own wife and marry 
her. To avoid discovery, he caused her to 
leave her home in the way indicated, concealed 
her at Pontiac, and then actually had the 
impudence to return and assist the father in 
the search after the missing girl, of course 
throwing him off the right course. The man 
has been arrested, and his victim has been 
taken home again. 

The Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad 
was placed in the hands of a receiver. The 
Detroit "Tribune" reviews as follows the 
causes which have contributed to this 
result: — 

We have been aware for some time that a 
movement was in contemplation by the 
managers of this company to relieve it from 
the burden of a floating debt amounting 
to $1,250,000. This has been finally car- 
ried into effect, and, by a decree of the 
United States Circuit Court, that road has 
passed into the hands of a receiver on a fore- 
closure of its third and fourth mortgages, 
default haviug been made in the payment 



858 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



of interest on them for the past two years. 
C. J. Brydges, managing director of the 
Great Western Railway, has been appointed 
receiver by the court. The original stock- 
holders of the road exhausted all their means 
in pushing the building of the road half-way 
across the State, besides becoming personally 
liable to a large amount on contracts. The 
first loan negotiated in England, amounting 
to $750,000, was used up in removing this 
back indebtedness and pushing on the work 
with the limited balance; and a second loan 
of $500,000 likewise failed to complete the 
road, owing to the numberless embarrass- 
ments under which it struggled. These two 
loans were secured by third and fourth 
mortgages, the stockholders of the Great 
Western having advanced the means, first 
and second mortgages resting upon the road 
to the amount of about $4,000,000 for money 
advanced in the work up to the time that the 
loans were contracted. On the first two 
mortgages security was held to the extent of 
several hundred thousand dollars in this city 
and State, and the adjacent province of 
Canada, the balance being held in Europe. 
With the last two it was agreed that the con- 
trol of the road should pass into the hands 
of the Great Western, which company took 
possession and proceeded to complete the 
route to Grand Haven, and to ballast and 
stock the line. This required a heavy ex- 
penditure, as there was no rolling stock, 
station-buildings, or other equipments. The 
sum of $1,250,000 was expended in this 
work, which constitutes the existing floating 
debt. To remove this has been the object 
of the movement just consummated. By it 
the third and fourth mortgages and the float- 
ing debt are consolidated into a preferred 
stock, which is subject to the first and second 
mortgages. 

Government Defaulter. — Thomas Cor- 
win Hunt, late receiver of public moneys 
at Natchitoches, Louisiana, (a nephew of 
Thomas Corwin, of Ohio,) is defaulter of the 
Government to the amount of $85,000. The 
Government will probably sustain no loss, as 
the securities are perfectly responsible. 

A Slander-Case. — The Crocket " Prin- 
ter" says Mr. T. P. Collins, a merchant 
of that place, published a scandalous piece 
of poetry about a Miss Whitwell, a school- 
mistress. She sued him for $6000 damages 
and gained the case. The jury returned the 
verdict at midnight. So strong was public 
sentiment in favor of the plaintiff, that the 
verdict was received with shouts of the 
people, the firing of guns, and other demon- 
strations of gladness. 



TUESDAY, MAY 1. 

Rescue of a Prisoner charged with 
being Engaged in the Slave-Trade at 
Savannah, (Ga.) — The evening of this day, 
Capt. Farnum, in jail at Savannah, Ga., 
charged with being engaged in the slave- 
trade, was rescued from the jail by several 
men armed with revolvers. The "Savan- 
nah Republican" gives the following account 
of it. It says : — 

On Tuesday afternoon, about dusk, our 
county jail was visited by some four or five 
persons, who effected the rescue of Capt. 
Farnum, who was arrested in New York and 
brought to this State for trial on a charge 
of complicity with the slave-trade in the 
Wanderer case. The circumstances of the 
rescue, so far as we can learn, are as fol- 
lows. Capt. Farnum, it appears, lias been 
allowed every privilege at the jail consistent 
with a liberal construction of duty, — his 
confinement being almost a nominal thing. 
Arrangements were made between him and 
the rescuers that Capt. Farnum should give 
up his parol under which he had been 
allowed such freedom from restraint, when 
the former were to rush in, bind the jailer, 
and release the prisoner. This was carried 
into effect, an opportune moment being 
selected, when Mr. Stone, the jailer, was 
out on parade, and Peter Luddy, his deputy, 
in charge. 

Capt. Farnum requested Luddy to lock 
him in his cell, which was done, and Luddy 
had returned through the hall leading 
through the jail, when he was met, held by 
the rescuers, his keys taken- from him, the 
prisoner released and conducted to a car- 
riage in waiting, and driven off to the Pu- 
laski House, where he was surrounded by 
his friends, who further defied the law by 
protecting him from arrest. The district- 
attorney, Hamilton Couper, Esq., heard of 
it while casually Visiting the office of the 
Pulaski House, and endeavored to take the 
necessary proceedings for a rearrest. He 
agreed to let the matter rest until yesterday 
morning, Farnum' s friends, in consideration 
of Mr. Couper consenting to- adopt that 
course, pledging him their honor that they 
would produce the man and make applica- 
tion for bail the ensuing morning. Such 
application not having been made at two 
o'clock, Mr. Couper notified Mr. Farnum 
and his friends that he should now require 
that Mr. Farnum should surrender him- 
self into the custody of the jailer before he 
would consent to notice any application 
after that hour for bail on his part, and 
that if they refused to adopt that course he 
would call upon the proper authorities and 
require his forcible arrest. Mr. Farnum 
then surrendered himself into the custody 
of the jailer of Chatham county. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



359 



Fatal Poisoning-Case. — In New York, 
this day, the coroner held an inquest, at No. 
239 Hudson Street, on the body of a mar- 
ried Jewish lady, named Mrs. Peyser. It 
appears that early on Monday morning the 
deceased was suddenly taken with frightful 
pains and excessive vomiting, exhibiting all 
the symptoms of poisoning. Drs. Water- 
man and Krackowitzer were immediately 
sent for, and to them the dying woman 
stated that she believed that she had been 
poisoned, and desired them to examine the 
matter she had thrown from her stomach. 
The physicians prescribed the usual reme- 
dies, but in spite of all their exertions the 
lady gradually failed, and before night 
breathed her last. By the directions of 
Coroner Jackman, Dr. Bouton made a post- 
mortem examination of the body, and found 
in the stomach and intestines evident traces 
of metallic poison. Those organs were pre- 
served for the purpose of subjecting them 
to a chemical analysis, which will be made 
by Professor Zinker. 

Mr. Peyser, the husband of the unfortu- 
nate lady, was examined by the coroner, 
when he stated that he believed his wife 
died from the effects of arsenic which she 
had accidentally taken. Mr. Peyser has 
been very much troubled by the rats on the 
premises, and had placed poison in different 
parts of the house intended for their destruc- 
tion. He thinks that his wife had inad- 
vertently partaken of some of it with her 
breakfast. He and his wife had always 
lived happily together. 

The deceased had for some time kept an 
extensive millinery-establishment at her 
residence, and was much esteemed in the 
neighborhood. An intense excitement pre- 
vailed in the vicinity when it became known 
that she had been poisoned. 

A Boston Lawyer Commits Suicide by 
Jumping feom a Railroad-Train. — In the 
morning of this day, according to the "Boston 
Traveller," Mr. John W. Browne, a lawyer 
of that city, took the Fall River train, for 
the purpose of going to Middleborough, to 
attend the Probate Court. On the way he 
changed his mind, and got from the train at 
the East and West Bridgewater Station. He 
took the next train of cars for Boston, and 
when the train was going at the rate of 
thirty-five miles an hour, he suddenly jumped 
from the car. Conductor Dimon soon stopped 
the train, and people ran to him ; but he 
never breathed after they got there. The 
deceased was a native of Salem. His age 
was about fifty years, and he was educated 
at Harvard, being a classmate and an inti- 
mate friend of Hon. Charles Sumner. He 
leaves a wife and one child, a daughter, about, 
sixteen years old. 

The Philadelphia Municipal Election 



came off this day, the Opposition carrying 
their Mayor and other city officers by the 
following majorities, viz. : — 

For Mayor. 

Alex. Henry, 36,658 

John Robbins, Jr. D 35,776 

882 
City Solicitor. 

Charles E. Lex, 37,078 

H. M. Dechert, D 35,427 

1,651 
City Comptroller. 

Geo. W. Hufty, 35,157 

John R. Downing, D 35.019 

138 
Receiver of Taxes. 

Wm. P. Hamm, 36,090 

John C. Keller, D 34,904 

1,186 
City Commissioner. 

John A. Houseman, 37,069 

C. M. D. Smith, D 35,328 



1,741 

The Democrats elected six members of the 
Select Council and the Opposition the same 
number, making a tie in that body. It 
stands 12 to 12. In the Common Council, 
the Democrats gained largely. It now 
stands 54 Opposition to 40 Democrats. Pre- 
viously the Opposition could carry their 
measures by a two-third vote. 

A Little Boy Saves a Railroad-Train. 
— This day, soon after a freight-train had 
passed Shelbyville Station, on the Cincin- 
nati & Indianapolis Railroad, a rail slipped 
several inches from its place, but with- 
out doing any damage to the train, and 
without the knowledge even of any one on 
it. This was on a curve, — rendering it 
doubly dangerous. As the passenger-train 
going west neared the place soon after, the 
engineer discovered a little boy standing in 
the centre of the track, energetically waving 
a handkerchief. He was not inclined to stop 
at first, knowing the penchant of all boys 
to sport ; but, fearing some difficulty, he 
whistled and a{>plied the brakes, and suc- 
ceeded in stopping the train within five feet 
of the loosened rail. The little boy, whose 
name is McBride, on walking along the 
track, had discovered that the rail had been 
slipped, and took this method to save the 
train. I 

Fatal Accident. — In the afternoon, a 
man, supposed to be named Richard Green- 
field, was engaged in slushing down the 
masts of the schooner Sea-Flower, Capt. 
Clark, then on the ways at Clark & Rich's 



3G0 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat 



ship-yard at Greenwich, Conn. While en- 
gaged in this work, standing on the triangle, 
a knot slipped through a hole, and one 
plank fell out, precipitating Greenfield to 
the deck, killing him instantly. He struck 
upon his arm, which was broken, and the 
bone of which penetrated the deck, remain- 
ing so firmly fixed that it had to be sawed 
off. 

This accident was caused by the manner 
of fastening the triangle, which was held 
by a knot, instead of being lashed, as it is 
ordinarily secured. An inquest was held 
by Mr. John Dayton. Greenfield was shipped 
at Providence a short time since, and but 
little was known of him except that he was 
a quiet and sober man. 

Great Shower of Meteoric Stones in 
Ohio. — This day, at a quarter before one 
o'clock, a loud explosion was heard at Ma- 
rietta, so loud as to cause houses to shake, 
and to arrest the attention of all. Many 
supposed it to be the explosion of a steamer, 
which had a half-hour before passed up the 
Muskingum, and several gentlemen set outt 
immediately to learn whether or not their 
suspicions were well founded. At a dis- 
tance of eighteen miles above Marietta, they 
learned that the boat had passed up all safe, 
and that the report had been plainly heard 
from a place apparently further up the river. 

This was followed in about ten seconds by 
another report, and in three seconds by a 
third ; then followed a running discharge of 
reports, like the firing of a platoon of mus- 
ketry. Twenty-three distinct reports oc- 
curred, and a flash or streak of light appeared 
to dart from one cloud to another, which 
floated above the town. At the instant of 
the final explosion, people saw a shower of 
black specks, which they compared to a 
flock of blackbirds, fly from these clouds 
and descend with wonderful velocity to the 
earth. The place where they alighted was 
at once visited, and many specimens, of 
what they now learned to be meteoric stone, 
were found, yet warm to the touch. The 
largest specimen weighed one hundred and 
three pounds. In its passage it cut off an 
oak-root five inches in diameter, and came 
to rest beside another, against which it was 
so deeply wedged that it caused a deep 
abrasion of the root. 

In relation to this affair, Lieut. John C. 
Tiddall sent the following letter to Professor 
Henry, of the Smithsonian Institute : — 

Hendrtsburg, Ohio, May 9, 1860. 

You will doubtless see in the papers an 
account of a shower of meteoric stones 
which fell on the 1st inst., near the village 
of Concord, in Muskingum county, Ohio. 
Lest you should think it a hoax, or at least 
an incorrect statement, I have taken such 
pains as circumstances would permit, to 



obtain, as near as possible, all the facts and 
circumstances connected with it. 

The shower took place between twelve 
and one o'clock p.m. The day was unusu- 
ally cold for the season of the year, and the 
sky about two-thirds overcast with clouds. 
Simultaneously with the fall of stones a 
tremendous explosion occurred in the at- 
mosphere. To those near by it resembled a 
severe clap of thunder in sound, but was 
accompanied by a jarring sensation, which, 
together with the noise, was felt and heard 
at a much greater distance than the effect 
of thunder. It was observed and remarked 
as something peculiar by persons fifty miles 
off. I was at the time about thirty miles 
distant, and so extraordinary was the de- 
tonation and jarring sensation that I thought 
it (although an unknown occurrence in this 
region) an earthquake-shock. In fact, such 
was the general opinion of all who heard it. 
To those near where the stones fell several 
distinct reports were heard — accounts Yary 
from six to twelve — they were in rapid 
succession, perhaps not over a second of 
time between them. So strange was the 
sensation that cattle in the fields ran, 
startled at it. Four stones were seen to 
fall, and have been recovered; but the pro- 
babilities are that many others fell. Two, 
which fell within about six hundred yards 
of each other, were seen by a couple of 
men who were laboring in a field. Hearing 
the reports, one of the men looked up and 
saw a large body fall into a field close by ; 
the other, looking in another direction, saw 
another which fell upon a fence. Within 
about twenty minutes they approached and 
dug out the one which had fallen in the field, 
where it had buried itself to the depth of 
about twenty inches in a stiff limestone 
soil. It was still so hot that it could scarcely 
be held in the hands. From the direction 
in which it entered the earth, its fall ap- 
peared to be vertical. Its weight was fifty- 
one pounds, and its shape irregular, long, 
and flattened. It entered the ground point 
foremost. The other, which fell upon the 
fence, weighed forty-two pounds. In its 
descent it cut through the rails of the fence 
and buried itself in the earth, having a 
direction apparently from the northeast. 
About one and a half miles from where 
these two stones fell, a young man plough- 
ing in a field heard a strange whizzing sound 
overhead, and, looking up, saw the clouds 
in a strange state of commotion. (The 
same with regard to the agitation of the 
clouds was observed by others.) Thinking 
that he heard something fall, upon search- 
ing he found a stone weighing thirty-six 
pounds, which had fallen upon and embedded 
itself in a decayed log. It was supposed 
that it had in its fall a direction from the 
southeast. Near Claysville, about six miles 
distant, two gentlemen walking out heard 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



JG1 



the explosion, and very soon afterward a 
stone weighing four pounds fell near them, 
striking the ground so obliquely as to 
ricochet. The direction of this appeared to 
be from the north. The four stones above 
mentioned were all that were seen to fall : 
another, however, was found which had 
fallen in the woods and lodged in the earth 
among a thick cluster of roots surrounding 
a beech-tree. It weighed about thirty 
pounds, and appeared to have fallen verti- 
cally. All of the stones were irregular in 
figure, and had the same general appear- 
ance, having a blackened, smooth, vitrified 
surface. This exterior coating was, how- 
ever, very thin, — not over one-fiftieth of an 
inch in thickness. Within, the stones had 
an ashy color, and contained fine particles 
of some shining substance, probably native 
nickel. John C. Tiddall, 

Lieutenant United States Army. 

The Opposition Convention of the 
State of Delaware met at Dover, this day, 
and chose delegates for Chicago. They 
also passed a series of resolutions in favor 
of preservation of the Union, opposed to the 
extension of slavery into the free territo- 
ries of the United States, opposed to squat- 
ter sovereignty and to the doctrine that the 
Constitution of its own force carries slavery 
into the Territories of the United States, 
and in favor of the Homestead bill. 

The Methodist Quadrennial General 
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church commenced its sessions in Buffalo 
this day. Bishop Morris, of Cincinnati, is 
president. There were two hundred and 
eighty-eight delegates in attendance. 

Bishops Morris, Scott, James, Parker, 
and Auies were present. No delegates were 
present from the Vermont Conference. 

Objection was made by Mr. Brunson to 
the admission of the fifteen delegates from 
the Wisconsin Conference, on the ground 
of improper means being employed to se- 
cure the election of a fifth delegate from 
that Conference. 

The matter was tabled till the Conference 
was permanently organized. 

Bishop Morris decided that the first four 
delegates from the Wisconsin Conference 
were entitled to their seats. 

Severe Storm. — Two Sailors Washed 
Overboard. — Captain Pendleton, of the ship 
Star, from New Orleans to New York, reports 
that, on this day, in latitude 37° 22', longi- 
tude 71° 19 / , his ship was boarded by a 
heavy sea, which split main-rail and plank- 
shear, stove bulwarks and the poop-dead- 
lights, started the poop-gable, carried away 
the forward skylight and forward house, 
and washed overboard Joseph Brown, second 
officer, of Trieste, and Charles Robinson, 



seaman, both of whom were lost. By the 
same sea the steward's arm was broken and 
the captain suffered severe injuries. 

Wreck of the Whaling-Bark United 
States. — This day, Captain Whitman, of 
the ship Moses Wheeler, of Boston, took off 
from the wreck of the bark United States 
the captain, (Woodward,) the crew, and 
eight passengers, five of whom were ladies. 
The United States sailed from St. Helena 
March 10, with five hundred and fifty bar- 
rels of sperm oil and eight passengers, for 
Westport, and, on the 28th, 29th, and 30th 
of April, experienced a hurricane from 
southeast, northeast, and north, in which 
his vessel lost all her masts and rudder and 
sprung a leak. The bark, when abandoned, 
had only three feet of water in her pump- 
well; but as she was unmanageable, and 
without a rudder, her captain and officers 
thought it best to leave her while they had 
a chance. 

Captain Woodward, in returning his 
thanks and those of his passengers to Cap- 
tain Whitman, thus describes his falling in 
with him and the loss of his vessel: — 

On the 1st of May he fell in with us, in 
latitude 37° 10 / N., longitude 72°, in a sink- 
ing condition and with crew exhausted, 
having had no cooking done through the 
gale, which had lasted three days, living on 
bread, water, and raw beef. The rudder 
was gone; main-topsail, jib-staysail, and 
spencer blown away ; bulwarks, binnacle, 
and hurricane-house stove ; boats all gone 
from the cranes, with three feet of water in 
the hold, and gaining; succeeded in trans- 
ferring passengers ,and crew on board the 
Moses Wheeler in one whaleboat, which we 
fortunately had overhead, but in the fifth 
and last trip stove her. It was impossible 
for the ship Moses Wheeler to render assist- 
ance with her boats. We were very kindly 
used, and every assistance and attention 
paid to our wants by the captain and Mrs. 
Whitman, and also by a gentleman pas- 
senger, Mr. Harrington, who contributed to 
our comfort by giving up his room to the 
accommodation of the ladies. We remained 
four days on board the Moses Wheeler, 
through a succession of gales, heavy squalls, 
and rain, the captain making every effort to 
reach Bermuda, to land us ; but, fortunately, 
on the 5th of May fell in with the clipper- 
bark Inman, of Boston, and were transferred 
— myself and passengers, with eight of my 
crew — on board, where we were as kindly 
used. Saw, the same evening, the Moses 
Wheeler speak another ship, to try to get 
the rest of the crew on board. The United 
States, of Westport, was two hundred and 
seventeen tons, owned by Andrew Hicks, 
Esq., of Westport, and others. She sailed 
from New Bedford June 28, 1853, valued 
with her outfit at $24,000, on which there 



S62 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



was an insurance, including one-eighth 
OAvned by the captain, of $13,000 in New 
Bedford. She had on board, when aban- 
doned, five hundred and fifty barrels of 
sperm oil. Sent home on the voyage one 
hundred and seventy-five barrels of sperm. 

Wreck of the H. N. Jenkins, and Loss 
of Four of her Crew. — This day, the 
whaleship Benjamin Morgan, of New Lon- 
don, found the H. N. Jenkins, of Bangor, 
Me., waterlogged and dismantled in the 
Gulf Stream, and took from her two men, 
who were all that remained alive. The 
captain, mate, and two men were lost. The 
brig was from Wiscassett, bound to Havana, 
when she encountered the severe gale that 
disabled her. 

Loss of the Schooner Adeliza. — During 
the severe gale of this day, the schooner 
Adeliza, Captain Prescott, was hove on her 
beam-ends. Captain Kogers, of the schooner 
Telegraph, of Norwich, Conn., makes the 
following report of this disaster: — 

May 1, latitude 34° 38 / , longitude 74° 4', 
spoke schooner Adeliza, of Augusta, from 
St. Domingo for New York, with loss of 
captain and deck-load, having been hove on 
beam-ends, and remained three hours before 
righting. At four p.m. same day, the crew 
were taken off by brig Delaware, from Bos- 
ton, and landed at Charleston on the 7th 
inst. May 2, passed pieces of wreck, boat, 
lumber, &c. The Adeliza was an A 2 vessel, 
of one hundred and fifteen tons, built- at Au- 
gusta, Me., in 1836, where she was owned. 

Heavy Failure. — The suspension of the 
house of Treadwell, Perry & Norton, of the 
Eagle Furnace, Albany, N.Y., is, this day, 
announced. Their liabilities are said to be 
$600,000. 

Statistics of Crime. — Police Arrests. 
— This day, Chief of Police Marmus, of 
Jersey City, reports that for the three 
months ending May 1 there were 403 per- 
sons arrested on the following charges: — 
Vagrancy, 9; drunkenness and vagrancy. 
39: drunkenness, 110; drunk and disorderly, 
121 ; larceny, 23; grand larceny, 8; entering 
house with intent to steal, 3; assault, 2; as- 
sault and battery, 19; threatening life, 4; 
wife-beating, 7; destroying property, 9; 
violating city ordinances, 8; gambling, 11; 
assaulting officers, 1; fighting, 18; insanity, 
8 ; keeping disorderly house, 1 ; suspicion 
of stealing, 1; murder on the high seas, 2; 
passing counterfeit money, 2 ; illegal voting, 
1. Nativity. — United States, 77; England, 
22; Ireland, 268; Scotland, 8; Germany, 
22; other countries, 6. 

Suicide in California. — Mrs. Augusta 
Eugelberry committed suicide at San Jose, 



this day, by throwing herself into the La- 
guna. She was twenty-five years old. 

The Board of Medical Officers, which 
convened in New York, this day, found the 
following candidates qualified for admission 
into the army as assistant surgeons: — Dr. 
Webster, Massachusetts; Dr. John Vansant, 
U.S. Navy; Dr. C. C. Byrne, Florida; Dr. 
A. M. Fauntleroy, Virginia. 

The Sloop-of-War Dacotah. — This day, 
the sloop-of-war Dacotah, lately fitted out 
at Norfolk, Va., was put in commission. 
She is a beautiful little vessel and a very 
fast sailer, making sixteen knots under steam 
and twelve knots under sail alone. Her arma- 
ment consists of four Dahlgren shell-guns 
and two twelve-pound boat-howitzers. Her 
crew will number about one hundred and 
twenty men, all told, and her destination 
will be the coast of Brazil. 

Acquittal of a Slaver. — At Norfolk, 
Va., this day, Captain Land, the mate and 
supercargo of the brig Virginian, charged 
with being engaged in the slave-trade, were 
acquitted in the United States District Court. 

Fire in Brooklyn, N.Y. — Destruction 
of a Rope-Walk. — This day, a fire was dis- 
covered in the upper story of the jenny- 
house attached to the rope-walk of Messrs. 
Decevee & Walker, situated at the head of 
Johnson Street, near the Myrtle Avenue 
Plank-Road, E.D. The combustible nature 
of the material in the building caused the 
flames to spread very rapidly. The fire- 
department of the Eastern District were 
promptly on the ground, but they were un- 
able to obtain a sufficient supply of water, 
having to depend on the private cisterns 
and wells in the vicinity, which soon gave 
out ; and, as a last resort, they formed a 
line to the Newtown Creek, nearly half a 
mile distant. By this time the flames had 
attained too much headway for their crip- 
pled efforts to be of much avail, and the 
whole of the rope-walk and buildings con- 
nected therewith, with their contents, stock, 
material, and machinery, were totally de- 
stroyed. The entire loss is estimated at 
$35,000, on which there is insurance to the 
amount of $20,000, divided among several 
New York insurance-companies. The fire is 
supposed to have been the work of an in- 
cendiary, as all the fires on the premises 
were out at nine o'clock, when the watch- 
man went through the buildings. 

Fire in Chicago. — This day, a fire broke 
out in the clothing-store of Barrett, King 
& Co., which destroyed the entire stock, 
valued at $35,000: fully insured. The 
building was owned by L. Bigelow, whose 
loss is $16,000: insured for $10,000. The 



i860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



363 



building adjoining, occupied as a livery- 
stable, was crushed by a falling wall : loss, 
$12,000. 

Chukch Burned at North Reading, 
Mass. — This day, the Baptist church at 
North Reading, Mass., was destroyed by an 
incendiary fire. The loss is about $3500. 
No insurance. 

Body of an Unknown Female Found in 
New York Bay. — This day, the body of an 
unknown female, apparently about forty 
years old, was found on the outer beach, 
about two miles from the point of the Hook. 
Her face and hands were much disfigured. 
In her pocket were found a comb and a pair 
of scissors. An inquest was held on the 
body, and a verdict returned of " Supposed 
to be accidentally drowned." The body was 
interred on Sandy Hook. 

Drowned. — In Roxborough, Pa., this day, 
Mr. Jesse Dewees, an aged resident, was 
found drowned in a trench in that place. 
He had been to the election-poll, and was 
on his way home. 



WEDNESDAY, MAY 2. 

Suicide from Drunkenness. — This day, 
Charles H. Allen, a young man of Bing- 
hamton, N.Y., committed suicide by taking- 
laudanum. He was intoxicated at the time, 
and before he succeeded in obtaining the 
poison he had tried to purchase it at two 
Other shops. 

Suicide by Cutting his Throat. — In 
New York, this day, Coroner Schirmer held 
an inquest, at 163 Hester Street, upon the 
body of Joseph Aschemann, a native of Ger- 
many, aged sixty-nine years, who committed 
suicide by cutting his throat with a razor. 
Deceased, it appeared, was sick with the 
dropsy, and, becoming depressed in spirits, 
determined to commit self-destruction. Ac- 
cordingly, he procured a razor, and, drawing 
the edge of the weapon across his throat, 
severed the jugular vein. Death ensued in 
a few moments afterward. Deceased had 
often threatened to commit suicide, and, a 
day or two before his death, he requested 
his nephew to buy him some laudanum for 
that purpose. Aschemann was in easy cir- 
cumstances, living upon the interest of his 
money, and occupied a rather prominent 
position in the Hebrew community. 

Fatal Railroad- Accident. — About seven 
o'clock in the evening of this day, as one of 
the down-trains on the Hudson Road was 
leaving Carmansville, Washington Cooper, 
the builder, attempted to jump on board, 
but, missing the step, fell under the cars, 



the whole train passing over his legs, nearly 
severing them from his body. He was taken 
to New York and conveyed to the New York 
Hospital, where it was found that his leg 
would require immediate amputation. This 
was performed by Dr. Bell ; but the unfor- 
tunate man died about nine o'clock. 

Found Drowned. — In New York, this day, 
the body of a man named John Orr, who had 
been missing from his home since the 20th 
of January last, was found floating in the 
North River, at the foot of Morton Street. 
The body was conveyed to deceased's late 
residence, No. 91 Perry Street. 

Railroad- Accident.. — The freight -train 
on the Central Railroad parted when within 
four miles of Schenectady, this day. One 
car was smashed, and a brakeman, named 
Hersfall, literally torn to pieces. His re- 
mains were scattered about in all directions. 
No other person was injured. 

Death of an Unknown Man in Prison. — 
In New York, this day, an unknown man, 
about thirty-eight years of age, and appa- 
rently a native of Ireland, died at the Jef- 
ferson Market Police Court prison, from 
congestion of the brain, the result, proba- 
bly, of intemperance. Deceased, it ap- 
peared, had been arrested in Greene Street, 
by one of the Fifteenth Precinct police, on 
a charge of intoxication ; and, on being 
brought before Justice Quackenbush, he 
was committed to prison for examination. 

Boy Poisoned. — In New York, this day, 
the inquisition in the case of Robert T. 
Harper, the child who died at the residence 
of his parents, in Fifty-Ninth Street, near 
Second Avenue, about two weeks ago, from 
the effects of poison, was concluded by 
Coroner Jackman, without any clew being 
afforded to the mystery which surrounds 
the case. A post-mortem examination of 
the body was made by Drs. Finnell and 
Gallagher, and a chemical analysis of the 
stomach was gone through with, but the 
physicians were unable to discover any 
traces of poison. Dr. Finnell gave it as his 
opinion that death was produced by irrita- 
tion of the stomach and intestines, but how 
such irritation was brought on he was un- 
able to say. The jury returned a verdict 
of "Death by irritation of the stomach and 
intestines, produced by some poisonous sub- 
stance accidentally taken in food or drink, 
but what said poison was the jury are un- 
able to say." 

Death of the Rev. Archibald Maclay. 
The Rev. Archibald Maclay, a celebrated 
Baptist preacher, died, this day, in New 
York. In a biographical notice of his 
death, the "New York Herald" says: — 



364 



VINCENTS SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



The venerable Rev. Archibald Maclay, 
D.D.. or. as he was more familiarly known 
by Christians of all denominations. Father 
Maclay. died at his residence in this city. 
He was born in Scotland, in the year 177b. 
and was consequently, at the time of his 
death, in his eighty-second year. He had 
been confined to the house for six months 
or more by a distressing and lingering ill- 
ness : and, although physically prostrated, 
his mind remained clear and unclouded to 
the last moment, when his spirit passed 
away from this sublunary sphere to a 
brighter and purer existence. 

Dr. Maclay occupied a prominent position 
in the Baptist Church in this city for a pe- 
riod of more than sixty years, and from 
time to time has held distinguished official 
stations in religious societies. No one 
among the prominent clergy of this city 
■was better or more extensively known to 
every Christian denomination, or more uni- 
versally esteemed: and none have departed 
Tiii— life more deeply regretted by the com- 
munity than this liberal and enlightened 
Christian. He was associated with the Bap- 
tist church in Mulberry Street (now the 
Tabernacle Second Avenue Church) for near 
a quarter of a century, but was inure gene- 
rally known to the public in connection 
with the various societies which he repre- 
sented. He succeeded the late Dr. Cone as 
the second 1'resident of the American Bible 
Union, and in this capacity made an official 
tour of England, presenting the claims of 
the Bible Union and collecting funds for the 
revision of the Bible, in which work that 
society is now engaged. On this mission 
Dr. Maclay was very successful, owing, no 
doubt, to his fame as an eminent Baptist 
divine, and which was well known in Eng- 
land. On his return to this country he 
made a similar tour South, and with his 
usual success. In 1856 he resigned the 
Presidency of the Bible Cnion. on account 
of a dissatisfaction at the manner in which 
the internal affairs of the Bible Union were 
conducted. Recently he has been an agent 
of the American and Foreign Bible Society, 
in whose behalf he was a strenuous laborer 
before the formation of the Bible Union. In 
every sphere of life to which he was called 
he brought all his energies, and at all times 
challenged the unlimited confidence of all 
with whom he associated. He was the 
father of the Hon. William B. Maclay, M.C., 
of this city, and father-in-law of Rev. Dr. 
Judd. He leaves a large number of grand- 
children and great-grandchildren to lament 
his loss. He died as he had lived, in full 
communion with his heavenly Master. He 
came to this city at a very early period of 
his life, and has seen more changes in the 
religious and political world than almost 
any individual now living. 



Nearly a Hundred. — Mrs. Margaret 
Preble, aged ninety-nine years, ten months, 
and six days, died, this day, at the residence 
other son-in-law, in Pendleton county. Ivy. 
She was born in Pennsylvania, and lived to 
see the grandchild of a great-great-grand- 
child. Something unusually remarkable. 

Wife-Poisoner Arrested. — In New York, 
this day, Daniel Kane was arrested, charged 
with attempting to poison his wife. The 
circumstances were as follows: — 

Mrs. Kane was recently confined, and, on 
Thursday night, while lying sick in bed, 
her husband brought her some gruel, which 
he appeared anxious for her to take. She 
suspected something wrong from his man- 
ner, and so simply tasted it, finding that it 
blistered her mouth and tongue. Sending 
her husband from the room for a moment, 
she contrived to hide a bottleful of the gruel 
under her pullow. On his return to the 
room he seemed pleased at her having taken 
so much of it. and frequently asked her 
afterward how she felt. In the morning 
Mrs. Kane sent for a pxdiceman, and he also 
had his mouth and tongue blistered by tast- 
ing the poisoned gruel ; thereupon the officer 
arrested Mr. Kane and conveyed him before 
Justice Quackenbush, who committed him 
for examination on the charge of attempting 
to poison his wife. 

The Connecticut Legislature organized 
at New Haven, this day. The Senate elected 
Hiram Goodwin, of Litchfield county, for 
President pro tern., and David D. Hoag, of 
the same county, for Clerk. In the House 
caucus, 0. H. Perry, of Fairfield, was elected 
Speaker, (he held the same office last year ;) 
Daniel E. Holcomb, of Hartford county, for 
First Clerk : Cyrus Northrop, of Fairfield 
county, for Second Clerk, and Carrington 
& Hotchkiss for State Printers. 

Governor Buckingham, in his message to 
them, alludes to duties obligatory upon 
them ; calls for better protection to the ballot- 
box: recommends a registry-law, that every 
voter should be able to read, and that no 
electors should be made on days of election ; 
suggests improvements in the law for the 
protection of property, so that in case of 
crime the bond shaU not be less than the 
property involved ; favors the appointment 
of arbitrators to adjust the boundary-lines 
between Connecticut and New York. He 
calls attention to the cattle-disease in Mas- 
sachusetts. The message concludes with a 
history of the slavery controversy, taking 
decidedly Republican grounds. Much of it 
is taken up with statistics of the finances 
and institutions of the State, which are in 
a flourishing condition. 

The same day he was re-inaugurated into 
the office which he has filled since 1858. 
The ceremonies, parades, and processions 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 






on the occasion were unusually imposing. 
The city was filled with strangers. At 
night there was a torchlight procession, a 
display of fireworks, and a grand festival. 
Tables were spread for 2000 persons. 

The Michigan Republican State Con- 
vention - met at Detroit, this day, and elected 
delegates for Chicago, whom they instructed 
to vote for Seward. 

The Virginia Republican State Con- 
vention met at Wheeling, this day. There 
were about three hundred delegates present 
from all portions of the State. Joseph 
Applegate, of Brooke county, was chosen 
President, with eleven Vice-Presidents. 

Delegates were appointed to the Chicago 
Convention, and a series of resolutions 
were passed, pledging to support the Chi- 
cago nominee, favoring a tariff affording 
protection to the products of the white 
laboring-men of our country against those 
of foreign countries, and equality of right 
among citizens; opposing proscription on 
account of opinions or place of birth ; de- 
nouncing the action of the Administration 
regarding the impressment of naturalized 
citizens when visiting the country of their 
birth : approving the Homestead bill, and 
favoring the plan of colonization of free 
negroes. 

Speeches were made by J. C. Underwood, 
and J. Wilson, of Indiana. In the evening 
there was a meeting of three thousand 
people, which was addressed by F. P. 
Blair. 

I»i>perate State of Utah. — This day 
it was announced that the Governor (Cum- 
mingi of Utah had informed the President 
that Utah is in a condition bordering on 
anarchy, and some action is therefore ne- 
cessary on the part of the Government to 
relieve the Territory from present and im- 
pending evils. He alludes to the bands of 
desperadoes whose conduct renders the 
tenure of life and property uncertain, and 
requests either that judges will be sent out 
in place of those who have deserted Utah. 
or that the Probate Courts will be authorized 
to exercise the powers claimed by them and 
granted by the Legislative Assembly, or that 
some other means of safety be adopted. He 
requests that five hundred soldiers be re- 
tained there, as the withdrawal of the entire 
army would be injudicious and unjust. Gov- 
ernor Cummins states the population of Utah 
at 52,000 or 53,000,— though it is estimated 
larger by the Mormons. 

New York Canal-Navigation. — First 
Boat. — The boat Milo, of the new Oswego 
line, from New York, with merchandise for 
the West, arrived at Oswego this day. This is 
the first through boat this season. 



Schooner Abandoned. — The schooner 
Rosenleath was this clay abandoned. The 
crew were taken off by brig C C. Billings. 

Suspected Slaver Escaped. — This 'lay. a 
I suspected slaver, the Storm-King, sail 
the coast of Africa. The New York '• Herald" 
sayt — 

A custom-house officer repaired to the 
United States District Attorney's office be- 
tween three and four o'clock, with the in- 
formation that the Storm-King had cleared for 
the coast of Africa. Mr. Dwight directed 
him to go up to the supposed slaver Char- 
lotte E. Tay. at the pier foot of Tenth Si 
where he would find Deputies Joseph Thomp- 
son and Donnell overhauling that vessel, and 
who alone were authorized, in the absence 
of the Marshal, to sign the warrant for de- 
tention. It appears that Deputies The 
Ryndera and Henry Munn went to the Char- 
lotte E. Tay : but Messrs. Thompson and 
Donnell had left. They did not, however, 
go to Mr. Thompson's house for the proper 
signature to the warrant, and proceeded in 
1 search of the Storm- King without the neces- 
sary legal authority. They engaged the 
steam-tug Relief, and overtook the supposed 
slaver in tow of the Jacob Bell at the Nar- 
rows. Rynders and Munn boarded the brig. 
i An altercation ensued between them and the 
: officers of the suspected slaver. Theodore 
Rynders drew a revolver on the captain or 
mate who was in command of the Storm- 
King. After some conversation, however, 
matters cooled down, the vessel was per- 
I mitted to proceed on her voyage to the 
; of Africa, and the Marshal's officers returned 
to New York, went up to the private resi- 
dence of Mr. Dwight, one of the United 
States Attorney's assistants, and reported to 
him that the supposed slaver could not be 
found. 

Seduction. Abortion, and Death. — This 
day, died Miss Caroline C. Roswell. a ; 
lady about twenty-two years of age. daugh- 
ter of Mr. James Roswell, an Englishman, 
and a worthy and industrious gardener, 
living on Harrison Street, near Hawke's Hol- 
low, in Haverhill. Mass., from the effect of 
an attempted abortion to hide her shame. 
The following accouut of the matter is given 
in the Massachusetts papers. Thev say : — 

Caroline was employed for some time be- 
fore her death in running a sewing-machine 
in the shoe-manufactory of Mr. William Luce, 
of Haverhill. She was on terms of intimacy 
with a young man named William Foss, who 
was also in the employ of Mr. Luce. The 
suspicions of the mother of Miss Roswell 
that her daughter was in a delicate situation 
appear to have been aroused some six or 
eight weeks since : but, upon being ques- 
tioned, the latter persistently denied the alle- 
[ gation, and manifested much feeling upon the 



86G 



VINCENTS SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



subject. On Wednesday, April 27, Miss Eos- 
well went to Newburyport without the know- 
ledge of her parents, — but whether alone or in 
company does not appear, — returning home 
about midnight. She worked in the shop as 
usual the three following days, and on Sa- 
turday was taken sick, complaining of ex- 
treme coldness and distress. On Saturday 
night or Sunday she was delivered of a 
female child, which she concealed in a trunk 
in her bedchamber. She daily grew worse, 
and on Tuesday following the premature de- 
livery Dr. E. B. Sawyer was called in, and 
subsequently she was also attended by Drs. 
Chase and Flint. There was strong evidence 
of an illegal operation having been performed. 
She continued to sink until Wednesday night, 
when she died. Before her death she dis- 
closed to her mother the secret that she had 
given birth to a child, informing her where 
it could be found. She also said she had 
visited Newburyport and undergone an ope- 
ration at the hands of Dr. James A. Tilton, 
a regular practitioner of that city. She gave 
a minute account of the manner in which 
the operation was performed, a description 
of the instruments employed, and of her ter- 
rible suffering. She begged her mother not 
to allow her body to be opened, and acquitted 
her intended of any blame in the matter. 

The annual meeting of the Geographical 
and .Statistical Society for the ensuing year 
took place this day in New York. The re- 
port of the Librarian states that since the 
last report 822 volumes have been added to 
the library, of which 491 were donations. 
Number of pamphlets on hand, 1450. The 
library now contains 4660 volumes, being a 
large increase since 1859. The books are 
almost entirely statistical in their character; 
and whether the object be explorations, 
travels, voyages, Arctic expeditions, or any 
other geographical history, the student will 
find here most, if not all, of the published 
works upon the subjects. A valuable paper 
on consumption was read by D. H. P. Millard. 
The Society elected F. L. Hawks President. 

Young Lady Seduced, and Poisoned by 
Strychnine. — In Weymouth, Mass., this day, 
died Miss Betsey Frances Tirrell, daughter 
of Mr. Wilson Tirrell, who is engaged in the 
leather-business in that city. She went from 
her father's house to South Weymouth — a 
short distance — with Mr. George C. Hersey, 
and, returning about eight o'clock, went to 
bed shortly after. At about half-past nine 
o'clock a younger sister who slept with her 
was attracted by twitchings of her sister's 
body, and asked her what the matter was. 
She replied that she was dying ; and at her 
request her father was sent for. A physician 
was at once obtained ; but nothing could be 
done for her, and she died in half an hour. 
She was twenty-four years of age. 



It was supposed that she had died in a fit ; 
but at the request of friends a post-mortem 
examination and an inquest were decided 
on. 

The autopsy was made by Dr. Howe, and 
the sad fact was revealed that the deceased 
was about four months advanced in preg- 
nancy. The stomach was removed and sent 
to Dr. A. A. Hayes, of Boston, by direction 
of the coroner, to be examined ; and the ex- 
amination has disclosed unmistakable evi- 
dence of the presence of strychnine, in quan- 
tity amply sufficient to cause death. A silver 
spoon having been found in the house behind 
a fireboard, it was also sent to Dr. Hayes, 
who reports that upon it he found strychnine. 
The poison was doubtless taken from this 
spoon. 

One of the most important considerations 
which prompted an autopsy was the similarity 
of the circumstances attending the death of a 
younger sister about four months ago. She 
was engaged to be married to Mr. George C. 
Hersey, and she was also supposed to have 
died in a fit. An autopsy was suggested at 
that time ; but it was not made, chiefly on 
account of the objections of Hersey, who is 
said to have shown uncontrollable grief at 
that time. Miss Mary Tirrell was a beautiful 
girl, well educated, and beloved by a large 
circle of friends. She was about eighteen 
years of age. 

Mr. George C. Hersey, who appears, from 
all the circumstances which have come to 
light, to have played an important part in 
the sad tragedy, is a young man belonging in 
Iiingham, and a widower, whose wife died 
suddenly about two years ago. He had re- 
cently been employed to work a stitching- 
machine by Messrs. N. Shaw & Co., a boot 
and shoe firm on North Street. A brother 
of Mr. Hersey had married into the family 
of Mr. Tirrell, and was always treated as a 
friend and one of the family. 

There were strong suspicions that he was 
guilty. It was asserted that he had been 
paying his addresses to a young lady in South 
Weymouth within a few weeks, and had at- 
tempted to seduce her, but she would not 
listen to him, and two weeks ago he received 
notice from her that his attentions were not 
agreeable. 

A druggist of Weymouth testified that Mr. 
Hersey had made some inquiries of him, in 
his store, touching the effects of strychnine ; 
and a young sister of Miss Tirrell, about 
twelve years of age, says that Hersey has 
several times come into her room in the night, 
and that he has slept with her. 

The Methodist Quadrennial Conference 
referred the matter of the Wisconsin dele- 
gates to a committee of five. 

A resolution by Mr. Witherspoon to revise 
the Discipline relating to the duties of the 
presiding elders so as to place them in the 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



367 



pastoral relation, was referred to the Com- 
mittee on Itinerancy. 

Committees of seven were ordered on Tem- 
perance, the Bible, Temporal Economy, and 
the Pastoral Address. 

The session was opened with the usual re- 
ligious services, Bishop James, of New York, 
in the chair. 

Bishop Simpson appeared and took his seat 
on the platform. 

A committee of five was ordered to be ap- 
pointed by the Chair to take into consider- 
ation the question of divorce and marriage, 
and report to this Conference. 

Elopement of a Marbied Man with a 
French Girl, leaving a Wife and Family. 
— This day, a man named Otis S. Ward 
eloped from Enfield, Mass., with a French 
girl named Annie Hattle, leaving behind him 
a wife and several children. The Palmer 
"Journal" gives the following account of the 
affair. It says : — 

In the early part of last winter, a party of 
wandering Indians pitched their tent near 
the village of Enfield, and for several weeks 
made and peddled baskets. Among them 
was a French girl, young and bewitching, as 
all pretty French girls are apt to be. She 
made the acquaintance of one Otis S. Ward, 
a comparatively young man, who could boast 
of a large pair of whiskers, an affectionate 
wife, and two children. He kept the board- 
ing-house for the Minot Manufacturing Com- 
pany, and was considered a very respectable 
man. When the Indians struck their tent 
and left town the French girl went into the 
family of Mrs. Ward and assisted her through 
the winter. On the 1st of April she left 
town, Ward taking her to the cars in Palmer. 
A correspondence soon commenced between 
Ward and the girl, the frequency of which 
excited the suspicions of the postmaster. On 
the 3d inst. Ward suddenly left town, and on 
the same day a letter came for him from 
Cliftondale, in the town of Saugus. The 
letter remained in the office a clay or two, 
when the postmaster received a line from the 
French girl recalling the letter she had sent 
to Ward, stating that she had made a great 
mistake, as she had learned that Ward had 
left town. The letter was taken to Ward's 
wife, who was overwhelmed with grief at 
reading it. It revealed the whole mystery 
of her husband's absence, and opened the 
flood-gates of village gossip. The following 
is a copy of the letter, verbatim : — 

Cliftondale, May 1. 
My dear and beloved husband if i may be 
permitted to call you so, i received your | 
longed for letter and would rather have it j 
than a. five dollar bill, how i have longed i 
for the time to come when i can sit in your 
lap and hug and kiss you as much as i please ! 
and bury my face in your whiskers, i have | 



been to Boston and find that the steamboat 
leaves Foster's wharf for Bangor on tuesday 
and Fridays at 5 o'clock, i will meet you at 
Worcester depot on the 4th. be sure and 
come, your affectionate wife. 

ANNIE IIATTLE. 
P.S. — be sure and cut off part of your 
whiskers. 

It is supposed that Ward and the girl have 
gone to Canada. He left debts behind him 
to the amount of three or four hundred dol- 
lars, which is a poor consolation to the in- 
jured wife and children. 

Conviction of the Rev. Jacob S. Harden 
for Poisoning his Wife. — This day, the Rev. 
Jacob S. Harden was convicted, in Belvidere, 
Warren county, N.J., of poisoning his wife. 
Judge Dayton, in charging the jury, said that 
Harden's conduct was inconsistent with the 
idea of his innocence or with the theory of 
suicide. He did nothing for his wife's relief, 
brings her no remedies except buttermilk, 
and says he has nothing on his mind. When 
it came to the last moments, his coward con- 
science shrank, and he begged Mrs. Ramsey 
not to leave the room. A story of suicide is 
untrue ; and if it were true he would scarcely 
be less guilty than if he had murdered her. 
He foreshadows death in his letters and con- 
versations. When the arsenic he has is used, 
he says he is going to Milford, but goes to 
Easton and obtains more. Hecht recognises 
him beyond a reasonable doubt : besides, 
Harden was in Easton at the time, and with- 
out any reasonable business ; and no innocent 
man can be found who bought arsenic at about 
that time. He denied he had been to Easton. 
He said this to avoid suspicion, and begged 
Doctor Blackwell and Rev. Mr. Hess to ex- 
culpate him. He would not attend the fune- 
ral, on account of public opinion. Then he 
plays his hist card, — makes his statement. 
It is not believed, and he runs like a thief, 
when there is no fear of personal violence. 
He is arrested, and conducts himself with a 
diabolical coolness. Thus having traced the 
tortuous course of the evidence, I submit to 
you that he is guilty as charged in the in- 
dictment. Do not share his guilt by giving 
a partial verdict. Do not give impunity to 
secret murder. Remember your solemn oaths. 

Judge Whelpley then read his charge to the 
jury, following nearly the same line of ex- 
amination as the Attorney-General. He was 
very impartial, but in manner and the facts 
could not but lean strongly against the pri- 
soner. We do not give the charge, which is 
merely a resume of facts and theories already 
published. During its delivery Harden had 
his face covered with his handkerchief, and 
was much agitated and excited. 

The court then adjourned, to the ringing 
of the bell. The jury agreed after being out an 
hour and a half, but remained out two hours. 



368 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



The prisoner was brought into court before 
the bell tolled, and in an instant the court- 
room was jammed. The semi-darkness — for 
but few candles were lighted — added to the 
solemnity of the scene. Every one knew 
what the verdict would be. Harden was 
perfectly composed when brought in, and his 
counsel spoke to him of a new trial, thinking 
the judge's charge — to which no exception 
had been taken — any thing but impartial. 
Harden maintained his composure while the 
verdict was announced. As the foreman said, 
"Guilty," a low moan swept through the 
crowded room, and at this moment Harden's 
head dropped suddenly, as if he were shot. 
When each juryman said, "Guilty of murder 
in the first degree," his calmness forsook 
him, and he burst into tears, tearing his hair 
with his right hand and burying his face in 
his handkerchief. The court ordered him in 
irons. 

The verdict was anticipated by all who 
had read the trial or heard the evidence as 
given by the witnesses. The victim, it was 
proven, died from the elfects of arsenic: 
indeed, Harden himself admitted that that 
was the cause of her death. His defence was 
that the unfortunate woman committed sui- 
cide, and that members of her family were 
predisposed to terminating their OAvn exist- 
ence. But the rebutting testimony flatly 
contradicted the evidence on that point. The 
prosecution proved that Harden and his wife 
had been school-mates and had known each 
other from childhood. He had waited upon 
her, proposed marriage, and was accepted. 

After that a rumor got afloat that Miss 
Bowling (afterward Mrs. Harden) had been 
seduced. The report reached the ears of the 
girl and her parents, when she wrote to him 
to save her character by fulfilling his obliga- 
tions. He tried to worm himself out of the 
marriage, and made many excuses to obtain 
a delay. Quite a number of letters passed 
between them, and in the end Harden was 
forced, most reluctantly, to marry Miss 
Howling. It was an ill-assorted marriage, 
and, although she made one of the best of 
wives, he seemed to avoid her company as 
much as possible, and it was said he was in- 
volved in a liaison with another girl. It was 
apparent to all that, saw the two, that he was 
anxious to get rid of her; but how, was the 
uppermost thought in his mind. Shortly be- 
fore her death, when she was in the full flush 
of health, he began to prepare his friends for 
the event which was so soon to take place. 
He wrote in the most affectionate terms of 
his beloved wife, and, in a melancholy, hypo- 
critical tone, deplored her failing health, 
and was fearful that he would soon be left a 
widower. It seems that the house of Mrs. 
Ramsey, where Mrs. Harden boarded, was 
infested with rats. To get rid of these, Mrs. 
Ramsey purchased some arsenic, and, using a 
portion of it, left the balance in a phial in a 



closet. This arsenic he took, replacing flour 
in the phial for the arsenic. He then ob- 
tained some buttermilk, mixed the arsenic in 
it, and gave it to his wife to drink ; but the 
draught was too great upon a full stomach, 
and the result was she vomited it all up again, 
and remained very sick during the night. 
Next day she was well enough to be up and 
about again, and next night he administered 
a smaller dose, which had the desired effect 
of making her very sick, without killing her 
instantly. He continued this treatment seve- 
ral days, but her strong constitution defied 
the fatal minute doses which he was admi- 
nistering. 

On Sunday, several days after he had com- 
menced poisoning her, he must have run 
short of arsenic ; for she so far recovered as 
to be able to accompany him to church to 
hear him preach. 

When all the poison in Ramsey's house 
had been used, he went to a neighboring 
town and purchased more, and kept admi- 
nistering it for several days, until the poor 
woman died in the most excruciating agony, 
having been denied even a cup of cold water 
by her inhuman husband, to quench the 
thirst or cool the burning pain at the heart. 
The excrement which came from her was 
carelessly thrown in the j r ard, and a number 
of chickens died, showing the amount of 
poison administered by this fiend in human 
shape. 

Harden caused his wife to be interred with 
undue haste. Suspicion rested upon him, 
and he fled to Virginia, changed his name 
and profession, and entered the service of a 
daguerreotypist. He was finally arrested, 
taken back to New Jersey, and after a great 
many delays he has at length been tried and 
convicted. 

During the trial Harden took full notes of 
the evidence, and greatly assisted his counsel 
iu cross-examining the witnesses. 

The jury were out two hours and a half 
before they returned with a verdict; but they 
had agreed upon it long before that time. 
The object in stopping out so long was to 
show the public that they had not arrived at 
this decision with any undue haste. 

Fire at Lawrence, (Mass.) — In the after- 
noon of this day, a fire destroyed Wilson & 
Allen's steam saw-mills, with some small 
buildings adjoining. Loss, about $12,000. 



THURSDAY, MAY 3. 

The National Democratic Convent (on 
met again this day, when Mr. Russell, of 
Virginia, offered the following: — 

Resolved, That, when this convention ad- 
journs to-day, it adjourns to reassemble at 
Baltimore, Md., on Monday, the 18th day of 
June, and that it. be respectfully recommended 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



3G9 



pression upon the engineer, who saw the 
whole occurrence without ability to prevent 
it. The next day he did not drive his loco- 
motive; but the day following he concluded 
to try it again, accompanied, however, by a 
brother engineer. As he approached Car- 
mansville, he became instantly agitated, and, 
upon passing the place where the accident 
occurred, he fainted away. He never re- 
vived, and died the following evening, literally 
broken-hearted. It is said that he was one 
of the best engineers on the road. 

The National Medical Association met 
this day, in Washington. The principal busi- 
ness done was the appointment of a commit- 
tee of nine members to revise the Pharmaco- 
poeia, to meet at Philadelphia, and report the 
result of their labors at the next session. 

Present from Queen Victoria to Town- 
send Harris. — This day, at the meeting of 
the Chamber of Commerce, in New York. 
Mr. Wetmore called the attention of the 
Chamber to the fact that a present from 
Queen Victoria to Townsend Harris, Esq.. 
our Minister to Japan, had come into his 
(Mr. Wetmore's) temporary possession. The 
testimonial was an acknowledgment of the 
facilities afforded by Mr. Harris to the British 
Ambassador, which enabled him to bring his 
mission to the Japanese to a successful con- 
clusion. Congress had given Mr. Harris per- 
mission to accept, it. 

The royal present is a gold box, with a 
cover ornamented with diamonds, on blue 
enamel, with the letters V. R., surmounted 
by a crown. 

Sentence of Jacob S. Harden for the 
Murder of his Wife. — This day, the sen- 
tence of the law was pronounced on Jacob 
S. Harden for the murder of his wife. The 
court-room was crowded, but, in striking con- 
trast to the previous days, the greatest order 
and quiet prevailed. The gallery was filled 
with ladies. Harden, looking very pale and* 
dejected, tottered into the dock, leaning upon 
the arm of the sheriff. At the request of the ■ 
court, he stood up, with downcast eyes, and 
Judge Wheipley delivered his sentence, as- 
follows: — 

Jacob S. Harden: — I am now about to pro- 
ceed to the discharge of the most solemn duty 
daughter killed at the time of the great ca- j which a mortal can be called upon to per- 
tastrophe. j form. This trial, which for the last two ■ 

weeks has been the object of so much inte- 
Singplar Death of an Engineer. — This I rest, is closed. The humane maxim of the 
day, the engineer of the train that ran over j law that you were to be considered innocent 
Mr. Cooper, on the Hudson River Railroad, until you were proven guilty no longer ap- 
at Carmansville, N.Y., died in the following j plies to you. A jury of your country, se- 
singular manner. The accident was un- j lected by yourself, of unprejudiced, intelli- 
avoidable on the part of the engineer, and I gent, conscientious men, after a full investi- 
the coroner's jury exonerated him from all I gation of your case, in all its length and 
blame. The deceased was terribly mangled, j breadth, — after hearingall the arguments of 
and the dreadful occurrence made a deep im- your counsel, pressed upon them with uu- 

2i" 



to the Democratic party of the several States 
to make provision for supplying all vacancies 
in their respective delegations to this con- 
vention when it shall reassemble. (Applause.) 

After the failure of attempts to change the 
place of meeting to New York, Philadelphia, 
&c, and also to change the time to a later 
period, the resolve was adopted, — 198 to 41 J, 
as follows: — 

Yeas. — Maine, 5; New Hampshire, 5 ; Ver- 
mont, 5; Massachusetts, 10; Rhode Island, 
4 ; Connecticut, 6 ; New York, 35 ; New Jer- 
sey, 2 ; Pennsylvania, 23*} ; Maryland, 5 ; 
Virginia, 14} ; Arkansas, 1; Missouri, 6; 
Tennessee, 7; Ohio, 23; Indiana, 13; Illinois, 
11: Michigan, 6; Wisconsin, 5; Iowa, 4; 
Minnesota, 4; California, 3. — 198. 

Nays. — Maine, 3; Connecticut, 3; New Jer- 
sey, 5 ; Pennsylvania, 3 ; Maryland, 3 : Ver- 
ginia, J; North Carolina, 14; Missouri, 3; 
Tennessee, 5; Kentucky, 2. — 41£. 

Gen. Cushing, the President, made a brief 
speech, and the convention adjourned, to meet 
again in Baltimore on the 18th of June suc- 
ceeding. 

Sentenced for Selling Free Negroes. 
— In Norfolk, (Va.,) this day, Capt. Brayley, 
of the British schooner Alice Rogers, was 
found guilty, in the United States District 
Court, of attempting to sell free negroes, 
and sentenced to three years' imprisonment 
in the Penitentiary. 

Forging Deeds. — In New York, this day, 
Thomas Lawson was arrested by Detectives 
Sampson and Devoe, charged with having 
been engaged in the perpetration of many 
extensive forgeries. The accused has for 
some time been a clerk in the law-office of 
ex-Senator Westcott, in Eighth Street, near 
Fifth Avenue. The forgeries alleged to have 
been perpetrated assumed the form of ficti- 
tious deeds to various lots of valuable pro- 
perty in the upper part of that city. 

Fatal Accident on the Site of the 
Pemberton Mill. — This day, at Lawrence, 
Mass., a fatal accident occurred on the site 
of the ill-fated Pemberton Mill. A laborer 
employed in rebuilding the mill was in- 
stantly killed by a derrick falling upon him, 
caused by the breaking of an insufficient 
guy while hoisting a large stone. He had a 



S70 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



tiring energy, with an eloquence rarely 
equalled, with a pathos which drew tears 
from the stoutest heart, and with a force and 
power which could not have failed to break 
the chain of the evidence of your guilt had 
it not been of adamantine strength, — have 
found that there was no doubt of your guilt; 
that the evidence could not be true and you 
be guiltless of the agony and blood of your 
wife ; that she was foully murdered by you 
in a manner almost too horrible for concep- 
tion. With the verdict of that jury, it is 
almost needless to say, this court is entirely 
satisfied. It could have been no other, with- 
out a disregard of the duties which they 
owed to the society of which they are mem- 
bers, without a disregard of the obligation of 
their oaths. If human testimony can demon- 
strate the perpetration of a murder, it has 
been demonstrated that you were the perpe- 
trator of this. Have you any thing to say 
why sentence of death should not be pro- 
nounced against you? If you have, now is 
your time to say it. 

Harden, looking up and waving his hand 
toward Mr. Shipman, said, faintly, "I beg 
leave to refer to my counsel." 

Mr. Shipman. — I have nothing more to say, 
sir. 

Judge Whelpley then proceeded, the coun- 
sel and many of the spectators weeping: — 

It remains for me to pronounce the sen- 
tence of the law, which is, and it is here by 
the court considered and adjudged, that you, 
Jacob S. Harden, for the felony and murder, 
in the first degree, of Hannah Louisa Harden, 
of which you have been convicted in manner 
and form as charged in the indictment, be 
taken to the jail of this county of Warren, 
whence you have been brought, and there 
safely kept until Thursday, the 28th day of 
June next, and that on that day, between the 
hours of ten o'clock in the forenoon and 
three o'clock in the afternoon, either in the 
prison of the county of Warren, where you 
shall be confined, or within an enclosed yard 
of said prison, or within an enclosure erected 
for the purpose adjoining such prison, at the 
discretion of the sheriff, you be hung by the 
neck until you be dead. And may God have 
mercy on your soul ! 

Harden burst into an agony of tears, and 
was led weeping to his cell. 

Indictments for Murder. — The Grand 
Jury of the United States Circuit Court of 
New York presented this day the following 
bills of indictment: — 

The United States vs. Albert W. Hicks, alias 
William Johnson — For the murder of George 
H. Burr, master of the sloop Edwin A. John- 
son. The former indictment, to which the 
prisoner entered a plea denying the jurisdic- 
tion of the court, was for robbery and piracy 
on the high seas. 

The United States vs. Gordon Hires — For 



the murder of John Tuttle, on board the 
bark Anna, on the high seas, by beating and 
feloniously kicking him on the head, breast, 
and stomach. 

The United States vs. Edward P. Lane — 
For the murder of Frank Light, on the bark 
Anna, on the high seas. 

Found Drowned. — In Philadelphia, this 
day, an inquest was held on the body of an 
unknown man, found in the Delaware, at the 
new coal-wharves, below the city. Deceased 
had on a red striped shirt and heavy boots. 
On his right arm was a heart and a crown, 
done in Indian ink, and the letters E. S., 
with 1821. The other arm had on it the 
figures of a man and a woman. The body 
appeared to have been in the water several 
weeks. 

In New York, this day, Coroner Jackman 
held an inquest on the body of John Orr, 
formerly of No. 91 Perry Street. It was 
found floating in the river, at the foot of 
Morton Street. The deceased had been 
missing since the 20th of January. A ver- 
dict of "Supposed drowning" was rendered. 

Found Dead. — In Delaware county, (Pa.,) 
this day, the body of an unknown man was 
found near the Blue Bell, on the Darby 
Road. 

The Mysterious Murder op a Female 
at Jersey City, N.J. —This day, the mys- 
terious murder case was up before the grand 
jury of Hudson county, with a view of as- 
certaining if there was sufficient evidence to 
warrant the indictment of any person or 
persons for the murder of the woman sup-* 
posed to be Mrs. Ada Richardson, who was 
found in the dock at the foot of York Street, 
in Jersey City. Detectives Elder and Young, 
of New York, Charles Richardson, husband 
of deceased, Coroner Morris, and others, 
were before the jury, but they were unable 
to elicit sufficient evidence to warrant the 
finding of a bill against any one. 

Murder of Wm. N. Lyon. — In New York, 
this day, Daniel W. Lewis was examined 
before justice Welsh, on a charge of having 
caused the death of AVm. N. Lyon. It was 
shown by several witnesses that some trouble 
occurred between the prisoner and the de- 
ceased at Gardner's Saloon, on the corner 
of Broadway and Park Place, and that blows 
passed between them. One witness testified 
that he saw Mr. Lyon standing on the side- 
walk after the difficulty, with a stone in his 
hand, and threatening some person inside. 
He was evidently considerably intoxicated. 
The woman who was in company with the 
deceased has suddenly disappeared, and can- 
not be found. After taking the evidence, 
the magistrate held the accused in the sum 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



371 



of $1000 to await the action of the grand 

Died of his Wounds. — James Fleming 
died at the New York Hospital, this day, 
from the effects of injuries received in a fight 
on Sunday morning. The affray occurred in 
an oyster-saloon in Broadway, near Thirty- 
Ninth Street, during which the deceased was 
Stabbed several times. Michael O'Rourke, 
an Irish laborer, was arrested at the time, 
and has since been locked up to await the 
result of Fleming's wounds. 

Death of Francis 0. Byrd. — Col. Francis 
Otway Byrd died, this day, at his residence 
in Baltimore, in the seventieth year of his 
age. He was the grandson of Col. William 
Byrd, of Westover, Virginia. In early life 
he was one of those who, from principle, vo- 
lunteered his services to maintain the inde- 
pendence of our country. In 1805, Col. 
(then Captain) Byrd served in the war with 
Tripoli, and distinguished himself, under 
Gen. Eaton, at the battle of Derne. In the 
last war with Great Britain, he was in the 
regular army, and was engaged in the battle 
of Tippecanoe, on the 7th of November, 1811, 
where he was conspicuous for his gallantry 
and courage. He was also present at the 
battle of Bridgewater, or Lundy's Lane, on 
the 25th of July, 1814, where he served under 
the orders of Gen. Scott. He received from 
the Legislature of Virginia, his native State, 
a vote of thanks, and was also presented 
with a sword in testimony of the high esti- 
mation in which his services were held. In 
1855, Col. Byrd removed from Clarke county, 
Va., to Baltimore, that he might be near his 
daughter ; and in the new circle of friends 
and acquaintances which was there formed, 
he was honored alike for his manly inde- 
pendence of character and for his estimable 
social qualities. 

Joshua Mandeville died at his residence 
in Waterford, N.Y., this day, aged seventy- 
eight years. In former years, Mr. Mande- 
ville was quite a prominent man, having been 
at one time judge of the county by appoint- 
ment from the Governor, at different periods 
member of Assembly, and for fifteen suc- 
cessive years supervisor of the town. 

Death of a Centenarian. — A woman 
named Mary Naff, residing in Cadwalader 
Street, above Thompson, Philadelphia, died 
this day, at the age of one hundred and seven 
years. The deceased was of German descent, 
and was born in Pennsylvania, — having spent 
most of her days upon a farm. Her second 
husband, who was also well advanced in 
years, died a few months ago. 



FRIDAY, MAY 4. 

The Quadrennial Methodist Episcopal 
Conference met this day. Bishoj) Ames in 
the chair. The Rev. Robinson Scott was 
present, as a delegate from the Irish Wesleyan 
Conference. Mr. Scott presented an eloquent 
address to this Conference from the Irish 
Conference, in reply to a former address of 
the Methodist Episcopal Conference of the 
United States. 

The Committee on the Wisconsin delegate 
case reported in favor of the sitting delegate, 
P. S. Bennett. The quadrennial address of 
the bishop was read. After an affectionate 
salutation to the Conference, expressing con- 
fidence in the wisdom and piety of the re- 
presentatives to meet their solemn responsi- 
bilities intelligently and religiously, he ex- 
presses the hope that, although there may 
not be entire unanimity of sentiment on all 
subjects which may come before them, all 
may be settled in the spirit of charity. 

Execution of Negroes for the Murder 
of an Overseer. — This day, three negroes, 
belonging to Major J. B. Watts, of Madison 
county, Florida, were hung for the murder 
of M. D. Griffin, the overseer. A corre- 
spondent of the New York "Police Gazette" 
gives the following account of the affair. 
He says : — 

In the latter part of March last, Mr. M. 
D. Griffin, overseer for Major J. B. Watts, of 
Madison county, was brutally murdered by 
a number of negroes under his charge. One 
of the negroes confessed on his associates, 
which led to the arrest of seven of Major 
Watts's most likely negro men, valued at 
$10,000. The grand jury found a bill of 
indictment against six of the negroes, and 
the seventh was permitted to become State's 
evidence. They were tried and all found 
guilty of murder, and sentenced to be exe- 
cuted on the 10th of May. 

After sentence had been passed upon them, 
they were of course removed back to jail, 
and put in irons. But by some means, four 
days after their sentence, on the jailer going 
to pay his morning visit to them, they were 
all six gone. 

No clew to their whereabouts could be ob- 
tained. Several packs of nigger dogs were 
sent out in various directions, also several 
gangs of men. But all returned with the 
one story, "Not to be found." This seemed 
a mysterious affair, and the public began to 
get excited. The Regulators, numbering 
some one hundred and ninety-six, met in a 
body and passed a resolution to send a dele- 
gated committee to Major Watts, and inform 
him that some one had to be hung on the 4th of 
May. The major might take that as he liked. 
He replied that if they, the Regulators, would 
keep dark, he would try and put the sheriff 
on the track of the negroes. The sheriff soon 



372 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



got, on the track with his deputies, and found 
all the six gentlemen of darkness concealed 
in a gin-house, the property of a Mr. Redding, 
(who, by-the-by, happened to marry a daugh- 
ter of Major Watts.) They were all taken 
back, lodged in jail, and guarded by twelve 
men armed with double-barrelled shot guns 
loaded with blue whistlers. A new trial was 
applied for in the mean time, and it was 
actually obtained for three of the six. The 
other three were publicly executed on the 
day appointed. A large crowd of spectators, 
both white and black, assembled. The three 
men had nothing much to say. They were 
accompanied to the scaffold by three clergy- 
men; they sang and prayed a little; one said 
he had nothing to say, only that he hoped 
everybody, both black and white, would do 
better than he had done, and I believe every 
heart present responded "Amen," for all 
seemed to think he was doing very bad. 

Gross Carelessness. — In New York, this 
day, a lady called at the drug-store of G. A. 
Warrier, corner of Stanton and Lewis Streets, 
and desired to purchase some Seidlitz pow- 
ders. The German in attendance gave the 
lady two powders, which she took home. As 
she was about to mix them, she noticed that 
one of them was of a peculiar color, and she 
consequently hesitated about taking them. 
Subsequently she took them to the Eleventh 
Ward Station-House, where the dark-colored 
powder was pronounced to be red precipitate, 
a deadly poison. The druggist was informed 
of his carelessness, when, with the greatest 
alacrity, he offered to exchange the powders, 
but did not seem to comprehend that he had 
nearly sacrificed a human life. 

Adjournment of the Supreme Court. — 
Decision in the California Land Suits. — 
This day, the Supreme Court of the United 
States adjourned till next December. Of 
about seventy California land cases adjudi- 
cated, thirty, where there was contest of 
title, were decided, on the ground of fraud, 
in favor of the Federal Government. These 
involved upwards of one million acres of 
land, worth fifteen or twenty million of dol- 
lars, and included the Bolton or Santallan 
case, this case being for ten thousand acres 
in the city of San Francisco, and twenty 
thousand outside its limits, estimated to be 
worth about $10,000,000. The opinion of 
the court in this case was that the claimants 
showed no legal title nor record of the evi- 
dence in support of the grant; that the 
claimants have no equity for want of con- 
sideration, possession, and improvement ; 
and that the evidence satisfied the court 
that the claim was fabricated in 1850, was 
antedated, and that it was false and forged. 
The judgment of the District Court of Cali- 
fornia, and the decision of the Land Com- 
missioners, were therefore reversed. 



Died from the Use of Opiates. — In 
Washington, D.C., this day, George D. Noble, 
of New York, (of the firm of Noble, Hays & 
Noble,) died. The coroner's jury found that 
he came to his death by the improper use of 
opiates. 

Body of a Merchant Found in a Marsh. 
— This day, in the marsh, near the Rope 
Ferry, Philadelphia, was found the body 
of John J. Ulp, late of the firm of Eckel, 
Raiguel & Co., North Third Street, who 
disappeared mysteriously in January last. 
The appearance of the body showed that 
death had taken place a considerable time 
previous to the discovery of it ; but under 
what circumstances could only be conjec- 
tured. Deceased leaves a wife and four 
children. Coroner Fenner held an inquest 
on the body, and the jury rendered a verdict 
of death from unknown causes. 

Cotton-Trade with Europe. — A corre- 
spondent of the " Herald," from Washington, 
of this date, says : — 

Mr. Baylor, late American Consul at Man- 
chester, and agent of the Cotton Association 
of Georgia, has returned to the United States 
with full powers to take the initiatory steps 
to establish a direct cotton-trade between 
this country and Europe. Congress has 
already passed a law making Macon, in 
Georgia, a port of eutry, with a view of 
admitting such goods as may come from 
Belgium and other European states, to be 
exhibited at the contemplated fair in that 
city. The aid of the statistical office of the 
State Department will probably be sought 
in furtherance of the enterprise, in which 
the Belgian Minister fully concurs ; and it 
is ascertained, from persons conversant, with 
the subject, that the Belgian Government is 
not only willing to encourage the project, 
but has advanced funds to Mr. Baylor to 
open a central agency in the city of Balti- 
more. 

Death from Chloroform. — The "New 
Orleans Delta" of this date says: — 

Another death from chloroform occurred in 
one of the wards of the Charity Hospital. 
The patient upon whom an operation was to 
have been performed had only taken a very 
little of the chloroform, when he fell back 
dead. A post-mortem examination showed 
that death was caused by the ossification of 
the valves of the heart. 

Affeay between Students. — One Killed. 
— A fatal affray occurred in Lebanon, Ten- 
nessee, this day, which resulted in killing one 
of the students of the Law Department 
of Cumberland University, named James 
Cahal, by a fellow-student, named Spot 
McClung. The parties had a misunderstand- 
ing about a very trivial matter, and sub- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



373 



sequently met on the street with friends, 
for the purpose of explanation. A further 
disagreement ensued, the lie was passed, and 
Cahal struck, or struck at, McClung with a 
stick, when the latter immediately drew a 
pistol and shot Cahal, the ball entering the 
brain. McClung was arrested and put under 
$15,000 bail. 

James Cahal was a son of the late Judge 
Cahal, of Tennessee, and McClung is a son 
of Col. McClung, of Huntsville, Alabama, 
and a nephew of the late Col. McClung, of 
Mississippi. 



SATURDAY, MAY 5. 

Dreadful Accident on a Picnic in 
North Carolina. — Twenty-Five Persons, 
mostly Ladies, Drowned. — This day, 
twenty-five persons, principally ladies, were 
drowned, near Boykin's Mill-Poncl, about 
ten miles from Camden, N.C., under the 
following distressing circumstances. 

The "Sumter Watchman," giving an ac- 
count of the accident, says: — 

A most happy company, composed of 
young ladies and gentlemen, children and 
parents', left their homes in Camden for a 
day of recreative pleasure and amusement 
at Boykin's Mill-Pond, about ten miles this 
side of that place, and upon the line of the 
railroad. These were joined by others from 
the neighborhood, forming a party of con- 
siderable size. 

The fore part of the day (the distressing 
accident occurred late in the afternoon) was 
spent most happily and pleasantly by the 
excursionists. The picnic and fishing-ex- 
cursion, for such it was, had fully met, thus 
far, the buoyant anticipations of those con- 
cerned. But what a finale ! The heart 
droops and is weighed down by the most 
pungent sorrow at its recital. 

A flat-boat of considerable size had, a 
short time previous, been built and placed 
upon the pond for -purposes of pleasure. A 
goodly number (probably thirty or more) 
of the company embarked upon this boat, 
intending to pass over and around the pond. 
These consisted chiefly of young ladies, 
there being but a sufficient number of gen- 
tlemen, as was supposed, to manage the 
boat and afford company and protection for 
the ladies. 

They had been out some time, and were 
near the centre of the pond, Avhen the boat 
ran on a snag. This excited little or no 
fear, as it was supposed that a speedy ex- 
trication could be effected. All was lite and 
spirit, all was hope and happiness. Soon 
it was perceived that the great pressure of 
the boat upon the snag (in consequence 
of the number it contained) was punc- 
turing its bottom, and that the water was 
making its way inside. Now the excitement 
began. Now fear began to picture its sad 



traces upon those just now happy counte- 
nances. Now the tender and timid ladies 
called upon their protectors for that assist- 
ance and deliverance which, painful to say, 
they were unable to afford. Momentarily 
the danger became greater, and momentarily 
the excitement of those on board, as well as 
those on shore, became more intense. It 
seems that deliverance would have come, 
and that the boat would have probably been 
pushed off and run near enough to the shore 
for many, if not all, to have escaped, had it 
not been that those who stood at each end, 
(a white man and a negro, ) with their poles, 
laboring with all their power, shoved each 
in the same direction, thus mutually destroy- 
ing the effect of their efforts. Soon, in a 
few moments, she began to sink. "When 
this was seen, and the fact that she could 
not be moved became too apparent, the 
scene became frightful indeed. The wildest 
excitement and fear seemed to seize every 
heart, and but few, if any, were sufficiently 
collected to enable them to employ their 
efforts for rescue advantageously. In a few 
moments now she sank, when the scene may 
be better imagined than described. 

Piercing cries and shrieks, and calls for 
help, both from those on shore and those on 
the unfortunate boat, filled the air. Sisters 
and brothers, parents and children, relatives 
and friends, whose hearts were bound to- 
gether by the nearest and dearest of earthly 
ties and animated by the warmest and most 
tender affection, were there, — some on the 
siuking boat and some on the shore. Oh, 
how rudely were those confiding hearts torn 
asunder and ravished with wild and aching 
grief! 

The boat seems to have committed them 
to the bosom of the water, huddled together, 
mainly, in a mass ! The water is supposed 
to have been about twenty feet in depth. 
Thus thrown together, one clinging .to the 
other, with that grasp which belongs only 
to those in a drowning condition, there was 
little opportunity for the males in the com- 
pany to rescue the ladies or even to save 
themselves. 

But a few (we have not been apprized of 
the exact number) were saved of those upon 
the boat. One act of daring, manly, and 
gallant rescue, which has been reported to 
us, and which we believe true, demands 
special notice at our hands, and should be 
rewarded by the lifetime gratitude of those 
immediately concerned, as well as the re- 
latives and friends of the same. Mr. Jones, 
a fireman upon the Camden train, (this train 
was, as well as we can learn, at the time of 
the awful occurrence, near the spot,) rushed 
to the spot, and by almost superhuman 
efforts, coupled with the most cool and manly 
courage, brought three of the drowning per- 
sons to the shore. We have not learned the 
names of these. 



374 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



The following are the names of those 
telegraphed to us from Camden as the lost, 
being the number stated, twenty-five, with 
one exception : — 

Miss Lizzie McKeigen, a lovely sister of 
Mr. Isaac McKeigen, of our town ; Willie 
McKeigen, a younger brother of the same ; 
Luke and William De Grand, brothers, one 
of them a brother-in-law of Mr. McKeigen, 
above mentioned. 

Miss Sarah Nettles 

Two Misses McCowns. 

Miss Minnie Alexander, daughter of Mr. 
Isaac Alexander, of Camden. 

Miss Sarah Howell. 

Miss Selma Crosby. 

Miss Henson. 

Two Misses Young, and one brother. 

Miss Mary Jenkins. 

Mr. Rocott. 

Mr. Huggins. 

Mr. Jerry McLeod. 

Mr. John Oaks. 

Miss Kelly. 

Little Alice Robinson, (a sweet little girl.) 

Mr. S. S. Richburg, (surveyor, formerly 
of this place.) Mr. Richburg, with noble 
devotion, lost his life, as we understand, 
attempting to save another. These, with two 
negroes, complete the melancholy list. 

Two ladies, (Mrs. Carter and Mrs. Stea- 
kei,) the wives of engineers upon the Wil- 
mington & Manchester Railroad, got upon 
the boat when about to start, as we learn, 
but, thinking the crowd too great, determined 
not to remain, thus, no doubt, narrowly es- 
caping death. 

Efforts to secure the bodies of the unfor- 
tunate drowued were immediately employed. 
Some were taken from the water. Others 
could not be found. The floodgates of the 
pond were soon hoisted ; but the body of 
water was great, and could not be soon run 
off. It was thought that it would be suf- 
ficiently dry on Saturday night to admit of 
all the bodies being found. We have not 
learned the number that had been found 
when our despatch was sent. 

Camden is shrouded in gloom, and many 
of its citizens overwhelmed by the most 
severe affliction and bereavement. 

At half-past three on yesterday, eight 
bodies were at the Methodist church, where 
funeral ceremonies were being performed in 
the presence of a large congegation. Almost 
every eye was moistened by the tear of 
sympathy or bereavement. 

Mr. Billings, one of those who was upon 
the boat and was saved, says that twenty- 
seven persons were drowned. This conflicts' 
with the above statement as to number, but 
may be correct. 

Female Forger and Swindler Arrested. 
— This day, Miss Abby Goddard, of Troy, 
N.Y., was brought to that city, charged with 



forgery. In relating this occurrence, the 
"Troy Arena" says: — 

Miss Abby Goddard, a well-known female, 
formerly a "character'' in this community, 
was arrested in Roxbury, Mass., on a re- 
quisition from Gov. Morgan, and brought 
to this city, where she was lodged in jail. 
Miss Goddard's career is a somewhat re- 
markable one. Possessed of fine intellectual 
characteristics, she became an authoress of 
some celebrity, contributing to several ma- 
gazines and newspapers, and publishing two 
or three volumes herself, among which were 
the "Trojan Sketch-Book" and "Glean- 
ings." She was also at one time a large 
contributor to the local press of this city, 
over the signature of "Kate." She kept a 
female seminary in this city, and was highly 
successful as a teacher, having at one time 
several assistants, and hosts of friends. 
But " Kate" got into speculations, bought 
brick houses, kept a bank-account, got 
notes discounted, became "short," borrowed, 
shinned and financiered, and eventually passed 
through all the stages of the bold and dash- 
ing operator, "from grave to gay, from 
lively to severe." Many staid and respect- 
able citizens endorsed her paper, or loaned 
their names for thousands ; but pay-day, 
more certain than "death or taxes," at 
length came, and with it ruin for the 
intellectual and brilliant "Kate." It is 
averred that in her career here she not only 
swindled, but forged. How this may be we 
cannot tell ; but certain it is that she has now 
been arrested and brought to this city for 
changing the amount of a note for $150 to 
$1500, which was given by a Mr. Wetmore, 
which note was discounted by one of our 
city banks, "Kate" obtaining the money 
upon it. Some months since, Miss Goddard 
was up before the Boston courts on a 
criminal charge, (obtaining money under 
false pretences, we believe.) and passed 
through the fiery ordeal of juries and courts 
in that city. Her trial attracted considerable 
attention here, especially among those who 
acknowledged themselves as her victims. 
She is now in jail in this city, and it is quite 
likely her trial will engross a large degree 
of public interest. 

An American Mate Sentenced to 
Imprisonment for Life for Killing a 
Seaman. — At a recent assize in Durham, 
England, John W. Moodie, mate of an 
American ship, was arraigned for causing 
the death of a seaman on board ; and, 
having been convicted, he was sentenced to 
imprisonment for life. The prisoner, a 
young man of good position, had much sym- 
pathy excited for him, as it was believed — ■ 
and there was evidence of the truth of the sup- 
position — that, although he had assaulted 
the man in a moment of rage, he never 
contemplated that death should ensue from 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



875 



the blows. A memorial, praying that, under 
the circumstances, some mitigation might be 
accorded, was therefore drawn up, and most 
infiuentially signed. Some days since, Mr. 
De Costa, of Waterloo Road, proceeded to 
London and placed the memorial in the 
hands of Mr. J. C. Ewart, Member of Par- 
, liament for Liverpool, who brought it before 
the English Secretary of State. This day, 
the application for pardon was refused. The 
following is the letter of denial : — 

Whitehall, May 5, 1860. 

Sir : — Secretary Sir George Lewis having 
carefully considered your application in 
behalf of John Watson Moody, I am directed 
to express to you his regret that there is no 
sufficient ground to justify him, consistently 
with his public duty, in advising her Majesty 
to comply with the prayer thereof. 

H. Waddington. 

J. C. Ewart, Esq., M.P. 

Burning of the Ship Switzerland. — 
This day, at Appalachicola, was destroyed 
by lire the ship Switzerland. She had a 
cargo on board of 2400 bales of cotton, 
valued at $120,000, which is said to be in- 
sured in Europe. The vessel is valued at 
$60,000, and insured in New York. 

Death of Hon. Thomas Sergeant. — This 
day, died, at his residence in Philadelphia, 
« the Hon. Thomas Sergeant, ex-Judge of the 
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. He was 
in his seventy-ninth year, having been born 
in the year 1791. He was a son of the Hon. 
Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant, and a bro- 
ther of the late Hon. John Sergeant. He 
graduated at Princeton College, and studied 
law under Jared Ingersoll, Esq. In his 
early life, and, indeed, long afterward, he 
was a writer for the journals and periodicals 
of the day, contributing many articles, both 
poetical and prose, all indicating fine taste 
and culture. Mr. Sergeant soon attained a 
high position at the Philadelphia bar, which 
then contained some of its most brilliant 
ornaments. Gov. Findlay appointed him 
Secretary of the Commonwealth ; but in 
1819 he resigned that office to accept that 
of Attorney-General. Hon. Samuel D. Ing- 
ham succeeded him as Secretary of the Com- 
monwealth. Subsequently, Mr. Sergeant 
was for a time a judge of the District Court 
of Philadelphia. He was also Postmaster 
of that city, under President Jackson. He 
was afterward appointed one of the judges 
of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and 
filled the post with dignity and ability for 
many years, — his term expiring, under the 
new system of electing judges, about the 
year 1845. From 1846 to 1849 Judge Ser- 
geant was solicitor for Sheriff Lelar. Since 
that time he lived in retirement, his health 
for some years having been very infirm. 



His mind has, however, continued vigorous, 
in spite of age and physical debility. He 
was a most dignified and respectable repre- 
sentative of the old school of Philadelphia 
lawyers. As a judge, he appeared to ad- 
vantage even as a colleague of Gibson and 
others of that period. As a Government 
officer — and, indeed, in every relation — ho 
fulfilled his duties with fidelity and integ- 
rity. 

Remains of Ex-Governor Robinson. — 
This day, the remains of ex-Governor Rob- 
inson arrived at Bennington, (Vt.,) and were 
received by a crowd of citizens, who wero 
accompanied by a band. During their re- 
moval in the hearse, the band played a 
solemn dirge, the bells tolled, and the citi- 
zens followed in solemn procession. 

Medical Candidates. — The candidates 
who were found qualified by the recent 
Board of Medical Officers, assembled in 
Philadelphia, for admission into the navy 
as assistant surgeons, arranged according 
to merit, are as follows : — James E. Lindsay, 
North Carolina; Harry F. McSherry, Vir- 
ginia ; John J. Gibson, Illinois ; Osborn S. 
Iglehart, Maryland ; Samuel J. Jones, Penn- 
sylvania; Robert R. Gibbs, South Carolina; 
Joseph W. Shively, Ohio. 

Attempted Suicide. — In New York, this 
day, a man by the name of John Goodman 
attempted to commit suicide by jumping 
from a Green Point ferry-boat. He was 
rescued with much difficulty and taken to 
the Seventh Precinct Station-House. Ex- 
treme poverty was alleged as the cause of 
the rash act. 

Found Drowned. — In New York, this 
day, the body of a drowned man was picked 
up at the foot of Sacket Street. The de- 
ceased was five feet seven or eight inches 
high, and had dark hair. The body was 
clad in a blue cotton undershirt, coarse duck 
shirt and pants, leather belt about the waist, 
and coarse boots. It appeared to have been 
in the water about three months. 

Surgical Operation. — A very unusual 
surgical operation was performed, this day, 
in Worcester, Mass., by Dr. Clarke, in a case 
of disunited fracture. Michael Hart was 
run over by the cars on the railroad about 
ten months since, and his arm ci'ushed just 
above the elbow. The usual operation of 
splintering was resorted to, but the bones 
failed to unite, and a cartilaginous union 
was formed, producing a false joint. This 
day, Dr. Clarke proceeded to dissect the 
ends of the bone, sawed them off, and fitted 
the ends together, joining them by silver, 
after which he put the arm in splinters. In 
this case, so far, there is a very good pros- 



376 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



pect of success in effecting a perfect union 
of the disunited bone. 

Letter from John C. Heenan. — The fol- 
lowing letter was addressed by Heenan to Mr. 
Wilkes, of "Wilkes' Spirit of the Times:" — 

London, May 5, 1860. 
Dear Spirit: — I am happy to inform you 
that I am very well, and that the little scar 
I got under the eye is almost entirely gone. 
In a week or more, no one would suppose 
for a moment that I had ever been hit at 
all. I need not say any thing to you about 
the manner in which the fight was brought 
to a conclusion — only this: I have no fault 
with Sayers for any thing that was done. 
It was natural that he should avail himself 
of every opportunity that offered to save 
his belt and his hard-earned reputation. 
But there are others whom I hold respon- 
sible for depriving me of what I earned, 
and all that I am sorry for is, that there is 
no earthly way in which I can get redress. 
I am entirely in the hands of the referee, 
and he says Sayers had a right to be relieved 
when I got him "in chancery:" so he gave 
him two months to get his wind and come 
to time. Rather a long spell ! This, I 
think, should be the newest of what is called 
the new rules of the ring. I am glad to 
say, however, that, through the determina- 
tion of Mr. W., I have got a day set for a 
new battle ; but I cannot mention it at 
present, as it would come back here in time 
to interrupt the meeting. In the mean 
time, I think, I shall go over to Ireland to 
train, or to some place, at any rate, where I 
shall not be harassed as I was before. 
They gave me a pretty rough time of it with 
their warrants and notices to quit, and I 
want no more of that kind of exercise. I 
must say, however, that I have but little 
faith in being able to get the belt, though I 
have the most perfect confidence in being 
able to win it in less than half an hour. 
The persons who were willing to bet one 
hundred to forty against me before will not 
let me have it under any circumstances ; and 
it must not be forgotten that Mr. Dowling, 
who showed me so much favor at the last 
fight, is looked up to by the boxers here as 
the natural protector of the trophy of Old 
England. There are a hundred difficulties 
in the way, and the fighting-part is, so far 
as I am concerned, the least one of all. 
They now say that the Government will 
surely interfere to prevent us if we attempt 
to meet again, and, in addition to this, they 
threaten to prosecute us both for what we 
have already done. Rather tight on the 
American people, that ! as the boys say at 
home ; and, to tell you the truth, I am a 
little uneasy that they may keep their word. 
Under this state of things, I shouldn't much 
wonder now to see Sayers arrested for the 



first time; and if that course is taken, and 
he is bound over in a heavy sum, I shall be 
told that it is not his fault he cannot meet 
me, and the stakes will be drawn, and he 
will keep the belt, for his term is out some 
time in June. To become Champion after 
that, I should have to wait till a new belt is 
subscribed for, and then 1 would have to 
fight for it, with plenty of the hundred-to- 
forty fellows around to help me to win it. 
However, I shall stick to my point as long as 
I can, and get a new meeting out of Sayers 
if possible. So, if I do not bring over the 
belt, nobody shall say that I did not take 
every fair chance to get it. But I must 
hold up here, for I have now written the 
longest letter, almost, that I ever wrote in 
my life. 

Please give my regards to all friends, and 
believe me, Truly yours, 

J. C. Heenan. 

P.S. — We will have no speculation in the 
next fight in the way of railroad-trains or 
three-guinea tickets. There will be merely 
a party of tAventy-five a side, seconds, prin- 
cipals, spectators, and all told; and then I 
hope and think that the best man may win. 

J. C. H. 

Dismissal of Marshal's Officers.— This 
day, Assistant U.S. District-Attorney James 
F. Dwight made application to the court on 
behalf of the United States for an order 
requiring Marshal Rynders, or Deputy-Mar- 
shal Thompson, in the absence of Mr. Ryn- 
ders, to show cause why two officers of this 
court, Theodore Rynders and Mr. Munn, 
should not be removed. Mr. Dwight said 
that the act of 1853 provided for the ap- 
pointment by the Marshal of three persons 
to serve process. There were ten officers 
to attend in the circuit and district courts. 
The circumstances under which the present 
application was made had recently come to 
the knowledge of the District-Attorney, and 
consisted of gross misconduct on the part 
of two of those officers. He read an affi- 
davit showing that on the 2d of May he 
gave James L. De Graw certain papers for 
the seizure of the Storm-King, on suspicion 
that she was a slaver, and instructed De 
Graw to give them to Deputy-Marshals 
Thompson or Donnell, who, he believed, 
were on board the Charlotte E. Tay, lying 
at the foot of Tenth Street. On the follow- 
ing day, Theodore Rynders came to the office 
and stated that he and Henry Munn had been 
in search of the Storm-King, but could not 
find her. 

The affidavit of James L. De Graw showed 
that lie was a custom-house officer, and was 
deputized by Mr. Dwight to take the papers 
to the deputy-marshals, as aforesaid; that, 
upon arriving at the Charlotte E. Tay, he 
found Henry Munn on board, who said that 
he was the deputy-marshal, and would serve 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



377 



the papers on the Storm-King; that he 
■would first go for " Dore," who, deponent 
believed, was Theodore Rynders ; deponent 
told them where the vessel could be found, 
and gave them the papers. The affidavit 
of Edwin A. Brooks, captain of the steam- 
tug Relief, set forth that on May 2 he was 
hired by Rynders and Munn, who said they 
were United States officers and were after a 
suspected slaver, to chase the Storm-King. 
They overtook her at the Narrows, and she 
Avas boarded by Rynders and Munn. They 
stayed on board about a quarter, of an hour. 
When they returned, they told him they had 
made a mistake, and requested him to say 
nothing about the matter. 

Joseph Thompson deposed that he was 
the first deputy-marshal of this district; 
that neither of the parties were authorized 
to serve the process ; that they made no 
report in relation to the Storm-King until 
May 3, at five p.m. ; that in a subsequent 
conversation Rynders told him that he had 
overhauled the Storm-King ; that he had 
drawn a pistol while on board, but had nut 
pointed it to any one; some one on board 
offered him $1000 to let the vessel go ; he 
demanded $1500, which sum was promised 
to be paid to him the next day, and he then 
let the vessel go. 

The judge then directed the District-At- 
torney to take his order forthwith, and stated 
that the matter should go further, and that 
if there were any power in the law it should 
not end there. 

The order was served on Mr. Thompson, 
who was in court; and he immediately in- 
formed the judge that he had discharged 
Rynders and Munn. The judge said he had 
done very properly. 

These proceedings created much uneasi- 
ness among the tipstaves. 

Nailers' Strike. — One hundred of the 
nailers and helpers employed in the Fall 
River (Mass.) Nail-Works struck, this day, 
for the purpose of compelling the company 
to furnish them with waste or other suitable 
material for cleaning the machinery on Sa- 
turdays. The workmen have heretofore been 
required to supply themselves. 

Killed by a Fall. — In New York, this 
day, William Bunses, of No. GO West Wash- 
ington Street, was killed by falling from the 
roof of No. 96 Morton Street. He was en- 
gaged there as a slater, and accidentally 
fell off. 

Inquest on Miss Roswell. — This day, 
an inquest was held on the body of Miss 
Roswell, who died on Wednesday last. x\n 
autopsy of the body was performed by Dr. 
William Coggswell, of Bradford, assisted by 
Dr. S. K. Towle, which confirmed the opi- 
nion of the attending physicians, Drs. Chase 



and Flint, that the cause of Miss Roswell'3 
death was inflammation occasioned by mis- 
carriage. Mr. Sylvester Chase, acting under 
authority from the selectmen of Haverhill, 
proceeded to Newburyport and obtained a 
warrant for the arrest of Dr. Tilton. He was 
accordingly apprehended and brought be- 
fore the police court in Newburyport, where 
he was held to bail in the sum of $201)0 for 
his appearance. 

Slave Arrested for Stealing $10,000 
worth of Diamonds.- — This day, Louisa, a 
slave of Gen. Miles, of New Orleans, was 
arrested, charged with stealing from her 
master a splendid set of diamonds. The 
New Orleans "Delta," speaking of this 
robbery, says : — 

Our readers doubtless remember the ac- 
count given in this paper of the robbery of 
a splendid set of diamonds, worth $10,000, 
from the residence of Gen. Miles, of this 
cityj by his servant Louisa, who myste- 
riously disappeared; and, though the police 
were actively on the look-out for her, no 
trace could be discovered of her where- 
abouts. 

The general impression seemed to prevail 
that she was still in the city, and accord- 
ingly every nook and cranny where a slave 
might be concealed was ransacked, but the 
officers began to despair of ever finding her. 
About a week ago, the chief of police re- 
ceived information that she had been seen a 
few days before in the city, and he again 
placed his specials on the look-out. Yester- 
day she was at last arrested by Special Offi- 
cers Boyland, Farrell, and Howard, in a 
house on Cypress Street, where she had 
been harbored for about two weeks back by 
a free negro named Charles Bell, alias 
Charles Miles. The woman was taken to 
the lock-up, and the free negro was also 
placed in the same institution. 

The girl states, we learn, that she gave 
the diamonds to two free negroes, both 
bright mulattoes, one of whom passes for a 
white man, and that they have left the city 
and gone up the river. The brilliants by 
this time have probably been converted 
into cash. 



SUNDAY, MAY 6. 

Death of George Griffin. — This day, 
George Griffin, one of the oldest and most 
eminent citizens of New York, died, at his 
residence in that city, in the eighty-third 
year of his age. 

Mr. Griffin had truly outlived his genera- 
tion. He was the last survivor of a circle of 
distinguished men who, half a century ago, 
gave so dignified a position to the New York 
bar, — Judge Dewey, James Kent, Judge Liv- 
ingston, Judge Hoffman, and George Wood, — 



378 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



■who have all passed from the busy scenes of 
life. Mr. Griffin was descended from the 
earliest Puritan settlers of New England. 
He graduated at Yale College at an early age, 
and studied law with Judge Butler, of Wyo- 
ming, Pennsylvania, where he married the 
daughter of Col. Zebulon Butler, well known 
in history as the defender of his native place 
in the celebrated massacre by the Indians, 
and who also commanded at West Point 
during the Revolutionary War. Mr. Griffin's 
family has been distinguished in all its 
branches for high scholastic attainments, 
great native powers, and striking originality 
of mind. His elder brother, the Rev. Ed- 
ward Griffin, who was for many years Presi- 
dent of William and Mary College, was a man 
of peculiar eloquence, high powers of im- 
agination, and imposing presence. He has 
left several theological works. His son, the 
Rev. Edmund Griffin, who died at the age of 
twenty-one, and who published his travels in 
Italy and several poems, was a man of 
peculiar promise, powerful mind, and high 
poetic temperament. His eldest son, the 
late Francis Griffin, was also a man of very 
cultivated tastes, uniting the strongest intel- 
lect and keenest powers of observation with 
an almost childlike generosity and sim- 
plicity. 

Fire in South Boston, Mass. — This day, 
a fire took place in South Boston, which de- 
stroyed the chemical works of Hodges & Silbee. 
Loss, $20,000: insured for $15,000. 

Boy Carried over Niagara Falls. — This 
day, at Chippewa, a son of the late Dr. Mack- 
lem, and nephew of Thomas C. Street, fell 
into the river and was carried over Niagara 
Falls. 

Fatal Fall. — In New York, this day, 
Coroner Jackman held an inquest, at No. 43 
Perry Street, upon the body of John Murphy, 
a native of Ireland, aged sixty years, who 
was almost instantly killed by falling from 
the front stoop. Deceased, it appeared, was 
sitting in front of the hall-door, when he was 
seized with an attack of vertigo, and, falling 
forward, struck his head against the ground 
with such violence as to cause death. 

Died from Injuries. — In New York, this 
day, John Collins, an Irishman, who had been 
admitted to Bellevue Hospital while suffering 
under an attack of delirium tremens, died sud- 
denly. An examination of the body showed 
that the deceased hud been subjected to great 
violence. Nothing whatever could be ascer- 
tained as to the manner in which he was 
injured. 

Supposed Suicide of a Convict. — In 
Brooklyn, N.Y., this day, the body of a man 
was found floating in the water at the foot 



of Tenth Street, Green Point. From his dress 
and other circumstances, he was supposed to 
have been a convict belonging to Blackwell's 
Island. 

Murder in Albany, N.Y. — This day, a, 
man named Thomas Halloran was stabbed 
twice by John McCotter, and fr om the effects 
of the wounds he died. McCotter was ar- 
rested and fully committed on a charge of 
murder. 

Escape and Capture of a Fugitive Slave. 
— This day, some excitement was created on 
board the steamer S. R. Spaulding, while on 
the passage from Charleston with the Massa- 
chusetts delegation, by a fugitive slave crawl- 
ing from the coal-bunks in search of food and 
water. He gave his name as William Bracker, 
and declared he was a free negro; but the 
circumstances did not admit of the truth of 
that statement. Captain Howes altered the 
course of the Spaulding, and intercepted the 
steamer Benjamin Deford, which left Boston 
on Saturday afternoon for Baltimore, when 
William was transferred to the Deford and 
consigned to the parties missing him. 

Whipping of a Mormon by a United 
States Officer. — Great Excitement at 
Salt Lake. — The "Deseret News" of this 
date devotes three and a half columns to a 
narration of the whipping of one of the citizens 
by Assistant Surgeon E. N. Covey, on the 
route between Salt Lake and Fort Bridger. 
The man's name was Hennefer. The alleged 
cause for the commission of the act was that 
Hennefer was a policeman in Salt Lake 
at the time that Assistant Surgeon Covey, in 
connection with others, made an assault upon 
some of the police on duty, on the evening of 
November 22, 1858. In the melee which 
followed, Covey got slightly wounded, and 
there was great danger of him and his com- 
panions being killed. A correspondent of 
the New York "Herald," speaking of the 
affair, says: — 

The general feeling was a call for the 
militia to bring back Covey for trial; but 
other counsels prevailed, and another course 
is resolved on. Instructions were sent to 
bring in Hennefer ; but his friends, consult- 
ing his health, have detained him, and he has 
not yet arrived in the city. After the first 
news there was a report of his death in cir- 
culation here ; but I believe the last news 
from his ranch reports him recovering. 

As soon as he arrives here, his affidavit 
and that of the others with him will be taken 
and forwarded to the Adjutant-General at 
Washington for submission to the Secretary 
of War. A call will be made for Covey's re- 
turn to the Territory to be tried by a com- 
petent military tribunal first, and after that a 
civil process, probably, for the damages to 
goods, &c. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



379 



Death of the Hon. Littleton Waller 
Tazewell, of Virginia. — This day, died the 
Hon. Littleton Waller Tazewell, of Virginia, 
at his residence in Norfolk, at the ripe age 
of eighty-five years. 

He was born in the city of Williamsburg, 
Va., in the year 1774, was educated at Wil- 
liam and Mary College, studied law under 
the late John Wickham, of Richmond, and 
commenced the practice of his profession in 
his native city. 

His first public service was in the Legis- 
lature of Virginia, of which he was a member 
when the Madison Resolutions of 1798 were 
adopted. The next year he was elected to 
Congress, and aided in the choice of Mr. 
Jeiferson over Aaron Burr. 

He declined a re-election to Congress, and 
moved to Norfolk in 1801, where he at once 
commanded a large and lucrative practice, 
and was soon distinguished among the most 
eminent men in the State. At the instance 
of the President of the United States, he 
argued the Yazoo case, with great ability, 
and added greatly to his reputation by his 
arguments in the Court of Appeals of Vir- 
ginia in some of the most important cases in 
that court. His last professional effort was 
when he appeared in his colossal proportions 
at the bar of the Supreme Court of the 
United States in what was commonly known 
at the time as the " Cochineal case." At 
this time he was of counsel with Mr. Web- 
ster, and opposed by William Pinckney, of 
Maryland. It was during this exciting trial 
that Mr. Pinckney died suddenly. 

Perhaps no forensic display in our country 
has been more distinguished for profound 
and scientific professional lore than his fre- 
quent contests in the Virginia courts with 
his great competitor, the late Judge Taylor. 
In these contests the principles of civil, mu- 
nicipal, and maritime law were discussed 
with an ability which at the time commanded 
general admiration and lifted the advocates 
to the highest point of professional fame. 

Mr. Tazewell was appointed in 1820 one 
of the Commissioners under the Florida 
treaty, and labored with assiduity until this 
work was accomplished. In 1824 he was 
elected to the Senate of the United States, 
and at once displayed that clear-minded and 
original statesmanship which had by degrees 
developed itself from the commencement of 
his public career ; and he found no superior 
even in the day of Clay, Calhoun, and Web- 
ster. During his Senatorial career, which 
extended until the year 1833, he was a strong 
sympathizer with the Nullification movements, 
and was a zealous advocate of all Southern 
political measures. His course in the Senate, 
although belonging to the Democratic party, 
made him an opponent of the Jackson Ad- 
ministration and measures. So great was 
his influence, that an effort was made in 1829 
to conciliate him by offering him the mission 



to London. Mr. Tazewell, knowing his power 
in the Senate, and immediately recognising 
the motive of the tender of the London mis- 
sion, indignantly refused it in a pungent and 
sarcastic letter. In 1831 he was elected 
President of the Senate pro tern., in which 
position he distinguished himself as a pre- 
siding officer. 

Mr. Tazewell was no less distinguished for 
the character of his epistolary correspond- 
ence than he was for his eminently states- 
manlike qualities ; and in this department 
he gathered around him a host of admirers. 
His style was clear, frank, and terse ; he 
used no labored and measured sentences, but 
every phrase, sentence, and period was 
strictly to the point on which he was writing, 
so that it could be fully understood by those 
whom he addressed. An admirer of Mr. 
Tazewell, in a communication to the Rich- 
mond "Enquirer," (1829,) says, "He has a 
mind as pure as ether, and as vast as infini- 
tude." 

His last public service was in the position 
of Governor of the State of Virginia from 
the year 1834 to 1837. Resigning his po- 
sition before the expiration of his term, he 
returned to Norfolk, where he resided up to 
the time of his death, an object of affection 
and admiration to all its citizens. 

He married a daughter of the late Colonel 
Nivison, of Norfolk, in the year 1802. On 
retiring from his Gubernatorial duties he 
resolved never again to accept public office, 
preferring the domestic happiness which he 
found in the bosom of his family to all the 
public honors which the people were ready to 
heap upon him. 

More than the third of a century has elapsed 
since, crowned with its highest honors, he 
retired from the legal profession ; and the 
reflection is as apposite as it is solemn, that 
not a member of the present bar of Virginia 
was his contemporary ; but, though he was 
nominally withdrawn from active life, his 
presence in Norfolk, his great accessibility to 
all who chose to consult him, the exuberance 
of his vast stores of knowledge, which came 
forth freely at the call of his friends, his 
splendid parliamentary career, his over- 
shadowing reputation, which, as it was felt 
and universally acknowledged by his associ- 
ates at the bar of Virginia, loomed yet larger 
through the haze of years, — these, and his 
fine social qualities, ever kept him fresh in 
the eyes and in the hearts of his professional 
successors. Thus it was that, though for so 
long a period withdrawn from the field of 
his meridian fame, he seemed to be con- 
nected with Virginia by a sensible and living 
tie. 

It was a severe but touching sentiment of 
an ancient poet, that no man ought to be 
deemed happy before his death ; and, such is 
the instability of human affairs, so sudden 
and unexpected are human events and opi- 



S80 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



nions, there is too much room for belief in 
the mournful reflection. 

He had reached the highest fame that has 
been attained at the bar of Virginia and of 
the Union ; and with the laurels gathered in 
the forensic contests he had interwoven those 
which he won on the floor of the Senate of 
the United States. His wise economy, his 
financial skill, and his sound practical judg- 
ment had amassed a fortune which increased 
with every year; and, as if nothing should 
be wanting to his felicity, he was blessed 
with a large and lovely family, — the bride of 
his youth until within a year past still dif- 
fusing around her the light of her early love, 
and children and grandchildren awaiting his 
blessing. The very seclusion in which he 
lived was au element of peace and serenity 
in his latter days. He interfered with no 
man's schemes; he thwarted the ambition 
of no aspirant ; in the vigor of manhood and 
in the prime of his extraordinary powers he 
had put the cup of rivalry and ambition by, 
and no persuasion or inducement would have 
led him to press its lips as his sands were 
running low. Hence, unbiassed by the pre- 
judices of the hour, unswayed by the flatter- 
ing schemes of personal interests, he brought 
his great powers to bear upon current ques- 
tions with a force that it was hard to resist 
or elude, and with a sagacity almost pro- 
phetic. But that force will be felt now no 
more ; that sagacity will cease to sway the 
judgments of men. The career of this really 
great man is historical, and will, no doubt, 
in due time be written by some competent 
pen to enlarge the annals and grace the lite- 
rature of our country. 

Death of the Hon. Samuel Beardsley. 
— The Hon. Samuel Beardsley, late Chief- 
Justice of the Supreme Court of New York, 
died this day, at his residence in Utica, at 
half-past twelve o'clock. 

He was a native of Otsego county, and a 
brother of the Hon. Levi Beardsley. He 
commenced the study of law in Rome, Oneida 
county, with Hon. Joshua Hathaway, one 
of the early members of the bar of Oneida 
county, and for many years surrogate and 
one of the county judges. In the year 1823, 
he represented Oneida county in the State 
Senate, having been elected by the Demo- 
cratic party ; and, although the youngest 
member of that body, and considering the 
fact that it was his first appearance on the 
stage of public life, it was acknowledged, 
even by his political adversaries, that he 
possessed intellectual powers of the highest 
order. Contemporary with him in the Legis- 
lature were Edward P. Livingston, Gen. Hoot, 
John A. King, Jacob Sutherland, Heman J. 
Redfield, and Walter Bowne. On his retire- 
ment from the Senate, he resumed active 
practice in his profession, in Rome, where 
he continued until the year 1825, when he 



removed to Utica and formed a copartnership 
with Hon. Greene C. Bronson. While at 
Rome, he was for several years District At- 
torney of Oneida county. 

In 1827, he was appointed United States 
District Attorney for the Northern District 
of New York, which office he continued to 
hold until elected member of Congress in 
1881 to 1836, in his term serving through the 
Administration of Jackson, of whom he was 
an active supporter. To show the value that 
was put on his influence in Congress, it is 
only necessary to state that, while actively 
discharging his Congressional duties, in the 
year 1884, he was tendered the position of 
Justice of the Supreme Court of the State, in 
place of Judge Nathan Williams, who had be-' 
come constitutionally ineligible. Mr. Beards- 
ley was at this time considered a leading 
Jackson Democrat, an efficient member of 
the House -of Representatives, and a firm 
supporter of the Administration. So valuable 
were his services that the friends of Presi- 
dent Jackson waited upon Mr. Beardsley and 
pressed him to remain in Congress, to which 
he finally acceded, and declined the judicial 
honor tendered him. Mr. Beardsley was 
called by his opponents " Perish-Credit, 
Perish-Commerce Beardsley," for his advo- 
cacy of the peculiar views of Jackson's Ad- 
ministration, taking their text from an ori- 
ginal expression he used in debate. In 1837, 
he was appointed Attorney-General of the 
State of New York, in place of Greene C. 
Bronson, who had been appointed a Justice 
of the Supreme Court. During the national 
monetary crisis of 1837, the Washington 
"Globe," the organ of the Administration, 
and the "Evening Post," then an efficient 
Democratic journal, published a series of 
articles in opposition to the suspension of 
specie-payment by the banks, animadverting 
with great severity on the course of these 
moneyed corporations. It had the effect in 
New York to produce a split in the Albany 
Regency, the State Cabinet, of which Mr. 
Beardsley was a member. He reiterated the 
sentiments of the papers alluded to. In 
1844, and before the expiration of his term 
of office as Attorney-General, he was ap- 
pointed Judge of the Supreme Court, to suc- 
ceed Judge Cowen, then deceased. In 1847, 
after the adoption of the new Constitution, 
he was Chief-Justice, with Messrs. Whittlesey 
and McKissock as associates, under the or- 
ganization to close up the business of the old 
Supreme Court, and retired from the bench 
in 1848. Since he left office, with the ex- 
ception of a year or two, when he opened an 
office in New York, he has resided in Utica. 
While a member of Congress, Judge Beards- 
ley was for three terms Chairman of the 
Committee on the Judiciary. 

Mr. Beardsley, from the time he commenced 
public life until he closed his eyes in death, 
occupied a distinguished position as an emi- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



381 



nent legislator, lawyer, and judge. He was 
a conspicuous partisan of the most rigid 
character. At the same time it is proper to 
state that he was courteous and friendly to 
all with whom he associated, of whatever 
sect or party. 

Return of Kidnapped Colored Boys. — 
The steamship Jamestown, Capt. Skinner, 
which arrived in New York, this day, from 
Richmond, Va., brought on the two colored 
boys who were offered for sale in Hampton 
Roads by Capt. Bray ley, of the British schoon- 
er Alice Rogers. They were given in charge 
of the British consul. 



MONDAY, MAY 7. 

Tornado in Pennsylvania. — This day, a 
terrible tornado passed over a portion of 
Bucks county, Pa., accompanied by thunder, 
lightning, hail, and rain. Dwelling-houses, 
barns, stables, barracks, and shops were 
razed to the ground, bridges were blown 
away, fences scattered over fields, and whole 
orchards of trees torn up by the roots. 

A Church Struck by Lightning. — This 
day, a church in which the German Reformed 
and Lutheran congregations had been wor- 
shipping for fifty-five years, in Rohrerstown, 
Pa., was struck by lightning. The electric 
fluid ran down the chimney, shattered the 
roof of the building, broke a large stove in 
pieces, knocked out nearly every pane of 
glass in the windows, and otherwise so in- 
jured the edifice that the congregations will 
be compelled to erect a new church. 

Sailing of the Japanese Corvette. — This 
day, from San Francisco, the Japanese cor- 
vette sailed homeward, via Honolulu, having 
been completely repaired at the Navy- Yard, 
free of charge. A farewell festival was given 
to her officers by the city officers and citizens 
of San Francisco. She started immediately 
after the arrival of the pony express, which 
brought news only eighteen days from New 
York. Her homeward trip will be a complete 
transmission of news around the world in 
quicker time than ever before done. 

Shameful Treatment of Emigrant Pas- 
sengers. — The passengers on board the 
British ship Constitution, Avhich arrived 
from Liverpool this day, complain that they 
received during the passage the most bru- 
tal treatment, from the surgeon and crew 
that could be conceived. They were beaten 
and knocked about as if they were brutes ; 
and upon leaving the vessel this day, and 
while on board the steam-tug Satellite all 
huddled together without any protection for 
their bodies, a shower of large tin cans was 



thrown at them from the ship by the mate 
and crew, severely injuring several of them. 
Two women were bo badly hurt as to require 
aid to walk, their heads being cut and bruised 
to a fearful extent. 

Arrested, charged with being engaged 
in the New York City Lot Forgeries. — 
In New York, this day, Detectives Devoe and 
Sampson arrested Charles G. Thompson, 
formerly a broker in Nassau Street, and 
Hamilton W. Shipman, a broker at No. 33 
Pine Street, who are charged with being 
concerned with Thomas Lawson in perpe- 
trating a series of bold swindles in property 
in that city by means of forged deeds. Law- 
son was arrested some days ago, and after 
an examination was committed to answer. 
Shipman was held to bail in the sum of 
$2000 by Justice Welsh. In connection 
with the same nefarious transactions. Smith 
Wilcox and Charles P. Thompson, a son of 
the above prisoner, were previously arrested, 
making five persons in all in custody on the 
charge 

Mormons Going to Utah. — This day, a 
party of Mormons left Philadelphia for 
Utah. They numbered 2-50 adults, about 
one-half of whom were females, and about, 
eighty children, thirty of whom were re- 
quired to pay half fare, the others being 
too small to deserve the notice of the ticket- 
agent. Of the whole number over fifty 
were natives of Philadelphia, but princi- 
pally descendants of English, Swiss, and 
Germans, and the remainder, with the ex- 
ception of about twenty that arrived last 
week in New York from England, have been 
residents of that city for some time. They 
were evidently a hard-working people, and, 
judging by appearances, their lives had not 
been spent in the ways of the rich and pros- 
perous. 

Escape of a Fugitive Slave. — Another 
fugitive slave was found, this day, aboard 
the Massachusetts steamer S. R. Spaulding, 
who, more successful than the one found 
yesterday, (the 6th, ) made his escape. His 
name was Morris. He belonged to the estate 
of Thomas Dixon, of Georgia. He left at 
once for Canada. 

Fatal Fall. — Mary Ann Farwell fell 
down-stairs, this day, and fatally injured 
herself. (See Tuesday, May 8.) 

Fatal Railroad - Accident. — Daniel 
Quackenburgh was run over, this day, on 
the New Haven Railroad. He was taken, 
dreadfully injured, to the Bellevue Hospital, 
New York. 

Two Men Murdered in New Orleans. — 
This day, Police-Officer Sommers was buried. 



382 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



He was murdered by three men, named 
Mulholland, McCabe, and Hobson. He was 
attending to bis duty on the levee as a night 
policeman, with a companion, when they 
were attacked by them. They began throw- 
ing brickbats at them, apparently for amuse- 
ment ; and when the officers spoke to them, 
to know whether they were throwing at 
them or not, the three fell upon them, and 
Mulholland, drawing a knife, stabbed Som- 
mers in the left side of the neck, causing 
his death in three minutes. Sommers died 
in the .arms of his partner. The assassins 
ran with all possible speed on board the 
steam-propeller Habana and secreted them- 
selves in the hold ; and, when discovered by 
Mr. Condon, quartermaster of the vessel, 
Mulholland stabbed him severely, and then 
jumped through the larboard-port into a 
flat-boat, where he was arrested. Sommers 
was carried to the watch-house, and Condon 
taken to the Charity Hospital, where he 
soon afterward died. 

Direct Trade with Richmond. — The 
"Richmond Whig" of this date says: — 

Mr. W. G. Paine, of the firm of Kent, 
Paine & Co., Mr. Lewis Ginter, of the firm 
of Ginter, Alvey & Arents, Mr. George J. 
Sumner, of the firm of George J. Sumner & 
Co., Mr. William Breeden, of the firm of 
Breeden, Fox & Co., and Mr. W. S. Dennan, 
of the firm of W. S. & George Dennan, will 
sail in the Africa, on the 9th inst., for Eu- 
rope, to purchase stocks of goods for this 
market. They will ship direct to James 
River by the Virginia and Liverpool line of 
packeta, — the first of which is expected to 
arrive here in a short time. Mr. Drewry, 
of the firm of Ellett & Drewry, left here a 
few days since for Europe, and other of our 
wholesale merchants are expected to follow 
in a short time. All of them will ship direct 
to Virginia water : so that, the merchants of 
Richmond are beginning in earnest to esta- 
blish direct trade with Europe. 

Capture of a Supposed Slaver. — This 
day, the U.S. sloop-of-war Portsmouth cap- 
tured, on the coast of Africa, the brig Fal- 
mouth, of New York, as a suspected slaver. 

Murder of Dr. L. D. Hickman. — In Ne- 
braska, this day, Dr. L. D. Hickman, brother 
of Bill Hickman, of Mormon notoriety, was 
shot by a German, named Harry Hazelly, 
near Mountain City. Hickman ordered 
Hazelly from a claim he was working, aim- 
ing at him with a cocked revolver. Hazelly 
climbed from the pit in which he was work- 
ing, knocked up Hickman's pistol, drew his 
own, and shot him through the head, causing 
instant death. 

Murder by Indians. — This day, twelve 
or fourteen whites were massacred by In- 



dians, at the Big Bend of the Carson River. 
The Indians were three or four hundred 
strong, well mounted, and armed with guns. 
The affair created great excitement, and 
three or four armed parties, of from twelve 
to thirty each, started in pursuit. 

Nine Men Murdered by Indians near 
Pyramid Lake. — This day, Messrs. Cooper, 
Anderson, Lamar, Ques, King, Charles 
Palmer, Marco Cuesavick, and Canfield and 
John Gibson were murdered by Indians be- 
tween Pyramid Lake and Virginia City. 
They had left the former place, and were 
journeying to the latter., 

The Methodist Episcopal General Con- 
ference continued its session at Buffalo, 
this day. An address was delivered to the 
Conference from Great Britain. The ad- 
dress, among other congratulations, ex- 
presses warm satisfaction at the existing 
sentiment in the American Church on the 
subject of slavery; also a communication 
from the same Conference to the bishops of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, regretting 
their inability to send a deputation to the 
present Conference, and expressing the hope 
that such a deputation will be sent in 1864. 
Addresses were also presented from the pas- 
tors of the annual Conference of France and 
Switzerland, held at Paris, June 22, 1859. 
The address gives a favorable report of the 
progress of Methodism on the European 
continent, notwithstanding the constituted 
authorities have incited the ignorant popu- 
lation against them, in many instances 
amounting to serious persecutions. The 
Church is making rapid progress toward 
Italy, and hopes that the work in France 
may still have a claim upon the sympathies 
of the American Church. 

Bishop Morris presented a memorial from 
Dr. S. Luckey, which was read, in favor of 
establishing an executive Conference for the 
government of the Church, to consist of the 
bishops and one delegate from each annual 
Conference, to be appointed every four years, 
which shall hold annual sessions, and shall 
have general jurisdiction over the various 
temporal matters of the Church, including 
the power to investigate all charges against 
the bishops, and to try the same, as well as 
the preachers, subject to an appeal to and a 
revisal by the General Conference, as well 
as a general superintendency of the book- 
concern and the missionary-committee. The 
memorial proposes so to elect the executive 
Conference that three-fourths of each body 
shall be perpetuated in the succeeding one. 

Seventy-three petitions for a change of 
the slavery rule, and two against, were pre- 
sented to-day. 

Suicide. — In New York, this day, the 
inquest held on the body of Mrs. Hannah 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



383 



Peyser, of No. 239 Hudson Street, who died 
from the effects of arsenic, supposed to have 
been administered accidentally by herself, 
was concluded by Coroner Schirmer. The 
evidence went to show that deceased was 
depressed in spirits in consequence of having 
been unfortunate in business. On the day 
she was taken ill, she told her daughter 
that it was her last day, and that she would 
soon be relieved from all her troubles. The 
jury, after due deliberation, rendered a 
verdict of "Death by arsenic, which we 
believe to have been administered by de- 
ceased." Mrs. Peyser was a native of Ger- 
many, and was forty-six years of age. 

Deserters Killed. — This day, some de- 
serters stole eight dragoon-horses from Camp 
Floyd, Utah, and made off with them. A 
man named Rocky Thomas was sent in pur- 
suit of the fugitives, and brought back the 
horses, but, it was afterward found, killed 
two of the deserters. 

Death by Lightning. — This day, P. 
Harris, an old resident of the village of Fort 
Miller, N.Y., was struck by lightning while 
taking shelter under a large tree during a 
thundergust, and instantly killed. 

Whipped to Death. — Reamy Burnett, a 
free negro, died in Danville, Va., this day, 
from a whipping received from Charles T. 
Clay, the overseer in the saw-mill where he 
worked. Clay was arrested. 

Woman Killed by a Railroad-Train. — 
This day, as the Reading (Pa.) train was 
nearing the Columbia Bridge, a woman was 
seen lying across the track, but, in conse- 
quence of a short curve in the road at this 
point, the engineer was unable to prevent the 
train from passing over her. Her hands and 
one of her legs were cut off, and she was other- 
wise injured, so that life was extinct when 
she was picked up. On examining her face, 
she was recognised as Rebecca Cassiday, a 
resident of that neighborhood, and in the 
habit of working for families around the 
country. It is supposed she was intoxi- 
cated, as she was known to be of intempe- 
rate habits. 

Missouri Congressman Nominated. — 
This day, the Democrats of the Fifth Con- 
gressional District unanimously nominated 
James W. Reid for Congress, vice Colonel 
Woodson, the present incumbent. 

Stockton (Cal.) Municipal Election. — 
The People's ticket at Stockton, Cal., was, 
this day, successful, beating the Democratic 
by fair majorities. 

Atchison (Kansas) Municipal Election. 
— This day, the charter election at Atchison, 



Kansas, resulted in the success of the Demo- 
cratic ticket. Mr. Fairchild was chosen 
Mayor. 

Meeting of "National Democrats" at 
New York. — A meeting of " National Demo- 
crats" was held at the Metropolitan Hotel, 
this day, ex-Mayor Mickle presiding. Strong 
resolutions favoring General Houston as a 
candidate for the Presidency were adopted. 
A committee was appointed to make the 
necessary arrangements for a grand mass 
meeting. 

Illinois Congressman Nominated. — 
William Kellogg was, this day, nominated 
for re-election to Congress by the Repub- 
lican Convention of the Fourth Congres- 
sional District of that State. 

Fire in the Woods. — This day, a de- 
structive fire was raging in the forests on 
the line between New York and Massa- 
chusetts, north and east of Albany. Many 
hundreds of acres of land had been swept 
over. Some of the localities are Berkshire 
county, between Windsor and Cheshire, 
Daltou, North Adams, and Clarksburg, all 
in Massachusetts, near the New York line. 

Destructive Fide at Painted Post, N.Y. 
— This day, a most destructive fire occurred 
at Painted Post, Steuben county, N.Y., in- 
volving the loss of nearly $60,000. The 
fire was first discovered in the foundry of 
Curtis & Erwin. which, with the buildings 
attached, was destroyed. The barn and 
livery-stable of the Lovell House, the build- 
ing known as the Badger block, the dwelling 
of J.'P. Bennett, the dwelling of II. G. Blood, 
the dwelling and shop of Mr. Wilder, the 
dwelling of G. Brown, and the dwelling of 
0. Jordan, were also completely destroyed. 
The fire is attributed to spontaneous com- 
bustion from the foundry. 

Curtis & Erwin's loss was $50,000: in- 
sured for $12,000. Loss on the Badger 
block, $2000: no insurance. J. P. Ben- 
nett's loss, $1000: no insurance. Mr. 
Wilder was insured for $1200. G. Brown's 
loss, $600: no insurance. 

Great Fire in Philadelphia. — Exten- 
sive Livery-Stable Destroyed by Fire. — 
Twenty-Eight Valuable Horses Burned. 
— 'The afternoon of this day, betAveen one 
and two o'clock, a fire broke out in the 
large stable in Filbert Street, below Thir- 
teenth, occupied by Mr. B. D. Stetson, 
which was entirely destroyed, together with 
twenty-eight valuable horses, vehicles, pro- 
vender, &c. This stable was formerly well 
known as the "Philadelphia Tattersalls," 
and was once used for the purposes of a 
riding-school and sales-stable. Mr. Stetson, 
the present proprietor, is well known among 



384 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



the lovers of fast-trotting horses, and many 
fine animals were kept at livery at his 
stable. The building was of stone, and had 
a front of about fifty feet on Filbert Street, 
running back to Silver Street, a distance of 
about one hundred and fifty feet. The fire 
was first discovered in the loft in the south- 
west corner of the building, where a large 
lot of hay had been stored, and immediately 
over the place where most of the forty- 
three horses in the stable were kept. So 
rapid was the spread of the flames, that 
with all the exertions of the men employed 
about the stable, and assistance outside, but 
fifteen horses could be rescued, leaving 
twenty-eight to be burned to death. Among 
those lost was one owned by Mr. Stetson, 
valued at $1500. Mr. S. was absent at the 
time, having a short time previous to the 
fire taken a pair of horses out valued at 
$2000. Only sixteen of all in the building 
belonged to Mr. Stetson. He estimates his 
loss at about $15,000, upon which there is 
no insurance. Quite a number of carriages, 
harness, &e. were also destroyed. Among 
the losers who kept horses at livery were the 
following: — Mr. S. R. Simmons, a pair of 
horses, valued at $1000; J. M. Cowell, a 
horse, valued at $800. Mr. Cowell's policy 
of $800 on this horse expired on Saturday 
last. Captain John Ellis, a horse, worth 
$1-300 ; and one owned by a Mr. Cassiday, 
valued at $500. None of the others burned 
were worth less than $300. The stable be- 
longed to the Wetherill family, and had 
recently been sold to a Mr. Potts, but the 
title-papers had not been executed. It was 
valued at $3000, upon which there was no 
insurance. The fire extended to the dwell- 
ing east of the stable, occupied by H. Gold- 
smith. The bath-room, back building, and 
roof were destroyed, and the furniture in- 
jured by water. The loss was covered by 
insurance. The building adjoining this was 
slightly damaged, and a lot of clothes in the 
yard burned. On the west of the stable, on 
Filbert Street, a two-story frame building 
was slightly damaged, and the furniture of 
Mrs. Campbell and J. Hardt injured by 
water. The upper part of the building on 
the southeast corner of Thirteenth and 
Filbert Streets was also slightly damaged. 
On Silver Street, a dwelling adjoining the 
stable was partially destroyed. It was oc- 
cupied by several families. Several other 
buildings near this were also slightly 
damaged, but not sufficiently to compel the 
families to vacate the premises. The entire 
loss by the fire is estimated at from $20,000 
to $25,000. An investigation was made as 
to the cause of the fire, and it is thought it 
originated from a piece of fire-works, known 
as the double-headed Dutchman. Several 
boys had set off one of these things in a 
yard adjoining, and it lodged on the roof, 
where it is supposed it burned through the 



roof and then ignited the hay in the loft. 
The sparks from the burning building set 
fire to the roofs of a number of buildings 
in the neighborhood, but the flames were 
extinguished before any damage was done. 

Distillery Burned in Williamsburg, 
N.Y. — This day, in Williamsburg, in the 
afternoon, about two o'clock, .a fire broke 
out in the distillery of Messrs. J. H. Brun- 
dage & Co., in First Street, near South 
Seventh, Eastern District. It was caused 
by the accidental boiling over of a pot of 
pitch, and spread to the adjoining premises 
with astonishing rapidity. The entire fire- 
department of the Eastern District were 
soon at the spot, and the utmost efforts were 
used to prevent the progress of the flames. 
At one time it was thought that the Williams- 
burg City Bank and the ferry-houses at the 
foot of South Seventh Street were in great 
danger. Several of the ferry-boats at- 
tempted to play streams of water upon the 
fire, but were obliged to haul off into the 
stream, for fear of catching fire. Owing to 
the great exertions of the firemen, the flames 
were confined to the premises in which they 
broke out, and were finally extinguished, 
with much smaller loss than was at first 
anticipated. Messrs. Brundage & Co. esti- 
mate their loss at $5000. They were in- 
sured as follows: — Mechanics', of Brooklyn, 
$1500; Adriatic, of New York, $2500; Park, 
$3000; JEtna, $2500; Humboldt, $3000; 
Excelsior, $2500; New World, $2500; Arti- 
sans', $2500. 

Thomas Betts and John O'Rourke, em- 
ployees at the distillery, fell from exhaus- 
tion. They were taken to a house near by 
and properly cared for. This is the fourth 
fire upon these premises. 

Mayor of Petersburg, Va. — This day, 
W. W. Townes was re-elected Mayor of 
Petersburg, Va. 



TUESDAY, MAY 8. 

Melancholy Suicide of a Grand-Ne- 
phew of Emmet, the Irish Patriot. — la 
New York, this day, a melancholy tragedy 
occurred at No. 2-4 University Place, about 
one o'clock in the morning. James J. Em- 
met, son of Thomas Addis Emmet, who had 
been sick for some time with consumption, 
and much depressed in spirits in consequence, 
shot himself through the head with a re- 
volver, while lying in bed with an elder 
brother, killing himself almost instantly. De- 
ceased, it appears, was a grand-nephew of 
Robert Emmet, the Irish patriot, and was 
about twenty-seven years of age. He resided 
with his father at the above number, and 
was a lawyer by profession. For the last 
three years he had been ill with an affection 
of the lungs and throat, which gradually de- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



385 



bilitated him to such an extent that it was 
found necessary for him to go to the South for 
the benefit of his health. About two weeks 
ago he returned home slightly improved in 
strength. A day or two afterward, how- 
ever, he caught a severe cold and became 
quite ill. The fact that two of his brothers 
and one of his sisters had previously died of 
consumption weighed heavily on his mind, 
and he was often heard to say that he did 
not believe he would ever recover from the 
fearful malady with which he was affected. 
His relatives and friends endeavored to cheer 
him up under the difficulty, but he became 
more despondent day by day, and finally 
formed the resolution of committing suicide. 
On Tuesday night, deceased, who slept in 
the same bed with his brother, Macneven 
Emmet, retired in his usual state of mind. 
His brother had just closed his eyes and 
fallen into a doze, when the sharp report of 
fire-arms startled him from his slumbers. 
He instantly jumped out of bed and lighted 
the gas to ascertain the cause of the noise, 
when he discovered, to his intense horror, 



Place ; deceased was my younger brother; I 
was sitting alone in the parlor last evening 
when deceased came in ; it was then about 
twelve o'clock; he sat down and chatted 
some minutes, as usual, when mother called 
him and said there was some tea saved for 
him, and that he would find it in the dining- 
room ; I then left him and went up to bed ; 
deceased came into the room just as I was 
getting into bed ; he wound his watch, as 
usual, placed it under his pillow, undressed 
himself, and then got into bed ; I was falling 
into a doze when he got into bed, and about 
two minutes or so thereafter I was awakened 
hy the report of a pistol ; I jumped up to 
light the gas, and called to a gentleman in 
the next room ; when the gentleman in 
question (Mr. Wilson) came in, I had the 
gas lighted, and upon turning around I saw 
deceased lying upon the bed with a pistol (a 
revolver) in his right hand: the muzzle was 
resting against his head, and the blood was 
streaming down his face ; my brother, who 
occupies an adjoining room, got to deceased 
first, and removed the pistol from his hand, 



that deceased had actually shot himself and it was then discovered that there was 



while lying in bed. The suicide yet retained 
the deadly weapon (a revolver) in his grasp, 
and was bleeding profusely from a wound in 
his head. He died quite easy: a few con- 
vulsive movements of the hands, and, in less 
time than it would take us to describe the 
scene, the unfortunate man ceased to breathe. 
Dr. Wooster arrived a few minutes after the 
discharge of the pistol; but deceased was 
then quite dead. Upon an examination of 
the wound, it was found that the ball had 
passed clean through deceased's head. It 
was a miracle, almost, that the brother was 
not injured by the explosion of the weapon, 
as he was lying side by side with the suicide 
when the pistol was discharged. Coroner 
Schirmer held an inquest upon the body of 
deceased the next forenoon, when the fol- 
lowing testimony was presented:— 

Thomas A. Emmet, being duly sworn, de- 
poses and says: — I reside here; I am father 
of deceased ; he has been ailing more or less 
for the last three years, with symptoms of 
consumption ; he went South for his health 
twice, and once on a voyage : he returned 
from the South about two weeks ago ; the 
weather was then unfavorable, and I suppose 
he took fresh cold, for his cough was much 
worse and he became very much depressed 
in spirits ; two brothers and one sister died 
of consumption within the past three years, 
and it was a settled impression on his mind 
that he would never recover ; I think it was 
so ; I saw him yesterday morning, at my 
office; he appeared as well as usual, and 
said he was going to witness the lowering of 
the Croton pipes in Eighth Avenue ; that 
was the last time I saw him alive. 

Macneven Emmet, being sworn, deposes 
aud says:— I reside at No. 24 University 



a wound in deceased's right temple; I went 
immediately for Dr. Wooster, who came as 
soon as possible; saw nothing more of de- 
ceased after that. 

Joseph Wooster, M.D., being duly sworn, 
deposes as follows: — I reside at 119 Ninth 
Street ; I am a physician and surgeon; I was 
called to see deceased shortly after one o'clock 
this morning ; I found him in the position 
he now lies precisely ; I found no appear- 
ance of life ; a large quantity of blood had 
oozed from the wound ; there was an orifice 
in the temporal bone on the left side, and in 
the molar bone on the right, the latter hole 
being the point of entrance ; the basilar 
artery was in a direct line between these 
two orifices ; from the fact of the great risk 
deceased ran of shooting his brother, who 
was in bed with him, I should think he must 
have been laboring under temporary aber- 
ration of mind. 

The case was then submitted to the jury, 
who, after clue deliberation, rendered the 
following verdict: — 

That the said man came to his death by 
hemorrhage, from a pistol-shot-wound through 
the brain, inflicted by himself, while laboring 
under temporary aberration of mind, May 
8, 1860. 

Singular Death of a Child. — This day, 
in Providence, Rhode Island, Benjamin F. 
Thompson, a child of ten months, whose- 
parents reside in the rear of Jefferson Street, 
Smith's Hill, was left asleep on a bed by 
his mother, while she made a call at the 
house of a neighbor. When she returned, 
after the lapse of an hour or so, the child 
was dead. The explanation of the cause of 
this sudden death is sought in the fact that.: 



25 



386 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



two dogs belonging to the family were left in 
the room with the sleeping child, one of 
which, it is said, mounted the bed, placed its 
paws upon the little fellow's shoulders, and 
then drew his breath until he was sufi'ocated. 
The child was in feeble health ; and it is pos- 
sible that the weight of the animal upon its 
body may have induced a spasm that proved 
fatal. When the child was found, the dog 
was resting its head upon its body. 

Fatal Fall. — In New York, this day, 
Mary Ann Farrell, a native of Ireland, aged 
sixty-two years, died, at No. 802 First Avenue, 
from the effects of injuries received by falling 
down a flight of stairs on Monday night. 
Coroner Gamble held an inquest upon the 
body of deceased, when the jury rendered a 
verdict of "Accidental death." 

Fatal Railroad -Accident. — In New 
York, this day, a German named Daniel 
Quackenburgb. died at Bellevue Hospital, in 
consequence of having been run over by a 
train of cars on the New Haven Railroad on 
Monday evening. 

Inauguration of the Mayor of Phila- 
delphia. — This day, Mayor Henry was in- 
augurated. The following portion of his 
address was delivered with much force and 
emphasis, and received with a torrent of 
applause : — 

" Not only the intrinsic welfare of the 
community, but also its honorable repute, 
depends upon a firm and impartial adminis- 
tration of the laws ; and, unmoved by popular 
clamor, I shall strive, to the full extent of my 
official power, to secure the full enjoyment 
in the city of Philadelphia of every constitu- 
tional right of person and property." 

Death of the Hon. Phineas Allen. — 
Died, this day, at Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the 
Hon. Phineas Allen, senior editor of the Pitts- 
field (Mass.) " Sun," which he founded in the 
year 1800, aged eighty-four years. He was 
the oldest editor in the Union. 

Died, in Trenton, N.J., this day, Joseph 
"Wood, for several years Mayor of that city, 
and uncle to Mayor Wood, of New York. 

Pittsburg Councils and the Supreme 
Court of Pennsylvania. — A motion was 
made in the Supreme Court, this day, to dis- 
cuss the rule to show cause why attachment 
should not issue against the Common Councils 
of Pittsburg, on the ground that the ordinance 
making the tax-levy passed that Council. 
The court postponed action till the 29th, to 
give both Councils an opportunity to concur 
in the ordinance. 

Death from Snow -Storms on the 
Plains. — This day, the bodies of six per- 



sons who had died in the heavy snow-storm 
on the 6th, on the plains, were brought into 
O'Fallon's Bluffs. 

Railroad Injunction Dissolved. — In 
New Jersey, this day, the injunction imposed 
some weeks since by Chancellor Green on 
the Orange & Newark Horse-Car Railroad 
(argued yesterday afternoon) was dissolved 
by a decree of the Chancellor. 

The Methodist Episcopal Conference 
continued its session at Buffalo. The Rev. 
Mr. Crane, from the Court of Appeals, re- 
ported in favor of restoring Rev. Mr. Creevey, 
who had been expelled from the New York 
Conference, Vo full connection, — thus re- 
versing the decision of the Annual Conference. 
The report was adopted. 



WEDNESDAY, MAY 9. 

Wreck of the Propeller Prairie State. 
— This day, the propeller Prairie State, for 
Ogdensburg, with a full cnrgo of flour, ran on a 
reef in the Straits of Mackinac, and sunk im- 
mediately. The crew and passengers were 
saved. 

Captain and Two Men Washed Over 
board. — This day, the schooner Anna Smith, 
of Wilmington, Delaware, for Philadelphia, 
with lumber, put into Norfolk leaking, and 
with loss of sails. Capt. Smith, the second 
mate, and one seaman were washed over- 
board in the late storm. 

A Quick Run. — The clipper ship Dread- 
naught, Capt. Samuels, arrived at New York 
from Liverpool, this day, after a splendid 
run of nineteen days, having left Liverpool 
April 20. 

Arrival of the Japanese Ambassadors. 
— About six o'clock in the evening of this 
day, the U. S. frigate Roanoke anchored 
off Sandy Hook, below New York, with the 
Japanese Ambassadors on board. Orders 
were at once delivered instructing the frigate 
to proceed to Hampton Roads with the am- 
bassadors, without landing at the city. There 
were seventy-one Japanese on board, one of 
the original delegation having been taken ill 
at San Francisco and left behind to be re- 
conducted home. 

Indicted for Allowing the Storm- 
King to Escape. — The grand jury of the 
U. S. Circuit Court of New York, this day, in- 
dicted Theodore Rynders and Henry Munn for 
malfeasance in office, in allowing the escape 
of the Storm- King. They were held in $1500 
bail each. 

Trotting on Union Course, Long Is- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



387 



land. — This day, took place a trotting- 
match for $1000 a side, mile heats, best 
three in five, to wagons. 
Horace Jones named g. g. Prince John 111 
Hiram Woodruff named b. g. Post-Boy 2 2 2 



First heat — quarter, 39 seconds — half, 1:15 — mile, 2:31^ 
Second heat " 40 " •' 1:17>£ " 2:33 

Third heat " 38 " " 1:16 " 2:31)4 

The Daughter of a Wealthy Citizen 
of Milwaukee (Wis.) Elopes with a Pick- 
pocket. — This day, the daughter of Mr. 
Kohlhammer, a wealthy citizen of Milwaukee, 
and well known as a large wholesale flour- 
dealer, together with his servant-girl, ran 
away from Milwaukee, and went to Chicago. 
A paper of that city says : — 

The servant-girl, it appears, who had 
made the acquaintance of a noted pickpocket 
in this city, received a letter from him a few 
days since, urging her to get together all the 
money she could and come here, and, if pos- 
sible, bring Mr. K.'s daughter with her. 
The daughter, who is very respectable and 
quite a lady in her appearance, prevailed 
upon by the wiles of the servant-girl, took 
eighty dollars of her father's money and 
came to this city on Wednesday with the 
servant-girl, who had managed to get thirty- 
five out of her own folks. They first went 
to a boarding-house at the corner of La Salle 
and Michigan Streets, but remained there 
only one night, and the next day went to 
No. 421 Canal Street. The father in the 
mean time came on in hot pursuit of the fugi- 
tives, and Officer Walker was put on their 
track. By waiting at the depot and follow- 
ing up their trunks, he discovered their 
whereabouts, arrested them, and gave them 
over to the father, who departed with the 
runaways for Milwaukee. 

Four Men Murdered by the Indians 
on the Plains. — This day, the overland 
stage arrived at Springfield, (Mo.,) and re- 
ported that a blacksmith in the employ of 
the Overland Mail Company, and three men 
living at Mountain Pass, were murdered by 
the Comanches. The day before the stage 
passed there, fifteen Indians stopped at Mus- 
tang Pond, and committed sundry depreda- 
tions upon the whites. The scout for this 
stage saw some bands of Indians at the 
latter place, looking with eager eyes toward 
the eoach, and the passengers prepared them- 
selves for a fight; but the red skins were too 
wary, and it did not become necessary to fire 
upon them. 

Death of a Centenarian. — This day, 
Mrs. Betsey Jones died, in De Ruyter, Madi- 
son county, N.Y., at the advanced age of one 
hundred years, five mouths, and ten days. 

Minister Expelled for Immorality. — 



This day, the Rev. Dr. Pomroy, of Boston, 
was expelled from his congregation for gross 
immoralities with frail women. The report 
of his congregation says: — 

That, from his own acknowledgments, and 
other authentic sources, he has been found 
guilty of conduct inconsistent with purity, 
virtue, and morality; and, while they pass 
no judgment upon him, they deem him unfit 
to longer remain a member, and have caused 
his name to be erased from the list. 

Death of Samuel Griswold Goodrich, 
or Peter Parley. — Died, at his residence, 
No. 88 Ninth Street, in New York, this day, 
Mr. Samuel Griswold Goodrich, the well- 
known "Peter Parley," one of the most po- 
pular and versatile writers in the Union. 
For some time back, he enjoyed robust health, 
and promised to live for many years yet to 
come. On Tuesday afternoon, however, he 
returned from a short trip to the country, 
where he left his family, in very good health, 
little expecting that he would never visit 
them again. The next day he complained 
of a slight indisposition, and summoned the 
family physician to his aid. The latter pre- 
scribed, but seemed to consider Mr. Good- 
rich's sickness but a passing spell of weak- 
ness. About four o'clock in the afternoon 
he suddenly became very much enfeebled, 
and the sickness assumed a most alarming 
phase. The doctor was again called in, but, 
after a quiet and comparatively painful 
struggle for twenty minutes, the good old 
man expired. 

The deceased was born at Ridgefield, in 
the State of Connecticut, in the year 1800, 
and ^vas, consequently, in the sixtieth year 
of his age. He belonged to a family some- 
what remarkable for their devotion to literary 
pursuits, and as a writer attained most popu- 
larity by his admirable school-books for 
children, under the well-known sobriquet of 
"Peter Parley," which he preserved to the 
hour of his death. He established the first 
literary gazette published in this country, 
and also the first annual, called the "Token," 
both of which met with an extensive circu- 
lation. The deceased also enjoyed a good 
reputation as a political writer, and in the 
year 1851 received the appointment of 
United States Consul at Paris. 

Died from Stabs. — In Philadelphia, this 
day, Manus Schmidt died at the hospital, 
from the effect of stabs received on the night 
of the 18th ult., in Prosperous Alley, Fourth 
Ward. At the inquest, Mary Ann Dean tes- 
tified that she saw the deceased on the night 
of the stabbing. She and Patrick Whallen 
were sitting on a step, when a quarrel arose 
between Schmidt and Andy Arthurs. Andy 
struck the deceased with his fist several 
times, but did not see any thing in his hand. 
Schmidt was pushed over the cellar-door, and 



388 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



got up and ran into the house, pulled off his 
coat, then came out and said, " Let me at him." 
He called for his brother George to come 
out, which he did. Arthurs and Schmidt 
fought, while Whallen and George Schmidt 
looked on. Whallen did not get off the step. 
No one interfered with the men. Schmidt 
fell in the door, and his brother took him in, 
saying that he was stabbed. Patrick Whallen 
went over to the house and advised them to 
take him to the hospital, and helped to re- 
move him there. Andy Arthurs went to 
Mrs. McCrassin's, and said he had nearly 
killed a man. She (witness) did not see him 
afterward. Maria Johnson testified to the 
same effect. She saw the fight, but, like the 
former witness, did not see a knife. Dr. 
Harlain, hospital physician, testified that 
the wound which caused death had penetrated 
the cavity of the chest and produced in- 
flammation of the lungs. 

The Illinois Republican State Con- 
vention met at Decatur, this day. Messrs. 
Sweat, Yates, and Judd were put in nomi- 
nation for Governor, and, after several bal- 
lots, Richard C. Yates, of Morgan county, 
was declared the unanimous choice of the 
convention. 

Francis A. Hoffman, of Du Page county, 
was nominated for Lieutenant-Governor by 
acclamation. 

Mr. Yates was called out, and addressed the 
convention at some length, thanking them 
for the honor conferred, — an honor of 
which the greatest statesman in the land 
might be proud. He was for freedom and 
the Union. Douglas, Dred Scott, and squat- 
ter sovereignty had all gone to that bourne 
whence no traveller returns. We hfdve no 
trouble in our ranks. From the Wabash to 
the Mississippi, from Cairo to Chicago, the 
Republicans are wide awake already, and 
shouting victory. Mr. Yates declared him- 
self for no nominee for the Presidency, but 
expressed a preference for Mr. Lincoln. 

They also nominated, for Auditor, Jesse K. 
Dubois; Treasurer, Wm. Buller; Secretary, 
0. M. Hatch ; Superintendent of Schools, 
Newton Bateman. 

Resolutions were unanimously adopted 
declaring Abraham Lincoln the choice of the 
Republican party of Illinois for the Presi- 
dency, and instructing the delegates to Chi- 
cago to use all honorable means to secure 
his nomination, and to vote as a unit for him. 

Four delegates at large, and two delegates 
from each Congressional district, and two 
electors at large, and one from each district, 
were appointed. 

The report of the Committee on Resolu- 
t ; ons was unanimously adopted. The reso- 
lutions reaffirm the platforms adopted by the 
State conventions of 1856 and 1858, favor 
the full protection of all the rights of all 
classes of citizens, are opposed to any 



change of the naturalization laws, in favor 
of a Homestead bill, and declare that Kansas 
ought to be admitted into the Union without 
slavery. 

Supplementary resolutions favoring an 
economical administration of the State Go- 
vernment with a view to the speedy liquida- 
tion of the State debt without direct taxa- 
tion, and approving of Lyman Trumbull's 
course in the Senate, were also adopted. 

Biography of Abraham Lincoln, or Il- 
linois. — xVbraham Lincoln, the Republican 
candidate for the Presidency in the campaign 
of I860, is a native of Harden county, Ken- 
tucky. He was born February 12, 1809. 
His parents were born in Virginia, and were 
in very moderate circumstances. His pa- 
ternal grandfather, Abraham Lincoln, emi- 
grated from Rockingham county, Virginia, 
to Kentucky, about 1781-82, where a year 
or two later he was killed by Indians. His 
ancestors, who were respectable members of 
the Society of Friends, went to Virginia from 
Berks county, Pennsylvania. Descendants 
from the samelineage still reside in the east- 
ern part of Pennsylvania. Abraham Lincoln, 
the subject of this memoir, further removed 
from Kentucky to Spencer county, in Indiana, 
in 1816. Mr. Lincoln received a limited edu- 
cation, but made up by self-culture and study 
for the lack of instruction from teachers: 
so that he is emphatically a self-made man. 
In 1830, he removed to Illinois, and passed 
the first year in Macon county, engaged in 
agricultural pursuits. He next went to New 
Salem, at that time in Sangamon county, 
now Menard county, -where he remained 
about one year as a clerk in a store. About 
this time the Black Hawk War broke out, 
and on the call from the Federal Government 
for volunteers, a company was raised in New 
Salem, and Lincoln was elected captain. 
He served during this memorable campaign. 
On his return to Illinois, in 1832, he became 
a candidate for the State Legislature, but 
was defeated. The next three succeeding 
biennial elections he was elected to the Le- 
gislature by the Whig party. During his 
legislative term he studied law, and subse- 
quently engaged in the profession at Spring- 
field, in which he acquired an extensive 
practice; but his practice at the bar did not 
withdraw his attention from politics, and for 
many years he was one of the leaders of the 
Whig party in Illinois, and was on the elec- 
toral ticket in several Presidential cam- 
paigns. He was a disciple of Henry Clay, 
and exerted himself in his behalf in 1844, 
by making a tour of Illinois and advocating 
Clay's election to the Presidency. He was 
elected to Congress in 1846, and served till 
1849. While in Congress, the Wilmot Pro- 
viso bill, prohibiting slavery in the Territo- 
ries of the United States, was introduced, of 
which he was an earnest advocate. For it 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



389 



he voted forty-two times. In the National 
Convention of 1848, of which he was a mem- 
ber, he advocated the nomination of General 
Taylor, and sustained the nomination by a 
canvass of his own State. In 1852, he was 
efficient in his efforts for General Scott, and 
was considered by the Whigs of Illinois and 
the Northwest as one of their most influen- 
tial leaders. From 1849 to 1854, Mr. Lincoln 
was engaged in the practice of his profession. 
In 1849, he was a candidate before the Illi- 
nois Legislature for United States Senator, 
prior to which he stumped the State for the 
Whigs. When the Legislature met, the De- 
mocracy was in the majority, and General 
Shields, the Democratic candidate, was elect- 
ed. In 1855, he was again the candidate 
of the Whigs for United States Senator before 
the Legislature chosen that year; but, the 
Democracy being in the majority, Lincoln 
was again defeated, and Judge Trumbull, 
the Democratic candidate, elected. In 1856, 
Mr. Lincoln's name headed the Fremont 
electoral ticket in Illinois. In 1858, it was 
the desire of the Illinois Republican State 
Committee to have Mr. Lincoln succeed 
Douglas in the United States Senate, and to 
effect this he stumped the State for the Re- 
publicans ; and it was during this campaign 
that Mr. Lincoln made the best political 
speeches of his life, from which the people 
of the Union will at once read his senti- 
ments on the great questions of the day. He 
is a tariff man, is in favor of a protective po- 
licy, and opposed to the Dred Scott decision. 
In the campaign in Illinois in 1858, when he 
stumped the State in opposition to Douglas, 
he showed himself an able speaker and close 
reasoner, displaying the highest order of 
talent. Mr. Lincoln was comparatively un- 
known to the Eastern portion of the Union 
until after that celebrated campaign, when 
they were pitted against each other by their 
different parties for United States Senator- 
ship of Illinois. He afterward delivered 
several political lectures in the Eastern cities, 
which had the effect of making him known 
more generally to the citizens of the Union. 

Biography of Hannibal Hamlin. — This 
gentleman, the nominee of the Republican 
Convention at Chicago for Vice-President, 
was born in Paris, Oxford county, Maine, in 
August, 1809, and is now in the fifty-first 
year of his age. He is by profession a law- 
yer, but for the last twenty-four years has 
been, for much of the time, in political life. 
From 1836 to 1840, he was a member of the 
Legislature of Maine, and for three of those 
years he was the Speaker of its House of 
Representatives. In 1843, he was elected a 
member of Congress, and re-elected for the 
following term. In 1847, he was again a 
member of the State Legislature, and the 
next year was chosen to fill a vacancy, oc- 
casioned by the death of John Fairfield, in 



the United States Senate. In 1851, he was 
re-elected for the full term in the same body, 
but resigned on being chosen Governor of 
Maine in 1857. In the same month he was 
again elected to the United States Senate for 
six years, which office he accepted, resigning 
the Governorship. He is still a member of 
the Senate. This record is an evidence of 
the confidence with which he has always 
been regarded by his fellow-citizens in Maine. 
Up to the time of the passage of the 
Kansas-Nebraska bill in 1854, Mr. Hamlin 
was a member of the Democratic party. He 
continued nominally with that party until 
1857, when in a speech, publicly in the 
Senate, he declared his determination of 
leaving them and joining the Republicans. 
The reason for this move of Mr. Hamlin was 
their action in relation to Kansas. 

Singular Dispatch from George San- 
ders to the President. — The New York 
Times's Washington correspondent says: — 

George Sanders has sent another dispatch 
to the President, — a good deal more diplo- 
matic and less explicit than the one we pub- 
lished the other day. It was dated Balti- 
more, May 9, 1860, and read as follows: — 

"A telegraph in the New York 'Times' 
of to-day is not derived from any thing that 
I have said, and meets my unqualified con- 
demnation. My Charleston dispatches to 
you were neither playful nor ironical, but 
were as earnest as I felt, and as serious as I 
could write. Geo. N. Sanders. 

"To President James Buchanan." 

Fire. — In New Orleans, this day, ten 
buildings in the Second District were burned. 
Loss, $60,000: mostly insured. 

Fire in Oswego, N.Y. — A fire in Oswego, 
N.Y., the morning of this day, destroyed 
three dwellings and most of the contents. 
The principal two were occupied by C. B. 
Redfield, of Albany. His loss is about 
$5000: insured for $4300 in Albany. Mrs. 
Grant, boarding-house-keeper, lawyer Perry, 
and other occupants lost all: no insurance. 
Capt. Hunter is insured for $800. 

Mysterious Death. — In Toledo, Ohio, 
this day, the body of a woman named Eliza 
Robinson, formerly of Rochester, New York, 
was found in the river. She is supposed to 
have drowned herself during a temporary 
aberration of mind. 

Found Drowned. — In New York, this day, 
the body of an unknown man, about thirty 
years of age, was found floating in the water 
at the foot of Clarkson Street. Coroner 
Gamble held an inquest upon the body. 
Verdict, "Supposed drowning." Deceased 
was five feet nine inches high; had sandy 
hair and whiskers ; several of his front teeth 



390 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



were missing, and the body appeared to have 
been in the water about two weeks. 

True Bills for Rescuing Capt. Farnum. 
— This day, in Savannah, (Ga.,) the Federal 
Court grand jury has found true bills against 
Charles A. Lamar, Carey W. Stiles, J. Mott 
Middleton, and William Hone, for the rescue 
of Capt. Farnum from the county jail. 

Capture of the Bark William, of Bal- 
timore, with Five Hundred and Sixty 
Slaves on Board. — This day, the bark 
William, of Baltimore, was captured near 
the southern side of the island of Cuba, by 
the United States steamer Wyandotte, with 
five hundred and sixty negrbes on board. 
The William was direct from Africa, and was 
about landing her cargo of humanity when 
she was perceived by the United States 
steamer. The negroes were all young, but 
greatly emaciated by their inhuman treat- 
ment and close confinement during the voy- 
age from Africa. 

The following letter from the master's mate 
of the vessel, Mason J. Burrows, a son of 
Rev. Dr. Burrows, of Richmond, (Pa.,) gives 
the particulars of the capture: — 

Off Key West, Fla., May 13. 

We left here last Monday morning, 7th, 
and, after a pleasant passage of thirty-six 
hours, made Cape San Antonio, and were on 
our station. We went cruising leisurely 
along, seeing no vessels to board until Wed- 
nesday, 9th, when we discovered a sail away 
off on the horizon. We, as usual, stood for 
her, and she kept edging off; but we had a 
great number of barrel-staves on board, and, 
putting them into the furnaces, came to the 
determination that the fastest steamer on 
this coast should not be beaten. 

We gradually gained on the stranger, 
and, after a hard race of five hours, came 
up to him, and he hove to. We noticed that 
his anchor was hanging over his bows, as if 
he had been at anchor or was just about to 
do so. Other things looked suspicious about 
him, and we determined to board him. When 
we came up to him he hoisted the American 
flag ; and you would have laughed to see him 
watch the little roll of bunting going up our 
mast. As soon as the colors were shaken 
out, and the stars and stripes fluttered in 
the breeze, down came his flag by the run, 
and all was confusion aboard of him. We 
hailed him, and he would answer nothing but 
"No Americano!" The boat went alongside 
of him, and we all waited anxiously for the 
end of this strange scene. As soon as the 
officer went over the side, one of the men 
from our boat, — a Yankee, — with character- 
istic curiosity and impudence, lifted the tar- 
paulin off one of the hatches, jumped to the 
side, and gave a cheer. Our men smelt a rat, 
and answered him with cheer after cheer. 



It was enough to make any one cheer. What 
did the man see? Why, nothing more than 
about five hundred and seventy-five Africans 
staring him in the face. Quite a windfall, 
indeed. They must have been nearly starved, 
for they broke loose and commenced yelling 
themselves. The scene beggars description. 
They broke into the provisions and com- 
menced gorging themselves, and no one could 
stop them. After a while a little quiet wag 
restored, and we made preparations to take 
her in tow. We sent a crew aboard, and 
took her crew aboard of us, and put them in 
irons. About sundown we got under way, 
and, after a very stormy passage, arrived 
here, where the case will be settled. The 
vessel is the bark William, fitted out from 
New York, and from the Congo River. 

Constitutional Union Convention. — Thia 
day, a convention of delegates representing 
the Constitutional Union Party met at Balti- 
more, and nominated for President John 
Bell, of Tennessee, and for Vice-President 
Edward Everett, of Massachusetts. The bal- 
lotings for President resulted as follows: — 
1st. 2fl. 

John Bell 68J 138 

Samuel Houston 57 69 

John M. Botts 9£ 7 

John McLean 2l" 1 

J.J.Crittenden 28 1 

Edward Everett 25 9£ 

Wm. L. Goggin 3 — 

Wm, A. Graham 22 18 

Wm. L. Sharkey 7 8£ 

Wm. C. Rives 13 — 

Necessary to a choice, 1st ballot 128, 2d 
ballot 127. 

The nomination of Mr. Bell was thereupon 
made unanimous. 

Mr. Everett was unanimously nominated 
for Vice-President. 

The Convention adopted the following as 
their platform : — 

Whereas, Experience has demonstrated that 
platforms adopted by the partisan conven- 
tions of the country have had the effect to 
mislead and deceive the people, and at the 
same time to widen the political divisions of 
the country by the creation and encourage- 
ment of geographical and sectional parties: 
therefore, 

Resolved, That it is both the part of patriot- 
ism and of duty to recognise no political prin- 
ciple other than the Constitution of the 
Country, the Union of the States, and 
the Enforcement of the Laws, and that, as 
representatives of the Constitutional Union 
men of the counti*y in National Convention 
assembled, we hereby pledge ourselves to 
maintain, protect, and defend, separately and 
unitedly, these great principles of public 
liberty and national safety against all enemies, 
at home and abroad, believing that thereby 
peace may once more be restored to the 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



391 



country, the rights of the people and of the 
States re-established, and the Govei'nment 
again placed in that condition of justice, 
fraternity, and equality which, under the 
example and Constitution of our fathers, has 
solemnly bound every citizen of the United 
States to maintain a more perfect union, 
establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, 
provide for the common defence, promote the 
general welfare, and secure the blessings of 
liberty to ourselves and our posterity. 

Biography of John Bell, of Tennessee. 
— Mr. Bell, the Constitutional Union candi- 
date for the Presidency, was born near Nash- 
ville, Tenn., Feb. 18, 1797. He was the son 
of a farmer in moderate circumstances, who 
was, however, able to give him a good edu- 
cation at Cumberland College, now Nashville 
University, where he graduated in 1814. 
He studied law, and was admitted to the bar 
in 1816, and settled at Franklin, Williamson 
county, Tennessee, and was elected to the 
State Senate in 1817. He soon saw his 
error in entering so early into public life, 
and declined a re-election, and for the nest 
ten years of his life devoted himself to his 
profession. In 1826, he became a candidate 
for Congress against Felix Grundy, one of the 
most popular men in the State of Tennessee, 
and who had the powerful support of An- 
drew Jackson, then a candidate for the 
Presidency against John Quincy Adams. 
* Mr. Bell was elected. By successive elec- 
tions he continued a member of the House 
of Representatives for fourteen years. He 
entered Congress a warm admirer of Mr. 
Calhoun, and strongly opposed to the pro- 
tective system, against which he made a 
speech in 1832. Subsequent investigations 
and reflection induced him to change his 
opinions on that subject. He was opposed 
to the appropriation of money by the Gene- 
ral Government for roads and canals in the 
States, except in the case of some great 
road for military purposes, like the Pacific 
Railroad, and was in favor of the policy of 
improving the great rivers and lake harbors. 
With all his apparent admiration for Mr. 
Calhoun, Mr. Bell opposed the South Caro- 
lina doctrine of Nullification, and was made 
Chairman of the Judiciary Committee of the 
House of Representatives, with special re- 
ference to the questions connected with that 
subject which might have to be considered 
and reported on. For ten years he was 
Chairman of the Committee on Indian 
Affairs. He was in favor of a United States 
Bank, though he voted against the bill for 
its re-chavter in 1832, because, as it is al- 
leged, he believed that the subject was 
brought up at that time — four years before 
the expiration of the old charter — merely to 
defeat General Jackson in the ensuing Pre- 
sidential election, and because he was afraid 
the President would veto the bill, — which 



proved to be the case. He protested against 
the removal of the deposits, and refused to 
vote for a resolution approving that mea- 
sure. This refusal was one of the causes 
which led to the subsequent breach between 
himself and President Jackson and the De- 
mocratic party, and finally to his co-opera- 
tion with the Whigs. This change of party 
relations was much accelerated by his elec- 
tion to the Speakership of the House of Re- 
presentatives in 1834. In June of that 
year, Mr. Stevenson resigned the chair upon 
being nominated Minister to Great Britain, 
and Mr. Bell was elected to succeed him, in 
opposition to James K. Polk, afterward 
President of the United States, who was the 
candidate of the Administration and of the 
Democratic party. Mr. Bell was supported 
by the Whigs and a portion of the Democratic 
party who were opposed to the intended 
nomination of Martin Van Buren as suc- 
cessor to General Jackson. The final sepa- 
ration between Mr. Bell and General Jack- 
son took place in 1835, when Mr. Bell de- 
clared himself in favor of Judge White for 
the Presidency, in opposition to Mr. Van 
Buren. Up to that time there had been no 
opposition in Tennessee to General Jack- 
son's Administration, and it was generally 
supposed that his personal and political in- 
fluence could not fail to subdue the opposi- 
tion raised by Judge White and his friends. 
The whole force of the Administration was 
exerted to this end. Judge White carried 
the State by a large majority, and Mr. Bell 
was re-elected to Congress. An impulse 
was given to the political character of Ten- 
nessee which arrayed it in opposition to the 
Democracy during the four succeeding Pre- 
sidential elections, 1840, '44, '48, and '52. 
When the reception of petitions for the aboli- 
tion of slavery in the District of Columbia 
was agitated in the House of Representatives, 
in 1836, Mr. Bell alone of the Tennessee 
delegation favored their reception. Subse- 
quently, in 1838, when Atherton's resolu- 
tions were introduced, proposing to receive 
and lay these petitions on the table, he 
maintained his consistency by voting in the 
negative. When President Harrison, in 
1841, was forming his Cabinet, Mr. Bell was 
invited to accept the War Department. Se- 
cretaryship, to which he readily assented. 
With the rest of the Cabinet, Mr. Webster 
only excepted, he resigned office on the 
separation of President Tyler from the 
Whig party, in the autumn of that year. 
The Whig majority in the next Tennessee 
Legislature which met after his withdrawal 
from the Cabinet offered him the office of 
United States Senator, which he declined. 
Mr. Bell remained in retirement until called 
by the people of his county, in 1847, to re- 
present them in the State Senate, in which 
year, on the occurrence of a vacancy, he 
was elected to the United States Senate, to 



392 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



which he was re-elected in 1853. His term 
of service expired in March, 1859, since 
which time he has been living in retirement 
from public life. 

In the Senate Mr. Bell opposed the policy 
of annexing Mexico and other Spanish 
American States to the Union. He was in 
favor of the Compromise Measures of 1850, 
but desired to see the issues then made fully 
settled at the time of the division of Texas 
into States, as provided by the act of annex- 
ation. In 1854, when the Nebraska bill was 
presented in the Senate, Mr. Bell protested 
against its passage. In the controversy on 
the admission of Kansas, in March, 1858, 
Mr. Bell opposed the Lecompton Constitu- 
tion. 

Biography of Edwaru Everett, of Mas- 
sachusetts. — Edward Everett, the Union 
candidate for Vice-President, was born in 
Dorchester, Massachusetts, April 7, 1794. 
His father, the Rev. Oliver Everett, was the 
predecessor of President Kirkland, as pastor 
of the New South Church, in Boston, and 
was afterward Judge of the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas in Norfolk couuty, Mass. Ed- 
ward Everett entered Harvard College in 
1807, at the early age of thirteen, and was 
graduated in course in 1811, with the high- 
est honors, in a class containing more than 
the average amount of ability. For some 
time after graduating, he was employed in 
his Alma Mater as a tutor, at. the same time 
pursuing his studies in divinity, the profes- 
sion which he had selected. In 1812, he de- 
livered a spirited poem before the Phi Beta 
Kappa Society, on American poets. In 
1813, he was settled as pastor over the 
Brattle Street Church, in Boston. In 1814, 
he published several works on religious sub- 
jects, and in this year he was chosen Pro- 
fessor of Greek Literature in Harvard Col- 
lege. With a view of qualifying himself for 
the duties of his post, he entered upon an 
extended course of European study and 
travel, leaving home in I lie spring of 1815, 
and passed two years at the famous Univer- 
sity of Gottingen, engaged in the study of 
the German language and the branches of 
learning connected with this department. 
He passed the winter of 1817-18 at Paris. 
The next spring he again visited London, 
and passed a few weeks at Cambridge and 
Oxford. In the autumn of 1818, he returned 
to the Continent, and divided the winter be- 
tween Florence, Rome, and Naples. In the 
spring of 1819, he made a short tour in 
Greece, returned home in the same year, 
and entered upon the duties of his profes- 
sorship. During his residence in Europe 
his course of study embraced the ancient 
classics, the modern languages, the history 
and principles of public law as then pro- 
fessed in the German universities, and a 
comprehensive examination of the existing 



political system of Europe. Simultaneously 
with his professorship he edited the " North 
American Review," which he conducted till 
1824. He also found time to prepare and 
publish a translation of "Buttman's Greek 
Grammar." Mr. Everett's public life began 
in 1824, when he was nominated and elected 
to Congress by the constituency of the dis- 
trict in which he resided. His nomination 
was made without his being consulted, and 
was a spontaneous movement on the part of 
the young men of his district, without dis- 
tinction of party. He was a supporter of 
John Quincy Adams, then just elected Pre- 
sident of the United States. Mr. Everett 
served ten years in Congress, and during 
the whole period he was a member of the 
Committee on Foreign Affairs, perhaps the 
most important one at that time in the 
House of Representatives. In the Twentieth 
Congress he was chairman of that commit- 
tee. In the Nineteenth Congress, though 
then just elected to the House, and the 
youngest member of the committee, he drew 
up the celebrated report on the Panama mis- 
sion. He was chairman during Mr. Adams's 
Presidency, in the Georgia controversy, and 
was always zealous and prominent in his 
efforts to secure good treatment to the In- 
dians. During his Congressional career he 
displayed a thorough knowledge of the poli- 
tics of the country and the wants of the 
whole Union, and his speeches always en- 
gaged the most profound attention. In the 
autumn of 1834, he declined a re-nomination 
to Congress, as his political friends in Mas- 
sachusetts were desirous of presenting his 
name as a candidate for the office of Gov- 
ernor, to which he was chosen by a large 
majority, in the ensuing election. He was 
afterward three times re-elected, holding 
the Executive office four years. His admi- 
nistration was dignified, useful, and popular. 
In the autumn of 1839, after an animated 
struggle, he was defeated in another contest 
for the Gubernatorial chair, by Marcus 
Morton, by a majority of one vote. In 1840, 
he sailed for Europe with his family, and 
remained abroad for five years, four of 
which he passed as American Minister at 
the Court of St. James. During the period 
of his mission, some delicate questions, of 
which that of the Northeastern boundary 
and the McLeod case were the most promi- 
nent, threatened the pacific relations of the 
United States and Great Britain; and to 
their amicable adjustment the firmness and 
diplomacy of our Minister largely contri- 
buted. The case of the Creole, and ques- 
tions connected with Oregon and Texas, 
were also elements of irritation. He pro- 
cured at various times, and in the face of 
great obstacles, the release from the penal 
colony of Van Diemen's Land of sixty or 
seventy American citizens convicted of 
participation in the Canada rebellion. In 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



393 



the spring of 1843, he was appointed to fill 
the newly-constituted commission to China, 
with a view to establish commercial rela- 
tions with that country, which honorable 
trust he was compelled to decline. Upon 
his return to the United States, in 1845, he 
was chosen President of Harvard Univer- 
sity; but his impaired health compelled 
him to resign his post at the end of that 
year. In 1850, he was called upon by Pre- 
sident Fillmore to fill the Secretaryship of 
State, made vacant by the death of Mr. 
Webster. He held the office during the last 
four months of Mr. Fillmore's Administra- 
tion. The condition of the public business 
made them months of most severe labor. 
Among the important matters that de- 
manded his consideration were those relat- 
ing to the Crescent City steamer, the Lobos 
Islands, and the negotiations pertaining to 
the fisheries; he concluded an international 
copyright convention with Great Britain, 
and a consular convention with France, and 
reviewed the whole subject of Central Ame- 
rican affairs in their relations to the Govern- 
ments of the UnitedStates and Great Britain, 
and induced Congress to establish a mission 
ot the first class to Central America. But 
the question that attracted most of the 
public interest during Mr. Everett's admi- 
nistration of the Department of State was 
the joint proposition of Great Britain and 
France to enter with the United States into 
a tripartite convention guaranteeing to 
Spain in perpetuity the exclusive possession 
of Cuba. This proposition was declined by 
the United States, in a diplomatic note of 
great ability, drawn up by Mr. Everett. 
Before leaving the Department of State, Mr. 
Everett was elected by the Legislature of 
Massachusetts to the Senate of the United 
States, took his seat in that body at the 
commencement of the special executive ses- 
sion, in March, 1853, and made an elabo- 
rate speech on the Central American ques- 
tion. Such is a brief outline of Mr. Eve- 
rett's career. Though past the age of sixty- 
four, he is still in the full vigor of his intel- 
lectual faculties, and his latest efforts sur- 
pass in merit even those of the zenith of his 
manhood. 



THURSDAY, MAY 10. 

The Will of a Millionnaire. — This day, 
the will of William C. Willmerding, a New 
York millionnaire, was admitted to probate. 
All his property, with the exception of two 
thousand dollars, was left in his family. 

Sailor Drowned. — This day, the schooner 
Eloise, from Philadelphia for Boston, ran 
ashore at Centerville. She was got off; but 
James Martin, a seaman, fell overboard and 
was drowned. 



Sinking of the Steamer R. T. Lass. — 
Drowning of the Passengers. — This day, 
the steamer R. T. Lass, Captain Philips, with 
one hundred and fifty passengers, from New 
Orleans to Cincinnati, snagged and sunk 
fifty miles below Memphis. The boat and 
cargo were a total loss. 

Mrs. James T. Lindsay, of New Orleans, 
Mrs. Kate Whiten and son, of Lafayette, Ind., 
Mrs. H. C. Neal and daughter, of Parkers- 
burg, Va., Mrs. Wm. Harris, do., John Pau- 

key, of Illinois, Klingman, of Iowa, Wm. 

Wilson, of Cincinnati, Charles Allendale, of 
Syracuse, Ohio, Francis and Win. Everett, of 
Louisiana, a fireman, a porter, and three 
servants, were lost. The officers and the 
rest of the cabiu-passengers were saved. 

An Abandoned Spanish Slaver Found. 
— This day, the Spanish brig Don Juan, on 
which the crew had mutinied and murdered 
the captain, was brought into Provincetown, 
by Mr. Hill, second mate of the schooner 
Rienzi, which fell in with her at sea on the 
south side of Porto Rico. She was about 
three hundred tons, abandoned, with all sail 
set, having on board a large quantity of pro- 
visions and rum, and otherwise fitted for a 
slaver. Bullet-holes were found in the doors 
in the cabin, showing evidently that a bloody 
affray had taken place. There were no papers, 
colors, or any thing by which she could be 
distinguished, save a receipt for some supplies 
furnished the Don Juan, which afterward 
proved to be her name. 

She had nearly two suits of new cotton 
duck sails, and plenty of spare spars on deck. 
No boats were on board when fallen in with. 
In her hold she had water-casks stowed on 
the ballast, large quantities of rice, peas, 
beans, fish, jerked beef, some beef in barrels, 
and a large quantity of bread in barrels, 
which was put up in Havana, as is evident 
from stencil-marks on the head of each 
barrel. She had on board several casks of 
wine and rum, and on the top of the cargo a 
quantity of lumber for a slave-deck. 

Fire at Lexington, Missouri. — This day, 
a fire at Lexington, Mo., destroyed several 
stores, and did much damage to the goods 
contained in them. Loss, $-0,000 : partially 
insured. 

Fatal Accident on Ship-Board. — This 
day, died, in New York, Antonio Rose, a na- 
tive of Portugal, aged thirty-two years, from 
the effects of injuries received by falling into 
the hold of the steamship Albntross. De- 
ceased was a resident of Providence, R.I., 
where he leaves a wife and family to lament 
his loss. 

Sentenced to be Hung. — This day, Na- 
thaniel Harten, who was convicted in Mounds- 
ville, Marshall county, Va., of the murder of 



394 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



Melissa Jane Morris, was sentenced to be 
liung on Friday, the 29th day of June next. 

Police-Officer Sentenced to be Hung. 
— In New Orleans, this day, Police-Officer 
Matthew Hughes, of the First District, was 
found guilty of murder in the first degree, 
before the First District Court, for killing 
Mr. Henry E. Hyams, and sentenced to 
"hang until he be dead, within the walls of 
the parish prison, on such day as the Gover- 
nor may appoint." 

Brutal Murder of a Female Infant. — 
In New York, this day, as several men were 
engaged in cleaning the privy of No 90 Cherry 
Street, they discovered the body of a female 
infant, about ten months old, with its throat 
cut from ear to ear. It had every appear- 
ance of having been in the sink some time ; 
but to the perpetrator of the deed the 
police were unable to obtain a clew. It is 
presumed, however, to have been the child 
of a prostitute who formerly resided in the 
building. 

Suicide. — Tn Philadelphia, on the evening 
of this day, Peter McKenna, fifty-six years 
of age, formerly publisher of "The Catholic 
Instructor," jumped overboard from a wharf 
above Dock Street, and was drowned. He is 
said to have frequently of late expressed his 
Intention to commit suicide, his distaste for 
life arising from his being unsuccessful in 
business. 

Fatal Jump. — In New York, this day, a 
young man named Edward Jones attempted 
to jump on board one of the Catharine- 
Street ferry-boats, but fell short a trifle and 
was precipitated into the dock. Efforts were 
made to rescue him, but they proved unsuc- 
cessful, and he was drowned. The body was 
recovered subsequently, and Coroner Gamble 
held an inquest, which resulted in a verdict 
of "Accidental death." 

Man Drowned. — In Wilmington, (Del.,) 
this day, Coroner Boys held an inquest over 
the bodj' of a man which was discovered, by 
the crew of the cutter Forward, on the Hats 
about a quarter of a mile below the mouth 
of the Christiana. He was about five feet six 
or seven inches in height ; had very fine, light 
sandy hair, quite thin on the front part of the 
head, and heavy red whiskers; had on brown 
pants, red flannel shirt, a woollen jacket, and 
calf-skin boots, nearly new. There were no 
marks of violence; and the jury rendered a 
■verdict that death had been caused by ac- 
cidental drowning. It has been suggested 
that the deceased was Nathan Wilson, of that 
city. 

Death of Theodore Parker. — This day, 
died, iu Florence, Italy, Theodore Parker, 



the celebrated New England anti-slavery 
preacher. Theodore Parker was born in 
Lexington, Mass., August 21, 1810, and was, 
accordingly, in the fiftieth year of his age 
at the time of his death. He was descended 
in a direct line from the Puritan settlers of 
the Massachusetts Colony, his ancestors, 
almost without exception, having been 
farmers and mechanics, and usually active 
participants in the military affairs of their 
day. His grandfather, John Parker, was a 
soldier in the Old French War of 1749-59, 
and was present at the capitulation of Que- 
bec. He was a zealous friend of liberty, 
and was captain of the soldiers in the battle 
of Lexington, April 19, 1775. He formed 
the first line and drew the first sword in the 
War of the Revolution, ordering his men to 
load their muskets with powder and ball. 
" Don't fire," said he, "unless fired upon; 
but, if they wish to have war, let it begin 
here." After the British left the field, he 
succeeded in taking prisoner a grenadier of 
the 43d Regiment, and obtained the first fire- 
arm captured in the struggle for independ- 
ence. This musket came into the possession 
of his grandson, whose visitors will well re- 
member the satisfaction with which he was 
wont to exhibit it among the curiosities of 
his ample library. 

The father of Theodore was a millwright 
and pumpmaker, a man of robust habits 
and sturdy sense, a great reader, fond of 
mathematics, with which branch of science 
he was well acquainted, an independent 
thinker, a Unitarian in belief, and possess- 
ing remarkable powers of expression and 
argument. His mother was a highly-culti- 
vated woman for that day, a model of per- 
sonal beauty, fond of literature, and with 
an enthusiastic taste for poetry. From his 
parents Theodore inherited an earnest and 
thoughtful mind. Much of his time, from 
the earliest childhood, was spent in reading 
when at home ; and before he was eight 
years old he had finished Homer and Plu- 
tarch, (in translations,) Rollin's Ancient 
History, and in two years after had become 
familiar with Pope, Milton, Cowley, and 
Dryden, reading, in fact, all the poetry he 
could find. At the age of twelve, he took 
to metaphysics, a pursuit from which he did 
not desist to the last year of his life. His 
memory was so retentive that he could re- 
peat whole volumes of poetry, and would 
often learn by heart a poem of four or five 
hundred lines from a single reading. He 
began to write poetry at the age of eight. 
He early became interested in the study of 
botany, and soon learned the names and 
habits of most of the plants in the vicinity. 
Before the age of ten, he knew all the 
shrubs and trees of Massachusetts, and had 
made catalogues of all the vegetable pro- 
ductions which grew on his father's farm. 
In his tenth year he began to study Latin 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



395 



at the common school in the winter, reading 
the usual elementary books required for ad- 
mission to college, and at eleven commenced 
the study of Greek. In the winter of 1825- 
26, he had passed beyond the range of know- 
ledge possessed by his teacher, and pursued 
a course of self-instruction in Natural Phi- 
losophy, Astronomy, Chemistry, and Rhe- 
toric. In the spring of 1827, he attended 
Lexington Academy for one term, and in 
1827-28, he taught school himself for seven- 
teen weeks. This employment he continued 
for four successive winters, working on the 
farm and in the shop at home during the 
rest of -the year. In the fall of 1830, he en- 
tered the freshman-class of Harvard Col- 
lege, intending to labor at home until lie 
was twenty-one, and then join the class. 
At that time he finished the college course 
as far as the end of the junior year, and 
read a large amount of Latin and Greek and 
Mathematics not required by the regular 
college course. 

In the spring of 1831, he went to Boston 
as a teacher in a private school, on a salary 
of fifteen dollars a month, and board. He 
taught Latin, Greek, Mathematics, and Na- 
tural Philosophy, and at this period had read 
Virgil twenty times, Horace nearly as many, 
and had stored his memory with the finest 
passages of each. Here he found a teacher 
in French and Spanish, which he learned to 
read and write with accuracy, and soon 
after entered upon the study of German. 
In 1832, he opened a private school in 
Watertown, where he remained for two 
years, at the same time studying the higher 
branches of Mathematics, and entering upon 
an extensive course of Greek and Latin 
classics, metaphysics, and German litera- 
ture. With these he united the study of 
Hebrew and Theology, and, having decided 
that it would be of little use to join his 
class as an undergraduate, he entered the 
Divinity School at Cambridge, in 1834, with 
an advanced standing of one year. Here he 
remained a little more than two years, pur- 
suing a wide range of study beyond the 
routine of his class, including the principal 
modern languages, — especially Italian, Por- 
tuguese, Spanish, and modern Greek. 

Mr. Parker left the theological school in 
1836, was settled over a small rural parish 
in West Roxbury in 1837, visited Europe in 
1843, returned in 1844, was invited to 
preach in Boston in 1845, and became 
minister of the Twenty-Eighth Congrega- 
tional Society in Boston, February 16, 1846. 
From that time his career has been promi- 
nently before the public. His congregation 
soon grew to be the largest in the city of 
Boston, including not only a wide and de- 
voted circle of personal friends, but an im- 
mense throng of strangers, who were at- 
tracted by his fame to listen to his discourse. 
The great purpose of his preaching was 



the application of common sense to theo- 
logy, and of sound ethics to practical life. 
None of the exciting interests of the day 
escaped his attention, and none which pro- 
mised to benefit society, promote the cause 
of knowledge, and advance the progress of 
man, failed to win his sympathy. He was 
plain,- outspoken, and uncompromising in 
the utterance of his convictions; not with- 
out a natural love of controversy ; but in 
all the intercourses of private lite he exhi- 
bited an almost feminine gentleness and 
afi'ectionateness. In the domestic circle, 
he inspired perpetual admiration by the 
affluence of his conversation, his colloquial 
eloquence and wit, the incredible extent and 
precision of his knowledge, the readiness 
and fidelity of his memory, and the benig- 
nant wisdom and cordiality of his dis- 
course. * * * 

Mr. Parker was one of the most truly be- 
nevolent men of the day ; and had not his 
brilliant fame as a public man eclipsed the 
reputation of his private virtues, he would 
have been celebrated as "the Man of Ross." 
In the receipt of a generous income from 
his profession and his literary labors, one- 
third of his surplus for many years past 
had been religiously devoted to deeds of un- 
ostentatious charity. 

The Aeronaut Conner Killed. — In New 
York, this day, Mr. Augustus N. Conner, a 
pupil of Professor Wise, made his first as- 
cent in his new balloon, the Venus. The 
day was any thing but favorable, and most 
people supposed that the aeronaut would be 
deterred from making his trip by the damp, 
blustery, and uncomfortable state of the 
weather; but, to the surprise of many old 
heads experienced in the science of balloon- 
ing, Mr. Conner expressed his determination 
to ascend at all hazards, rather than dis- 
appoint the few people who had assembled 
to see him off". Many of his near friends 
and relatives, including his wife and aunt, 
were present, and endeavored to dissuade 
him from his purpose, but without avail. 
Go, he said, he would, let the elements do 
their worst; and so the preparations went 
on, and at two minutes before five o'clock 
every thing was announced to be in readi- 
ness. The grappling-irons, some crackers 
and cheese, a barometer, about one hundred 
and fifty pounds of sand as ballast, an over- 
coat, to guard against the frigidity above, 
and a few other necessary articles, were 
accordingly thrown into the basket, which 
was firmly attached to the balloon by the 
net-work ; and all that remained at five 
o'clock was for Mr. Conner to jump into 
the little wicker-work enclosure and give 
the signal to "let go." About this time, 
unfortunately, the wind freshened up and 
caused the balloon to sway to and fro with 
such violence that the men in charge of the 



396 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



ropes could scarcely keep the airy vessel 
from breaking loose altogether and starting 
on her voyage minus her captain. The 
latter was nothing daunted, however, by 
this boisterous demonstration of the ele- 
ments. After shaking hands with a few of 
the bystanders, he stepped into the balloon, 
which swung to and fro more unmanageably 
than ever. After several unsuccessful efforts 
to get the Venus in a proper position for a 
start, a sudden gust of wind dashed her 
against one of the fancy lamp-posts scat- 
tered about the garden, smashing it into a 
thousand fragments. The men still held on, 
though the balloon immediately made an- 
other dart sideways in the direction of the 
brick wall of the concert-saloon, when Mr. 
Conner, at a very injudicious moment, cried 
out for all hands to "let go," — an order 
which was perhaps obeyed more from neces- 
sity than from willing compliance with the 
demand. Instantly the unmanageable ves- 
sel darted upward with Iter solitary occu- 
pant, but the next moment dashed violently 
against the wall, the basket breaking through 
one of the closed windows, shattering glass 
and frame into atoms, to the unspeakable 
horror of the spectators. Breaking loose 
from this position, she ascended a little 
higher, but only to come in contact with the 
glass roof of the concert-room, through 
which the basket forced its way with a tre- 
mendous crash, which had the effect of tear- 
ing the balloon in such a manner as to cause 
an almost, immediate discharge of the gas, 
which caused the balloon to collapse and 
fall, throwing out the unfortunate aeronaut 
and injuring him so that he died the same 
night. 

Connecticut Senator Elected. — This 
day, the Connecticut Legislature re-elected 
Mr. Foster United States Senator, by a large 
majority. 

Homestead Bill Passed the Senate. — 
This day, the United States Senate passed 
the Homestead bill, by a vote of 44 to 8. It 
provides that any person who is the head of 
a family may, after the act becomes a law, 
enter one-quarter section (one hundred and 
sixty acres) of vacant and unappropriated 
lands, or any less quantity, to be located in 
a body, in conformity with the legal sub- 
division of public lands, upon making affi- 
davit before the Register that the applicant 
is head of a family and is actually settled 
on the land, and that the application is 
made for his or her benefit and that of no 
one else. The final certificate or patent 
shall not be issued for five years after the 
date of entry, and not before it is certified 
by two credible witnesses that the settler 
has erected a dwelling-house and resided 
upon the land for the five years; whereupon 
the patent shall be issued upon payment of 



twenty-five cents an acre. The land thus 
acquired shall not be liable for debt until 
after the patent is issued. In cases of false 
swearing upon making the entry, or aban- 
doning the land for more than six months 
at one time, the land shall revert to the 
Government. The rights conferred by this 
act are extended to inchoate citizens who 
have declared their intentions, as required 
by the naturalization-laws, before the issu- 
ing of the patent. Nothing in this act shall 
be construed so as to impair the existing 
pre-emption, donation, or graduation laws, 
or to embrace lands reserved to be sold or 
entered at the price of two dollars and fifty 
cents an acre. The President is required to 
order all surveyed public lands into market, 
by proclamation, within two years from the 
date of this act, except such as are reserved 
by the Government for any purpose. All 
lands within the limits of any States which 
have been subject to sale at private entry, 
and which shall remain unsold after the 
lapse of thirty years, shall be ceded to such 
State, upon the Legislature assenting to the 
cession ; but the cession shall in no case 
invalidate any incejitive pre-emption right 
or location, or any sale which may be made 
by the United States. 



FRIDAY, MAY 11. 

Fearful Leap. — In New York, this day, 
Coroner O'Keefe held an inquest at Black- 
well's Island upon the body of Alexander 
McKenzie, a native of Scotland, aged thirty- 
eight years, who died under somewhat sin- 
gular circumstances. Deceased, it appeared, 
was on the third floor of the alms-house, 
confined to his bed with inflammation of 
the lungs ; when, in a moment of delirium, 
caused by his illness, he opened his bed- 
room-window and jumped to the ground 
beneath, a distance of nearly fifty feet. 
Strange to say, deceased was entirely unin- 
jured, and, picking himself up, he walked 
off as though nothing unusual had happened. 
The day following, however, (Tuesday,) he 
sank under the disease with which he was 
afflicted, and died so suddenly that the phy- 
sicians were completely taken aback, and 
felt compelled to call upon the services of 
the coroner. A post-mortem examination 
of the body showed that death had been 
caused by inflammation of the brain, the fall 
not having in any way contributed to the 
immediate cause of death. The jury, in 
rendering a verdict, recommended the com- 
missioners of the alms-house to have the 
windows of the different buildings on Black- 
well's Island properly guarded with iron 
railings, so as to prevent a repetition of 
such accidents. 

Terrible Disaster at the Wire Bridge 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



S97 



over the Cumberland River. — At Clarks- 
ville, Term., (his day, a terrible disaster 
occurred at the railroad-bridge over the 
Cumberland River, by which nine men were 
precipitated a distance of sixty-five feet into 
the water, three of whom were drowned, 
and one so badly crushed about the legs 
that he probably died. The Clarksville 
paper, in giving an account of the matter, 
says :— 

The men were carrying timber over a 
temporary suspension-bridge, formed of four 
iron rods an inch and a quarter in thick- 
ness, upon which was placed trestle-work 
the entire length, to raise it to the requisite 
height to enable the timber-carriages to 
pass from the permanent span on this side, 
already completed, to the centre pier, upon 
whicli the draw span was being erected, up 
and down the river. The iron rods forming 
the foundation of this temporary structure 
were each about twenty feet in length, and 
coupled together with bolts and screws, and 
secured with a nut. on the outside. It is 
thought that one of the nuts must have 
worked loose by the vibration of the bridge, 
which was considerable, and permitted the 
bolt to lose its hold. The length of the span 
is about, one hundred and twenty feet. Al- 
though the structure was a frail-looking 
one, it seemed to have sufficient strength, 
and, as the heaviest timbers to be used in 
the draw had already been passed safely 
over, all doubt as to its ability to fulfil the 
purpose of its erection had passed away. 
At the time of the disaster there were nine 
men crossing the bridge, with a small load 
of plank. When they had passed about, one- 
third of the way over, the upper outside wire 
gave way, and the trestle-work resting upon 
the wires was thrown over into the water, a 
distance of sixty-five feet, together with all 
the men except one, Mr. Edward Wells, who, 
when he found that the bridge had given 
way, with remarkable self-possession and 
presence of mind, made a tremendous leap 
.■iml struck the water clear of the falling 
timbers and swam out. 

Our account of the above disaster was 
scarcely dry upon the paper, when our 
people were again shocked by a report that 
the bridge had fallen a second time, with 
five men upon it. The report proved to be 
correct. The accident was a repetition of 
the former one. The same wire had parted, 
and with the same result, — throwing off the 
workmen and dropping scaffolding and all 
into the river. In the last accident four 
persons were injured — three of them seri- 
ously — and one escaped unhurt. 

Burned to Death. — In Philadelphia, this 
day, Martha Taylor, aged seventy-five, died 
at the hospital from the effect, of burns re- 
ceived, at Eleventh and Callowhill Streets, 
while standing in front of a grate. 



Suicide. — In Philadelphia, this day, a 
body was found floating in the Delaware, 
which proved to be that of William Metzler, 
a German shoemaker, whose place of busi- 
ness was in Coates Street, above Eleventh. 
Deceased was temperate and industrious, 
and was prospering in business. On Thurs- 
day he had a dispute with a neighbor about 
the change of a twenty-dollar gold-piece, 
and a remark was made reflecting upon the 
veracity of Metzler. In a note left by him 
at his house, he stated that, he had gone to 
drown himself because of this reflection; 
and there is every reason to believe that lie 
thus destroyed his life. He leaves a wife 
and two children. Coroner Fenner hpld an 
inquest, on the body, and a verdict of suicide 
by drowning was rendered. 

Horrible Mubder in Texas. — A Slave 
Murders his Master, Mistress, and Two 
Children. — The night of this day, in 
Orangeville, Fannin county, Texas, a negro, 
named Jessie, killed, in their beds, Mr. and 
Mrs. Kincaid, his master and mistress, and 
their two children, by cutting them with an 
axe, mangling them in the most shocking 
manner. The little boy jumped out of the 
back door and attempted to run around the 
house. Just as he turned the corner, the 
negro struck him with a pole, about five 
inches in diameter and five or six feet long, 
on the side of the head, literally crushing it 
to atoms ; and, so powerful was the blow, 
the pole passed on and struck the side of the 
house, knocking off a board and a piece from 
one of the house-logs. Immediately after, 
he went, to the house of a gentleman named 
Barbee, a near neighbor of the murdered 
family, and knocked at the door. Old man 
Barbee got up and asked him what he 
wanted. He told him that two white men 
had come to his master's house and mur- 
dered him, his wife, and a little boy. Mr. 
Barbee got a light, and discovered that the 
negro was covered with blood. He seized 
him by the throat, and told him that he 
intended to kill him; whereupon the negro 
confessed that he had done the deed, saying 
that they could not. get along well together, 
and he had determined to murder them. 

Destructive Fibe in Hannibal, Mo. — 
This day, a fire, supposed to be the work of 
an incendiary, broke out in the carpenter- 
shop of Edson & Clayton, in Hannibal, Mo., 
which was not. subdued until property to 
the value of $250,000 or $300,000 had been 
destroyed. The following are the names of 
the sufferers whose losses are known : — 

J. Foster, grocer, $150; C. C. Wiswell, 
grocer, $350; Bonner, Davis & Co., bakers, 
$1500; E. Bonner, restaurant, $2500; Isaac 
Stein, $75 ;• Fisher & Hollister, grocers, 
$1500; Cohn & Co., merchants, $800; 
League, Miller & Co., $6000; G. Harris & 



398 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



Bro., clothiers, $1000; Saul & Martin, 
marble-works, $800; Woolsey & Harris, 
grocers, $2200; W. H. Stephens & Bro., hats 
and caps, $3500; Judge Helm, merchant, 
$15,000. The names of the other sufferers 
were Edson & Clayton, carpenters ; Stewart 
& Thompson, grocers; Kealey's smithery; 
H. P. Baker, grocer; Williams's jewelry- 
store; W. McDaniel, confectioner; Boice & 
Moore, queensware ; Shockley & Jackson, 
daguerreotypists ; Ebenger & Bro., boot- 
makers; Fisher & Goodman, merchants; 
T. Collins, news depot ; Shoot & Heywood ; 
Mr. Drake, turner ; Judge Bourne ; F. Davis ; 
J. Brice, cabinet-shop; Phillips & McMillan, 
grocer's; W. H. Ricliardson & Co. ; Crump & 
Helm; Thomas Adams; J. & W. Pierson ; 
Hawes & Armstrong ; Kirchival & Greene ; 
W. A. Benton ; J. P. Richards' s banking- 
house. 

This fire was supposed to have been pur- 
posely kindled by some persons connected 
with houses of ill-fame. The citizens im- 
mediately set fire to and burned to the 
ground all houses of that character in the 
town. 

Fire in Rhode Island. — Loss of Life. — 
This day, in Bristol, R.I., the residence of 
James F. De Wolf was destroyed by fire. 
The falling chimneys crushed a number of 
men. The dead bodies of Lewis Waldron 
and Mr. Horton were taken from the ruins. 
Seven or eight other persons were badly 
burned and bruised, but, it is hoped, none 
fatally. The property was insured for 
$12,000; but the loss exceeds that amount. 

Excessive Drought. — Fire in the 
W'oods. — It was this day announced in the 
Boston papers that there was an excessive 
drought throughout New England, causing 
great" trouble to the farmers. In some parts 
of New Hampshire they had to drive the 
cattle many miles for water. 

Fire in the woods was also raging in many 
localities. 

At Hyannis, (Mass.,) on the Cape, the fire 
spread over a thousand acres of woodland. 

Sudden Death of Augustus Chapman, 
of Ogdexsburg, N.Y. — This day, Augustus 
Chapman, President of the Oswegatchie 
Bank, of Ogdensburg, died in a fit, very 
suddenly, at his residence in Morristown. 

Great Freshet in the Susquehanna. — 
Loss of $300,000 worth of Lumber. — This 
day, owing to the rise in the Susquehanna 
from the recent heavy rains, the great boom 
af Williamsport, Pa., gave way, and about 
eighty million feet of saw-logs, square tim- 
ber, lumber, &c. went adrift. Large quan- 
tities of logs, &c. were swept past Harris- 
burg; while considerable quantities were 
secured by persons along the river-shore of 



York and Cumberland counties. The esti- 
mated loss at Williamsport alone is not less 
than $300,000. 

Death of Clark Gayton Pickman.— Gift 
to Harvard College. — This day, died Clark 
Gayton Pickman, of Boston. He bequeathed 
his large and valuable library to Harvard 
College. Mr. Pickman was a son of Colonel 
Benjamin Pickman, Jr., and was born in 
Salem, Nov. 22, 1791. He graduated at 
Harvard College in the distinguished class 
of 1811. 

Killed by a Fall from a Scaffold. — 
In Philadelphia, this day, John Garwood, a 
house-carpenter, aged about thirty years, 
while working at one of the towers of the 
large gasholder at the Point Breeze Works, 
fell a distance of forty-two feet, and injured 
himself so severely that he died at the Penn- 
sylvania Hospital. The deceased, who was 
a widower, resided in Wharton Street, 
above Eighth. Coroner Fenner held an 
inquest on the body, and the jury rendered 
a verdict of "Accidentally killed." 

Elopement of the Wife of the Rev. 
Mr. Root, of Springfield, Ohio. — This 
day, the wife of the Rev. Mr. Root, a Con- 
gregational minister, eloped from her hus- 
band with a gentleman of Springfield, Ohio. 
The " Worcester (Mass.) Spy" gives the fol- 
lowing account- of the affair: — 

The town of Ashburnham, Mass., has been 
somewhat agitated for a few days by an 
elopement which recently took place. It 
appears that some eight years ago Ellen M., 
only daughter of Mr. Samuel Barrett, a very 
respectable citizen, and for a quarter of a 
century postmaster of that town, now de- 
ceased, married Rev. Mr. Root, a Congre- 
gational minister then settled in Williams- 
burg, Mass. They subsequently removed 
to Springfield, Ohio, where Mr. Root is now 
settled, and where the present unhappy 
troubles had their beginning. Mrs. Root, 
some time since, formed an attachment for 
a gentleman of that place, the husband of 
a devoted wife, the father of five children, 
a member and one of the pillars of her 
husband's church. How long this attach- 
ment continued does not appear ; but about 
three weeks ago the guilty parties secretly 
left Springfield and came to Massachusetts 
together. The woman, desiring to see her 
friends in this counti-y before she left them 
forever, came to Ashburnham, while her 
companion went to Fitchburg. Suspicion 
rested on the parties there, and accounts 
came from Ohio that all was not right. On 
Friday of last week he hired a horse in 
Leominster, intending to carry the lady to 
Fitchburg and take the cars for the South. 
Disappointed as to the time, they drove on 
to New Hampshire, leaving the team at 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



899 



Thornton's Ferry, and pursued their way 
to the North. Officer Wetherbee, of Ash- 
burnham, as soon as the facts became 
known, started in pursuit, found the de- 
serted team at Nashua, and the fugitives 
at Montreal. The authorities at Montreal 
refused to give up the man on the charge of 
larceny, — the only charge that could be sus- 
tained against him, — and the officer was 
compelled to return alone. The man, who 
had given various names, was registered at 
Montreal as J. W. Brochaw. His age is 
about forty-one years, and he claims to be a 
man of good reputation, high social position, 
and excellent business connections, all of 
which he has abandoned in pursuit of his 
infatuation. Mrs. Root, who is about thirty 
years of age, complained bitterly of the 
unhappiness of her marriage relations, and 
declared her determined purpose to abandon 
husband, friends, honor, every thing, for the 
only person whom she had ever loved. Her 
friends in Ashburnham stand very high in 
the estimation of that community, and are 
deeply grieved by the infatuation of which 
she has become the too willing victim. 

Damages against the City of Brooklyn. 
— This day, an action for five thousand dol- 
lars damages, brought by Samuel Hart and 
wife against the city of Brooklyn, was 
tried. It appears that Mrs. Hart was walk- 
ing down Hicks Street about nine o'clock 
one evening in June of last year, and when 
opposite No. 252 she stepped on a grating, 
which turned over, her leg entering the 
vault and she falling over on her side. She 
was badly injured, and, being enceinte, a mis- 
carriage was the result. She was confined 
to the house for five or six weeks. Plain- 
tiffs' counsel sought to recover on the 
ground that it is the duty of the city to 
keep the sidewalks in repair, and that the 
accident was caused by culpable neglect on 
the part of the authorities. The defence 
was a general denial. The case being given 
to the jury, a verdict was rendered in favor 
of plaintiffs. Damages, $1000. 

Murder of a Young Lady in Otsego 
Co., N. Y., by Poisoning. — This day, died, in 
Oneonta, Otsego, N.Y., from poison, Miss 
Huldah Ann McCraney, a young lady of 
attractive personal appearance and unusual 
beauty, aged about seventeen years. She 
was a girl of most agreeable manners, and 
possessed a genial humor which endeared 
her to a large circle of friends. On the 28th 
of April, after a slight illness, a physician 
was summoned, and remedies were pre- 
scribed as for an ordinary and not serious 
disorder. The patient rapidly grew worse 
till this day, when she died. After she was 
buried, the suspicions of the neighbors 
caused the body to be exhumed and a 
coroner's jury to be summoned. Her step- 



mother, Mrs. Elizabeth P. McCraney, was 
suspected of the deed. 



SATURDAY, MAY 12. 

Fire in Nebraska City. — The afternoon 
of this day, a destructive fire occurred at 
Nebraska City, consuming nearly all the 
business portion of the city, consisting of 
forty-two prominent business houses, in- 
cluding the post-office, with considerable 
mail-matter, and the Government land-office, 
with all its papers, — also, Nuckell's Hotel. 
Loss, $125,000. Insurance, from $70,000 to 
$75,000, mostly in Hartford (Conn.) and St. 
Louis companies. 

Burning of the Steamer Silver Star. 
— The evening of this day, the steamer 
Silver Star, from Evansville to Paducah, 
burned to the water's edge, at Curlew Coal- 
Mines. Five lives were lost. The boat and 
cargo are a total loss. Insured tor two- 
thirds their value in Pittsburg offices. 

Loss of the Schooner Pleasants. — This 
vessel sailed for George's Bank this day, 
from Gloucester, (Mass.,) and has not since 
been heard of. She was a good vessel, 
of ninety tons, three years old, built at 
Essex, and valued at $3800, and insured at 
the Gloucester Mutual Fishing Insurance 
Office for $3300. The master was Wm. H. 
Gage, of Gloucester. The crew consisted 
of eight or nine persons, one of whom, Wm. 
Hodgkins, belonged to Gloucester, four 
others to Beverly, and of the remainder 
neither residence nor names are known. 

A Father Murders his Son. — This day, 
Mr. Win. Nesbit, a planter, residing near 
Hernando, Do Soto county, Miss., went to 
the store of his son, who had recently com- 
menced business, and had an altercation 
with him, during which the father struck 
the young man on the head with a club, and 
repeated the blow several times. He died 
in a few hours ; and the father was arrested, 
examined, and committed for trial. 

Herman Volker Found Guilty of Man- 
slaughter. — This day, in Newark, N.J., 
the trial of Herman Volker, indicted for the 
murder of John Masterson, by stabbing him 
in the abdomen, on the night of the 2d of 
April, was concluded, in the Essex County 
Court of Oyer and Terminer. The jury, 
after being out about five hours, came into 
court at half-past nine o'clock, with a ver- 
dict of manslaughter. 

Attempt at Child-Murder. — In New 
York, this day, the cries of an infant were 
heard issuing from the vicinity of the sink 
in the rear of the tenement-house No. 127 



400 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



Greenwich Avenue. Officer Ackerman, of 
the Ninth Ward, was summoned to the scene, 
and, after making an examination, ascer- 
tained that the cries proceeded from the 
drain connecting with the water-closet. 
Workmen were at once procured and the 
drain opened, when a female child, still 
living, was found about twelve feet below 
the surface. It was taken to the station- 
house and properly attended to, after which 
it was sent to the alms-house. 

Tragedy in Eldridge Street, New York. 
— At a late hour the night of this day, the 
inmates of 184 Eldridge Street, New York, 
were thrown into a great state of excite- 
ment by the sudden and violent death of a 
German named Francis Garber, under the 
following circumstances. Deceased, it ap- 
peared, was visiting a woman named Annie 
Sillier, on the fifth floor, and, while in con- 
versation with her, was either pushed or 
fell out of a side window, and, falling to the 
ground-floor, was almost instantly killed. 
From some little circumstances connected 
with the tragedy, Policeman Vaughan, of 
the Seventeenth Precinct, felt compelled to 
arrest Annie on suspicion of having been 
implicated in the death of her friend. Upon 
being taken into custody, the prisoner gave 
a very straightforward account of the affair, 
from which we glean the following. The 
prisoner, it appears, was out late that night, 
and, being alone, was subjected to the insults 
of a rowdy living in the neighborhood. 
Deceased came along at the critical moment, 
and, rescuing her from the hands of the 
ruffian, proposed to see her home. She 
gladly accepted the kind offer, and started 
for her rooms in Eldridge Street in company 
with her protector. On the way they were 
annoyed by the rowdy, who followed them 
even to the door-step. Annie ran up-stairs 
hastily with deceased, and the two succeeded 
in gaining the prisoner's apartment in 
safety. Hardly had they been seated, how- 
ever, when their persecutor appeared on the 
landing outside, and commenced knocking 
violently at the door. Annie sprang to light 
a lamp, leaving deceased standing in the 
room near the side window ; but before she 
could strike a light she heard a loud crash, 
as if deceased had fallen through the win- 
dow. Upon lighting the lamp, she found 
that her worst fears were realized : deceased 
had fallen through the window and was 
almost instantly killed by the fall. She 
could assign no cause for the accident, ex- 
cept, perhaps, that deceased became fright- 
ened at the conduct of the rowdy on the 
landing, and, fearing personal violence, 
jumped out of the window. One of the 
occupants of the house heard the crash and 
saw deceased clinging to the window-sill for 
a moment and then fall to the ground. 
Garber lived at No. 232 Fifth Street, and 



leaves a wife and family to lament his 
loss. 

Negro Hung by Lynch-Law for the 
Murder of his Master and Mistress. — 
Three other Negroes Hung for being im- 
plicated in the Murder. — This day, Jessie, 
the negro who yesterday murdered Mr. and 
Mrs. Kincaid, (his master and mistress,) 
at Orangeville, Fannin county, Texas, was 
tried by the people. 

"Many were in favor of burning him, and 
others of hanging: the latter course having 
the most advocates, he was suspended from 
a limb of a tree in front of the house." 
Three other negroes were afterward hung, 
for being connected with the murder. The 
bodies of the negroes were not suffered to 
be removed from the trees, but left hanging 
there as a warning to others. Jessie gave 
as a reason for the deed that ; 'his master 
had not used him well of late, and was about 
to sell him." 

Minister Arrested charged with Mur- 
dering his Wife. — The New York "Police 
Gazette" of this date says that the Rev. 
Henry Budge, minister to the Congregational 
Church at Camden, Oneida county, New 
York, is now in jail on suspicion of murder- 
ing his wife. He has been a prominent- 
clergyman. His wife was found with her 
throat cut from ear to ear, and was buried 
under the supposition of suicide. Her re- 
mains were disinterred, and, on examination, 
poison was found. 

Postmaster Arrested charged with 
Stealing a Letter Containing $4000. — In 
New York, this day, Wm. B. Carpenter, post- 
master at Mount Kisco, Westchester county, 
was brought up before U.S. Commissioner 
Betts, upon a complaint preferred by Spe- 
cial Agent Holbrook, of the Post-Oftice De- 
partment, charging him with purloining a 
letter from the post-office, containing $4000. 
He was committed for examination. 

Killed on a Railroad. — This day, when 
the cars arrived at Parkesburg, Pa., on the 
Pennsylvania Railroad, a young man named 
Samuel Wilson, a finisher in the shops at 
that place, stepped on the platform to talk 
to a friend, and when the train started he 
fell backwards, and three cars passed over 
his legs, taking them off below the knees. 
He was conveyed to the Philadelphia Hos- 
pital, where he died with lockjaw in a few 
hours afterward. He was twenty-eight 
years of age, and leaves a young wife to 
mourn his untimely death. 

Burned to Death. — This day, in Troy, 
N.Y., a servant-girl in the employ of Jere- 
miah Green, of Troy, was so severely in- 
jured by the explosion of a camphene lamp 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



401 



that she died from the effects. Mr. Green, 
in endeavoring to save the girl, was also 
quite seriously injured. 

Narkow Escape of an Aeronaut. — Burn- 
ing of his Balloon. — In Jacksonville, (Ala.,) 
this day, Mons. Wells, of New Orleans, the 
aeronaut, made the first balloon-ascension 
ever witnessed at that place. The temporary 
furnace for inflating his balloon was erected 
on the public square, north of the court- 
house. A large number of persons of the 
town and vicinity collected at various places 
around the square to witness the feat. The 
inflation commenced about two o'clock, and 
was continued about two hours, the furnace 
being supplied during the time with wood 
and pine, and alcohol burned several times 
to hasten the process. 

When fully inflated, Mr. Wells got into his 
hoop and basket, which was suspended by 
small cords, some eight or ten feet below the 
balloon, and gave orders to those holding it 
down to "let go." In lifting the bottom over 
the chimney of the furnace, however, the 
lower edge of the cloth of which it was made 
took fire. Some of those holding it told the 
aeronaut, and tried to put it out ; but he, not 
understanding them, again gave orders to 
" let go," which they did. He rose rapidly 
and majestically, waving his cap over his 
head, while the numerous spectators below 
rent the air with their loud and repeated 
huzzas. It reached an altitude where Mons. 
Wells did not look much bigger than a man's 
hand, and was wafted by a gentle breeze in a 
northeasterly direction, and landed in a 
large oak-tree about a mile from the court- 
house. 

Mons. Wells discovered the fire when the 
balloon had got several hundred feet high, 
and used all the means in his power to effect 
a speedy landing, fearing the tire might burn 
the cords and let him fall. Soon after land- 
ing, the fire, which perhaps had been kept 
from running up the balloon by its rapid 
motion, blazed up and soon burned most of it 
to ashes. When he struck the tree he caught 
some limbs, while his balloon fell over on the 
other side and below, out of his reach, and 
also out of the reach of those who were soon 
on the ground, and assisted him, not without 
considerable difficulty, to get down out of the 
tree. The blazing balloon was distinctly 
seen from Jacksonville, and caused some 



Goodrich (Peter Parley) took place. The 
religious services were held at St. Bartho- 
lomew's (Episcopal) Church, which was 
crowded on the occasion to its utmost capa- 
city. The pall bearers were ex-Senator Dix, 
Hon. George Folsom, H. T. Tuckerman, Jas. 
C. Derby, Charles Gould, and Hiram Ketchum, 
Esqs. Many of the most eminent literary 
men in that and the neighboring cities were 
present. The officiating clergymen were 
Rev. Mr. Dix and Rev. Samuel Cook. The 
remains were conveyed to Woodbury, Conn., 
for interment. 

A White Girl taken into Slavery. — 
This day, a girl named Mary Jane Robinson, 
who had been living in Belmont, Kansas, and 
passing for a white girl, crossed the river to 
St. Joseph, where she was seized on, charged 
with being a slave. The correspondence of 
the New York "Tribune" contains the fol- 
lowing account of the matter: — 

Miss Mary Jane Robinson, an orphan-girl 
about eighteen or twenty years of age, light 
auburn hair, light blue eyes, light, fair com- 
plexion, has been living at the Belmont 
House, in Belmont, Kansas Territory, for the 
last ten months, doing work as a free white 
servant-girl. On the 12th inst., with a por- 
tion of her hard earnings, she crossed the 
ferry to St. Joseph, to do some trading. 
Soon after landing, she was watched by two 
men who knew her and who had often seen 
her at Belmont. They went before an officer 
and made affidavit that she was a slave and 
belonged to one Mr. Trott, of Lexington, Mo. 
A warrant was issued ; but the officer, after 
seeing and talking with Mary, was convinced 
that she was not a slave, and refused to make 
the arrest. The Marshal was then sent for, 
who performed the humiliating and degrading 
act, and she was lodged in jail. Mr. Trott 
was telegraphed to, and came on, and claimed 
that she was a slave and belonged to the 
estate of one Mr. Counsellor, of Lexington, 
Mo., of which he was administrator. He 
then paid Messrs. Toole and Evins for their 
services, and, without trial, save the affidavit 
of these two men, he started with her for the 
interior. 

In answer to inquiries made of her respect- 
ing her parents, she stated that she was born 
in the. State of Kentucky ; that her parents 
died when she was quite young ; that she 
lived with her sister until she was nine years 



painful apprehension for his safety, which, | old, and was then sent to the State of Illi- 



however, was soon relieved by his safe re- 
turn. 

Arrival of the Japanese Embassy. — 
This day, the Japane-se Embassy arrived at 
Hampton Roads. A steamer was at once 
sent down to bring them to Washington. 

Funeral of S. C. Goodrich. — In New 
York, this day, the funeral of the late S. C 



2G 



nois to live with her brother and aunt; that 
with them she went to St. Louis, Mo., and 
remained there until the spring of 1859, 
when her brother, fearing that she would 
marry a young man whom he disapproved, 
gave her money and sent her to St. Joseph, 
Mo., where she lived several months prior 
to going to Belmont. She said she had: 
received letters from her brother, informing 
her that he started to California this spring. 



402 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



Those who were acquainted with her say 
that she was industrious, intelligent, and 
respected by all who knew her, and that no 
one could ever suspect that there was a drop 
of African blood in her veins. The pro- 
bability is that she is a free white girl, and 
that the men who swore she was a slave are 
perjured kidnappers. 

Indian Battle at Pyramid Lake, Carson 
Valley. — Defeat of the Whites. — This 
day, several parties of volunteers who had 
assembled to chastise the Indians for the 
murder of several Americans while asleep at 
Williams's Station, CarsonValley, united in one 
body, under the command of Major Ormsby : 
they were mounted, and numbered one hun- 
dred and five men. At four p.m. they came 
upon Indians at the bend of the Quiokie 
River, about sixty-five miles northward 
toward Pyramid Lake from Virginia City. 
The Indians were in ambush at a narrow 
pass, through which Major Ormsby's party 
were proceeding, and numbered, it is sup- 
posed, not less than five hundred, all having 
fire-arms, plenty of ammunition, and fifteen 
hundred horses within a convenient distance. 

They opened a fire upon the troops from 
their safe hiding-place. Major Ormsby ordered 
a charge, but the Indians continued to skulk, 
firing occasionally from behind the rocks and 
sage-bushes, and doing damage without suf- 
fering much in return. This condition of 
things continued for some two hours, when 
the ammunition of Ormsby's party gave out. 
The Indians, seeing this, closed in upon our 
men, pouring in volley after volley, killing 
many on the spot, and the balance retreated, 
scattering in all directions over the hills and 
among the sage-bushes. They were pursued 
twenty-five or thirty miles by the mounted 
Indians, and many detached parties cut off". 

The survivors came straggling into Virginia 
City during the two subsequent days. The 
whites were supposed to have lost fifty in 
killed, the Indians one hundred. As soon 
as the account of the battle was received in 
the settlement, wagons were sent out to pick 
up the wounded, and also an armed force to 
protect parties burying the dead. 

The following is another account of the 
battle, by a writer in the New York "Tri- 
bune." He says : — 

On the 1st of May, the Pi Utes, who had 
hitherto been on friendly relations with the 
whites, camping near the settlements and 
performing various kinds of drudgery for 
hire, suddenly disappeared, taking with 
them their squaws and pappooses. Not an 
Indian could be found this side of Pyramid 
Lake, the headquarters of old Winnemucca, 
principal chief of the tribe. The circum- 
stance, of the disappearance of the natives 
gave rise to many apprehensions, and it was 
feared that the Indians were preparing for 
■war. On the 9th of May, these fears were con- 



firmed by the intelligence that, on the night 
of the 8th, Williams's Station, on the Carson 
River, about thirty miles northeast from 
here, had been burned to the ground, the 
inmates murdered, and the stock belonging 
to the station driven off. Such intelligence 
naturally caused a great excitement; and it 
was determined to follow the savages and 
punish them for the outrage. Accordingly, 
volunteer companies were formed here, at 
Silver City, Carson City, and Genoa; and 
on Thursday, the 10th inst., the several com- 
panies, numbering in all one hundred and 
five mounted men, left this place for the 
scene of the massacre. Major Ormsby, of 
Carson City, was chosen as chief in com- 
mand. They proceeded the same day to 
Williams's Station, buried the bodies of the 
murdered, and encamped for the night. In 
the morning they started on the trail of the 
savages, which was plainly visible in the 
sand of the desert; and, as if to make it 
more surely discernible, the Indians had 
scattered bits of cloth, broken glass, &c. in 
the way. The route they had taken was that 
by which they always pass in going between 
Carson River and Pyramid Lake. On the 
afternoon of the 12th, mounted Indians were 
seen ahead, and chase was immediately 
given. The savages retreated, and were 
followed by the whole body of the whites 
into a narrow canon through which the 
Truckee River passes. Here were seen, 
drawn up in the form of a semicircle, about 
three hundred mounted redskins, all armed 
with rifles. After a brief consultation by 
the officers of Major Ormsby's command, 
the order was given to make a charge. This 
was gallantly done, and the line of Indian 
horsemen gave way. At this moment the 
sage-brush in front of our force seemed sud- 
denly imbued with life, each one furnishing 
a hooting, yelling savage. Our men were 
taken by surprise, and their horses, wholly 
unused to war, became nearly unmanageable 
through fright, while the Indians were press- 
ing nearer and pouring a deadly fire into 
our ranks. Seeing they were fast being 
surrounded, the order was given to retreat 
to the willows and brush on the bank of the 
river, there to dismount and fight on foot. 
Some of the men did so ; and if all had 
obeyed orders the result of the action might 
have been far different. As soon as the 
order was given to retreat, many became 
panic-stricken, and, putting spurs to their 
animals, they rushed headlong, all pell-mell 
and confusion, toward the pass through 
which they had entered the canon. 

A gallant few, with Major Ormsby, dis- 
mounted and returned the fire of the enemy, 
doing considerable execution ; but bravery, 
alas ! often has to yield to superior force. 
Major Ormsby was soon shot through the 
body, and fell mortally wounded. He begged 
of his companions to stay with him, and not 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



403 



let his body fall into the hands of the sa- 
vages. The gallant Meredith and young 
Joseph Baldwin, son of Judge Baldwin, of 
the Supreme Court of California, did all in 
their power to save him; but all their efforts 
were fruitless. Those who were still un- 
harmed and whose animals had not escaped, 
seeing there was no use of further effort, 
mounted to follow their less brave comrades 
in their flight. At this moment Meredith 
was wounded in the side, and young Bald- 
win, seeing two savages advancing to dis- 
patch him, dismounted and discharged both 
barrels of his gun at them. One of the men 
now told Meredith, whose horse had broken 
away, to get up behind him, and they would 
thus both try to get away. Meredith, true 
nobleman that he was, replied, "No, thank 
you: I can't; for by so doing I might en- 
danger your life." Soon after he had ut- 
tered these words a volley was fired by a 
band of approaching savages, and the lion- 
hearted Meredith fell ; but, raising himself 
on one arm, he discharged both barrels of 
his shot-gun, laying two of his enemies in 
the dust. In a few moments he was cut in 
pieces by their knives. Young Baldwin, 
seeing he could give him no further assist- 
ance, attempted to remount his animal, when 
he found another man had him by the bridle 
and was just getting on to him. The boy 
remonstrated with him, and, finding him 
determined to take the animal by force, 
begged him to take him on behind; but the 
inhuman ruffian put spurs to the animal, 
and left the brave boy to his fate. Another, 
more humane than he, a Chilian, took him up 
behind, and they thus rode double till the 
horse gave out. The Indians pursued the 
fugitives till darkness afforded them a shel- 
ter, and then returned to gloat over the 
victory. Several were cut off during the 
flight. Early the next morning, those who 
first ran came into town and brought the 
news that, not more than five or six had 
escaped. During the day stragglers kept 
coming in, till it was supposed that not more 
than half our men had been killed. Mem- 
bers of the party came in one by one until 
the following Thursday, when Dr. Tjader, a 
Russian surgeon, came in, having been 
wounded by three arrows, and having lived 
on grass for four days. He hid himself on 
the field, and says he saw fifteen or seven- 
teen whites lying dead. These were stripped 
by the Indians, but their bodies were not 
mutilated until next, day, when their faces 
were beaten in with rocks. Baldwin and 
the Chilian boy lived on grass for two days, 
when thjey found animals, and came in nearly 
exhausted. Baldwin is a boy of only seven- 
teen years of age, but has more real courage 
than most men. Meredith was a young and 
rising lawyer from Nevada, California, and 
was engaged to be married to the sister of 
young Baldwin in a few days. The news 



of the defeat, and the exaggerated state- 
ments concerning the number of the Indians, 
spread consternation far and wide. Martial 
law was proclaimed, and Captain Johns 
elected commander of affairs in Virginia. 
A watch was set at night, and an unfinished 
stone house near the centre of the town 
fortified for the women and children. An 
attack was feared nightly by the more timid, 
and hundreds packed up and started over 
the mountains. The settlers in Long Valley, 
the Truckee Meadows, and Steamboat. Val- 
ley packed up their things and left with their 
cattle for the vicinity of Carson City. News 
of the disaster was immediately telegraphed 
to all parts of California and assistance re- 
quired. Companies were formed in Sacra- 
mento, Downieville, Nevada, and other 
places, and in a few days were here. Go- 
vernor Downey of California made a requi- 
sition on General Clarke for troops, and one 
hundred and fifty regulars were soon on the 
way: sixty have since followed. Companies 
of volunteers were again formed here. 
Colonel Jack Hays, of "Vigilance" noto- 
riety, an old Texan Ranger and Indian- 
fighter, was chosen commander; Colonel 
Saunders, of Sacramento, is second in com- 
mand under Hays, — all being under com- 
mand of Captain Stewart, of the regulars. 

The following are the names of the men 
who formed the force :• — 

The company from Genoa, under Captain 
Condon, was composed as follows :— Thomas 
Condon, D. E. Kimball, Michael Lay, Robert 
Ridley, Big Texas, M. Pular, Mr. Thomp- 
son, Mr. Lee, and Mr. James. 

The company from Carson City, under 
Major Orinsby, consisted of Major Ormsby, 
John Blackburn, F. Steinger, Mr. Barnes, 
James Gatewood, William S. Spear, Frank 
Gilbert, William Mason, William C. Marley, 
Richard Watkins, John Holmes, Samuel 
Brown, Dr. Eckelroth, Dr. Tjader, James 
J. Mclntyre, and nine discharged United 
States soldiers, whose names are yet un- 
known. 

The company from Virginia, under Cap- 
tain F. Johnson, consisted of F. Johnson, J. 
Call McLierney, Hugh McLaughlin, Charles 
McLoud, John Fleming, (Greek,) Hen- 
derson, (Greek,) Andres Scuald, (Italian,) 
Marco Knezerwitch, (Austrian,) John Ga- 
venti, (Austrian,) George , (Chileno.) 

The second company from Virginia, under 
Captain A. McDonald, consisted of William 
Arrington, C. W. Allen, G. F. Brown, J. 
Baldwin, D. D. Cole, A. K. Elliott, C. For- 
man, A. L. Grumes, F. Gathousi, W. Haw- 
kins, Archibald Haven, J. C. Hall, George 
Jones, R. Lawrence, Colonel McVane, Henry 
Meredith, W. Mcintosh, Patrick McCourt, 0. 
McNaughton, Henry Newton, John Boyce, 
A. J. Peck, Richard Snowdon, W. Spear, 0. 
Spear. 

The company from Silver City, unaer R. 



401 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



Watkins, consisted as follows: — Captain R. 

Watkins, Parsons, John Holmes, — — 

Keene, Albert Bloom, Charles Devans, James 
Shabell, James Lee, Boston Boy, (lame and 
unknown.) 

Total of all the companies, eighty-one. 
These include all the names at present ob- 
tainable of the aggregate number engaged. 
The whole number who entered the battle 
was one hundred and five, and there are, 
therefore, twenty-four persons whose names 
are unaccounted for, and their fate, as yet, 
is unknown. 

The names of the returned, wounded, and 
dead, of the different companies, to this hour, 
are as follows : — 

Of the Genoa company, we have the fol- 
lowing : — Thomas Condon, fate unknown. 
Returned: Robert Ridley, Michael Lay, 
Big Texas, M. Pular, Mr. James, Mr. Thomp- 
son, Mr. Lee. 

Of the Carson company. — Dead: Major 
Ormsby, William S. Spear, Dr. Tjader. 
Returned : John Blackburn, D. E. Kimball, 
F. Steinger, C. Barnes, James Gatewood, 
Frank Gilbert, William Mason, Samuel 
Brown, William C. Marley, Richard Wat- 
kins, Dr. Eckelroth, John Holmes, James 
Mclntyre. Fate unknown: Nine discharged 
United States soldiers, names unknown. 

Of the company from Silver City. — Dead: 

Parsons, Charles Devans, James Lee, 

and Boston Boy. Wounded: James Shabell. 
Returned : J. Holmes, Albert Bloom, — — , 
(unknown,) Mr. Keene and boy. 

Of the company from Gold Hill, the num- 
ber and names are unknown. They have 
all returned. 

Of the company from Virginia, under 
Captain F. Johnson. — Dead : F. Johnson, 
Charles McLoud, John Fleming, S. Auber- 
son, Andrew Scuald, M. Knezerwitch, John 
Gaventi. AVounded : Hugh McLaughlin. 
Returned : J. Call McLierney, George 0. C. 
Steel, H. Beet, (unknown,) M. M. Shayste- 
rich. 

Of the company from Virginia, under Cap- 
tain A. McDonald. — Dead: William Arling- 
ton, A. K. Elliott, AY. Hawkins, George Jones, 
Henry Meredith, William Mackintosh, 0. 
McNaughton. Wounded : F. Gathousi. Re- 
turned : A. McDonald, Charles W. Allen, 
Joseph Baldwin, D. D. Cole, Cbarles For- 
man, A. L. Grumes, Archibald Haven, J. C. 
Hall, Richard Lawrence, Colonel McVane, 
Patrick McCourt, Henry Newton, John 
Boyce, A. J. Peck, William Spear. Un- 
known : Richard Snowdon. 

The following is a recapitulation of these 
figures :— 

Fate unknown and missing 43 

Returned alive 38 

Dead 21 

Wounded 3 

Total 105 



SUNDAY, MAY 13. 

Fire in the Fishkill Mountains. — This 
day, a fire started on one of the Fishkill 
mountains, which burned nearly two days, 
all efforts to extinguish it proving fruitless. 
It spread rapidly, and in a few hours from 
its commencement the whole mountain was 
in flames. It was seen for miles around, 
and was much larger than the one which 
occurred some six or eight weeks ago. 
Great damage was done, as it destroyed 
every thing in its course. The cause of the 
fire is unknown. 

Destructive Fire in Presque Isle, Me. 
— This day, a fire which has been raging iu 
the woods at Presque Isle, Me., reached the 
village, and destroyed eight buildings, in- 
cluding the Academy. The loss amounted 
to $25,000. 

Death of the Rev. Arthur Williams. 
— This day, the Rev. Arthur Williams, a 
venerable Baptist minister, of South Caro- 
lina, died. 

Death of Martin Bates. — In Boston, this 
day, died Martin Bates, a well-known mer- 
chant. 

Death of Joseph Huftt. — In Philadel- 
phia, this day, Mr. Joseph Hufty, engraver 
and stationer, died, after a short illness, 
contracted, it is supposed, by exposure on 
the election-day. 

Man Shot in Mount Holly, N.J. — This 
day, Wilson Barnes, of Mount Holly, shot 
his brother-in-law, William Newman. The 
"Mount Holly Mirror," speaking of this 
affair, says: — 

A feud had existed between William New- 
man and AYilson Barnes, brothers-in-law; 
and, on Sunday last, Newman went to see 
his sister, Barnes's wife, when Barnes seized 
a gun and fired at Newman, lodging the con- 
tents in his legs and abdomen. Doubts are 
entertained of his recovery. Barnes was 
ai'rested, examined at Mount Holly, and 
committed for trial. 

Suicide. — In Pittsburg, Pa., this day, 
William White, Cashier of the Freight- 
Department of the Pennsylvania Central 
Railroad, entered the cellar of his residence, 
on Pitt Street, between Liberty and Penn, 
and deliberately introduced the barrel of a 
revolver into his mouth, which he fired, and 
inflicted a wound that caused his death. In 
his pocket was found the following brief 
note : — 

May 13th. 

I took the pistol from McKibbin's store. 

William White. 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



405 



For several days previous White had been 
remarked to be in a state of great mental 
depression ; but this day he appeared to 
have regained his usual buoyancy. In com- 
pany with his wife, he visited his brother-in- 
law, in the upper part of the city, with 
whom in social communication he spent 
some time, returning, at about six p.m., 
with Mr. Joseph White and several children. 
The rest of the party, when near home, 
paused to allow the little folks, who were 
straggling behind, to come up : and in this 
interval White walked forward, entered his 
house, descended to the cellar, and imme- 
diately committed the ill-judged deed which 
caused his death. 

Body of Young Stilwell Found. — The 
body of this youth, who was drowned on the 
18th of April .by the upsetting of a boat in 
the East River, near Zerega's Point, New 
York, was, this day, found. At the falling 
of the tide, one of Mr. Zerega's men saw the 
body of young Stilwell lying in the water 
near the beach, almost covered by sea-weed. 
It was recovered and borne home to his 
parents. When first taken from the water, 
it was perfectly unchanged in appearance, 
but soon after exposure to the air began to 
decay rapidly. 

Destructive Hail-Storm in Virginia. 
— A most violent hail-storm occurred in 
Isle of Wight county, Va., this day. The 
"Norfolk Herald" says: — 

It swept over a tract of about four miles 
in length, embracing the farms of Captain 
Crocker, W. H. Day, Archibald Atkinson, 
and several others, but, fortunately, in a 
direction two or three miles from the town 
of Smithfield. Some of the farmers who 
have suffered by the storm report the damage 
as very severe, — at least one-half the wheat 
completely destroyed, corn that was nearly 
hand high beaten down so that it would be 
impossible to tell that any had ever been 
planted, and the fruit-trees, peaches espe- 
cially, stripped nearly bare. The hail, it is 
said, lay on the ground, after the storm, to 
the depth of several inches. 

Suicide of a German. — This day, in New 
York, a German, named August H. Arens- 
feld, committed suicide, at No. 447 Canal 
Street, by blowing his brains out with a 
pistol. The deceased had been quite de- 
spondent of late, on account of not being 
able to obtain employment. At night he 
went to bed, about ten o'clock, his wife 
sleeping in an adjoining room. The next 
morning he was found dead in bed, with a 
pistol-shot-wound in his head. He had evi- 
dently placed the muzzle of the pistol in his 
mouth and discharged it in that position. 

Falling of a Boy into a Well. — Heroic 



Conduct. — In New York, the evening of 
this day, a little boy, five years of age, son 
of Mr. Palmer, while playing in Charles 
Street, near Bleecker, fell into a well, the 
wooden cover of which had rotted off. Seve- 
ral persons who witnessed the sudden dis- 
appearance of the boy gave an alarm, and 
soon a large crowd collected about the spot. 
A young man, named Coopei', belonging to 
Hook and Ladder Company No. 15, happen- 
ing to pass at the moment, and hearing of 
the occurrence, pushed through the crowd, 
and, perfectly regardless of all danger, 
leaped into the well, his descent through 
the small and ragged aperture in the walk 
tearing his clothes from his body. Grasp- 
ing the pump, he slid down to the water, 
which was about eight feet deep, and, after 
groping about in the dark, soon got hold of 
the child. The members of his company 
having meanwhile procured and lowered a 
rope into the well, Mr. Cooper tied the end 
about the child's body, and the little one' 
was raised to the ground. The rope was 
again lowered and Mr. Cooper hauled to the 
surface, when he fell again to the bottom of 
the well, the rope not having been securely 
fastened about his body. 

When hauled up a second time, he was 
found to have sustained several severe con- 
tusions by the fall; but happily no bones 
were fractured. The child was cai'ried 
home; but it was thought it could not live, 
as at a late hour in the evening it was barely 
alive. 

The Japanese Ambassadors. — This day, 
the Japanese Ambassadors were received on 
board the steamer Philadelphia from the 
Roanoke by Captain Dupont and Mr. Led- 
yard. The Philadelphia left the moorings 
of the Roanoke at fifteen minutes past four 
p.m., and landed her freight at Old Point at 
twenty-five minutes past four p.m. 

They were received with formal honors, 
including a salute from the battery and 
music by the band, after which they were 
escorted around the parapet, their artists 
sketching outline views of almost every 
thing inside, as well as the roads and ship- 
ping outside, with astonishing rapidity. 

The officers of the fort prepared a hasty 
table of refreshments at the hotel. They 
re-embarked, at six o'clock, with the same 
honors as at the landing. 



MONDAY, MAY 14. 

Incendiary Fire at Rahway, N.J. — 
Loss, $50,000£-In Rahway, N.J., on the 
evening of this day, a fire broke out, about 
half-past nine o'clock, in the repository con- 
nected with the extensive carriage-manu- 
factory of Messrs. John C. Denman & Co., 
on Main Street, and in a few minutes the 



406 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



interior was in a blaze. Owing to the com- 
bustible nature of the contents, the fire made 
rapid progress, and in the course of half an 
hour the entire structure, comprising a three- 
story building, three hundred and sixty-five 
feet in depth by seventy-five feet wide, with 
several intervening wings, and covering se- 
veral acres of ground, was a mass of flames. 

The building, together with its contents, 
including a large number of finished and un- 
finished carriages of almost every descrip- 
tion, valued at about $20,000, was entirely 
destroyed. The carriages ready for ship- 
ment, which were consumed, (all destined 
for New Orleans,) amounted to fifty or sixty. 

The building was owned by Isaac N. Den- 
man, Esq., of Newark, brother of John C. 
Denman, whose loss is about $10,000. In- 
sured. The remainder of the loss, including 
stock, &c, falls upon Messrs. J. C. D. & Co., 
amounting to about $40,000, half of which 
is covered by insurance. 

A Newark paper says : — The fire was, no 
doubt, the work of incendiaries, and appears 
to have been part of a concerted diabolical 
effort, which extended even to this city, to 
destroy the property of a gentleman con- 
nected with the firm at Rahway, who is a 
resident of Newark, and one of our most re- 
spected, energetic, and public-spirited citi- 
zens, Mr. John C. Denman. 

The belief is strengthened by the fact 
that in another large carriage-establishment, 
about two hundred yards distant from that 
destroyed, at Rahway, and belonging to the 
same firm, the materials necessary for its 
destruction, comprising a quantity of fluid 
in cans, surrounded with shavings, &c, were 
this morning found in one of the rooms, but, 
owing to a defect in the arrangement of the 
match, the fire had fortunately failed to com- 
municate with the liquid, and a still more 
disastrous conflagration was prevented. 

The Japanese Ambassadors, this day, 
arrived at Washington. Whilst steaming up 
the Potomac, the steamer stopped off Mount 
Vernon, the band playing a plaintive air, 
while the bell was kept mournfully tolling. 

The Ambassadors, through the interpret- 
ers, were informed of the history of the 
" Father of his country.'' 

The Japanese artists took accurate sketches 
of the mansion and the grounds around it. 
At about twelve o'clock they arrived at 
"Washington. At about one o'clock, Mayor 
Berret went on board, and was introduced to 
the Ambassadors, extending them a welcome 
in the name of the citizens of Washington, 
upon which they acknowledged their thanks 
for the honor and the compliment. The club- 
boats on the river were decked with the 
American and Japanese flags. The cortege 
now commenced landing. The treaty-box 
was first brought from the boat, and then 
followed the Japanese, under the escort of 



several naval officers. They passed, as they 
landed, between the American and Japanese 
flags. Having approached to where Capt. 
Buchanan was standing, he, in the presence 
of his brother naval officers, welcomed them 
in the name of the President of the United 
States and the country, reciprocating the 
kind feelings expressed by the Japanese 
Government when the treaty was made by 
the gallant Perry. As an humble partici- 
pant on this other interesting occasion, he 
felt proud of being the medium of their re- 
ception on the part of his countrymen. 

The dignitaries thus addressed, through 
the interpreter, bowed their acknowledg- 
ment. 

While these ceremonies were progressing, 
a salute was fired from the batter}*. The 
cortege formed and moved on, as follows : — 

First, the President's Mounfed Guard. 

Then the Japanese, in hacks. 

Next the treaty, in a large red morocco 
box, in a square cage, was carried on the top 
of an omnibus. 

The marines and District Militia followed, 
together with music from several bands. 

The sidewalks along Pennsylvania Avenue 
were crowded, and every window command- 
ing a view was blocked up with the curious, a 
large proportion being ladies. Great excite- 
ment prevailed throughout the entire distance 
between the Navy-Yard and the headquarters 
of the Japanese. So dense was the crowd of 
pedestrians and carriages that the procession 
occupied more than an hour in traversing 
the distance from the Capitol to Willard's 
Hotel. The resident population were more 
excited and enthusiastic than ever before, 
and the march through the city was a per- 
fect ovation. The reception-rooms at Wil- 
lard's were thronged with the wives, sisters, 
and daughters of the dignitaries of the coun- 
try, who had assembled' to receive and wel- 
come the visitors. Over an hour was re- 
quired in the exchange of courtesies before 
the wearied travellers were allowed to retire 
to their quarters, after which the military 
retired and the crowd gradually dispersed. 

The principal object of the mission of the 
Japanese Embassy was to get an English 
copy of the treaty signed by the President 
of the United States. The original was burned 
in the great fire at Jeddo, two years ago. 
The copy in Japanese was saved. This they 
brought with them, and a copy of it, not 
signed, and a letter from the Tycoon to the 
President. The box containing these docu- 
ments was looked upon by them as almost 
sacred. It was called the "treaty-box," 
and was never allowed to be out of their 
sight. It was a box three feet long, twenty- 
six inches in depth, and eighteen inches 
wide, covered with red morocco leather and 
neatly sewed round the edges. There were 
three japanned boxes placed together, and 
then covered. Around the box was a light 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



107 



frame, and, -when carried, it was borne on the 
backs of four men, by poles. 

The Embassy brought with it some $80,000 
cash, for the purpose of making purchases. 
Their money was all brought from Japan in 
Mexican dollars and American half-dollars, 
stamped with the Japanese marks. They 
had an immense amount of baggage, — over 
eighty tons, — which made four full car-loads 
over the Panama Railroad. Among this 
were fifteen boxes containing valuable pre- 
sents for the President of the United States, 
a large quantity of beautiful silks, brocatelles, 
linen, crape silk, pongees, poplins, and so 
forth, of every conceivable style and pat- 
tern. They also had articles of their own 
manufacture of every description, amongst 
which were a beautiful specimen of Sharpe's 
rifle, one of their own manufacture, also one 
of those presented by Commodore Perry, 
made by Sharpe himself. The one made by 
the Japanese was a decided improvement 
upon the original, in the opinion of all 
who saw it. The improvement consists in 
cocking, priming, and cutting off the car- 
tridge at the same time. The original does 
not cock on putting down the guard which 
cuts oil' the cartridge, but has to be cocked 
by the thumb. The Japanese rifle can be 
cocked or not on cutting off the cartridge, ac- 
cording to will. 

Indian Battle. — In Minnesota, this day, 
there was a battle between the Sioux and 
Chippewas, on Main Prairie, in which the 
Sioux had five killed and three wounded. 
Hole-in-the-Day, the Chippewa chief, had in 
his possession the head of one of the slain 
and four reeking scalps: he was wounded in 
the leg. 

Suicide from Grief. — This day, in Frank- 
fort, Ky., James Dryden was found in the 
morning by the side of the corpse of his son- 
in-law, with his throat cut. A Frankfort 
paper, speaking of the affair, says : — 

Mr. William Payne died at Frankfort, on 
Sunday evening, of congestive fever. His 
father-in-law, Mr. James Dryden, was left to 
watch the corpse during the night, but next 
morning was found with his throat cut, 
having committed suicide under the influence 
of the depression of spirits which the death 
of his relative had occasioned. Both gentlemen 
were old and much-esteemed residents of our 
State capital; and the sad tragedy occasioned 
great excitement among the citizens. 

A Little Girl Killed by a Crazy Wo- 
man. — A daughter of Rev. A. S. Freeman, 
pastor of the Presbyterian church at Haver- 
straw, N.Y., was killed, this day, by Mrs. 
Kirkpatrick, a neighbor, during a fit of in- 
sanity. The woman was very fond of the 
little girl, and had been heard to say, "She 
is too good for earth: she must not, shall 



not, live;" and then, turning her face to the 
wall, she muttered to herself, " Must I do it? 
— How can I do it?" But those who heard 
these remarks understood not their meaning 
at the time. On the day mentioned, the little 
girl was at Mr. K.'s house, playing with his 
little girl, and the woman, having sent away 
her own daughter on an errand, took a carv- 
ing-knife and cut the child's neck completely 
around, thus almost severing the head from 
the body. When her daughter returned, the 
wretched woman said to her, " I have done 
it." "Done what?" asked her daughter. 
"Why, killed Carrie," was her reply. She 
has been sent to an asylum. The victim was 
a lovely little girl, of scarcely five summers. 

Suicide of a Physician, after a Des- 
perate Fight with his Wife. — This day, 
Dr. Joseph J. Zangerle committed suicide 
in Lynnville, near Allentown, Pa., under the 
following circumstances. The Allentown 
(Pa.) "Democrat," from which the account 
is copied, says : — 

An unusually distressing case of suicide, 
from the circumstances attending it, occurred 
in Lynnville, Lynn township, in this county, 
on Monday evening. It appears that Dr. 
Joseph J. Zangerle, the subject of this notice, 
has for many years lived in a state of great 
domestic infelicity with his wife, which in- 
creased in intensity with the progress of time, 
and during the last year in particular had 
assumed an extremity of malignancy arid 
hatred that was almost unbearable. On the 
day above mentioned, toward evening, a 
violent altercation sprang up between them, 
which assumed a belligerent character, she 
being armed with a club and he with a 
brace of pistols. It is not known which of 
the party made the first assault, but during 
the scuffle he fired a pistol at her, she 
simultaneously striking his arm with the 
club, which had the effect to change the 
course of the shot, to which action on her 
part she may perhaps attribute the preserva- 
tion of her life. She then rushed out of the 
house, he in close pursuit, catching up with 
her in the yard, where the conflict was re- 
newed, she defending herself with the club, 
and he striking at her with the revolver and 
several times pulling the trigger, each time, 
however, failing in a discharge. The neigh- 
bors, having by this time become alarmed, 
came running to put a cessation to the fight, 
upon which they released each other, he 
running into the house, and she and one of 
her youngest daughters, who was an eye- 
witness to the entire scuffle, repairing to the 
house of a neighbor. After gaining access 
to the house, he locked himself into a room, 
took a dose of poison, and informed one of 
his daughters yet remaining in the house 
of the fact, and enjoined upon her that if he 
should die she should take care of some 
money, &c, besides giving instructions re- 



408 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



garding some other matters. He then closed 
the door, and lay down to pass out of time 
into eternity, weary of the troubles of earthly 
life. His wife had, in the mean time, gone 
and lodged complaint before a justice of the 
peace, and on the morning following the 
constable and his assistants came to arrest 
him, when, being shown to his room, the sub- 
ject of their mission was found a corpse, 
with bottles containing the cause of his 
death before him on the table. Francis 
Weiss, Esq., was summoned to hold an in- 
quest over his remains. It was established 
by the jury that he came to his death by 
self-destruction by partaking of strychnine, 
morphea, and corrosive sublimate in suffi- 
cient quantities. The deceased was born in 
Tyrol, Europe, and was between fifty-five 
and fifty-six years of age. He was a prac- 
tising physician, well liked in the community 
in which he resided, and had become well 
blessed with riches, which he has disposed 
of by will. 

Death of Dr. Charles Kraitsir. — This 
day, Dr. Charles Kraitsir, the distinguished 
philologist, died suddenly, at his residence 
in Morrisania, New York. He was afflicted 
with disease of the heart, and was fifty-six 
years old at the time of his death. He was 
a native of Hungary, educated in the Uni- 
versity of Pesth. He participated in the 
Polish revolution, and at its close came to 
this country, arriving in 1833. Like many 
other European exiles of education, he de- 
voted himself to teaching, and in 1842 was 
appointed Professor of Modern Languages in 
the University of Virginia. Dr. Kraitsir 
has published several remarkable works on 
philology, and has lectured extensively on 
the same subject. 

Suicide of McDonald, the Murderer 
of Virginia Stewart. — In New York, this 
day, Robert C. McDonald, who had so long 
been confined for the murder of Virginia 
Stewart, committed suicide by taking " Mc- 
Munn's Elixir," a most, powerful decoction 
of opium. He was found insensible on the 
bed by one of the keepers of the prison. 
Restoratives were immediately applied, and 
a messenger despatched for Dr. Covil. He 
arrived and immediately applied the stomach- 
pump and administered a portion of sulphate 
of zinc, but without effect. The sufferer 
was then conveyed to the hospital ward, 
where mustard plasters, hot water, the bas- 
tinado, and other external irritants were at 
once applied, but without the slightest pos- 
sible effect, the man still remaining entirely 
unconscious. He continued to sink, his pulse 
failing rapidly, his eyes becoming set, and 
his extremities cold, till, at five o'clock, he 
ceased to breathe. His features remained 
perfectly natural and placid, and, although 
his last breathings were labored, he evidently 



suffered none after being first discovered. 
He had previously at various times threat- 
ened to destroy himself, and an exceedingly 
strict watch had been kept over him in con- 
sequence. A person to whom he applied 
for strychnine shortly after his incarceration 
informed Mr. Sutton, the prison-warden, of 
the fact, and ever since the utmost care has 
been taken in admitting visitors to see him. 
Notwithstanding this caution, two knives 
were smuggled into his cell, both of which 
were recovered by the keepers. One of 
these knives, which was taken from him but 
a month since, was a common dinner-knife, 
which McDonald had contrived to grind down 
in his cell to a keen edge and exceedingly 
sharp point. It had evidently been his firm 
determination for many months to put an 
end to his existence, and more especially 
since the passage of the new law rendering a 
long confinement in the State prison almost 
certain. 

Shot Himself. — A mate of a ship, named 
Francis McDonald, while purchasing a re- 
volver, this day afternoon, in the store of 
Messrs. Tomes & Sons, No. 6 Maiden Lane, 
New York, accidentally shot himself in the left 
side. He was removed to the hospital, and 
Dr. Wier extracted the ball from his back. 

Fight between an Alderman and Ex- 
Alderman in New York. — In New York, 
this day, between twelve and one o'clock, 
the City Hall and vicinity was the scene of 
considerable excitement, owing to an attack 
made upon Alderman John Russell, of the 
Eighth District, by ex- Alderman Wm. Wilson, 
of the First Ward. The New York '• Herald" 
says: — 

It seems that the latter had been informed 
that Alderman Russell had circulated a re- 
port that he (Russell) could lead Mr. Wilson 
by the nose at any time. This did not suit 
Mr. W., and, meeting Alderman Russell in 
the Park, he accused him of the charge. Mr. 
Russell stoutly denied making use of such 
language, but in spite of all this Mr. Wilson, 
it appears, was not inclined to take his word, 
and, seizing the alderman by the head, in- 
flicted two or three severe cuts on his face. 
The scuffle between the two brought, a large 
crowd about them, and Mr. Wilson was soon 
dragged off, and the alderman was taken 
into the City Hall. Alderman Russell made 
no attempt to fight other than to ward off 
the blows given him, and as soon as they 
were separated left Wilson in his glory, 
with a large crowd around him. Mr. Rus- 
sell's face received three severe bruises on 
the nose and upper lip, produced more, in 
appearance, from the nails of Mr. W. than 
his fist. 

Defalcation of Isaac V. Fowler, Post- 
master of New York. — It was, this day, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



409 



publicly announced that Isaac V. Fowler, 
the Postmaster of New York, was a de- 
faulter to the Government for $155,554.31. 
The defalcation consisted in his failing to 
deposit in the Sub-Treasury in New York, 
the amount of postal revenue due to the 
Government. This by the law was felony. 

There were rumors a short time since that 
there was a deficiency in a quarter's report 
of Mr. Fowler, but they were immediately 
set at rest by his depositing the fifteen thou- 
sand dollars claimed in the Sub-Treasury, 
which amount he obtained of several per- 
sonal friends. But it appears there were other 
deficiencies, on a much grander scale, and 
which Mr. Fowler had apprehensions would 
soon be discovered by the General Govern- 
ment ; and he accordingly, on Thursday last, 
finding the inextricable network of financial 
embarrassment around him, induced Mr. 
Butterworth and Mr. Hall, of the firm of 
Campbell, Hall & Co., of New York, to pro- 
ceed to Washington in his behalf, and obtain, 
if possible, a stay of proceedings until the 
18th inst., when he would be able to meet 
all his obligations to the Post-Office Depart- 
ment. The matter was taken into consider- 
ation by the Cabinet, and at first the propo- 
sition was thought favorably of, on the 
hypothesis that there might be a possibility 
of saving the United States from any loss ; 
but on further deliberation the case was 
deemed of too great magnitude to allow any 
compromise, and the suspension from duty 
and arrest of Mr. Fowler were agreed upon, 
and two officers, Mr. Horatio King, the As- 
sistant-Postmaster-General, and Mr. Orfult, 
the chief clerk in the Auditor's Department, 
were despatched to New York, to investigate 
the matter and procure the arrest of Mr. 
Fowler. They arrived in that city on Satur- 
day last, and proceeded to the Post-Office in 
Nassau Street, where they met Mr. Fowler 
and explained the object of their mission, 
reading to him their commission for their 
mission, which in substance deposed Mr. 
Fowler. 

The latter soon left the office, visiting, as 
he passed out, the apartment of the Deputy 
Postmaster, Mr. Caldwell, and, shaking him 
by the hand, bade him "good-bye," adding 
that he would see him to-morrow. Mr. 
Fowler's demeanor did not appear to Mr. 
Caldwell unusual, as it was his custom to go 
through the same formula of leave-taking 
daily. 

The next step of the Government officers, 
after Mr. Fowler left the office, and in carry- 
ing out the orders of the Postmaster-General, 
was to procure a warrant for his arrest. 

The matter was placed in the hands of ex- 
Judge Roosevelt, the newly-appointed Dis- 
trict Attorney, who issued a warrant for his 
arrest on Saturday, and placed it in the 
hands of Capt. Rynders, the United States 
Marshal. The Marshal also received from 



Washington, from James Hilly er, Solicitor 
of the United States Treasury, an execution 
against Mr. Fowler for $155,554.31. the 
amount of which he was in default. 

Immediate search was made for Mr. Fowler, 
but without success. After he left the Post- 
Office he proceeded to the New York Hotel, 
where he has boarded for the last ten years, 
and subsequently left there and proceeded 
to the residence of August Belmont, in Fifth 
Avenue, where he dined, and left the table 
at nine o'clock p.m. He afterward returned 
to his hotel, and left there again at two 
o'clock on Sunday morning, since which 
nothing has been heard of him. Mr. Fowler 
was appointed to office by President Pierce. 
He was very popular among his numerous 
acquaintances, on account of his agreeable 
manner and friendly disposition. 

Confiscation of the Narramissic and 
her Cargo. — Fining the Bark Adelaide 
$3000.— In Mazatlan, Mexico, this clay, the 
American bark Narramissic, with every thing 
on board, was declared by the Mexican courts 
forfeited, and the captain sentenced to one 
year's imprisonment and the costs of the 
court. A correspondent of the "Herald" 
says: — 

Among other articles taken from the ves- 
sel at the time of her seizure was a small 
safe, containing some money belonging to 
the vessel or to Messrs. Lent, Sherwood & 
Co., of San Francisco. This was placed in 
the collector's office, awaiting the adjudica- 
tion of the case. The judge, with the cha- 
racteristic cupidity of his profession in 
Mexico, without waiting to present the bill 
of costs to the vessel's consignees, headed a 
posse of soldiers, entered the custom-house, 
broke open the safe, and helped himself to 
the amount of his foes. The consignees of 
the vessel, frightened at these arbitrary pro- 
ceedings, sent orders to the bark not to re- 
turn; but I am told the consul, who believes 
the judges have travelled out of all rules of 
law and common decency to reach this 
verdict, lias recommended the return of Capt. 
Manly with his vessel. 

The same correspondent says: — 

The Adelaide, formerly the American bark 
A. A. Eldridge, for some time under Mexican 
colors, and known by the former appellation, 
returned to this port last week with the Ame- 
rican flag flying at her peak. Nothing was 
said of this until she was ready for sen, when 
the authorities, in the most arbitrary man- 
ner, demanded the payment of a fine of 
$3000, or the confiscation of the vessel. 
It appears that, by the Mexican law, no 
Mexican vessel can be sold to a foreigner. 
She is first to be condemned by the Mexican 
consul, if in a foreign port, or by the au- 
thorities, if in Mexico; but the flag can never 
be changed. This is the construction of the 
law according to our present astute officers, 



410 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



under which construction they now claim 
jurisdiction, and threaten the confiscation 
of property which, according to the showing 
of the register and documents from the 
United States Government officers, belongs 
bona fide to American citizens. 

Vessel Struck by a Water-Spout. — 
Schooner Caroline Grant, at Boston, from 
Arroyo, reports, this day, lat. 35° 35 / , long. 
73°, was struck by a water-spout, which 
sprung bowsprit, carried away foretopsail 
yard, foretopgallant mast, and split sails. 



TUESDAY, MAY 15. 

Death from Burning-Fluid. — In New 
York, this day, Sophia Risley, a German 
domestic, residing at No. 182 Essex Street, 
died at Bellevue Hospital, from the effects 
of injuries received by the explosion of a 
burning-fluid lamp upon her person. 

Singular Drowning of a Littlk Girl. 
— This day, Helen Virginia, a sprightly little 
daughter of Wilmer W. and Sarah Ann 
Walter, of East Marlborough township, 
Chester county, Pennsylvania, noticed her 
shadow in a lye-tub, and, in endeavoring to 
catch it, fell into the lye, which was so strong 
as to produce strangulation and almost im- 
mediate death. She was only twenty-two 
months of age; and her untimely end is a 
sore affliction to her parents and relatives. 

Fatal Leap. — In Philadelphia, this day, 
Frederick Wagner, a well-known barber of 
the Northern Liberties, who for a short time 
lias been an inmate of the inebriate ward 
of the alms-house, under treatment for ma nia- 
a-potu, leaped from a second-story window, 
and, striking his head against the pavement, 
was killed instantly. At the time of the leap 
he was in the charge of a nurse and was 
being taken to the bath-room. Coroner 
Fenner held an inquest on the body, and the 
jury rendered a verdict of "Suicide while 
laboring under an attack of mania-a-potu." 

Suicide by Drowning. — In Philadelphia, 
this day, Michael McGovern, a laboring-man, 
who resided at No. 7 Poplar Street, was seen 
to jump from one of the wharves of the Dela- 
ware, and an effort was made to save him, 
but without avail, and he was drowned. An 
inquest was held on his body, and a verdict 
of " Suicide by drowning" was rendered. 
Deceased was fifty-five years old, and leaves a 
wife and children. No cause was assigned 
for his self-destruction. 

Death of Thomas Murphy. — Died in 
Baltimore, this day, the venerable Thomas 
Murphy, formerly for forty years one of the 
proprietors of the Baltimore "American," 



from which he retired about seven years 
since, in the eighty-first year of his age. 
He was connected with the first paper pub- 
lished in Baltimore. He was widely known 
and highly respected and esteemed. 

Death of Alexander L. Botts. — In 
Washington, D.C., this day, died, after an 
illness of two months, Alexander L. Botts, 
recently of Brooklyn, N.Y., and formerly 
President of the Executive Council of Vir- 
ginia. 

Fatal Stabbing. — In New York, this day, 
John Cunningham, a lad who was stabbed 
by a companion named Ed. Hodgson, on 
Sunday evening, in Avenue A, died at Belle- 
vue Hospital from the effects of the wound. 
Hodgson was arrested. 

The Weymouth Poisoning-Case. — Miss 
Mary Tirrell Disintekred. — She also 
Seduced and Poisoned. — This day, on ac- 
count of the suspicious circumstances at- 
tending the death of Miss Mary Tirrell, who 
died the 2d of January, it was decided to 
disinter her and to investigate before a co- 
roner's jury the cause of her death. At 
about one o'clock, the burying-ground where 
the bodies of the two sisters were interred 
was visited, and the body of Mary was ex- 
humed by Mr. Samuel Curtis. The spot 
where the two sisters "slept side by side" 
was in a little rural cemetery by the road- 
side, near the house of their parents. It is 
located on a small hill, and the graves of 
these two were hidden by it from the road. 
The body was taken to a small building be- 
tween the cemetery and Mr. Tirrell's house, 
and there an autopsy was performed. 

On opening the coffin, the body was found 
in a fair state of preservation, with the ex- 
ception of the face and hands. On opening 
the abdomen, the stomach and intestines were 
found preserved sufficiently to admit of an 
easy examination. They clearly indicated 
the presence of some inflammatory disease, 
such as would be produced by poison. The 
serous covering of the bladder, intestines, 
and spleen contained a crystalline deposit 
resembling sand, and of a coarse reddish 
appearance. The uterus, though enlarged 
and containing a reddish membrane, con- 
tained no foetus; but in the right ovarium 
was a solid yellow substance, which is usually 
considered evidence of impregnation. The 
viscera was sent to Dr. A. H. Hayes, of Bos- 
ton, State Assayer, for analysis. 

The Boston "Traveller" says: — 

It is believed that Mary Tirrell died from 
the effects of poison administered to her for 
the purpose of procuring an abortion, or 
under the guise of medicine for that purpose. 
It is said that the woman who laid out the 
body of the deceased had suspicions of a 
similar nature; and a rumor is very current 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



411 



that the family physician suspected that 
cause of her death at the time, but our re- 
porter could not trace it to an authentic 
source. 

We have now to record the particulars of 
new developments in regard to the death of 
Betsey Frances, who died on the evening of 
the 3d of May, which seem to directly im- 
plicate Hersey. 

On Monday last, John M. Dunn, detective 
police-officer of this city, taking a daguerreo- 
type of Hersey, proceeded to visit all the 
druggists' stores in the city, to trace to him, 
if possible, any purchase he might have 
made. 

During the afternoon he visited the apothe- 
cary-store of E. F. & W. D. Miller, corner of 
Hanover and Union Streets, where Mr. Alfred 
W. Coburn, the clerk, recognised the da- 
guerreotype as the likeness of a man who 
had several times visited his store about four 
weeks since. He represented himself as a 
son of a Mr. Tirrell, of Weymouth, who was 
doing business in Boston, on Pearl Street. 
At one time he bought some hair-brushes, 
perfumery, &c, and at another time sixty 
grains of strychnine. He spoke of having 
recently lost a sister by death. He had a 
heavy beard at the time, but has since shaved 
it off, — probably to avoid identification. 

Mr. Coburn visited Hersey in jail at Ded- 
ham. He was placed among a large number 
of prisoners, but was at once recognised by 
Mr. Coburn. He pretended at first not to 
know the latter; but when Mr. Tirrell, who 
was present with other friends of the de- 
ceased, upbraided him for the enormity of 
his crime, he hung his head for shame, and 
paled before the accusation. 

The houses of Mr. Tirrell and of Hersey's 
parents have been searched, but the vial con- 
taining the strychnine cannot be found. 
The hair-brush and perfumery were, how- 
ever, found in the bureau-drawer, with other 
of Frances's things. 

Hersey has been arrested on a new war- 
rant, charging him with murder. 

The excitement in regard to the case is so 
strong against Hersey that had he been at 
liberty it is probable that he would have 
been lynched, and, as the investigation deve- 
lops new crimes, he is denounced more and 
more violently. 

He is in personal appearance not very 
prepossessing, but dresses well, and has very 
marked characteristics. He has dark hair 
and dark eyes, one of them turning out so 
as to render him easy of identification. He 
also has a low forehead, and other repulsive 
features. But his self-confidence is immense, 
and he speaks now with perfect assurance. 
His wife's maiden name was Hannah Kim- 
ball. He was married January 19, 1857, his 
wife being eighteen years of age. She died 
February 7, having been confined prema- 
turely. Her death was very sudden, and has 



given rise to many suspicions in connection 
with the death of the two Tirrell girls. 

It is said that Hersey, at the time of his 
arrest, was contemplating connecting him- 
self with a church, and has of late been 
reading religious books. 

One of the circumstances which have 
clothed with such mystery the death of these 
young ladies, is the fact that after they were 
taken ill they were speechless until death, 
and could not, had they been disposed, make 
any revelations in regard to the cause of 
their sickness. 

Fire in Chicago. — In Chicago, the night 
of this day, a fire in the Western Division 
of the city destroved the extensive planing- 
mill of Cleveland' & Russell. Loss, $8000, 
which is uninsured. 

Heenan's Proposition for the Belt. — 
This day, Hecnan wrote a letter to the editor 
of the London "Times," in which he desires 
to compromise his claim to the belt or win 
it as follows. He says : — 

I am willing, first of all, to accept of the 
proposition made by a writer in " Bell's 
Life," that Sayers and I should have a "belt 
apiece," to be gotten by public subscription, 
— provided that the true champion's belt 
remain in the hands of "Bell's Life," to be 
fought for again, the best man to take it. 
If that be not agreed to, I will accept the 
proposition put forth in "Punch," viz. : — 
to divide the belt, — I to take one-half and 
Sayers to keep the other half. I will then 
head a subscription to provide a new half to 
his, and in this way I think good feeling may 
be preserved on both sides. If neither of 
these propositions (proceeding, as they do, 
from English sources) are allowed to me, 
then I shall claim that Sayers meet me on 
neutral ground, where our late battle may 
be properly resumed. Though I am not yet 
quite ready to become a member of the Peace 
Society, I will cheerfully vary my proposi- 
tions somewhat to suit him. As the belt may 
be said to be equally owned by both of us, I 
will agree to run him a foot-race from one 
hundred yards to five miles, for the stakes 
and belt, or I will wrestle with him for the 
belt, or I will row with him for the belt, I will 
swim a mile with him for the belt, or I will 
take hold of hands and jump from a house- 
top with him for the belt. If all these offers 
will not do, I will agree in two months to be 
ready to fight the four best men that can be 
produced in England, beginning with Sayers, 
at intervals of thirty days apart, for the belt. 
I was told if I won it I could have it. I 
would rather fight for it than any thing else; 
but I am willing, under the present state of 
public feeling, to accept of half of it. If 
that be denied me, and through the excep- 
tional action of the British authorities I be 
denied the privilege of another meeting, I 



412 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



shall have no alternative but to go home, re- 
fusing all English testimonials and subscrip- 
tions, and shall hereafter feel at liberty — 
nay, justified by all the equities of the late 
transaction — to sign myself "The Champion 
of the World." 

Sailors Killed bt Whales. — Intelli- 
gence was this day received that the bark 
Hippie, Capt. Morgan, of New London, at 
Honolulu, from Scanmore's Lagoon, had all 
her boats stove by a whale, one man killed 
and another injured. The whaling-vessel 
Lark had lost her third officer, Mr. Richard- 
son. He had his neck broken by a whale 
about the middle of the season. 

Direct Southern Trade. — This day, was 
commenced the opening of a direct trade 
between Norfolk and Europe, a bark having 
arrived there from Bordeaux with a cargo 
of wines, silks, and fancy goods for the 
Southern market. 

Horrible Rape. — This day, William H. 
Rodney, of Geneva, N.Y., long known to be 
a vile person, having served one term in 
the penitentiary for a nameless offence, 
committed a rape near Waterloo, under 
circumstances of singularly cool brutality. 
At, dusk, he took without leave a horse and 
wagon belonging to a citizen of Geneva, and 
drove to a house in the town of Waterloo. 
He represented to the family living there 
that lie had been sent by a neighbor to ob- 
tain the immediate services of a young lady, 
an inmate of the house, there being a case 
of sudden illness demanding assistance. 
The young lady consented to go, but her 
brother insisted on accompanying her. This 
frustrated the villain's scheme. He success- 
ively called at several places, endeavoring 
to get ladies to accompany him. on the same 
pretence; but their proper caution defeated 
him. But at last he found one house where, 
by the relation of the same falsehood palmed 
off as before, the parents consented to let 
their daughter depart with him, and without 
other escort. He turned from the main road 
to a cross-road, and, when he had proceeded 
far enough to be out of hearing, made known 
his base purpose in enticing the poor girl 
from home. By threats of instantly taking 
her life should she refuse, or resist, or make 
any outcry, and despite her agonizing sup- 
plications to be spared, the brute compelled 
her to yield. He then fled, and his victim 
tottered to her home, which with difficulty 
she reached. Rodney was almost imme- 
diately arrested. 

The Japanese Ambassadors, this day, 
addressed a note to Secretary Cass, reporting 
to him. in accordance with instructions from 
their Government, their arrival at the city 
of Washington to exchange the ratifications 



of the treaty, and that they were ready to 
perform the ceremony at such day and hour 
as he might specify. The Secretary replied 
at once, fixing to morrow at twelve o'clock 
for the exchange of ratifications, and that 
on the following day they would be formally 
presented to the President. The note of the 
Embassy was in Japanese, accompanied by 
a translation. They received several visitors, 
in relation to whom they always inquired 
their occupation, their salary, whether mar- 
ried, and numerous other questions, all of 
which were written in their note-books, and 
gave satisfactory evidence that they are 
making observations for the benefit of their 
countrymen at home. With the ladies they 
were less particular. They smiled upon 
them most benignly, and were profuse in 
their admiration as they were minute in their 
examination of their jewelry. 

The piano was an object of great curiosity. 
The source of harmony was a mystery to 
them; but they seemed never to tire of it. 
Card-writing became quite a bore; and one 
of them, after complying with the request 
of a $1200 clerk to write his name in 
Japanese, on being applied to by another to 
fill up half a dozen cards in the same man- 
ner, pulled out a small pocket-book, and, after 
a hasty inspection, ejaculated, "Tired." A 
number of presents were sent to them. 

Confirmation of Calhoun Benham. — 
This day, in the Senate, the nomination of 
Calhoun Benham as District Attorney of 
California was confirmed by a vote of 29 to 
17, all the Republicans present voting in the 
negative. Mr. Hamlin called a division by 
Yeas and Nays, and Mr. Wilson assigned as 
the reason that he had been concerned as 
second in the fatal duel against Mr. Bro- 
derick, with peculiar circumstances attend- 
ing that tragedy. 

Arrest for Dealing in Forged Bounty- 
Land Warrants. — A few days since, Mr. D. 
P. Perkins, an agent from the Department at 
Washington, came on to New York to make 
inquiries into some alleged frauds in a large 
number of applications for bounty-land war- 
rants, to the amount of some $30,000 or 
$50,000, which had been presented to the 
Pension Office, and some of which had been 
paid. Upon certain information communi- 
cated to the United States Marshal, Mr. Ryn- 
ders, this day, he, in person, and two of his 
deputies, O'Keefeand Culligan, proceeded to 
Wall Street, and there arrested a broker 
named Selden Brainard, and a notary named 
C. Lawrence, charged with presenting at the 
Pension Office of the United States certain 
claims purporting to be against the Govern- 
ment for bounty-land, with intent to defraud 
the Government of the United States, the 
defendants knowing the same to be forged. 
The accused parties were brought before 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



413 



Commissioner Betts, and held to bail in the 
sum of $500U each. 



WEDNESDAY, MAY 16. 

Race between Patchen and Ethan Al- 
len. — This day, a race took place between 
the two celebrated stallions George M. 
Patchen and Ethan Allen, over the Union 
Course, Long Island, in Avhich Patchen won 
in three straight heats. The " Tribune" 
says : — 

The day was every thing that could be 
desired, and the track was in first-rate 
order. The attendance was very large, — 
about ten thousand people being on the 
track. Every available vehicle in New York 
was in demand. 

The horses were both in prime condition, 
and were never more fit for the work to be 
done. They came to score at 3:24 p.m., 
and on the second trial got the word and 
went away, Ethan having the pole. Patchen 
won the heat in 2 min. 25 sec, by a neck. 
The betting, which had been 100 to 60 on 
Ethan, now experienced a most decided 
change, and the backers of Patchen, over- 
joyed at the performance of their horse, 
now offered to bet 100 to 30. At four o'clock 
they came up for the second heat, and got 
off at the third trial. Patchen won the 
heat in 2 min. 24 sec, by a length. Betting 
100 to 25 on Patchen, and no takers. At 
4:40, after scoring four times, they got the 
word, when Patchen won the heat in 2 min. 
29 sec, by two lengths, thus winning the 
race and the money in three straight heats. 
The full score is as follows : 

FIRST HEAT. 

ratchet) trots first quarter in 37 Sec. 

Patchen trots first half-mile in 1:12 sec. 

Patchen trots the heat in 2:25 see. 

SECOND HEAT. 

Patchen trots first quarter in 36 sec. 

Patchen trots first half-mile in 1:11 sec. 

Patchen trots the heat in 2:24 sec. 

THIRD HEAT. 

Patchen trots first quarter in 37 sec. 

Patchen trots first half-mile in 1:13 sec. 

Patchen trots the heat in 2:29 sec. 

Inquest on an Unknown Man. — In New 
York, this day, the dead body of a man was 
found floating in the water at the foot of 
South First Street, Brooklyn, E.D. It was 
taken out, and an inquest held by Coroner 
Murphy. The jury rendered a verdict of 
" Found drowned." Deceased appeared to 
have been a sailor. He was five feet five 
inches in height, had black hair and eyes, 
and was dressed in a knit jacket, white 
shirt, and black pants. The body was taken 
to the dead-house for identification. 

Death from Shame. — John Griffith, a lad 
residing in Jersey City, N.J., was held to 
bail, about two weeks ago, to answer the 



charge of committing an obscene and dis- 
graceful misdemeanor. The shame of such 
a charge and the dread of further exposure 
so operated on his mind that his health 
gave way, and he died this day, a warning 
to the young against the inordinate indul- 
gence of the animal passions. 

Railroad-Accident. — Three Lives lost. 
— This day, an accident occurred on the 
Florida Railroad, killing G. S. Bryant, 
Cashier of the Bank of St. Johns, Stephen 
Martin, ofPilatka, and a brakeman. Several 
were badly injured. 

Convicted of Manslaughter. — A cor- 
respondent of the "Police Gazette" of this 
date, writing from Springfield, 111., says: — 

Our Circuit Court has adjourned, after a 
three weeks' session. The most important 
criminal case tried was that of George Pul- 
liain, for the killing of R. S. Whitehead, 
near Chatham, on the 17th of January last. 
After a full and impartial hearing of the 
case, and a powerful defence by his at- 
torneys, the jury adjudged him guilty of 
manslaughter, and fixed his sentence at 
seven years in the penitentiary. 

The Republican National Convention 
met at Chicago, 111., on this any, to nomi- 
nate candidates for President and Vice- 
President of the United States. For pro- 
ceedings, see page , at end of the volume. 

The Crew of the Slaver Wildfire. — 
This day, the crew of the bark Wildfire were 
brought before Judge Marvin, at Key West, 
on a writ of habeas corpus. A motion to 
discharge was refused, but all were admitted 
to bail. The " Key of the Gulf" adds :— 

The judge declined construing the law of 
1820, making the slave-trade piracy, but 
intimated that he should dissent from the 
recent opinion of Judge McGrath, of South 
Carolina, and that he was now of the opinion 
that when the negroes came on board of an 
American vessel on the coast of Africa they 
were free, though they were slaves in Africa, 
which is in accordance with the opinion of 
Judge Story in the case of the United States 
vs. Battish, 2 Sumner Rep. 

Scene in the Covode-Committee Room. — 
This day, a violent and extraordinary scene 
occurred in the Covode-Committee room, 
a committee appointed by the House of 
Representatives to inquire into (what the 
Republicans assert to be) corrupt practices 
of the President. Mr. Schnable had been 
called to close his testimony, and Judge 
Black was present, by his own request, ex- 
pecting to conduct the cross-examination; 
but the committee decided that he must 
only submit questions in writing through 
Mr. Winslow, one of its members. 



414 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



Mr. Schnable proceeded to give the history 
of his political relation with the Adminis- 
tration, and why he went to the "Consti- 
tution" to demand a cessation of attacks on 
Mr. Douglas, where he had the accidental 
interview with Judge Black -which led to 
the publication of Mr. Buchanan's letter to 
Mr. Walker. 

During the progress of the testimony, 
Judge Black frequently interrupted him and 
put questions, and finally asked where his 
residence was, which Mr. Schnable regarded 
as an insulting imputation. Mr. Schnable 
thereupon rose from his seat and denounced 
him in the most offensive terms, applying 
those of "liar," "scoundrel," and such 
epithets, with the utmost freedom. 

Judge Black left the room, and was fol- 
lowed by Mr. Schnable, who continued to 
stigmatize him along the corridors and in 
the presence of astonished spectators. Both 
parties threaten criminal prosecution. 

Elopement in St. Louis. — The St. Louis 
" Democrat" of this date gives the follow- 
ing account of an elopement that occurred 
in that city. It says : — 

Mr. Meyers is a married man, and keeps 
a boarding-house and saloon on Second 
Street, between Almond and Poplar. Sun- 
day last being a remarkably fine day, Mr. 
Meyers thought he would go to Concordia 
Park ; and, being the right kind of a hus- 
band, asked Mrs. Meyers if she would not 
accompany him. Mrs. M. thought she 
wouldn't go. So Mr. M. went alone, and, 
we suppose, enjoyed himself prodigiously. 
He came back in the evening, very well 
pleased with the appearance of the park 
and every thing he had seen. He soon 
sought the partner of his joys ; but she 
proved to be non est. It then occurred to 
him that he was the possessor of $1200 in 
gold, which he had carefully stowed away 
in a bureau ; and the thought suddenly 
flashed across his mind that the money and 
wife had eloped together ; and so it turned 
out, on examination. Mr. Meyers then ad- 
dressed himself to his bar-tender, and in- 
quired if he had seen Mrs. M. during the 
afternoon. Bar-tender said he had not. So 
matters rested until Monday morning, when 
the bar-tender thought he would like to visit 
Concordia Park. He obtained leave so to 
do, and started. He hadn't got back at a 
late hour last night; and Mr. Meyers has 
come to the conclusion that the cash, the 
wife, and the bar-tender have left for parts 
unknown. Mr. Meyers offers a reward for 
the apprehension of the money, and lets 
the other two articles "slide." 

The Japanese Embassy, together with the 
principal officers, numbering eight persons 
in all, accompanied by the naval commission, 
this day, about noon, proceeded to the State 



Department, and, after the customary pre- 
liminaries, were introduced to Secretary 
Cass by Capt. Dupont. 

Gen. Cass courteously invited them to 
seats, when, in the name of the President, 
he extended to them a grateful welcome to 
this country. He assured their excellencies 
that the mission on which they had arrived 
was of great importance, and as such was 
appreciated by this . Government, it being 
the first visit of an embassy from Japan. 
The exchange of the ratifications of the 
treaty, he trusted, would result in a further 
development of the friendly and commer- 
cial intercourse already commenced ; and 
he assured them that in whatever part of 
the country their excellencies may visit 
they will meet with a cordial welcome. In 
conclusion, he repeated that he extended to 
them, in the name of the President, the 
hospitalities of the Government and people. 

The Ambassadors, in reply, said that they 
were exceedingly grateful for this kind re- 
ception, and were much pleased to make 
the acquaintance of General Cass. 

Mr. Portman acted as the interpreter to 
Gen. Cass, and Mamura Gobatsiso inter- 
preted to the Embassy. 

The Lieutenant-Governor of the First 
Ambassador then produced the box, about 
two feet and a half square, containing the 
i letters of the Japanese Chief-Secretary for 
Foreign Affairs, addressed to Secretary Cass, 
and written severally in Japanese, Dutch, 
and English, copies of which had been com- 
municated to Gen. Cass the day previous. 
The documents were profuse in expressions 
of amity and peace; and it was stated 
therein that instead of the Japanese cor- 
vette proceeding to Panama, as had been 
stated, it would return from San Francisco 
to Japan direct. 

The Embassy availed themselves of this 
opportunity to express to Gen. Cass their 
gratitude for the kindness with which they 
had been received, and said that they were 
exceedingly pleased with their visit and wel- 
come in all respects. Nor did they neglect 
to acknowledge their obligations to Com- 
mandant Cunningham, of Mare Island Navy- 
Yard, San Francisco, for his courtesies, and 
to Captain Brooke, who navigated the Ja- 
panese corvette to San Francisco. 

Gen. Cass stated to them that arrange- 
ments had been made for their presentation 
to the President at twelve o'clock to-morrow, 
to which they replied that this would be 
agreeable to them, and that they had no 
other official business to transact. 

Ex-Minister Wm. B. Reed, Minister Pres- 
ton, Mr. Appleton, Assistant Secretary of 
State, Mr. Hunter, Chief Clerk of the State 
Department, Miss Ledyard, Gen. Cass's 
grand-daughter, and his three grandsons, 
were then introduced to the Japanese. They 
did not shake hands with the lady, as this, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



415 



it is said, would have been contrary to their 
instructions in relation to the fair sex be- 
fore they left home. 

Attempted Escape of S. M. Booth. — In 
Milwaukee, this day, S. M Booth attempted 
to make his escape from the custom-house, 
but was retaken before he got out of the 
building. The Milwaukee "Wisconsin" says, 
" He is now in closer custody than before. 
He managed to lock Mr. Burke, his keeper, 
into the room he (Booth) had been occupy- 
ing, as Burke entered the room for some 
purpose, and he then started off down-stairs. 
Burke meanwhile got out of the window, 
and with great risk and danger got from the 
room-window to the hall-window by crawl- 
ing along on an outside projection, and then 
got through into the hall." 

Defaulting Clerk. — In St. Louis, Mo., 
this day, Raphael E. Smith, for many years 
confidential clerk of Kennett Mackenzie, 
wholesale liquor-dealer, was arrested on the 
charge of embezzling $27,000 from his em- 
ployer. Investigations since his arrest in- 
dicate that the frauds extend through a 
number of years and will reach a much 
larger sum than that mentioned in the in- 
dictment,— perhaps $100,000. 

[For account of Republican National Con- 
vention, see end of volume.] 



THURSDAY, MAY 17. 

Death of the Hon. Fekdtnand S. SciiENck. 
— Hon. Ferdinand S. Schenck, of Six Mile 
Run, Somerset county, N.J., died at the 
residence of his son, Dr. J. V. Schenck, of 
Camden, N.J., this day. He was in Trenton 
on the 11th inst., and attended the funeral 
of ex-Mayor Wood on that day. He was on 
a visit to his son in Camden, and on this 
day complained of being unwell, and, raising 
his hand to his head, as if in pain, remark- 
ing, " I feel sick," immediately fell back 
a corpse. Mr. Schenck was a prominent 
citizen of Somerset county and of the State. 
He was a member of the Twenty-Third and 
Twenty-Fourth Congresses, from 1833 to '37, 
and for two terms a Judge of the Court of 
Errors and Appeals. Both positions he filled 
with honor and credit, and his opinions as 
judge were much confided in by the mem- 
bers of the bar. In politics, Mr. Schenck 
was formerly a Whig and recently a Repub- 
lican, — having been the candidate of the latter 
party for State Senator in Somerset county 
in 185(>. He was educated as a physician, 
and followed his profession till last fall, 
when he relinquished it to spend the winter 
in Trenton. Mr. Schenck was also a mem- 
ber of the Constitutional Convention in 
1844, and for many years of the Board of 
Trustees of Rutgers College, in which he 
continued up to his death. He was inte- 



rested in several of the banking and manu- 
facturing institutions of Newark. 

Death of the Hon. Wm. S. Damrell. — In 
Boston, this day, the Hon. Wm. S. Damrell, 
a well-known printer, and a late Member 
of Congress from the Third District, died, 
after a long illness. 

Body Recovered. — In Philadelphia, this 
day, the body of William Means, who was 
drowned on Friday preceding by the upsetting 
of a boat in the Schuylkill, above Fairmount, 
was found in the Schuylkill, below the dam. 
Deceased resided at 1401 Barclay Street. 

Two Men Murdered in Salt Lake. — 
This day, in Salt Lake, two men, named 
Myron Brewer and R. Kill Johnson, were 
shot at once by some unknown person. 

Inquest on Three Persons Found 
Drowned in New York. — In New York, this 
day, Coroner Jackman held an inquest on 
the body of an unknown man who was 
found drowned at Pier No. 2, East River. 
Deceased was about forty years of age, the 
body having the appearance of having been 
in the water several weeks. A verdict of 
"Supposed drowning" was rendered. . . . An 
unknown man was found drowned at the 
foot of Pike Street. The body had evi- 
dently been in the water about six weeks. 
Deceased was about forty years of age, and 
very stout built. Coroner Schirmer held an 
inquest, which resulted in a verdict of " Sup- 
posed drowning.". . . The body of a lad ten 
years of age, named Thomas Goff, of No. 310 
West Street, was found in the water at the 
foot of Spring Street, N.R. On Monday 
last, while playing on the wharf, he acci- 
dentally fell in the river and was drowned. 
Coroner O'Keefe held an inquest. 

Loss of the Schooner Julia Rogers. — 
The morning of this day, the schooner Julia 
Rogers, of Bangor, (Me.,.) Capt. Perkins, 
was wrecked at Castle Island, while on a 
voyage from Maracaibo to New York with 
a cargo of logwood. The captain and crew 
lost all they possessed, and, from the boiste- 
rous state of the weather, it is probable that 
they would not have escaped with their lives, 
had not the vessel formed a breakwater 
which protected them in their escape to the 
shore. The materials of the vessel and part 
of the cargo were saved and taken to Nassau. 
The captain and crew arrived at Nassau in 
the schooner Charles. The salvage was 
settled by the Chamber of Commerce, when 
sixty-five per cent, was awarded on the log- 
wood saved, on account of the difficulty in 
diving it up in from five to six fathoms 
water. 

The Schooner Adelie, of Augusta, pre- 



416 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



viously reported water-logged and aban- 
doned, was seen, this day, in Ion. 71° 32' W., 
lat. 33° N., by ship Annapolis. 

Wreck of the Schooner E. Flower. — 
This day, the schooner E. Flower, Captain 
Rayner, bound to New London, with a cargo 
of coals, went ashore south of Squan Inlet, 
and rilled with water. 

Unparalleled Wickedness. — Destruc- 
tion of a Kailroad-Train by Two Villains. 
— A correspondent of the New York "Tri- 
bune"" gives the following account of a dia- 
bolical attempt to destroy a railroad-train, 
which was made this day : — 

Eighty-eight miles from Chicago is Spring 
Creek. There we passed a wreck engine, 
tender, and three cars, tumbled down the 
embankment and made into old iron and 
oven-wood. Those who do not believe in 
the depravity of the human heart will 
please listen to the story. The conductor 
put two hard-looking fellows from the train 
the week previous. They swore revenge, 
and mi the night of the 17th stole a crowbar 
from the company, removed a rail with the 
intention of precipitating the train into the 
creek, and then lay down in the woods to 
behold with fiendish delight the fatal plunge. 
On cnme the train in the darkness, and in 
an Instant all was a wreck. Strange to say, 
though there were sixty persons on board, 
and though the ears were broken almost be- 
yond possibility of repair, no one was in- 
jured. The miscreants rushed out to obtain 
plunder, but were disappointed, and subse- 
quently found themselves in the hands of 
the officers of justice. 

Reception of the Japanese Embassy by 
the President. — This day, the Japanese 
Embassy visited the President at the White 
House. They rode in open carriages, with 
a force of twenty-five uniformed policemen 
in front, and the same number in the rear, 
Avhile t he marines and ordnance-men marched 
on each side of the vehicles to the music of 
the marine band. 

The chief prince was arrayed in a rich 
brocade, purple silk sack, with ample over- 
hanging sleeves, and flowing trousers of the 
same color. The other two dignitaries were 
in green of a similar texture and fashion. 
They wore caps like inverted ladies' cabas, 
fastened on the crown of the head by strings 
passing under the chin. They carried pikes, 
halberds, and emblems of their rank. The 
inferior officers wore small hats with a round 
band and triangular crowns. 

The prominent points along the route were 
occupied by spectators, and the streets were 
crowded with the multitudes following to 
the President's House. Meanwhile, in the 
East Room there had assembled a brilliant 
company, among whom were the New York 



Municipal Committee, who came hither to 
invite the Japanese to visit that city. 

Contrary to the programme and expecta- 
tion, there was a large attendance of ladies, 
accompanied by members of Congress and 
others holding prominent public positions. 

The navy-officers formed in a line in the 
East Room. The army-officers formed 
another line. Lieutenant-General Scott was 
prominent, together with his staff. 

Between these lines there was an open 
space, about twenty-five feet wide, which 
was to be the scene of the grand presenta- 
tion; and the interest was intense, and the 
usual stir characterized the preliminary 
proceedings. 

The folding-doors were opened at noon, 
when the President of the United States 
entered, accompanied by his Cabinet offi- 
cers, and they took a position on the east 
and facing the west. 

Secretary Cass retired to the ante-room 
and returned with the Japanese commis- 
sioners and their attendants, who made 
several profound bows as they approached 
the President and his Cabinet. 

Then one of the Japanese opened a series 
of paper boxes, one within another, and 
produced several letters, which were handed 
to the President and by him to Mr. Cass. 

The principal ambassador of the Ja- 
panese then addressed the President, as fol- 
lows : — 

His Majesty the Tycoon has commanded 
us that we respectfully express to his Ma- 
jesty the President of the United States, 
in his name, as follows: Desiring to esta- 
blish on a firm and lasting foundation the 
relations of peace and commerce so happily 
existing between the two countries that 
lately the plenipotentiaries of both coun- 
tries have negotiated and concluded a treaty, 
now he has ordered us to exchange the 
ratification of the treaty in your principal 
city of Washington. Henceforth he hopes 
that the friendly relations shall be held 
more and more lasting, and be very happy 
to have your friendly feeling. That you 
have brought us to the United States and will 
send us back to Japan in ycur man-of-war. 

Having delivered their message, they re- 
tired, bowing to the President and the 
Cabinet repeatedly in leaving their presence. 

They soon, however, returned, bowing 
profoundly as before, when the President 
addressed them as follows, — Mr. Portman 
interpreting to the Japanese interpreter, 
and the latter communicating with the 
principal envoy : — 

I give you a cordial welcome, as repre- 
sentatives of his Imperial Majesty the Ty- 
coon of Japan to the American Government. 
We are all much gratified that the first em- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



417 



bassy which your great empire has ever 
accredited to any foreign Power has been 
sent to the United States. I trust that this 
will be the harbinger of perpetual peace 
and friendship between these two great 
countries. The treaty of commei-ce, whose 
ratifications you are about to exchange with 
the Secretary of State, cannot fail to be 
productive of benefits and blessings to the 
people both of Japan and of the United States. 
I can say for myself, and promise for my 
successors, that it shall be carried into ex- 
ecution in a faithful and friendly spirit, so 
as to secure to both countries all the advan- 
tages they may justly expect from the happy 
auspices under which it has been negotiated 
and ratified. I rejoice that you are pleased 
with the kind treatment which you have re- 
ceived on board of our vessel-of-war whilst 
on your passage to this country. You shall 
be sent back in the same manner to your 
native land, under the protection of the 
American flag. Meanwhile, during your 
residence among us — which I hope may be 
prolonged so as to enable you to visit differ- 
ent portions of our country — we shall be 
happy to extend to you all the hospitality 
and kindness eminently due to the great 
and friendly sovereign whom you so worthily 
represent. 

The President handed them a copy of his 
address, and then shook hands with them. 

The subordinate Japanese officers were 
also brought in and introduced. 

The Cabinet officers were presented in the 
following order, Messrs. Cobb, Floyd, Tou- 
cey, Thompson, Holt, and Black, and their 
relative official positions were briefly ex- 
plained. 

Among the army-officers present were 
Lieutenant-General Scott, Generals Tot ten, 
Jessup, Churchhill, and Johnson ; Colonels 
Roberts, Thomas, Cook, Craige, Childs, and 
Taylor, and Major Ramsey ; and of the 
navy, Captains Smith, Shubrick, Buchanan, 
Tatnall; and Colonel Harris, of the Marine 
Corps. They were in full dress, and made 
a splendid appearance. 

A French naval officer was also in the 
distinguished throng. 

In addition to other gentlemen holding 
high public positions were Minister Preston, 
and Assistant Secretary of State Appleton. 

The letter accrediting the Japanese com- 
missioners to the Government of the United 
States was unrolled from a large and mag- 
nificent scarlet satin envelop. 

When the ambassadors first returned from 
the East R,oom, it was for the purpose of 
bringing with them the imperial or princi- 
pal ambassador, who, according to their 
etiquette, could not be present at the de- 
livery of the letter accrediting them. 

The demeanor of the Japanese was ex- 
ceedingly grave and solemn. Their appear- 



ance contrasted strangely but impressively 
with that of the deeply-interested specta- 
tors. During the entire ceremony, when- 
ever the eyes of a Japanese official were 
raised from the ground, they were directed 
to the President, and to his countenance 
only. So rigidly was this practice observed 
that it seemed that no one of the Japanese 
could have seen the countenances of those 
surrounding them, excepting those of the 
few distinguished gentlemen to whom they 
were introduced. 



FRIDAY, MAY 18. 

Heavy Defalcation of Frederick Hoff- 
man, Transfer-Clerk of the Pacific Mail 
Steamship-Company of New York. — This 
day, detective officers were sent after Frede- 
rick Hoffman, transfer-clerk of the Pacific 
Mail Steamship-Company of New York, he 
having over-issued and - embezzled eleven 
hundred and thirteen shares of the company, 
to the value of $110,8U0, besides forging or 
altering two or more notes belonging to the 
company. In speaking of this affair, the 
" New York Herald" says : — 

As usual, all concerned — not only all the 
stockholders, but the directors, the executive 
committee, with the President at their head 
— were in blissful ignorance of how affairs 
stood as the day of reckoning — the dividend- 
day — approached, and it was only then 
from the unaccountable disappearance of 
Hoffman, which occurred immediately after 
he was directed to hand over the stock- 
ledger to the cashier, in order that all the 
stockholders might be prepared for the 
coming dividend-day, then at hand, that sus- 
picions were awakened to a probable fraud. 
Competent accountants were immediately 
called in, and the result of their examination 
into the books kept by Hoffman showed to 
the directors, and as is made apparent to the 
public from the depositions sworn to by the 
President, that Hoffman, as is alleged in said 
depositions, over-issued eleven hundred and 
thirteen shares of the Pacific Mail Steamship- 
Company's stock, valued at $110,800, and 
forged or altered two or more notes belong- 
ing to said company. As has been already 
said, the unavoidable publicity that some 
serious co7itrckmps had happened to the 
hitherto plain sailing of the great steamship- 
company, and the same following in the 
wake of the Schuyler wreck, created a great 
sensation in Wall Street, which, however, 
was considerably allayed, so far as indi- 
vidual virtue went, from the official mani- 
festo of the company that all stockholders 
personally presenting their certificates would 
receive payment of their dividends up to 
date. Subsequent investigations restored 
confidence, and the anxiety of the public, 
on 'Change and off 'Change, cooled down 



418 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



from fever-heat, and was only interested in 
the whereabouts of Hoffman, and whether 
the developments would introduce another 
young Lane history, with all its attendant 
scandals, licentiousness, and episodes, now 
so frequent in the lives of fast young men. 
Frederick Hoffman, the alleged defaulter 
and late transfer- clerk of the Pacific Mail 
Steamship-Company, is the fourth son of 
Mr. Anthony Hoffman, for many years of 
the firm of Hoffman & Van Buren, of New 
York, and who died some few years ago, 
leaving behind him a well-earned name for 
honor and undeviating probity. The elder 
Hoffman had, besides Frederick, — the unfor- 
tunate young man whose name is mixed up 
with the obloquy and contumely of a crimi- 
nal trial, — five other sons and two daughters, 
whose proudest legacy was the fair name 
and reputation of their father. All the sons 
have filled positions of influence and re- 
spectability, and have hitherto sustained 
irreproachable characters. The subject of 
the present notice became early connected 
with the firm of Howland & Aspinwall ; and 
some years since he got an engagement in 
the Pacific Mail Steamship-Company, where 
latterly he held the responsible position of 
transfer-clerk, and in which he gained the 
entire confidence of his employers up to the 
time of the alleged defalcation. 

Remains of a Lost Vessel. — This day, 
the lower mast of a vessel of about two 
thousand tons, burned off, with all the sails 
and spars attached, was passed, latitude 88° 
48', longitude 71° 50', by whaleship Narra- 
gansett, at Nantucket. 

A Terrible Tragedy. — Two Men Mur- 
dered. — This day, a terrible tragedy oc- 
curred on board the steamer B. L. Hodge, 
while on her way to New Orleans, and near 
Shreveport, La., a man named B. L. Heath 
being the chief actor. His reasons for com- 
mitting the atrocious deed are variously 
ascribed to insanity, the ill and morbid dis- 
position of a deformed man who believes 
himself shunned by his fellow-men, and, 
lastly, to his being crossed in his love for a 
beautiful woman, whom he has haunted for 
years, and by whom he was peremptorily 
denied and rebuked some two months ago. 
While Mr. Charles M. Forb, of Robinson 
county, Tenn., and Mr. R. J. Lyle, of Nash- 
ville, were playing cards in the cabin, about 
midnight, Heath entered and seated himself 
by them, who paid him no attention. In a 
few minutes he rose deliberately from his 
seat, and, drawing a large bowie-knife, 
seized Forb by the hair of the head, and, 
before the others of the party were aware 
of his intentions, stabbed him to the heart, 
producing almost instant death. Lyle im- 
mediately grasped the murderer by the arm, 
but, freeing himself by a deadly effort, the 



latter plunged the deadly weapon into the 
former's neck, inflicting a wound from the 
effects of which he in a few moments ex- 
pired. Another man, Mr. F. G. Jernigan, 
was also stabbed by the monster, but not 
fatally; when a bystander, getting a large 
iron chair, dealt Heath a blow on the head 
which felled him senseless to the floor, and, 
before he had recovered, he was securely 
bound and taken to New Orleans. The 
murderer had upon his person at the time 
of his arrest several other knives and a 
revolver. He is a deformed creature, small 
in stature, broken-backed, and about twenty- 
eight years of age. He said he was a native 
of Weston, Lewis county, Va., and that he 
had been teaching school at a place called 
Knoxville, in Cherokee county, Texas. The 
reason given by him for committing the 
deed was, that they were the parties who 
were seeking his life, although they had 
never met before. 

Supposed Murder of a Young Man. — 
This day, a woman residing near the canal, 
at Bloomfield, N.J., heard the screams of a 
woman and loud voices of men, in angry 
altercation, apparently on board a canal- 
boat. Soon after, a soft drab hat was seen 
floating, and, near the spot, on search being 
made, the body of a young man, below the 
middle height, and well dressed, was found, 
without any mark of violence, except that a 
tooth had been knocked or pulled out. He 
must have been insensible when thrown in 
the canal, as the water was not deep enough 
to drown a man standing upright. 

A Fire in North Attleboro, Mass., this 
day, destroyed the Union Hotel and out- 
buildings. Loss, $10,000. 

Slave Hung. — Jordon, a slave convicted 
of killing Bob, a slave, was hanged in Dan- 
ville, Va., on this day. 

Loss of the Steamer Obb. — This day, the 
steamer Orb, of Pittsburg, bound for the 
mouth of the Red River, with a cargo of 
railroad-iron, snagged and sunk ninety miles 
above Memphis, Tenn. She proved a total 
loss. 

Destructive Hail-Storm. — This day, a 
destructive hail-storm passed over Rock- 
bridge county, Va. Entire fields of wheat 
were destroyed, together with all kinds of 
vegetation. After the storm the hail was 
found to be from three to four inches in 
depth, and many of the stones were as large 
as hens' eggs. 

Convicted of Poisoning. — This day, in 
Rochester, N.Y., Almira Lewis, a nurse, was 
convicted of poisoning the family of Mr. 
Pettingill. 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



419 



Death of Pierre Frederick Goll, one 
of Napoleon's Body-Guard. — This day, 
Pierre Frederick Goll, one of the body-guard 
of Napoleon I., died, at the residence of his 
son-in-law, Mr. Joseph Pierson, in Newark, 
N.J., at the age of seventy-one years. He 
served as an officer under Napoleon during 
most of the Russian campaign, and was de- 
tained as a prisoner of war at Dantzic for 
three years. His regiment returned to 
France after the campaign, numbering but 
seventeen members. He was a Free and 
Accepted Mason, and for several years was 
the Worshipful Master (or Venerable) of 
L'Union Francaise Lodge, of New York City. 
After retiring to private life, he took a great 
interest in the public schools, and was a 
warm advocate of any measures which 
would advance the cause of education. 

Robberies by Policemen in Boston. — 
In Boston, this day, it was discovered that 
several of the police of the city were engaged 
in the commission of burglaries and robbery 
of the property of the citizens. The Boston 
papers give the following account of the 
means which led to the discovery : — 

On Thursday night, the store of S. H. 
Newman, No. 41 Court Street, was entered, 
and a coat and a pair of pantaloons were 
stolen. On Friday the stolen articles were 
found at the house of James McCrillis, No. 
377 Harrison Avenue, who was discharged 
from the police-force about two years ago, 
on a suspicion of his having been connected 
with the robbery of a store. Since his dis- 
charge from the police he has been keeping 
a disreputable house on Harrison Avenue. 
It is said that the police were informed that 
the stolen property was in the possession of 
McCrillis, by his wife. He was arrested on 
Friday evening by Deputy-Chief Ham and 
Detective-Officer Wright, and lodged in the 
Tombs. Mr. Ham had an interview with 
him, and questioned him about the robbery. 
McCrillis owned that it was committed by 
members of the police-department. Mr. 
Ham suspected this, as he had been cau- 
tioned by some person to be on his guard. 
McCrillis would not make any statement in 
regard to the matter ; and Mr. Ham arrested 
Isaac B. Hutchins and Jethro H. Goodwin, 
of the Second Station, when they came in 
from their beats that night at one o'clock, 
on suspicion, and kept them in custody till 
morning. They were then taken to the 
chief's office and searched in separate 
rooms. They found on Hutchins a bunch 
of skeleton-keys and a loaded pistol, with 
which he threatened to take his own life. 
The chief 'of police told him that his case 
was bail ; and Hutchins pretended to make 
a clean breast of it, implicating many other 
officers, who, he stated, had been for several 
years in the habit, of entering stores with 
false keys, and in other ways, and stealing 



all kinds of merchandise in small quanti- 
ties. Nothing was found on Goodwin, and 
he refused to make any statement. An in- 
vestigation before the Mayor and Committee 
on Police — Aldermen Atkins, Amory, and 
Crane — was had on Saturday, and all the 
officers implicated by Hutchins (twelve at 
the Second Station, and one at the First and 
Eighth) were ordered to appear at the City 
Hall. The investigation was commenced in 
the morning, at the Mayor's office, and lasted 
until about eleven o'clock on Saturday 
night. 

Each officer was conducted to the room, 
informed of the charge against him, and 
allowed to make his own statement. He 
was then confronted with Hutchins, who was 
allowed to question him. Some of them 
denied the charges of Hutchins entirely, and 
he failed to sustain them. It appeared from 
their statement that they have entered the 
store of Messrs. John K. Rogers, Brodhead 
& Co., on Tremont Street; Jackman's, Dock 
Square; Bean & Clayton, Merriam, Henry 
Atkins & Son, South Market Street; Bates 
& Goldthwaite, Coburn's, on Court Street; 
Lyman Tucker's, Hopkins, &c. ; and taken 
therefrom little articles, such as tea, cigars, 
sugar, boots, &c. In some cases, as the 
amounts taken were very small, the thefts 
were not discovered by the proprietors. 
They state that it will not amount to more 
than three or four hundred dollars in all. 
Some stores have been entered a dozen times 
and small articles stolen. Hutchins and 
Goodwin were kept in close custody during 
the investigation, and the others were al- 
lowed the freedom of the building. 

After the examination, a long consultation 
was had, and the committee finally concluded 
to discharge from the department seven of 
the officers examined, suspend three, and 
retain four in office. 

Explosion of a Steam-Boiler in Brook- 
lyn. — In Brooklyn, N.Y., this day, the 
steam-boiler in the Enterprise Kindling- 
Wood Mills of John F. Pearson & Bro., 
situated in AVarren Street, near Bond Street, 
exploded, about two o'clock in the afternoon, 
and carried destruction all around. Al- 
though several persons were injured, but 
one, a child, was seriously hurt. 

The building is of wood, a mere shed, oc- 
cupying nearly a full lot, twenty-five feet 
front by one hundred feet deep. The pre- 
pared kindling-wood was piled in the front 
part, and the boiler was located at the rear 
end, inside the shed. It is a common flue- 
boiler, fifteen feet in length, and is nearly 
new, having been manufactured for the firm 
in October, 1859. by Anderson & McLau- 
rence, of New York. The engine is rated at 
six horse-power. 

The boiler, which was lying across the 
shed, was impelled through the side toward 



420 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



Bond Street, striking a two-story frame house 
on the rear of the next lot, and demolishing 
it almost completely. The second story was 
occupied by William Costigan. Mrs. Mc- 
Farland was standing at the table in the 
back part of the front room ; her two chil- 
dren had just gone out. Mrs. Costigan has 
three children : two were at play, and the 
other, an infant about a year old, was with 
her in one of her apartments. The force of 
the boiler knocked through one end, and, 
entering the building, it was turned round by 
the resistance presented by the chimney, 
and, passing through the front of the house, 
was lodged some feet distant in the yard, 
the building being on the rear of the lot. 
The side and front were completely knocked 
out, leaving the rear and the opposite end 
walls standing. Mrs. Costigan says she got 
down-stairs in some manner, but can' t tell 
how, — every thing was falling about her, 
and she was completely bewildered. Her 
infant was thrown out into the yard and 
buried beneath the falling rubbish, where it 
was soon after found by its cries, and dug- 
out. The full weight of the falling mass did 
not come upon it, or it must have been in- 
stantly crushed to death. It was protected 
by some cross-beams and lathing, which 
prevented the bricks and rubbish from 
striking it. The child sustained severe in- 
juries, notwithstanding. Surgeon Ball ad- 
ministered to its relief immediately after- 
ward. He found its face and body badly 
bruised, but the hurts will not necessarily 
prove fatal. In Mrs. McFarland's apart- 
ment, the bricks and timbers filled up the 
entire room, with the exception of a small 
space where she was standing. Had she 
been one foot either way, she must have 
been crushed. It seems hardly possible 
that either of the women could have escaped 
without any personal injuries whatever. 
Furniture, bedding, kitchen-utensils, and 
every thing else in the house were smashed 
in pieces and scattered all around, — the 
whole presenting a shapeless mass of ruins. 

Some damage was also occasioned on the 
east side of the factory in which the explo- 
sion occurred. The mason-work in which 
the boiler was placed was scattered, and a 
shower of brick was impelled across a va- 
cant lot, completely demolishing a stable 
and outhouses on the rear of John Mc- 
Garry's premises. 

A number of brick were thrown across 
several vacant lots beyond, and fell into 
the yard of a house occupied by William 
Cook and others, shattering the grape- 
arbor ; and one of the missiles struck Mrs. 
Cook and her sister, injuring both consi- 
derably. Several children were also in the 
yard at the time, but all escaped. 

The exact cause of the explosion does not 
appear. The engine had not been running 
for ten minutes before the accident, the en- 



gineer and all hands — some ten in number 
— being engaged in unloading wood in the 
front part of the shed meanwhile. The top 
cock of the boiler had been tried some five 
minutes previously and found to contain 
water at that level. The fires are said to 
have been low. One of the proprietors en- 
tered the door just as the explosion oc- 
curred. No one in the place was injured. 
The name of the engineer was Alexander 
McLaughlin. He was about twenty years 
of age, and had charge of the engine about 
six months. He appeared to know nothing 
about an engine more than what he could 
learn there. He was also employed in doing 
other work about the premises. 

Burglary and Robbery at Petersburg, 
Va. — The night of this day, some burglars 
entered the residence of Mrs. Mary Ann 
Frazier, residing near Petersburg, Va., and 
robbed it of ten thousand dollars in cash. The 
lady was at home, but heard nothing to 
arouse her during the night. About one- 
half of the amount had been recently re- 
ceived by her from a gentleman in Peters- 
burg, and she had declined to deposit it in 
bank, though advised to do so. The other 
portion of the money had been in her house 
for some time, as it appears that she has 
been in the habit of keeping large sums of 
money on hand, thinking it secure. The 
robbers evidently knew of her being in pos- 
session of the money. 

The First Flour of 1860 in Georgia. — 
This day, flour from new wheat was ground 
in Stowall's Mills, Augusta. 

Utica (N. Y.) without a Mayor. — The 
evening of this day, Calvin Hall, Mayor of 
Utica, sent in his resignation to the Common 
Council. Resolutions appointing D. C. Grove 
and Charles S. Wilson to the vacant office 
were defeated by tie-votes. The office of 
Mayor is now executed by the Chairman of 
the Board of Aldermen, Myers. 

The Japanese Ambassadors. — This day, 
the Japanese Ambassadors attended an en- 
tertainment given in their honor by Secre- 
tary Cass. 

Houston for the Presidency. — The 
friends of Gen. Sam Houston held a meet- 
ing in New York, the evening of this day, in 
the Union House, to make arrangements for a 
mass meeting of citizens to press his claims 
for the Presidency. A large number of per- 
sons were present. A committee of seven 
was then appointed to name time and place 
for a mass meeting. 

Mammoth Cave in California. — A letter, 
dated Negro Hill, California, of this date, 
published in the "Sacramento Standard," 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



421 



explains in detail the discovery of a mam- 
moth cave in El Dorado county. While a 
party of men were excavating for a lime- 
kiln they broke through into a cave of im- 
mense size. Mayor Swan, of Sacramento, 
subsequently explored it for two hours, and 
visited several large rooms of several hun- 
dred feet in length by nearly as many 
broad, until he was brought to a halt by a 
lake, the extent of which is as yet unknown. 
The floor, as well as the stalactites, is of a 
beautiful white crystallized marble. 

Fight between Bell and Donnelly. — 
In New Orleans, this day, a prize-fight was 
fought at the Oaks, between two men named 
Bell and Donnelly, for three hundred dol- 
lars, in presence of fifteen hundred specta- 
tors. The former was backed by his aunt, 
who furnished his stakes, and who was pre- 
sent during the fight, standing on top of a 
carriage, and cheering her nephew on Irom 
time to time. After a long and desperate 
contest, the victory was awarded to Bell. 
The "New Orleans Delta" says, "There has 
never been a fight before in this section of 
so long a duration, which was not more or 
less interfered with by outsiders and bettors. 
The word of the judges and referee^was 
taken without hesitation on both sides." 

Brutal Rape.— This day, Robert H. Bow- 
ers, a desperate character, who had recently 
served out a term in the penitentiary for 
counterfeiting, induced a young and pretty 
girl of Cleveland, Ohio, named Eliza Tame, 
to go riding with him, when he brutally as- 
saulted hei° and violated her person. 



SATURDAY, MAY 19. 



Two Men Drowned. — In Philadelphia, 
the morning of this day, George Cambridge 
and William Gardiner, both residents of that 
city, were drowned, about five o'clock, in 
the Delaware, near Red Bank, by the upset- 
ting of a small boat, in which they, in com- 
pany with a third party, Mr. George Jones, 
had started down the river, about two 
o'clock in the morning, for the purpose of 
fishing. Mr. Gardiner leaves a wife and 
five children, and Mr. Cambridge a wife 
and one child. 

Body Found. — In Philadelphia, this day, 
the body of a white man found floating in 
the Delaware, at Pine Street wharf, was re- 
cognised at the green-house, by his wife 
and friends, as that of Bartholomew Healy, 
who was drowned on the 18th of November 
last, off the barge Putnam, at Market Street 
wharf. 

Found Drowned. — In New York, this day, 
the body of a man was found in the river, 



foot of Montague Street. Deceased was 
about five feet six inches in height, appa- 
rently between twenty-five and thirty years 
of age, attired in a black frock-coat, mixed 
cassimere pantaloons, cloth vest, Congress 
gaiters, and coarse white linen shirt. A 
white pocket handkerchief in one of the coat- 
pockets was marked with the initials "P. M." 

Boy Drowned. — In New York, this day, 
Lewis Rhodes, a boy, about four years old, 
residing with his parents at No. 76 Cherry 
Street, while playing on a scow at the foot 
of Catharine Street, accidentally fell over- 
board, and was drowned before any assist- 
ance could be rendered him. Coroner Schir- 
mer held an inquest upon the body of de- 
ceased the next day, when the jury rendered 
a verdict of "Accidental death." 

Lady Run Over and Killed.— In New 
York, this day, a lady, named C. L. Mit- 
chell, residing at the corner of Fourteenth 
Street and Irving Place, was knocked down 
and run over by a light Avagon in Fifth 
Avenue, and so severely injured that she 
died in a few minutes after being picked up. 
The police were unable to arrest the driver 
of the vehicle. 

Man Killed by his Wife.— In Philadel- 
phia, John Shuster, who was admitted into 
the hospital on the 30th of April, with a 
severe cut on the leg, died this day, and an 
inquest was held on the following day. The 
wife of the deceased was examined, and tes- 
tified that her husband came home on the 
30th of April, intoxicated, and demanded 
his supper. She came into the room with a 
knife in her hand, for the purpose of cutting 
the bread, when the deceased took up a tea- 
pot to throw at her. He then kicked at her, 
and, in endeavoring to protect herself, the 
knife struck his knee. Other witnesses re- 
presented the deceased as a man of violent 
temper and in the constant habit of abusing 
his wife. Dr. Harlan testified that the de- 
ceased had the mania-a-potu while in the 
hospital. The coroner's jury rendered a 
verdict of "Death from a wound accident- 
ally inflicted with a knife in the hands of 
his wife." 



Found Drowned.— In Detroit, Michigan, 
this day, the body of a respectable-looking 
man, evidently a seaman, with the name of 
P. Young on the watch-pocket of his pants, 
was taken from the river. 

Japanese Presents.— This day, the pre- 
sents brought by the Japanese were pre- 
sented to the President, in the name of his 
Imperial Majesty the Tycoon. The articles 
are of the most magnificent description. 
They consist of saddlery, richly embroid- 
ered and embossed; gold and silver bed- 



422 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



curtains and bed-screens, similar to those 
used only by the princes of Japan, ingeni- 
ously elaborated; two swords, such as are 
worn by the princes of Japan, superior to 
any ever manufactured in this country or 
France; paper-hangings ornamented with 
gold ; lacquered ware, including writing- 
cast's, and a lot of valuable miscellaneous 
articles, all of them exhibiting the most re- 
fined taste and advanced artistic skill, and 
superior to any which have ever been 
brought to this country from Asia. 

Singular Circumstance attending a 
Sudden Death. — In Louisville, Ky., on the 
night of this day, the nurse at the City 
Hospital discovered a negro man, belonging 
to Mr. George Hess, standing in an upright 
and easy position at the grate of one of the 
windows. His hand was resting lightly 
upon the bars of the grate; his position 
was easy and natural ; but upon approach- 
ing him he was found to be dead and al- 
ready cold. This is a remarkable circum- 
stance. He must have been dead several 
hours before the fact was discovered. 

Elopement of Miss Fnirrs from the 
Spingler Institute, New York, and Mar- 
riage with Gen. Bynum, of Tennessee. — 
This day, Miss Phipps, of Mrs. Abbott's 
Spingler Institute, in New York, eloped 
with Gen. Bynum, of Tennessee. They 
were the same evening married at the St. 
Nicholas Hotel. The New York papers gave 
the following account of the matter. They 
say that Gen. Bynum, of Tenn., upon the 
solicitation of Miss Phipps, of Tenn., was 
permitted to visit her as a relative, and that 
once in public, with others, and once in pri- 
vate, as an assumed relative, he had seen 
her. 

On Saturday last, some things had indi- 
cated that Gen. Bynum's visit was not in 
the character of a relative ; whereupon in- 
quiries were made respecting him at the St. 
Nicholas Hotel, and good reasons were 
found for not permitting any other visits. 
He then promised not to visit the institution 
any more, and that he would forthwith leave 
the city. This promise he did not keep, but 
on Saturday evening he renewed his visit to 
the institution, and sent his card to Mrs. 
Abbott. The card was received, and Mrs. 
Abbott appeared, and about the same time 
Miss Phipps also voluntarily appeared. 

The plan of Gen. Bynum, apparently, was 
to get into the house, through Mrs. Abbott, 
and then, when in, by preconcert, to carry 
the young lady off. They had both been 
previously well acquainted with each other 
in Tennessee. 

Now ensued a scene. Mrs. Abbott wished 
Miss Phipps to withdraw, as she desired to 
see Gen. Bynum alone. Miss Phipps went 
into the hall, but Gen. Bynum followed, 



saying he "had no secret from Miss 
Phipps." Mrs. Abbott replied, "All con- 
versation must be in my presence." He 
then whispered a few unknown words to 
Miss Phipps, who afterward stepped up to 
Mrs. Abbott, and, in a very affectionate man- 
ner, said, " I must bid you goodbye." 

Mrs. Abbott then threw her arms around 
Miss Phipps, to retain and hold her, where- 
upon Gen. Bynum violently tore Mrs. Ab- 
bott away. Airs. Abbott then seized upon 
him, and called for assistance. Gen. Bynum 
threw her from him, with such violence as 
almost to prostrate her upon the floor. 

The young lady then moved toward the 
carriage, Mrs. Abbott following, entreating 
her to return. The teachers and young 
ladies of the family then rushed out, join- 
ing in the remonstrance, and crying out, 
"Shame! shame! shame!" As she stood 
at the carriage-step, the spectators say, she 
paused a moment, clasped her hands, looked 
upward, and, in a deadly pallor, seemed to 
hesitate about the fatal step. 

Gen. Bynum then put his arms around her, 
urged her into the carriage, and they rolled 
away. Mrs. Abbott followed into the street, 
and, with loud calls, begged of spectators to 
interfere and arrest the deed of violence. 
The whole transaction occupied but a few 
moments. 

The above statement, it is asserted, as 
will be seen by the following card of Gen. 
Bynum, was founded on statements made 
by the Abbotts. The " general," in a pub- 
lished card, says : — 

The article under the head of "City 
Items" purporting to give the particulars of 
the departure of Miss Phipps, now my wife, 
with myself, from Mrs. Abbott's school, is 
a greatly-exaggerated account of the affair ; 
and the statements therein contained in 
reference to any hesitancy on the part of 
my wife to leave the premises, and in 
reference to the promises made by me to 
Mrs. Abbott, and of any violence by me 
towards Mrs. Abbott when I extricated my- 
self from her embraces, are false in every 
particular. I notice the article only because 
I am informed it was compiled from state- 
ments furnished by the Abbotts. 

John G. Bynum. 

The New York "Herald" says: — 
Miss Nellie Phipps, the heroine, and Gen. 
Bynum, the hero, of this affair, are both na- 
tives of Tennessee, the lady residing at Kings- 
port, and the gentleman at Chattanooga, 
in the eastern section of the State. Mrs. 
Bynum, nee Miss Phipps, is a tall, handsome 
brunette of nineteen summers, with dark 
hair and eyes, and cheeks as rosy as Aurora's 
own. Mr. Bynum is a tall, Southwestern- 
built, fine-looking gentleman of twenty-eight 
or nine, with light-flaxen hair and beard, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



423 



and dark-blue eyes. Both parties possess, 
•we understand, considerable property, and 
became acquainted some five years ago. 
Mischievous Love aimed his arrows so truly 
that both hearts felt his sweet pains and 
painful pleasures ; but Mr. Phipps strongly 
opposed the match, for no reason that -we 
have been able to ascertain beyond the ordi- 
nary and well-known disinclination of doting 
fathers to have their lovely daughters mar- 
ried and thus removed from home and home- 
affections. The course of this love, then, 
ran no more smoothly than the course of love 
in general ; and that has as many rifts and 
rapids as the Niagara or the St. Lawrence. 
Finding it impossible to separate the lovers 
in Tennessee, Mr. Phipps determined to send 
his daughter to some school at the North, 
of -which fact Mr. Bynum was duly apprized 
by his "ladie fayre." The Spingler Insti- 
tute, in this city, -was selected by Mr. Phipps, 
and to this establishment he brought Miss 
P. about three months ago, the gallant ge- 
neral following immediately, and sojourning 
in New York ever since. 

Upon Mr. Bynum's arrival in New York 
he visited Miss Phipps at the institute and 
-was introduced to the Abbotts as her relative, 
— probably as a cousin, a relationship so 
convenient and so usually claimed upon such 
occasions. In this character he continued 
his visits ; and during these interviews, num- 
bering about thirty, he prevailed upon Miss 
Phipps to consent to a marriage, -with or 
■without her father's consent, when the va- 
cation and the "wedding-month of June" 
should arrive together. For this vacation 
the lovers -waited as patiently as might be, 
in order to prevent all trouble and all scan- 
dal in regard to the institute. The demon- 
strations of lovers cannot always be con- 
trolled, and on Saturday, a couple of weeks 
ago, some actions were observed, as Mr. 
Abbott says in his statement, which indicated 
a dearer relationship between the parties 
than that professed by them. This, he states, 
aroused suspicion of the general's real 
character, and led to more restrictive mea- 
sures. But, on the other hand, it is asserted 
that these restrictions were caused not by 
any unusual conduct, but by private advices 
or instructions from Mr. Phipps plre. In- 
quiries, says Mr. Abbott, were thereupon 
made at the St. Nicholas, and good reasons 
were ascertained for not permitting any 
further visits. What information was thus 
obtained at a New York hotel, of a private 
gentleman, by outside parties, is not stated, 
and could have been but vague, unsatis- 
factory, and, very likely, untrue. Hotel- 
proprietors, as a general thing, know very 
little, and tell less, of the personal habits 
and characters of their patrons ; and it is 
pretty certain that the proprietors of the 
St. Nicholas are no exceptions to this rule. 
At any rate, for some reason or other, Mr. 



Bynum's visits were ordered to be discon- 
tinued, and Miss Phipps was denied the pri- 
vilege of leaving the institute for a walk or 
for any other purpose. Mr. Bynum received 
information of these measures ; and, as an 
antidote to this "ounce of prevention," an 
immediate elopement was decided upon, and 
a friend was sent to visit Miss Phipps and 
arrange with her that she should meet the 
general at a certain point, on Saturday 
afternoon, and be immediately married. 
This friend, who was, doubtless, a lady, in 
the agitation natural upon such occasions, 
gave Miss P. the wrong directions ; and the 
affair at the institute was the consequence. 

On Saturday morning Mrs. Abbott, in 
company with two ladies, called upon Mr. 
Bynum at his hotel, and with tears and en- 
treaties attempted to persuade him to promise 
that he would not see or communicate with 
Miss P. again. The general said that he 
could not promise this, for he might meet 
the lady upon Broadway ; but, after some 
further badinage, knowing that the elope- 
ment was already arranged, and expecting 
to meet his lady-love that afternoon at the 
rendezvous appointed, he gave a promise, 
carefully worded, that he would not call 
upon or communicate with Miss Phipps 
while she was a pupil of the institute, — that 
latter clause meaning a great deal more than 
Mrs. Abbott expected. With this promise 
Mrs. A. seemed perfectly satisfied, and upon 
the general — who, when so near triumph, 
could afford to be generous— offering to put 
it in writing, she declined to give him the 
trouble, saying that his word of honor was 
sufficient. 

The appointed time found the general, 
with his friend, at the rendezvous, with 
every arrangement perfected, anxiously 
awaiting Miss Phipps's arrival. Two weary 
hours dragged slowly by, Father Time, like 
most aged personages, having no sympathy 
with fond lovers, and no lady appeared,— 
Miss Phipps having, on account of the mis- 
understanding to which we have before al- 
luded, proceeded to another place of meet- 
ing. At first the general was determined 
to°wait until the "crack of doom;" but 
suddenly the thought struck him that Miss 
Phipps might be imprisoned, as heroines 
often are in plays and novels ; and, jumping 
into the carriage, he ordered the driver to 
get as near the institute as he could, — inside, 
if possible, — and so drove to Thirty-Fourth 
Street, in the peculiarly perturbed state of 
mind which accompanies such a crisis in 
affairs of the heart, determined to have his 
betrothed if he had to break down every 
door of the house. The carriage drove 
upon the sidewalk in Thirty-Fourth Street, 

Fifth Avenue thereabouts being afflicted 

with an eruption of Belgian blocks, indica- 
tive of its disenthralment from the rule of 
cobble-stones,— and as General Bynum as- 



424 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



eended the steps of the institute Miss Phipps 
came in sight, a block or two distant, hav- 
ing slipped out of the seminary, repaired to 
the supposed place of meeting, and there 
awaited her lover's arrival, and returned 
thus far c "> her way to her domicil, with 
that odious fellow, Disappointment, gal- 
lanting her home, as delightful Hope had 
accompanied her to the rendezvous. She 
quickened her steps, but, before she could 
reach her lover or attract his attention, the 
servant opened the institute-door, the ge- 
neral had inquired for Mrs. Abbott, sent up 
his card, and entered. Mrs. Abbott came 
down ; and just as she was closing the 
parlor-door Miss Phipps entered the hall 
and the general caught sight of her through 
the doorway. He had, then, no further 
business with Mrs. A., and therefore stepped 
into the hall, observing, in regard to Mrs. 
A.'s efforts to close the door, that he "had 
no secrets from Miss P. ;" to which Mrs. 
Abbott replied that "all conversation must 
be carried on in her presence." Mr. Bynum 
asked his lady, "Is all ready?'' and, re- 
ceiving an affirmative answer, turned toward 
the door. Miss P. went to Mrs. Abbott, 
held out both hands very affectionately, and 
said, "I must bid you good-b\ r e." Mrs. 
Abbott then threw her arms around her 
pupil to restrain her ; but Miss P. easily 
disengaged herself and reached the door, 
the general assisting her, but so gently that 
even the lady was not aware that she re- 
ceived any help, but thought that she had 
managed that part at least of the elopement 
by herself. Mrs. Abbott then turned to 
the general, threw her arms around him 
and called for assistance. However unwill- 
ing the general may have been to escape 
from the embraces of a lady, the danger of 
interruption to his plans was too imminent 
for delay, and so he escaped from Mrs. Ab- 
bott's hold and joined his lady outside. 
Mrs. Abbott says the general threw her 
from him in a rude and insulting manner ; 
and although it is alleged that Mr. Bynum 
is too gallant to treat any lady rudely, yet 
it is more than likely that, in the excite- 
ment and hurry of the moment, he did not 
disengage himself as gently as might have 
been expected under other circumstances. 
In a moment the pair were in the carriage, 
the driver whipped up his horses, and away 
they dashed, with Mrs. Abbott on the side- 
walk screaming, "Stop that ruffian!" and 
a couple of boys, three men, a grocery wagon, 
and a butcher's cart in pursuit, and the lady 
teachers and pupils of the institute equally 
distributed along the front and at the win- 
dows of the edifice, indulging in hysterics 
and other demonstrations usual upon high- 
pressure occasions. The Abbotts' account 
says that, on entering the carriage, Miss 
Phipps "paused a moment, and in a deadly 
pallor seemed to hesitate about the fatal 



step." There is only a slight difference in 
pronunciation, hardly recognised in .Eng- 
land, between the altar and the halter; and 
this account of an incident of this elope- 
ment would suit equally well for an execu- 
tion ; but, unfortunately for the comparison, 
those of the spectators who ought to know 
most about the matter say — and we see in it 
nothing unnatural or derogatory to the 
lady's character — that Miss Phipps never 
displayed more alacrity and agility than in 
entering the carriage, and that her pallor 
was caused by over-excitement, and was 
only a prelude to most charming bridal 
blushes. The couple were married that 
evening by the Rev. Dr. McFarland, and 
proceeded to the St. Nicholas Hotel, where 
they occupy an elegant suite of rooms, and 
are enjoying to the full that sweet moon 
which, we hope, may never wane either with 
them or any other couple. 

Distressing Case of Suicide. — This day, 
a distressing case of suicide took place on 
the Northern Central Railway, about three 
miles from Baltimore. Mrs. Sarah Rebecca 
Davis, a young married lady, jumped from 
an embankment along the bank of Jones's 
Falls. She struck a sharp rock, causing the 
brain to protrude, and fell into the water. 
Her lifeless body was soon after taken 
out. About one year ago, the deceased 
married a person named Samuel H. Davis, 
who is now doing business at Hancock, 
Maryland : and it is quite apparent that 
domestic troubles induced her to commit the 
rash act. Previous to the act she wrote a 
long letter to her husband. The letter 
breathes the most tender spirit of affection, 
and concludes with good advice to her hus- 
band, reminding him of the personal respon- 
sibilities of every one and exhorting him 
to lead a good life and to meet her in heaven. 
The deceased was a woman of the most 
amiable character, and her untimely end is 
deeply regretted by a large circle of friends. 

Dispute for the Championship of Eng- 
land settled. — Each to have aBelt. — This 
day, Heenan and Sayers met at the office of 
"Bell's Life," in London, where the dispute 
for the belt was settled by an agreement 
that two new belts were to be made, one to be 
presented to Sayers, the other to Heenan. 

Forger Sentenced. — In Pittsburg, this 
day, Sylvester G. Langdon, convicted of 
uttering forged paper for the purpose of 
buying stock in the Monongahela Bank of 
McKeesport, was sentenced to pay a fine of 
$500 and serve an imprisonment of three 
years in the penitentiary. 

Fire in Malden, (Mass.) — On the night 
of this day, the paper-hanging-factory and 
four dwelling-houses adjoining, belonging to 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



425 



Norton Newcomb, in Maiden, were destroyed 
by fire. Loss, $12,000: half insured. At the 
same time, four wooden dwellings in Soiner- 
ville, owned by J. M. Currier & Co., of 
Norwich, Conu., were burued. Loss, $3000. 

Incendiary Fire in Weston, Mo. — This 
day, the International Hotel, at Weston, Mo., 
was burned. Loss, $21,000: insured for 
$6000. The building was unoccupied, and 
was set on fire. 

Sentence of Almira Lewis for Poison- 
ing. — In Rochester, N.Y., this day, Mrs. 
Almira Lewis, who was yesterday convicted 
of poisoning the family of Mr. Pettengill, 
was brought up for sentence. She appeared 
to be quite overcome when she reached the 
court-room. She was sworn as to her age, 
&c. She was born in Pennsylvania ; is forty- 
three years of age ; cannot write, but can 
read some ; has had no religious education. 

She said she was not guilty; is accused 
wrongfully. She was there that night ; had 
told all she knew of the affair. 

Judge Chumasero then proceeded to ad- 
dress the prisoner on the case, and talked to 
her for fifteen minutes. He expressed his 
belief in the justice of the verdict, and pro- 
nounced the crime one of the most revolting 
that had ever come before that court. He 
urged the prisoner to repent, — to thank God 
that her purpose was not consummated, and, if 
guilt}', to confess all, that others who had 
been stigmatized might be relieved of all 
suspicion. 

In conclusion, he said the court would 
pronounce the severest sentence in its power, 
and that it was not at all adequate to the 
crime. She was sentenced to Sing Sing State 
prison for ten years. 

Indians Killed. — This day, as Major 
Carlton and Lieutenants Davis andCarr, of the 
First Dragoons, with eighty men, were pro- 
ceeding to the Mohave, twelve miles below 
where the Salt Lake road leaves that river, 
and in the heart of the country of those In- 
dians who for the last year or two have been 
waylaying and murdering our citizens wher- 
ever they found them unarmed and at their 
mercy, one of the major's flanking-parties, 
under command of Lieutenant Davis, came on 
two Indians, whom they attempted to make 
prisoners, in which attempt the lieutenant had 
three of his men wounded, one — private 
Brown, of Company K— seriously, by an 
arrow in the belly, and was in the end com- 
pelled to kill them, to prevent their sacri- 
ficing the lives of his men. 

Conviction of Hicks for the Murders 
on Board the Oyster-Sloop E. A. Johnson. 
— In New York, this day, the trial of Hicks 
for the murder of Captain Burr and the crew 
of the oyster-slcop E. A. Johnson was con- 



cluded. The widow of Captain Burr was 
present. 

Judge Smalley charged the jury distinctly 
that the United States had jurisdiction in 
the case if the vessel had started and pro- 
ceeded two or three miles on her way to 
Virginia. 

The jury went out at thirty-sis minutes 
past ten, and returned at forty-three minutes 
past ten, having been out seven minutes. 

The prisoner rose without apparent emo- 
tion, and was confronted with the jury. 
The foreman, in a low voice, pronounced the 
fatal word Guilty ! 

Stupidly the prisoner sat down, when told 
to do so by his counsel. The court ordered 
him to be remanded, and he held out his 
wrists mechanically for the handcuffs. They 
were adjusted with some difficulty, and he 
was taken out of court. 

Mr. Sayles asked that a time be set for a 
motion in arrest of judgment, and the judge 
fixed upon Wednesday morning at ten o'clock. 

Bloody Tragedy in Georgia. — In Georgia, 
this day, a bloody tragedy was enacted on 
Upatoi Creek, in Chattahoochee county, in 
which a man named Doolittle first inflicted 
several fatal wounds with a knife upon a 
young man named Helms, and went off, and 
afterward, returning, attacked the young 
man's brother, who was stooping over him, 
and cut his throat. The only cause alleged 
for the homicide was a refusal on the part 
of the Helms and their father to drink with 
Doolittle. 

New Orleans Police-Officers Convicted 
of Murder. — A correspondent of the New 
York "Police Gazette," in a letter of this 
date, says: — 

Some months ago I informed your readers 
of the fact of Officer John Brant, of the Third 
District, shooting and killing Karl Ludwig. 
Brant has been convicted of murder in the 
first degree, and without capital punishment, 
which consigns him to the penitentiary for 
life. 

He also says that in the parish prison 
of New Orleans each of the four districts 
is represented by murderers from the police- 
force. Police-Officer Matthew Hughes, from 
the First District, shot and killed a young 
man without the slightest cause or provoca- 
tion, and is now in that prison awaiting 
the action of the Governor to set the fatal 
day to hang him. Jean Gros, a police- 
officer of the Second District, is there for 
shooting and killing his quadroon mistress 
while she lay asleep in her bed and uncon- 
cious of his presence. John Brant is there, 
awaiting transportation for life to the peniten- 
tiary, — instead of the gallows, where he 
belongs, — for the cruel and cowardly shooting 
and killing of Karl Ludwig. Eugene Adams, 
alias Peep, from the Fourth District police- 



426 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



force, is there, for the inhuman butchery of a 
Dutchman. 

The same correspondent, in the same letter, 
says: — 

Two murderesses and one murderer were 
dismissed in one day, viz. : — Miss Ameneus 
Williams and Miss Jane Jackson some months 
ago killed a bar-keeper. About the same time 
Wesley Harris, of N.C., killed a man. All 
three were committed to the Criminal Court, 
and now all three have been dismissed on a 
nol. pros. 

Drowned. — In Wilmington, (Del.,) the 
evening of this day, a young man named 
John Key, a coach-painter, in the employ of 
Mr. Flaglor, was drowned in the Christiana, 
about seven o'clock. He was in company 
with several young men connected with the 
same establishment, in a boat, fishing, when 
the boat, capsized, and, before the young man 
could be rescued, he was drowned. He had 
served his apprenticeship with Mr. Flaglor, 
and only attained his majority some three or 
four weeks since. He was esteemed and 
respected by all who enjoyed his acquaint- 
ance. 

Recovery of $3000 Lent to a Priest. 
— In the case of Harmity vs. O'Reilly, Bishop 
of Hartford, on trial for the last two weeks 
before the Circuit Court in Providence, R.I., 
the jury, this day, under the charge of Chief- 
Justice /Vines, returned a verdict for the full 
amount claimed, with interest. Mrs. Harmity 
sued the estate of the deceased bishop for 
the sum of $3000, which she claimed she had 
deposited with him for the education of her 
son. There was no memorandum of the 
transaction either in her possession or 
among the effects of the late bishop, and for 
want of any documentary evidence the 
claim was resisted. 

STEAMBOAT-ExrLOSION ON SENECA LAKE. 

— Three Lives Lost. — This day, the village 
of Watkins, N.Y., situated at the lower end 
of Lake Seneca, twenty miles above Elmira, 
and near the Canandaigua & Elmira Railroad, 
was the scene of a terrible accident, by which 
two lives were lost, three persons were se- 
riously scalded, and the steamboat Ben 
Loder blown nearly to pieces. 

About half-past six o'clock a.m. the Ben 
Loder cast off her moorings and swung 
around into the lake. On the first applica- 
tion of steam to the machinery, one of her 
boilers exploded with a tremendous concus- 
sion. The boat, which is the largest upon 
- the lake, was shattered in all her upper decks 
and works. 

At the time of the occurrence, William 
Hillicus, the assistant engineer, was in the 
engine-room. He was maimed and scalded 
terribly, and died in a short time. 

The chief-engineer, Aaron Stout, was with 



the captain, at the wheel. Both men es- 
caped with slight wounds. 

The firemen, Patrick Moore and Charles 
O'Brien, together with a boy, named Alonzo 
Proof, were dangerously injured. Moore, it 
is understood, has since died, and there is 
but slight hope of the recovery of the others. 

There were no passengers on board. The 
freight consisted of fifteen horses and mulfcs, 
belonging tocanal-boats which the Loder was 
about to take in tow. The animals were all 
either killed or mutilated. 

The sight after the explosion was a ter- 
rible one, the writhing bodies of the injured 
men and quadrupeds being mingled in one 
chaotic mass, while the scalding steam was 
spending itself without hindrance. 

The Loder was not an old boat, and the 
boilers are supposed to have been sound. 
The allegation is that the safety-valve was 
out of order, and indicated "low steam" 
when there was actually an immense head on. 

Hillicus and Moore both leave families, 
the former (fifty years of age) leaving a wife 
and six children, for whom much sympathy 
is expressed. 

The spot, at which the aceident occurred 
is one of the most beautiful on the lake. 

Mr. Lincoln's Acceptance of the No- 
mination. — This day, the committee ap- 
pointed by the Republican National Conven- 
tion, comprising President Ashmun and the 
chairmen of the State delegations, to offi- 
cially announce to Mr. Lincoln his nomina- 
tion, arrived at Springfield, in the evening, 
and proceeded to Mr. Lincoln's residence, 
where Mr. Ashmun, in a brief speech, pre- 
sented Mr. Lincoln the letter announcing his 
nomination. 

Mr. Lincoln replied as follows: — 

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Com- 
mittee: — I tender you, and through you to 
the Republican National Convention and all 
the people represented in it, my profoundest 
thanks for the high honor done me, which 
you formally announce. Deeply and even 
painfully sensible of the responsibility which 
is inseparable from that honor, — a responsi- 
bility which I could almost wish could have 
fallen upon some one of the few more emi- 
nent men and experienced statesmen whose 
distinguished names were before the conven- 
tion, — I shall beg your leave to consider more 
fully the resolutions of the convention, de- 
nominated the platform, and without unrea- 
sonable delay respond to you, Mr. Chairman, 
in writing, not doubting that the platform 
will be found satisfactory and the nomination 
accepted. And now I will no longer defer the 
pleasure of taking you, and each of you, by 
the hand. 

The various members of the committee 
were then presented to Mr. Lincoln, who 
greeted each of them with a hearty shake of 
the hand. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



427 



Elopement from Lisbon, (N.H.) — In 
Portland, (Me.,) this day, Silas Howland, of 
Lisbon, N.H., was arrested for eloping with 
the wife of Isaac Howland, of the same town. 
The Portland "Argus" gives the following 
account of it : — 

We copied an account of the elopement of 
Silas Howland, Esq., of Lisbon, N.H., with 
the wife of Mr. Isaac Howland, of the same 
town. A despatch was sent from the Chief 
of Police of Boston to our City Marshal, 
requesting the arrest of the parties if they 
came this way. Deputy-Marshal Quimby 
arrested the man and woman as they were 
leaving the boat from Boston, and conveyed 
them to the police-office, and two despatches 
were sent to the Chief of Police of Boston, in- 
forming him of the fact. They were lodged 
at the Elm House, and on Monday, nothing 
having been heard from theBoston police, they 
were discharged. The woman said she should 
return home and try to hush up the matter. 
She took the morning train for Manchester, 
N.H., on Monday, and the man took the 
noon train for Northumberland, N.H., the 
same day. The parties seemed to take their 
arrest very coolly, and acknowledged them- 
selves to be the persons mentioned in the 
papers. Mr. Howland said he was a Repub- 
lican, and had represented his town two 
years in the Legislature of New Hampshire, 
and only two weeks before eloping was fore- 
man of a jury. He had a large amount of 
money with him. 



SUNDAY, MAY 20. 

Sad Case of Drowning of a Young Lady. 
— In the morning of this day, as a young 
girl, daughter of Hugh King, of Piedmont, 
Va., was crossing a temporary footway 
across the mouth of Georges Creek, where 
it connects with the North Branch, she fell 
off the log and was drowned. The Piedmont 
"Independent" says: — 

She was in company with several other 
ladies and gentlemen, but the water was high, 
and the currents of the two streams so swift 
that rescue seemed impossible. The whole 
day was spent in laborious and fruitless 
search after the body; but it could not be 
found. She was an amiable and beautiful 
girl, about fifteen years of age. Her mother 
had gone to the city of Baltimore on a visit, 
and had left her daughter in charge of the 
household affairs. She was on her way to 
church when the melancholy and distressing 
accident occurred. 

Unknown Man Found Drowned. — In New 
York, this day, the body of an unknown 
man was found drowned at Hamilton Ferry. 
The deceased had on gray-mixed pantaloons, 
white woollen drawers, check cotton shirt, 
black double-breasted vest, coarse boots, 



black silk neck-tie, strap about the waist. 
He had dark hair, mixed with gray. His 
height was about five feet six inches, and 
age about forty. 

Fell Dead in the Street. — In Boston, 
this day, a German, named John F. Kersh, 
fell dead in Purchase Street, Boston, in which 
street he lived. He was fifty-two years old, 
and had children in New York. 

Burning of a Paper-Mill. — In Spring- 
field, (Mass.,) this day, the Greenleaf and 
Taylor paper-mill was totally destroyed by 
fire. Loss estimated at $25,000. Insured 
in Springfield, Hartford, and Conway offices 
for $18,000. The cause of the fire was un- 
known. 

Loss of an Unknown Schooner. — This 
day, the steamship Marion, from New York 
for Charleston, reports that in lat. 37° IS 7 *, 
Ion. 75° 15', fell in with a schooner on her 
beam-ends; she was of one hundred and fifty 
to two hundred tons, and apparently had 
been but a short time abandoned, as her 
spars were still in their places and her fore- 
mast and jib floating about her. Stopped 
the ship and went round her with a boat, to 
ascertain if any evidence of her identity was 
visible, but found nothing, and, as she lay 
on herportside, only theletters "St. George" 
on her stern were to be seen. 

Heavy Bridge Blown Down. — Houses 
and Crops Destroyed. — This day, a ter- 
rible hurricane swept over Rock Island, 
(111.,) in the evening, about six o'clock, and 
in its course swept away the large covered 
railroad-bridge across Rock River, on the 
C. & R. I. R. R. The bridge was about 
seven hundred feet in length, strongly built 
of heavy timbers. The same hurricane 
did other damage. At Green River Station, 
a brick store was blown down and the dry- 
goods scattered over the prairies. At Gene- 
seo, some twenty-five buildings were de- 
stroyed. On the bluffs back of Rock Island, 
large trees were prostrated, and damage done 
to fences and outbuildings. In Hampton, 
trees were destroyed, and the hail was very 
heavy. In Cordova, a brick building was 
blown down, and frames suffered much dam- 
age. Fruit and other trees were prostrated 
in many places, and fences suffered exten- 
sively. The course of the storm seemed to 
be from the northeast toward the southwest. 

Excursion -Train Changing Engines 
when at Height of Speed. — The lightning 
train which carried the New York delegates 
from Detroit to Chicago, this day, made but 
five stoppages between the points. These 
were at Ann Arbor, Jackson, Kalamazoo, 
Niles, and Calumet. At Marshall, the won- 
derful feat of changing engines while the 



428 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



train was at full speed was admirably per- 
formed. Before reaching that station, the 
locomotive Challenge was uncoupled, and, 
shooting away from the swift-pursuing train, 
reached the station and switched on. The 
Racer, the awaiting engine, started, the 
headless train meantime thundering on over 
the righted switch in pursuit of the new 
locomotive, and without slackening of speed 
the two were united without jar or confusion. 
The same feat was successfully performed 
at Michigan City, where the Racer was ex- 
changed for the Rambler. The train made 
the distance from Galesburg to Kalamazoo, 
nine miles, in ten minutes, and several times 
a mile per minute was accomplished. It 
reached Chicago ten minutes before time, 
viz. : — eight hours and thirty minutes from 
Detroit. 

Man Killed in New York. — In New 
York, this day, Patrick Corkery, a native of 
Ireland, was killed by Thomas Wood. The 
parties resided in the same house, at the 
corner of Ninety-Fourth Street and Fifth 
Avenue. The widow of deceased states that 
her husband and accused got into a dispute. 
After some high words and a few blows. 
Wood picked up a couple of stones and threw 
them at deceased. One of them took effect, 
and knocked Corkery down. An inquest 
was held, and the jury rendered a verdict 
that "Patrick Corkery came to his death by 
fracture of the skull, produced by being 
struck with a piece of brick by Thomas 
Wood.'" The prisoner stated that he was a 
laborer, a native of Ireland, about thirty 
years of age, and that the injury inflicted 
on deceased was done in self-defence. He 
was committed to the Tombs. Deceased was 
also a laborer, and leaves a wife and family. 

Drowned. — A little boy, named Charles 
Wyland, was this day drowned at Chestnut 
Street wharf, Philadelphia. 



MONDAY. MAY 21. 

Fire at Leavenworth, Kansas. — In 
Leavenworth, Kansas, the morning of this 
day, a fire broke out, destroying the Farmers' 
feed and sale stable. The building was owned 
by J. P. Russell. Loss, $1000: insurance, 
$600. The loss on the contents is probably 
$500, which is not insured. O. L. Bracklin's 
drug-store was also destroyed. The loss 
upon the building and stock is $35,000 : no 
insurance. The fire originated in the feed 
and sale stable, and is supposed to have been 
the work of an incendiary. 

Murderers on the Brig Anna Ar- 
raigned. — In New York, Gordon Hires and 
Edmund J. Lane, the mates of the brig Anna, 
who are charged with murdering three of the 



crew, were arraigned this day, and pleaded 
"Not guilty." 

Loss of the Schooner D. G. Bowers. — 
This day, the steamer Cambridge, from Bos- 
ton for Philadelphia, came in collision with 
the schooner D. G. Bowers, from Philadelphia 
for Boston. The schooner was sunk, but the 
crew were saved. The steamer proceeded 
on her voyage. 

Suit for Damages. — In New York, this 
day, a suit for damages was entered in the 
Court of Common Pleas, at the instance of 
Alderman Russell, against ex-Alderman Wil- 
son, for assault and battery. Plaintiff com- 
plains, among other things, that, defendant 
attempted to gouge out his eye. Mr. Wilson 
was held to bail in the sum of $2000 on the 
order of Judge Brady. 

Large Sale of Old Coins. — This day, a 
large sale of old coins took place in Phila- 
delphia. An experimental United States 
half-dollar brought $31.50; an experimental 
United States half-cent, very rare, brought 
$30.50; a New England shilling, dated 1652, 
brought $25. 

Terrific Tornado. — Several Lives 
Lost. — Over a Million of Dollars of 
Property Destroyed. — This day, a terrific 
tornado visited a portion of the States of 
Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia, de- 
stroying thousands of houses, and at least 
ten thousand trees. The Cincinnati "Ga- 
zette" says: — 

It extended from Louisville to Marietta, 
following in its general direction the course 
of the Ohio River. Its breadth we have no 
accurate means of determining. 

As it passed Cincinnati, it must have been 
at least forty miles in breadth. having reached 
Independence, Ky., on the south, and Preble 
county, Ohio, on the north. The velocity 
with which this tornado travelled may be es- 
timated from the fact that it was only about 
two hours in going from Louisville to Ports- 
mouth, a distance by an air-line of 160 miles. 
When it is borne in mind that this tornado 
pursued the sinuosities of the river, it will 
be seen that its speed must have been im- 
mensely beyond that of the fastest locomotive 
ever run. This tornado, in common with all 
which have been observed, possessed a rotary 
motion upon its own axis. 

All along the line of the storm, houses 
have been unroofed, forest-trees prostrated, 
gardens demolished, churches deprived of 
their spires or a portion of their roofs, and 
individuals injured. Very few lives were lost, 
considering the force of the gale, although 
several people were injured. In New Albany, 
besides blowing down two houses and un- 
roofing a number of public buildings and 
doing an immense amount of other damage, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



429 



it severely injured a daughter of Castner 
Ambaugh. In Portland it also unroofed a 
number of dwellings, caused other destruc- 
tion, and wounded two ladies. A house on 
Fourteenth Street and Portland Avenue was 
blown down, a man was killed and several 
persons injured. 

At Madison, Indiana, six or eight houses 
were unroofed, but no lives were lost. Three 
or four pairs of coal-boats were sunk, and 
six men are missing. 

The steamer Eunice was partly wrecked 
near Ghent, Kentucky. Her cabin and chim- 
neys were blown overboard, together with a 
quantity of freight. 

The steamer Argyle lost her chimneys. 

The steamer Virginia Home, when two 
miles above Cincinnati, was capsized, and 
the cabin, parting from the hull, floated down 
the river in fragments. There were but three 
passengers on board, all of whom were saved. 
Two of the crew were lost. The boat was 
valued at $6000. The Cincinnati papers give 
terrible accounts of its ravages in that city. 
The "Commercial," after noting slight indi- 
cations of the approaching storm, says :— 

The air suddenly grew Gark, and presently 
a craggy mass of black and ashen clouds 
was seen, laced and bristling with streams 
of lightning, rushing up the sky with amaz- 
ing velocity. So vivid and incessant was 
the play of electricity that the storm-cloud 
seemed like a magazine of rockets exploding 
ami launching volleys of fiery darts in every 
direction. While the lightnings were flaming 
above, the tempest was roaring below, and, 
as it advanced, the city was lost to view in 
the white and hissing spray of the rain. 

The force of the wind was, for this lati- 
tude, almost unexampled. In a few minutes 
immense damage was done. Steeples were 
prostrated, dwellings overthrown, crushing 
the occupants in the ruins, roofs whirled on 
high, torn into shreds, and scattered far and 
wide, shade-trees uprooted, twisted, and 
broken by hundreds, signs torn from their 
fastenings and shivered into splinters, chim- 
neys beaten down, windows burst in, car- 
riages overturned, persons hurled from their 
feet and bruised against the walls. 

The "Commercial'' then gives a long 
account of hundreds of houses unroofed, 
churches damaged, shade-trees and shrub- 
bery swept off, and other property destroyed, 
and relates the following terrifying incident 
of the tempest, in unroofing the Fourteenth 
District school-house. 

The teachers saw the storm gathering, and 
closed the windows. The tornado swept 
madly up from the valley and struck the 
west gable of the devoted house, which 
quivered like a leaf. At the instant, no 
apprehensions were entertained ; but the 
tempest, as if maddened by opposition, 
came back with a fearful rebound, and the 
bricks began to rattle, the shingles flew like 



hail-stones, and in an instant the whole roof 
was lifted and swept from the walls, and 
dashed to the opposite side of the street. 
Miss Rachel Medkirk, who taught the infant 
class in the west room of the upper story, 
meantime comprehended the danger, and, 
with rare presence of mind and heroic 
courage, fled to the school-room door, closed 
it, and placed her back against it to keep 
the frightened children from plunging in 
headlong confusion down-stairs. But, while 
the brave girl sprang to her duty, she was 
struck upon the head and face by falling 
bricks ; but she stood at her post, while the 
blood streamed from her wounds, until the 
roof had taken its flight and her room was 
a terrible scene of confusion and devasta- 
tion. 

It being impossible to calm the frenzied 
children, Miss Medkirk now fled down-stairs, 
presenting herself a piteous spectacle to Mr. 
Sands, the principal, who till now was igno- 
rant of the destruction above, and, demand- 
ing his assistance, sped back to her charge. 
Mr. Sands was keeping the children in order 
down-stairs, but hastened up; and, upon 
presenting himself in the room, the little 
ones clasped him by the legs and body, and 
clung to him with the energy of despairing 
terror, begging him to save them. Such a 
scene could not be portrayed by human lan- 
guage. A cloud of thick dust was whirling 
in the room ; the tornado howled dismally 
overhead; bricks and the debris of the 
devastated building were flying about like 
tennis-balls; and the poor children kept up 
an agonizing chorus of shrieks, so that it 
was impossible to determine the extent of 
their injury. By persuasion and earnest 
exertion of authority, Mr. Sands and Miss 
Medkirk restored their charge to some de- 
gree of composure, when he repaired to the 
adjoining rooms to render like assistance. 
Here were also scenes of wild disorder and 
dismay ; but the teachers — Miss Josephine 
Medkirk, Miss Jackson, and Mr. Goss — dis- 
charged their trust faithfully, and were soon 
enabled to restore a degree of confidence to 
the terror-stricken pupils. 

Before the storm had settled, the facts, 
magnified a thousandfold, reached the ears 
of hundreds of parents, who sped frantically 
to the school-house, expecting to find their 
offspring buried in a heap of ruins. The 
wild frenzy of mothers was described to us 
by Mr. Sands as something fearful. Some 
would snatch up anybody's children, scan 
their features as if they would devour the 
little ones, drop them if they did not recog- 
nise their own, and rush through the mass 
of yearning hearts, crying, "My child! my 
child!" or calling it fondly by name. 
Throngs of them thrust themselves up the 
school-house-stairs, and would not hear re- 
monstrances or assurances. One poor wo- 
man, a Mrs. Brown, dashed through the 



400 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



crowd, shouting crazily for her "Mikey." 
Mr. Sands assured her he was safe. A little 
urchin hard by interposed, "No, he a'n't: 
he's killed; I saw him dead." The poor 
woman gasped and seemed turned to stone. 
When she found her boy alive, but wounded, 
she almost fell in a swoon. Other and simi- 
lar incidents were narrated by eye-witnesses ; 
but the reader can easily imagine the ter- 
rible agony of a parent's heart in such a 
trial. 

Mary Selfert, aged nine years, was found 
lying under the wreck of Miss Medkirk's 
table. Her body had been protected by the 
table, under which she had crawled for 
safety ; but the cap-stone of the building 
fell upon her legs and broke them both oif 
below her knees, and mangled her limbs 
sadly. She was carried home suffering 
much agony. Five others were more or less 
injured. The reader will agree with us that 
it is wonderful that scores of children were 
not killed. There were seven hundred chil- 
dren in the building, and fifteen teachers. 

On Fifth Street, opposite Wood, a new 
building fell with a terrible crash, by which 
Frederick Brinckmeyer and Henry Hickler 
— the former a young unmarried man, aged 
about rwenty years, the latter about thirty 
years old — were instantly killed. 

Another victim was Thomas Cole, who was 
killed in his brick-yard by the falling of a 
shed. 

The United States Marine-Hospital suf- 
fered a loss of $1500, and the Covington & 
Lexington Railroad about $15,000. Three 
Catholic churches (St. Joseph's, Trinity, and 
St. Augustine's) were injured, the former to 
the extent of $15,000. Two Presbyterian 
churches (the Tabernacle and First) and 
St. John's (Episcopal) Church were also 
damaged to some extent. The total loss in 
the city and vicinity is estimated at about 
$300,000. 

The ••Commercial" concludes its account- 
thus : — 

There was universal consternation through- 
out the city. People lost faith in the roofs 
over and the walls around them, and ran 
into the streets, notwithstanding the rain, 
for safety. The sun set in a sky of crimson 
and orange. The western sky was illumi- 
nated as if by a vast conflagration. A 
heavy rain set in early in the evening and 
continued until after midnight, drenching 
the habitations made roofless by the tornado, 
which is conceded to have been the most 
disastrous known to the present gene- 
ra* inn. 

The "Louisville Democrat" says that the 
steamboat Strader encountered numerous 
wrecks between Vevay ami Madison; and, 
from the most reliable information, not less 
than twenty-five coal-boats were sunk and 
sixteen lives lost. She met the Madison 
packet Prioress in a crippled condition, hav- 



ing her starboard-chimney leaning against 
her larboard-chimney. 

The storm extended to Loudon couuty, 
Va. The bridge across Lycolin Run, on the 
line of the Alexandria, Loudon & Hamp- 
shire Railroad, about three miles below 
Leesburg, was blown down, and is a perfect 
wreck ; and the woods in the neighborhood 
of the bridge bear marks of the violence of 
the wind, large numbers of trees being up- 
rooted, twisted, and broken off. Altogether 
it was the most violent tornado that ever 
visited that portion of the country. 

A Desperate Convict Shot. — William 
Lynch, a convict in the Maryland Peniten- 
tiary, in Baltimore, whose refractory con- 
duct had compelled the prison-officers to 
make him carry a ball and chain for some 
time past, refused to work, this day, and 
threatened to kill any person who would 
approach him. Upon the officers attempting 
to seize him, he lifted the iron ball, weighing 
thirty pounds, and assaulted them, when 
one of the officers fired at him, the ball 
entering his abdomen and lodging in the 
groin. The wound is mortal. The "Sun" 
gives a sketch of his preceding career, of 
which the following is a synopsis : — 

At the age of fourteen, while an inmate 
of the Philadelphia House of Refuge, he set 
fire to that institution, for which he served 
out a sentence of fourteen years in the 
Eastern Penitentiary. He then went to 
New York, where he was soon arrested for 
theft, convicted, and served four years in 
the Sing Sing State Prison. Soon after- 
ward, he was tried and convicted of piracy 
in New Orleans, La., and sentenced to death, 
but the sentence was commuted to imprison- 
ment for life. In four years afterward, he 
was pardoned, and went to Baltimore, where 
he married, and soon after was arrested, 
tried, and convicted for assaulting his wife 
with intent to kill. For this he was sen- 
tenced to the Maryland Penitentiary for 
seven years and six months, in February, 
1857, and was serving out this sentence 
when his career was stopped, as stated 
above. 

A Prisoner Shot. — This day, three 
prisoners, confined in the jail at Rome. 
N.Y., made a rush upon the jailer, with a 
view to escape. The officer, however, drew 
a revolver and shot a fellow named Brock- 
way, a horse-stealer, right through the body ; 
whereupon the other two submitted to be put 
back in their cells. 

Murder of a Wife. — This day, George 
Osborne, residing in Barthelemy Street, 
New Orleans, La., beat his wife, Julia Os- 
borne, to death with a club. The coroner's 
jury found a verdict of murder against him, 
and he was committed to answer. 



io60.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



431 



Killed by Falling from a Wagon. — In 
New York, this day, Patrick Doyle, driver 
of an ice-wagon, residing at No. 455 West 
Sixteenth Street, was almost instantly killed, 
by falling from his seat. Deceased was 
driving along Eighteenth Street, near Ninth 
Avenue, when the fore wheel of the wagon 
struck against a rut, precipitating him to 
the pavement. "When picked up, Doyle was 
found to be insensible from the effects of the 
injuries. Death took place in a short while 
afterward from compression of the brain. 

Fell feom a Bank. — The evening of this 
day, the body of Jacob Hellerman was found, 
by the side of the Reading Railroad, at Nice- 
town. The deceased resided back of Nice- 
town, and had started to work in the morn- 
ing ; and it is supposed that on his return 
he fell from the bank. He was a married 
man, and about forty years of age. 

Found Drowned. — In New York, this day, 
Patrick Devlin, a native of Ireland, aged 
forty-five years, residing with his family at 
No. 18 Trinity Place, was found drowned at 
Pier No. 8, North River. Deceased had been 
missing since Monday noon, and when last 
seen alive he was intoxicated. Coroner 
Schirmer held an inquest upon the body of 
deceased. Verdict, " Found drowned." 

Death of John Greene, the Actor. — 
This day, this veteran actor breathed his 
last in Nashville, Tenn. For several years 
he has been the victim of paralysis, which 
involved his mental as well as his physical 
faculties. During all that time he has been 
attended with that assiduous and affection- 
ate care which only a loving wife can 
bestow. John Greene was sixty-five years 
of age. Few persons connected for any 
length of time with the stage were unac- 
quainted with him. As an actor, (says the 
" Nashville Banner,") though we believe he 
never figured as a "star,"' he had very few 
equals. He was a man of brains, and brains 
well cultivated. He was no automaton on 
the stage. He was capable of appreciating 
his author, and never failed to do justice to 
whatever character he attempted to imper- 
sonate. As a manager, John Greene was a 
model. He took the Adelphi Theatre in 
Nashville at its opening, and during his 
administration it was conducted as it has 
never been conducted since. Controlled by 
a long experience in the drama, a correct 
taste, and an intelligent appreciation of the 
tastes and wants of the community, the best 
evidence of his fitness for the place was that 
he never failed to make t lie theatre self- 
sustaining. John Greene was a strictly 
honest man, and made it a point never to 
compromise his principles of integrity upon 
pleas of necessity. He was always ready 
to pay his actors and all in his employ. He 



never allowed his reputation to be sullied by 
the stain which so often attaches to persons 
in his business. — a failure to meet his lia- 
bilities. The death of John Greene will 
carry sadness to the hearts of hundreds of 
personal friends all over the country, and 
thousands of professional admirers. His 
kindness of heart, his generosity, his many 
excellent social qualities, his talents and 
professional experience, have made him a 
feature in the history of the drama for nearly 
half a century, and his decease cannot fail 
to awaken many reminiscences of the long- 
past in the minds of those who have been 
associated with him. 

Fall of a Scaffold in St. Lons. — Two 
Lives Lost. — This day, the scaffolding at 
the north end of Trinity Church, which is in 
process of erection on the corner of Washing- 
ton Avenue and Eleventh Street, fell, pre- 
cipitating nine workmen sixteen feet into a 
pile of rocks beneath, fatally injuring James 
Sherman and Thomas Hill, and seriously 
wounding several others. John Morton's 
back was broken, and he will probably die. 

The Weymouth Poisoning-Case. — This 
day, the coroner's jury concluded their 
investigation in the case of the Misses Tir- 
rell. It resulted in declaring that Betsey 
Frances Tirrell was poisoned with strych- 
nine, which has also been discovered in the 
remains of her elder sister. Mary, who died 
about three months previous. Both girls 
were found to be enceinte. Hersey is in jail. 
heavily ironed. 

Burning of the Station at Simpsons 
Park. Carson Valley. — Murder of the 
Keeper. — This day, the station at Simpson's 
Park, Carson Valley, was burned and the 
keeper murdered by the Indians. Informa- 
tion was also received in the settlement that 
the Indians fired on two men, named Red- 
man and Robinson, who were conducting a 
freight-train, severely wounding Robinson. 
Redman escaped on a mule, leaving the 
wagon on Simpson's Canon, and had arrived 
at Smith's Creek. 

Remarkable Case of Mistaken Iden- 
tity. — This day, appeared, in her own proper 
person. Mrs. Ada Richardson, whom her hus- 
band and a number of others testified to be 
the person found gagged and drowned at 
the foot of York Street, New York. The 
New York " Herald"' says : — 

A more startling case of mistaken identity 
has rarely been recorded,— the noted Wil- 
liams forgery-case being a near approxi- 
mation to it. The first intimation of her 
own murder came to her knowledge, Mrs. 
Richardson says, at New Orleans. Fearing 
that innocent parties might suffer from sus- 
picion of being implicated in her murder, 



432 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



she hurried on to New York. Yesterday she 
met her husband for the first time in over 
nine months. Their interview was brief, 
but the astonishment of the latter at seeing 
her, to use his own language; "would not 
have been greater had he seen her raised 
from the. dead." The interview took place 
in the presence of Officers Elder and Young, 
of the detective police, in whose charge Mrs. 
Richardson had placed herself. 

Following the interview with her husband, 
Mrs. Richardson was confronted with the 
"wealthy young gentleman," as the papers 
designated the person who a few months ago 
paid her board-bills at the leading Broadway 
hotels. The gentleman, although wealthy, 
is not young, but considerably past the me- 
ridian of life, and has a wife and several 
children. A telegraphic despatch had pre- 
pared him for seeing her, but it was hard to 
realize that the woman whom he had sup- 
posed and sworn to be dead was really 
before him. Mrs. Richardson went into 
violent hysterics at seeing her former friend 
and supporter, and it was some time before 
she got over them. She protested that she 
came here to save his life. 

Mr. Richardson is a young man of pleasing 
appearance and prepossessing address. He 
separated from his wife, he says, over two 
years ago, — the separation being a mutual 
affair. He now declares that when heviewed 
the remains of the murdered woman at Jer- 
sey City he was perfectly assured they were 
those of his wife. He could not have been 
more certain of any thing. His wife had 
a beautiful set of teeth, from which only one 
was wanting. Her left ear was slit in a 
peculiar way, and there were peculiar marks 
upon her person; all of which characteristics 
were evident in the remains exposed in the 
office of Dr. Quidor. 

Mr. Samuel Kimball, a friend of Mr. 
Richardson, who had known his wife for 
years, as positively asserted the body to be 
liers. The mercantile friend of Mrs. Rich- 
ardson gave as decisive testimony, it will be 
remembered, touching the identity of the 
remains, lie being guided by the same phy- 
sical characteristics. On these positive 
statements the matter of identity was placed, 
it was supposed, beyond all doubt, aud the 
police set to work to find the murderers. 

Cruel Elopement of a Preacher with 
the Wife of a Young New York Lawyer. — 
This day, the Rev. George Nugent Monro 
was arrested in Cincinnati, charged with 
adultery, and, in default of five hundred 
dollars bail, committed to jail. He had 
eloped with the wife of a young New York 
lawyer, who was also known as a writer, 
and w r ho was formerly connected with the 
District-Attorney's office of that city. The 
circumstances of the case were as follows : — 

About two years since, the husband re- 



sided on Twentieth Street, New York, oppo- 
site the General Theological Seminary, 
where this Monro was then a student of 
theology. He there made the acquaintance 
of the lady by seeing her at her window 
from his own, and, by writing flattering 
and anonymous letters to her from time to 
time, finally obtained an introduction to her, 
and was soon after formally introduced to 
the husband. 

Monro being a man of some intellect, occu- 
pying a respectable position in society, and 
looked upon as a man of morality, the hus- 
band deemed the cultivation of his acquaint- 
ance quite desirable. An intimacy began, 
and continued between them until this un- 
fortunate affair. Monro enjoyed the hus- 
band's perfect confidence and hospitality, 
being at all times welcome as a guest and 
friend, even to the extent of standing as 
sponsor to the infant when it was baptized. 

About this time, one of those occasional 
incidents in young married life, incompati- 
bility, sprung up between the young couple, 
and the wife, looking upon Monro as one 
capable of advising and consoling her in her 
domestic affliction, made him her confidant. 
How that confidence was used for his own 
purpose the sequel has shown. 

Monro graduated in June, 1859, and went 
to Lake Providence, La., to teach school and 
act as an assistant in that parish; and it 
now appears that he invited a correspond- 
ence with the lady, which was maintained 
up to the time she left New York. Occa- 
sionally his letters were shown to the hus- 
band as models of piety and morality. 
Several friends of the husband had hinted, 
while Monro was in town, that his intimacy 
was not proper ; but the husband, having 
the most implicit confidence in his wife, 
indignantly repelled any allusion to the 
subject. 

About the 1st of April last, Monro came 
unexpectedly to New York and remained 
there two days, not visiting, as is usual for 
the graduates of the seminary, his old pro- 
fessors and friends, and then mysteriously 
disappeared, representing that he was dis- 
gusted with the South, and was going some- 
where North. On the 10th of May, the 
lady told her husband that, as their child 
had been ill, she thought she would go to 
the country with it for a few weeks, to which 
the husband cheerfully acquiesced. She 
took the seven o'clock a.m. New Haven train 
for Norwalk, Conn., for which place her hus- 
band purchased her ticket and checked her 
trunk, as she said she could make up Iter 
mind on her way whether she would take a 
branch road at Norwalk for Danbury, where 
her brother lives, or continue on to Boston. 
This proposition the husband considered 
perfectly rational, and they then parted in 
the most affectionate manner. The 14th 
came, and the husband, not hearing from 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



433 



his wife, though he had written to her, im- 
mediately telegraphed to Boston and Dan- 
bury, and answers came back that his wife 
and baby had not been seen. This, in con- 
nection -with some trifling circumstances, 
which soon amounted to stubborn facts, 
gave rise to horrible suspicions, among 
them, that she had proceeded no farther 
than Norwalk, and had returned by the 
half-past three p.m. train to New York 
and taken the five p.m. train on the same 
afternoon to Albany. A consultation was 
had and telegrams sent to all parts of the 
country, and to Halifax, to stop the steamer, 
in case the parties had sailed for Europe, 
but without avail, until yesterday, when it 
was heard that they were in Cincinnati. 
The reverend seducer was immediately ar- 
rested, and the lady, with her child, was 
conducted by the husband's friends to one 
of the principal hotels, where she was kept 
until her husband arrived. The scene that 
ensued between them can better be imagined 
than described, — the husband, on his part, 
almost frantic, the heart-broken and repent- 
ant wife almost overwhelmed with grief. 

The friends of the husband, anticipating 
a tragical conclusion to the affair, took every 
precaution, and have succeeded in prevent- 
ing it. The reverend prisoner, Monro, was 
kept in close confinement, and the husband 
was not permitted to see him until he was 
brought into court, where a charge was made 
against him by the detective and the hus- 
band's friends, and he was immediately re- 
manded to prison in default of giving five 
hundred dollars bail. 

The husband's friends, in consideration 
of the wife's lamentable condition, and for 
the little child's sake, demanded that he 
should rescue her from her terrible fate and 
take her back to New York; and, probably 
from the best and most humane impulses 
and motives, they were hurried from Cincin- 
nati the same night for New York. 

The Japanese Ambassadors, this day, 
visited the Patent-Office. They examined 

the models with much curiosity. 

Arkansas Nomination. — In Arkansas, 
this day, the Democratic Convention for the 
First Congressional District of that State 
nominated the Hon. T. C. Hindman for re- 
election to Congress. The convention then 
endorsed the action of the Southern States 
at the Charleston Convention and appointed 
delegates to Richmond. 

Missouri Nominations. — This day, the 
Democratic Convention for the Fourth Con- 
gressional District of that State nominated 
Elijah H. Norton for Congress, vice James 
Craig. Mr. Phelps was also nominated for 
Congress for his district, at a convention 
held at Springfield, in that State. 



2S 



Mr. Bell's Letter of Accei'tanim-. — 
The following is Mr. Bell's reply to Wash- 
ington Hunt, informing him of his nomina- 
tion by the Union party for President. 

JOHN BELL TO WASHINGTON HUNT. 

Nashville, May 21, 18(30. 

Dear Sir: — Official information of my 
nomination to the Presidency by the National 
Union Convention, of which you were the 
presiding officer, was communicated to me 
by your letter of the 11th instant, at Phila- 
delphia, on the eve of my departure with my 
family for my place of residence in Tennes- 
see; and, diffident as I was of my worthiness, 
I did not hesitate to signify my intention to 
accept the position assigned to me by that 
distinguished and patriotic body. But for 
convenience, and under a sense of the pro- 
priety of acting in so grave a matter with 
greater deliberation, I concluded, as I in- 
formed you at the time by a private note, to 
defer a formal acceptance until after my 
arrival at home. 

Now that I have had all the leisure I could 
desire for reflection upon the circumstances 
under which the nomination was made, the 
purity of the motives and the lofty spirit of 
patriotism by which the convention was ani- 
mated, as evinced in all its proceedings, I 
can appreciate more justly the honor done 
me by the nomination ; and, though it might 
have been more fortunate for the country 
had it fallen upon some one of the many dis- 
tinguished statesmen whose names were 
brought to the notice of the convention, 
rather than myself, I accept it, with all its 
possible responsibilities. Whatever may b9 • 
the issue of the ensuing canvass, as for my- 
self, I shall ever regard it as a proud dis- 
tinction — one worth a life-long effort to at- 
tain — to be pronounced worthy to receive 
the highest office in the Government at such 
a time as the present, and by such a conven- 
tion as that which recently met in Baltimore, 
— a convention far less imposing by the 
number of its members, large as it was, than . 
by their high character. In it were men 
venerable alike for their age and their public 
services, who could not have been called 
from their voluntary retirement froaa public 
life but by the strongest sense of patriotic 
duty ; others, though still in the prime of 
life, ranking with the first men of the coun- 
try by honors and distinctions already ac- 
quired in high official positions, State and 
national ; many of them statesmen worthy 
to fill the highest office in the Government ; a 
still greater number occupying the highest 
rank in their respective professional pursuits ; 
others distinguished by their intelligence 
and well-earned influence in various walks 
of private life, and all animated and united 
by one spirit and one purpose,' — the result 
of a strong conviction that our political sys- 



434 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



tem, under the operation of a complication 
of disorders, is rapidly approaching a crisis 
when a speedy change must take place, in- 
dicating, as in diseases of the physical body, 
recovery or death. 

The convention, in discarding the use of 
platforms, exacts no pledges from those whom 
they deem worthy of the highest trust under 
the Government, — wisely considering that the 
surest guaranty of a man's future usefulness 
and fidelity to the great interests of the 
country, in any official station to which he 
may lie chosen, is to be found in his past 
history connected with the public service. 
The pledge implied in my acceptance of the 
nomination of the National Union Convention 
is. that should I be elected I will not depart 
from the spirit and tenor of my past course; 
and the obligation to keep this pledge derives 
a double force from the consideration that 
none is required from me. 

Sou, sir, in your letter containing the 
official announcement of my nomination, 
have been pleased to ascribe to me the merit 
of moderation and justice in my past public 
career. \ mi have li '. en me credit 

for a uniform Bupport of all wise and 
cent measures of legislation, for a firm re- 
sistance to all measures calculated '.. en- 
gender sectional discord, and for a lifelong 
devotion to the union, harmony, and pros- 
perity of t!i Whether your per- 
sonal partiality has led you to overstate my 
as i public man or not, in your enume- 
ration of them you have presented a sum- 
mary. — a basis of all sound American - 
manship. Jt may be objected that nothing 
1 in this summary, in express term--, 
of the obligations imposed by the < Constitution; 
but the duty to respect and observe them is 
clearly implied, for without due observance, 
in the- conduct of the Government, of the 
itution, its restrictions and require- 
ments, fairly interpreted in accordance with 
its spirit and objects, there can be no end to 
Bectional discord, — no security for the har- 
mony of the Union. 

1 have not the vanity to assume that in my 
past connection with the public service I 
have exemplified the course of a sound 
American statesman : but, if 1 have deserved 
the favorable view taken of it in your letter, 
I may hope, by a faithful adherence to the 
maxims by which 1 have heretofore been 
guided, not altogether to disappoint the con- 
fidence and expectations of those who have 
placed me in my present relation to the 
public ; and if, under Providence, I should 
be called to preside over the affairs of this 
great country as the executive chief of the 
Government, the only further pledge I feel 
called upon to make is, that to the utmost of 
my ability, and with whatever strength of 
will I can command, all the powers and in- 
fluence belonging to my official station shall 
be employed and directed for the promotion 



of all the great objects for which the govern- 
ment was instituted, but more especially for 
the maintenance of the Constitution and the 
Union against all opposing influences and 
tendencies. 

I cannot conclude this letter without ex- 
pressing my high gratification at the nomi- 
nation to the second office under the Govern- 
ment of that eminently gifted and distin- 
guished statesman of Massachusetts, Edward 
Everett, a gentleman held by general consent 
to be altogether worthy of the first. 

Tendering my grateful acknowledgments 
for the kind and complimentary remarks 
with which you were pleased to accompany 
the communication of my nomination, 1 am, 
dear sir, with the highest respect, your 
obedient servant. John Bell. 

To the Hon. Washington Hint. 

s wr.oR-Bov Lost Overboard. — This day, 
a- the ship .Jacob Bell was on her voyage to 
San Francisco, J'. Gedner, a boy, fell from 
the mizzen-rigging overboard, and was lost. 

m> Comet or 1860. — Professor 0. 
M. Mitchell, in a communication from the 
Dudley Observatory of this date, says: — 
This oom< t was discovered by Etumker, of 

Eamburg, on the 17th April. I860, as a faint, 

ill-defined, nebulous spot of light. Saving 
passed its perihelium at the close of thi 
ceding February, it was, when discovered, 
ng from the sun: and it< distance from 
the earth is now so rapidly increasing that 
it must soon cease to be visible, even by the 
aid of the most powerful telescopes. 

Pi r the past ten days clouds and haze have 
prevented any search for it, until last evening, 
when it was detected by Mr. Sonntag with the 
efractor of the I " lley < >D8ervatory. 

Its elements have been approximately de- 
termined, and are found to resemble those 
of the Becond comet of 1793. In case 
future investigations prove them to be the 
same, the period of revolution would be about 
sixty-six and a half years, or some fraction 
of this quantity. It is now in the constella- 
tion Auriga and its approximate place: — 

H. M. S. 

May 20, Albany, M. T 11 14 39 

•■ A. II 5 53 1 

Dec. { 56° 23'. 

Supposed Murder of the Captain of 
a Caxal-Boat. — In Philadelphia, the night 
of this day, Michael Cusick, captain of a 
canal-boat, disappeared under circumstances 
which led to the arrest of James Burns, the 
Bteersman of the boat. According to the 
statement of Burns, they were ashore to- 
gether till a late hour, and both had been 
drinking freely. The boat was lying on the 
western side of the Schuylkill, below Fair- 
mount, and they walked to it, and while on 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER, 



435 



the shove Cusick proposed that they should 
have a wrestling-match, — to which Burns as- 
sented. Finding that Cusick was too strong 
for him, he broke away and ran off, leaving 
his hat behind him, and slept in a neighbor- 
ing stable. Early in the morning he went 
to the boat, and found Cusick' a hat and 
pocket-book on the wharf, which he took 
charge of. He saw nothing of Cusick, and, 
after waiting some time for him, he had the 
boat taken to Reed Street wharf, on the 
Delaware, and soon after informed Cusick's 
wife of what had taken place. Not being 
satisfied with the statement, and supposing 
there had been foul play, she caused his 
arrest. The body of Cusick was found near 
the Wire Bridge. 

Charged with Attempted Burglary. — 
This day, two men, named Charles and John 
Burke, were arrested in Philadelphia, Pa., 
charged with entering the house of Mrs. 
Seymore, at Tenth and Shippen 



TUESDAY, MAY 22. 

Death of the Hon. Wm. C. Preston. — The 
Hon. Wm. C. Preston, who died at Columbia, 
S.C., on this day, was born on the 27th of 
December, 1794, in Philadelphia, where his 
parents were temporarily sojourning, his 
lather being in attendance upon Congress as 
a member from Virginia. Young Preston 
graduated at the University of South Carolina 
in 1812, studied law with the distinguished 
William Wirt, ami in 1816 travelled exten- 
fcively in Europe, availing himself during his 
tour of every opportunity for hearing lec- 
tures from distinguished professors of juris- 
prudence. In 1821, he was admitted to the 
bar, and practised his profession for one 
year in Virginia. Then he removed to Co- 
lumbia. S.C., where he resided until his death. 
In 1824, he was elected to the National House 
presentatives, and in 1832 to the Senate. 
He held a seat in the latter body for ten 
year-;, ami then resigned it to resume the 
practice of his profession. Three years after- 
ward — in 1815 — he was appointed President 
of the University of South Carolina. In L851 
his health obliged him to resign. He had 
always been distinguished for his eloquent 
advocacy of State rights. 

Attempted Escape of Convicts from 
the Indiana Penitentiary. — One of them 
Killed. — In the Indiana Penitentiary, at 

Indianapolis, this da}-, a company of pri- 
soners were engaged in planting corn on 
the prison-lands, in charge of John Lane, a 
young man, twenty-four years of age. from 
Clifton county. lie had tiic superintendence 
of the farm-hands. About eight o'clock in 
the morning, the whole squad of prisoners in 
his charge suddenly made a break. Lane 
quickly jumped into their midst and several 



times ordered them to stop; but they kept on 
running. He drew his navy revolver and 
fired on the leader, a man named McGraw. 
The ball passed through his body, killing him 
instantly. McGraw was a desperate man, 
committed for burglary, and an old offender. 
The others were all recaptured one by one. 
The slain man was buried near the prison. 

Death from Alleged Violence. — In 
Manayunk, this day, died Edward Gallagher, 
whose death was attributed to injuries re- 
ceived on the 12th of May from John Clark. 
The testimony of John Jasper, one of the 
witnesses examined, details the circumstances. 
He says: — 

"I knew Clark and Gallagher; was with 
them last Saturday week in Mr. Wetherill's 
coal-yard; when I came in they were talking 
about mowing; (.'lark said to Gallagher, 
• You're always blowing about your working 
and mowing,' and said he could, get a man in 
Manayunk that could beat him mowing; 
Gallagher called Clark a liar two or three 
linns; (lark jumped up, and they clinched, 
and both fell, Clark on top; I stooped down 
to break their hold, and ('lark hit Gallagher 
while he was down; Gallagher kepi on jaw- 
ing, and Clark went to put him out, and 
again they Struggled, and again both fell; 
that same afternoon I saw Gallagher, and he 
asked me what he had said to Clark ; I told 
him he had called him a liar; Gallagher said 
lie was walking around and must quit drink- 
ing altogether; this was about six o'clock, 
and the fight occurred about one o'clock ; 
alter quitting-time Gallagher came into the 
stable, and asked Clark to go with him and 
get a drink; I did not see Clark kick him. 

On the L9th the deceased had his deposition 

taken by Alderman Gibson. He ch 

Clark with wanting to fight him, and with 
clinching with him, and then kicking him on 
the knee two or three times. 

Dr. Connery testified that he attended 
Gallagher, and found him suffering from in- 
flammation in the knee. 

Dr. S. P. Brown, who made a post-mortem 
examination, testified that there were no 
of violence, except an abrasion of the 
skin of the left knee; the deceased died of 
erysipelatous inflammation of the knee and 
thigh. 

The jury returned a verdict that (he death 
of Edward Gallagher was caused by erysipe- 
latous inflammation, the result of injuries on 
the knee received in a scuffle with John 
Clark, on the 12th day of May. 

Fatal Affray. — In Bristol, Tenn., this 
day, an affray occurred between G. W. Raine 
and his son-in-law, J. B. Duncan, in which 
the former was mortally wounded. Mr. 
Raine was the proprietor of the Wise House. 
The affray is believed to have had its origin 
in a famiiy difficulty. 



13G 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



Found Drowned. — In Philadelphia, this 
day, the body of an unknown white man was 
found in the Delaware, opposite Vine Street. 
Deceased had on a black cloth frock-coat, 
dark-gray vest and pants, and calfskin boots. 
He had red hair, moustache, and whiskers. 
From papers found on his person, his name 
was supposed to be Adrian Speigel. 

Attempted Murder and Suicide. — In 
California, this day, occurred the following 
case of attempted murder and suicide, the 
circumstances of which are as follows : — 

A Chileno, named Jose Bustos, who has 
for a long time been employed as porter in 
the house of Dickson, De Wol & Co., San 
Francisco, hired a lodging-room of a Mexican 
woman named Peresa, in which she lived 
with her daughter, Eclescadin. Jose had 
become indebted to them for two months' 
rent, which the daughter demanded, when 
words ensued, and Jose drew a small stiletto, 
about four inches long in the blade, remark- 
ing, "There's your pay: take it," and thrust 
the knife into the left side of the woman's 
neck, inflicting a frightful wound. The en- 
raged man, supposing that he had succeeded 
in killing the woman, fled to his room, and 
with the same dagger, yet reeking with the 
blood of his victim, drove it into his throat, 
severing the jugular vein. He then took the 
vessel from under the bed and stooped over 
to allow the blood to flow into it, when, 
becoming exhausted, he threw himself upon 
the bed, where he was found dead when the 
door was forced' open. Another account is 
that the woman was the mistress of the de- 
ceased, as she was found in her night-dress, 
and that the murder was caused through 
jealousy. 

Suicide of a Boy. — This day, Peter Han- 
nock, aged twelve years, hung himself in the 
stable of Mr. Cassous, in Kent county, Del., 
because Mr. Cassons had refused to permit 
hint to accompany him to Dover that day. 

Outrage on a Newspaper-Office. — Early 
this day morning, some persons entered the 
office of the "Daily Post," in Hartford, 
Conn., and mashed the type in the forms, 
emptied the cases on the floor, upset galleys 
of new matter, and did a large amount of 
mischief, finishing their malicious work by 
attempting to fire the building. The pro- 
prietors offer one hundred dollars reward 
for the conviction of the miscreants. 

Heenan Challenges Morrissey. — This 
day, in a letter to the " New York Spirit of 
the Times," Heenan, the American pugilist, 
challenges Morrissey to fight for from $6000 
to $20,000. 

Murders by the Indians. — This day, the 
Pi Utes Indians, at Carson Valley, murdered 



[May, 



John Appleton and Raphael Lozier, and 
chased Silas Mc Candleas and Lafayette Ball 
to Roberts' Creek, firing at them as they ran 
with their rifles. They reported that sixty 
men were killed at Carson Sink. They broke 
up every mail-station between Diamond 
Springs and Carson Valley. 

Run over by a Railroad-Car. — This day, 
in Philadelphia, Michael McDonnell was run 
over by a car on the Girard Avenue Pas- 
senger Railroad. He was conveyed to St. 
Joseph's Hospital. 

Body Found Drowned with Marks op 
Violence. — This day, the body of a man 
was found floating in the water at Green 
Point, near New York. Upon it were found 
a number of wounds, which the doctors pro- 
nounced ante-mortem, and which they state 
were sufficient to produce death ; and they 
are of opinion that the man in question came 
to his death by foul means. The body was 
about five feet seven inches in height, stoutly 
built ; dark-brown hair and gray whiskers ; 
joints of great toes large; spots on one 
cheek that looked like pock-marks. It was 
barefooted, and had on check-cloth panta- 
loons, dark silk vest, — on one of the pockets 
of which was distinctly marked the name of 
Burr, — and a pilot-cloth jacket. It was at 
first supposed to be the body of Captain 
Burr, of the E. A. Johnson ; but the relatives, 
upon examining it, did not recognise it, and 
the finding of a newspaper on the body, of 
April 19, at once proved that such was not 
the case. 

Fraudulent California Land-Claim 
Suits. — This day, in compliance with the 
resolution of the House of Representatives, 
the President communicated to that body a 
report of the Attorney-General, showing the 
amount expended in the defence of private 
land-claims in California, the details of the 
expenditures, and the results. It appears 
from this document that an incredible num- 
ber of fraudulent claims to land in Cali- 
fornia had been fabricated and sustained by 
the most unblushing perjury. Many of them 
had been approved by the Board of Land 
Commissioners and by the district courts of 
California. No less than twenty-five appeals 
in these cases were heard and decided by 
the Supreme Court in favor of the .Govern- 
ment at the last term. The amount involved 
was not less in all than one hundred million 
dollars. One claim was for thirty-six hun- 
dred square miles of land, another for four 
hundred and fifty square miles, and the 
famous Santillan claim had for a part the city 
of San Francisco, worth about ten millions 
of dollars. The Attorney-General pays a 
high compliment to the abilities of E. M. 
Stanton, Esq., who assisted in this business. 
The report is an able and interesting docu- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



437 



merit, disclosing legal ability of no ordinary 
magnitude. 

Postmaster of New York. — This day, the 
Hon. John A. Dix, who was appointed Post- 
master of New York in place of Isaac V. 
Fowler, appeared before the District-At- 
torney and presented his bonds for approval. 
The bond is for $150,000, and is signed by 
Mr. Dix, as principal, and Erastus Corning, 
of Albany, and James S. AVadsworth, of 
Genesee, N.Y. The bond was approved. 

Ratification of the Japanese Treaty. 
— At noon, this day, the three Japanese 
princes, attended by the committee of Ame- 
rican officers, and followed by a number of 
their highest subordinates, visited the State 
Department, preceded in their procession 
by the closely-guarded treaty-box, under 
the charge of Narousa Gensiro, the fifth 
officer of the Embassy. They were received 
without particular ceremony by General 
Cass, and the business of the occasion was 
impeded by no forms whatever. After a 
word of explanation from General Cass, the 
large treaty-box was opened by Narousa 
Gensiro, and a smaller casket, of elegant 
lacquer-ware, decorated with gold, and held 
together by heavy red silk cords, was taken 
therefrom. This contained the Japanese 
copy of the treaty, which was forthwith 
laid upon the table, and signed by the three 
princes, in the order of their rank. Their 
signatures were very slowly and carefully 
written, as if serious consequences depended 
upon the delicacy with which each character 
was delineated. The American copy was 
signed by General Cass, deposited within a 
rosewood case adorned with ornamental 
silver, and confided to the custody of Na- 
rousa, who placed it in the larger box, in 
which the Japanese document had been 
brought. The affixing of the signatures 
occupied but little time, and the entire 
transaction was over in less than fifteen 
minutes. 

General Cass then spoke of the prepara- 
tions for the return of the Embassy, about 
which they have manifested a desire to be 
exactly informed, and appointed, at the 
request of the princes, next Thursday morn- 
ing as a time when all affairs that may yet 
remain unsettled shall receive consideration. 
The Ambassadors then, after an introduction 
to Mr. Kennedy, Secretary of the Navy at 
the time of Commodore Perry's expedition 
to Japan, retired, and, paying a brief visit 
to Mayor Berrett on their way, returned to 
the hotel. 

Elopement of a Young Lady from a 
boaimung-school with a student from a 
Military Academy. — In Wilmington, Del., 
the morning of this day, quite an excite- 
ment was created by the elopement of Mr. 



Cox, a student from Georgia at the Delaware 
Military Academy, and a Miss Watkins, from 
Tennessee, who was attending the seminary 
of the Misses Grimshaw. They were mar- 
ried by a minister of that city, having pre- 
viously obtained a regular license, and took 
the cars for the South. Their flight soon 
became known, and by telegraphic despatch 
they were arrested at Havre de Grace, and 
Officer Moody despatched in the next train 
to bring back the loving pair. The officer 
succeeded, and they were kept at the hotel 
of Mr. Charles Allmond until the arrival of 
their parents, who were telegraphed for. 
They were both under age, the gentleman 
not being more than eighteen. 

Falling of a Church. — At Norwich, Con- 
necticut, this day, a large portion of the 
new Methodist church, in the course of 
erection, fell, severely injuring two of the 
workmen. This is the same edifice which 
was totally destroyed, when nearly com- 
pleted, during the severe blow of February 
10. 



WEDNESDAY, MAY 23. 

Fire at North Haven, Conn. — This day, 
the large factory of Clinton, Stiles & Co., at 
North Haven, used for the manufacture of 
agricultural implements, was destroyed by 
fire. It was insured for above $6000 in the 
Phoenix, iEtna, and North American offices 
at Hartford. 

Death of the Rev. Stephen Martindale. 
— This day, the Rev. Stephen Martindale 
died, at his residence at Tarrytown, in the 
seventy-third year of his age. He was the 
oldest member of the New York Conference 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, except 
the Rev. Dr. P. Rice, who still survives, in 
feeble health. Mr. Martindale was very 
favorably known in New York, Baltimore, 
and Boston, having been stationed for some 
years in each city. For several years he 
had filled the office of presiding elder. He 
was a gentleman of the old school, and a 
perfect model of amiability. 

Death of a Centenarian. — This day, 
Flora Armstrong, a colored woman, died at 
the Dutchess County (N.Y.) Poor-House, aged 
one hundred and ten years. Last summer 
she enjoyed good health, and supported her- 
self by gathering herbs and selling them 
through the streets of Poughkeepsie. 

Murder in Oeegon. — This day, William 
Kochue was killed at Jacksonville, Oregon, 
by Ludwig Hartwig. He inflicted two stabs 
with a dirk-knife on the person of Kochue, 
who expired in five minutes afterward. 

Fearful Affray. — Mutiny and Murder 



438 



V I X C E N T ' S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May. 



on Board the Packet-Ship William F. 
Storer. — Between five and six o'clock in the 
afternoon of this day, in the harbor of New 
York, a terrible mutiny occurred on board 
the packet-ship William P. Storer, whilst 
opposite Governor's Island, which resulted 
in the death of the steward, Andrew H. 
Mitchell, who was killed by the mutineers. 
The circumstances were as follows — 

The William F. Storer was outward bound, 
under command of Benjamin Trask, with a 
crew consisting of two mates ami nineteen 
sailors, destined for Liverpool. Shortly 
after weighing anchor, one of the sailors, 
who, it seems, was somewhat under the in- 
fluence of liquor, began to manifest a dis- 
position to create a disturbance with one of 
the mates. The captain ordered him to be 
quiet, w Ineii he refused to do, and finally he 
was ordered by the captain to he placed in 
the forecastle. On doing this, several of the 
crew objected, when the captain, believing 
that some of them had liquor concealed 
there, ordered the forecastle to be closed up 
until he could investigate the same. One 
of the mates, in complying with the order 
of the captain, proceeded to close the fore- 
castle, when a part of the men, headed by 
William Smith, Robert Craig, and .lames 
Dillon, seized the mate and dared him to 
execute the captain's orders, under penalty 
of instant death. The second mate. B. Vf. 
Carr, was then ordered by the captain to 
i] other officer in closing the fore- 
castle; ami, as they both started toward the 
same, the crew, armed with handspikes, 
belaying-pins, knives, and pistols, can 
ami made for the two mates : they reti 
and in doing so they received several 
siles at their heads. The captain at this 
time made his ap e, when a general 

al lark was made on him. He. w ith ■ 
of the mates and the steward. Andrew 
Mitchell, tried to drive the sailors back in 
the forecastle, in order to keep them there 
until assistance could be had from shore. 
In this they however failed, and a general 

fight ensued, during which pistols were fired. 
The pilot having run the colors union down. 
the tup: Achilles came alongside, and word 
was sent for the harbor-police. The crew 
continued to press upon t lie officers, when 
the captain drew his pistol and fired several 
shots at them. The steward. Mitchell, at 
this time was struck upon the head a power- 
ful blow, which felled him to the deck. The 
harbor-police, it seems, soon arrived, having 
seen the signal of distress, and boat's crew- 
No. 2 were soon alongside the ship. They 
charged upon the mutineers with drawn 
revolvers, when the crew retreated to the 
forcastle, and soon the ringleaders were all 
arrested. They were all placed in irons and 
taken ashore. Smith, one of the ringleaders. 
received a severe cut upon the head, sup- 
posed to have been caused by the captain's 



pistol. The steward had to be conveyed to 
the New York Hospital, where it was found 
that his skull had been badly fractured, from 
the effects of which he died the same night. 

Killed by being Throws from a Wagon. 

— In' New York, this day, about, twelve 
o'clock, a man, driving a heavy freight- 
wagon, marked " L>. Morrison, Newtown, 
L.I.," was passing up Broadway, when one 
of the traces apparently broke. His horses 
became unmanageable, and. while he was en- 
deavoring to subdue them, they came in con- 
tact with a stage, the pole of which struck 
the man in the side, throwing him to the 
pavement and killing him almost instantly. 
The body was immediately conveyed to the 
Fourteenth Ward Station-House, where an 
inquest was held. The deceased was dressed 
like a laboring-man, and was apparently 
about thirty-five years of age. 

Mr. Lincoln's Letteb it Acceptance o* 
tiir Presidency. — This day, Abraham Lin- 
coln Bent the following letter, acknowledging 

hi- acceptance of the Chicago nomination: — 

Springfield, III.. May L'".. I860. 
Hon. George Ashmun, President of the 
Republican National Convention: — 
Sir:— 1 accept the nomination tendered 
me by the convention over which you pre- 
sided, and of which 1 am formally apprized 
in the letter of yourself .and others acting 
■ ommittee of the convention for that 
purp 

The declaration of principles and senti- 
ments which accompanies your letter meets 
: roval : and it shall lie my care not to 
violate or i in any part. 

Imploring the assistance of Divine Provi- 

. and with due regard to the views and 
ft elings of all who were repr< sented in t lie 
convention, to the rights id' all the States 
and Territories and people of the nation, to 
the inviolability of the Constitution, and the 
perpetual union, harmony, and prosperity 
of all. 1 am most happy to co-operate for 
the practical success of the principles of 
the convention. 

Your obliged friend and fellow-citizen. 

Abb \ii.\m Lincoln. 

Tin: Alabama State Union Convention 
was this day held at Selma. Alabama. The 
action of the Baltimore Convention was 
endorsed and approved. The nomination 
of Bell and Everett was applauded, and 
electors were chosen and the 25th of June 
named for holding a mass convention at 
Selma to ratify the nomination. 

The Japanese Ambassadors, this day, 
visited tie- Senate, accompanied by the 
Naval Commission. The princes and six 
of their officers were received ou the floor 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



43& 



and furnished with seats in the south-west 
corner of the Chamber. They were soon 
surrounded by a number of the Senators. 
Mr. Mason was presented, and his position 
as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign 
Relations explained to the Japanese, who 
were furnished with printed plans of the 
Senate-chamber and the Capitol. They 
viewed with admiration the splendid ceiling 
and other parts of the Chamber, and ex- 
hibited great interest as to the mode of 
conducting the legislative proceedings. 
Subsequently they were conducted by the 
Congressional Committee to the seats in 
the House gallery set apart for the diplo- 
matic corps. Mr. Portman, for the com- 
mittee, explained to them, through the 
Japanese interpreter, the nature of the pro- 
ceedings. The yeas and nays were being 
called at the time they entered the hall. 
The galleries were densely crowded with spec- 
-. of whom at least one-half were ladies. 
The ambassadors were afterward received 
by the Speaker in his room, and then fur- 
nished with seats on the floor of the House, 
in company with the Naval Commission and 
issional Committee. The inferiors 
retained their places in the diplomatic gal- 
lery. They remained but a tew minutes. 

The ambassadors passed oul of the main 
aisle, Messrs. Shannon, John Cochrane, and 
Branch each having an ambassador in his 
immediate charge, and the others of the 
committee, Mr. Morris, (Pa.,) and Davis, 
(Md.,) together with the Naval Commission, 
followed in the rear. 

Indiana CONGRESSIONAL Nomination. — 
This day. the Republicans of the Fourth 
Congressional District met at Greensburg, 
and Dominated James L. Teater for Con- 
gress. 

< iptubjb of 'nit: French Bark Bogota 
with Five Hi ndrbd Negroes on Board. — 
Chis day, the United States steamer Cru- 
sader, Lieut. Maffit, off Cape Verde, in the 
mouth of the Old Bahama Channel, cap- 
tured a bark, having on board over five 
hundred negroes from the coast of Africa. 
The prize was p!aood in charge of Lieut. J. M. 
Duncan, (First Lieutenant of the Crusader.) 
and. under convoy of the steamer, proceeded 
te Key West, where the slaves were landed 
to join those previously captured by the 
Wyandotte and Mohawk. 

The following account of the capture is 
given by one of the officers in a letter to 
the Philadelphia "Ledger." He says : — 

We sailed hence on a cruise off the island 
of Cuba, on Sunday the 13th inst., and at 
last, on the 23d, after a most exciting chase, 
overhauled and captured a French bark, 
with a cargo of upwards of four hundred 
on board. 

When Lieut. Duncan, the first oificerof this 



vessel, first boarded her, all the poor wretches 
were snugly stowed under hatches, and the 
captain and crew appeared unconcerned, 
and pretended to treat the visit as an every- 
day occurrence. Lieut. Duncan, however, 
was not to be thus deceived, but ordered the 
hatches to be opened, which at once re- 
vealed a spectacle that needs to be seen but 
once to be remembered ever afterward. The 
blacks at once wildly rushed upon deck, 
yelling and shouting like savages, and the 
scene was, as if it were by magic, trans- 
formed from the quiet of a Friends' meeting 
to a Babel of confusion and uproar. The 
triumphant cheers of the boarding-party 
were returned from the steamer with good- 
will and in old-fashioned style. Captain 
Maffit. immediately organized a prize-crew 
of twelve men, in charge of Lieut s. Duncan 
and Benham, who took formal possession of 
the vessel, in the name of Uncle Sam. The 
officers and crew of the bark were trans- 
ferred to our ship, and, to the honor of 
('apt. Maffit and the service be it spoken, 
were treated with the greatest kindness and 
consideration. 

Upon coming on board, the skipper, a 
very gentlemanly little Frenchman, upon 
being interrogated as to his nationality, 
answered in a very equivocating manner. 
"I have no flag," said he, "no papers; bul 
I have the negroes. They are now yours. 
I ran the risk, — I have failed." This is the 
substance of his remarks. 

A Degraded Priest. — This day. accord- 
ing to the San Francisco "Police Gazette," 
information was brought to the station-house 
of that city that a reverend father was 
drunk upon the streets, and at that time 
was in company with the low courtesans 
who reside upon Jackson Street. Some of 
the officers proceeded to the place designated, 
when they found it to be the Rev. Father 
Kerrigan, surrounded by a crowd of men, 
prostitutes, and boys, and himself in the 
company of one of the women. The sight 
to those who saw it is said to have been 
disgusting in the extreme, his talk being 
lewd and loud, and causing much merri- 
ment to the crowd of dissolute people who 
surrounded him. The officers promptly 
secured a hack and conveyed him to his 
home. 

Sad End of a Romantic Marriage. — A 
Philadelphia correspondent of the Baltimore 
"Sun" of this date says: — 

Another so-called "romantic marriage" 
has terminated sadly. Recently, Miss Rose 
A. Queen, of Alabama, who was attending 
hoarding-school in this city, eloped with a 
medical student, named John H. Bogart, 
also of Alabama. The difficulties, however, 
in the way of their marriage were soon 
removed, and in a few days the bridegroom 



440 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



and bride departed for the South. The lady 
was but eighteen years of age, had been 
luxuriously reared, tenderly cared for, and 
for her the future, like the past, appeared 
to have no cloud. Her bright hopes have, 
however, been dashed away. A letter just- 
received here from Mr. Bogart announces 
the sudden death of his young wife, from 
congestion of the brain. She was married 
but one month. 

Yillanous Attempt to Outpace a 
Young Girl. — In Pittsburg, this day, Catha- 
rine Shrimps, and Andrew Culp and wife, 
were arrested upon the affidavit of a young 
girl named Mary Miller, who, upon her 
arrival in that city, a perfect stranger, was 
enticed into a saloon called the " Albatross," 
upon the pretence of getting employment. 
While at this place — a noted den of prosti- 
tution—an effort was made by the proprietor, 
a male visitor, Mrs. Culp, and Catharine, to 
subject Miss Miller to the infamy practised 
by the female tenants of the house : she 
was thrown upon a bed, and an attempt to 
ravish her was made, but unsuccessfully. 
The parties were all ai-rcsted, and, after a 
hearing before the Mayor, the perpetrators 
of the outrage were held to bail for their 
appearance at court. 

Bigamy. — In New York, this day, Thomas 
Lee pleaded guilty of the crime of having 
two wives, the last-espoused having acci- 
dentally ascertained that he had married 
another in Boston six years before. The 
first wife, Mary Ann Holmes, a New Hamp- 
shire girl, born in the village next to the 
prisoner's birthplace, was married to him in 
September, 1851, by the Rev. Mr. Crowell; 
the other, Catharine Brennan, was united 
to him as Thomas Edward Smith, a man of 
the world, in the month of May, 1857, by 
the Rev. Father Everett, of the Roman Ca- 
tholic church in Third Street. The prisoner 
was committed to the State prison for two 
years. 

A Life-Insurance Convention met in 
New York, this day. Nearly all of the pro- 
minent life-insurance companies were repre- 
sented. The officers were, Frederick S. 
Winston, President ; Morris Franklin, Vice- 
President ; John Eadie, Secretary; and 
Shepard Homans, Treasurer. 

Four per cent, interest was adopted as 
the safest for the next hundred years. 
Among the numerous facts presented were 
these. The funds now held in trust by the 
life-insurance companies in this country 
amount to $22,000,000; the sums insured 
are about $180,000,000; and the number of 
lives near 160,000. Over $2,000,000 are paid 
out every year by the falling due of claims, 
mostly to widows and orphans. And yet, 
as was remarked by Mr. Barnes and others, 



"life-insurance in this country is only in 
its infancy." 

Elizur Wright, Insurance Commissioner 
for Massachusetts, presented a paper, ex- 
hibiting t he mortuary experience of fourteen 
companies, which had reported to his State 
for the past year. This experience was 
equal to about 50,000 years of life; and it 
proved that life in this country, at ages 
between thirty-one and fifty-five, was not 
subject to as high a rate of mortality as 
similar returns proved it to be in Great 
Britain and Germany. 

Railroad-Convention at Harrisburg. 
— This day, a railroad-convention assembled 
at Harrisburg, Pa. Chief-Justice Lowrie, 
of the Supreme Court, presided, assisted by 
a number of vice-presidents. 

The Hon. Jeremiah S. Black, Attorney- 
General of the United States, together with 
Colonel Shriver, of New York City, and nine 
other prominent gentlemen, were appointed 
a committee on resolutions, who reported 
the following preamble and resolution, which 
was unanimously adopted: — 

Whereas, it has been made manifest to this 
convention, upon the most conclusive evi- 
dence, that a railroad from the city of New 
York to the Ohio River and the heart of the 
great West may be made for less than eight 
millions of dollars, and twenty equated 
miles shorter than by any other route now 
in existence through Pennsylvania, and one 
hundred and fifty miles shorter than by any 
route through the State of New York : there- 
fore — 

Resolved, That a committee of five persons 
be appointed for the purpose of laying these 
facts before capitalists and other persons 
who are interested in this great thorough- 
fare of trade, and inviting their aid to secure 
the speedy completion of this important 
enterprise. 

The committee was appointed, and con- 
sists of Thomas Shriver, Isaac Hughes, 
John Cessna, A. P. Wilson, and Nelson 
Reilly. 

Church Sold at Auction. — In New York, 
this day, the Presbyterian church on the 
corner of Stanton and Forsyth Streets was 
sold at auction, the cause of the sale being 
the removal up-town of the congregation. 
It brought $9800,— less than half of the 
original cost. 

Railroad-Accident at New Haven. — 
This day, at noon, a laboring^man was killed 
on the Hartford & Springfield Railroad- 
track. He fell from a freight-train. 

Murder by a Slave. — This day, the Rev. 
John E. Chambers was murdered near Pekin, 
N.C. A coroner's jury has decided that a 
runaway slave committed the crime, while 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



441 



three other negroes were accessory to it. 
The runaway is described as five feet six or 
eight, inches high, about thirty years of age, 
broad shoulders, upper teeth protruding, 
with a scar or lump on Ins forehead which 
he said was caused by a. fall in leaping from 
the ears. R. A. Chambers offers two hun- 
dred dollars for his arrest and commitment 
to jail at Troy, N.C. 

Remains of a Wrecked Vessel. — This 
day, the ship Red Gauntlet, Capt. Lucas, in 
lat. 35° 24/ S., Ion. 24° 02 / E., passed large 
quantities of wrecked stuff, consisting of 
pieces of whcelhouses, bulwarks, deck- 
houses, &c, apparently but a short time in 
the water. 

The M. E. Episcopal Conference. — In 
this conference, still in session at Buffalo, 
this day, a vote was taken on the new rule 
making "buying and selling, or holding of 
men, women, and children, with an intention 
to enslave them," an offence. A two-thirds 
vote being required, the rule failed of 
adoption, there being two votes less than a 
two-thirds majority in its favor. 



THURSDAY, MAY 24. 

Acquittal of Woodward for the Mur- 
der of Frank alias Petty Naff. — Tn Balti- 
more, this day, the trial of Woodward for 
the murder of Franklin Naff was brought to 
a close. The jury, after being locked up all 
night, came into court and rendered a ver- 
dict of "Not guilty." 

The Mutiny on Board the Ship W F. 
Stoker. — This day, George Beecher, Alfred 
Ryder, James Brown, George Cross, Joseph 
McDonald, Robert Craig, James Dillon, and 
William Smith were brought before the 
United States Commissioners, charged with 
creating a revolt on board the American 
ship Wm. F. Storer, Capt. Trask commander, 
in the Bay of New York, on Wednesday 
evening, 23d of May. 

Benjamin B. Overlook, first mate, being 
sworn and examined by Mr. Dwight, de- 
posed that just as they had weighed anchor 
the defendants refused to do duty. Witness 
tried to get them to work, but they would 
not do it. I tried to put, one of them in 
irons ; the others surrounded me and attacked 
me with belaying-pins, capstan-bars, and 
pistols. They then walked aft and took pos- 
session of the deck. 

Benjamin L. II. Trask, captain of the 
vessel, deposed that he was down below 
when the affair first occurred. When he 
came up he found the defendants in a general 
row with the officers. He called one of the 
mates to put some of them in irons. The 
crew commenced striking him with belaying- 



pins. He knocked one or two of them down, 
and (lien went below and got his pistols and 
snapped one of them at the revolters. They 
rushed on him (witness) and the mate, and 
the defendants ultimately drove him and 
the mates and a few others aft, and kept 
throwing missiles .at them, thus taking for- 
cible possession of the vessel, until the 

harbor-police arrived, when the revolters 
were taken prisoners and broughl up to the 
city. 

An inquest was afterward held on the 
body of Andrew Mitchell, steward of the 
ship William V. Storer, who was killed in 
the mutiny, when Benjamin V. Dearborn, 
a commission-merchant, testified I hat he saw 
the steward endeavoring to assist the cap- 
tain; saw him down on the deck and three 
men beating him with weapons. Ryder, 
Craig, and Dillon were the three men who 
were beating deceased. They were armed 
with martin-spikes and belaying-pins. I 
could not tell which of them knocked de- 
ceased down. Saw Ryder and Craig both 
fire pistols. The captain madi the first 
demonstration with a pistol, but not until 
he was attacked. 

This testimony was corroborated by the 
testimony of the mates and others. 

The case was then given to t he jury, who, 
after due deliberation, rendered a verdict of 
"Death from concussion and compression 
of the brain, from blows at the hands of 
Robert Craig, James Dillon, and Alfred 
Ryder, May':!:;, I860. Further, we con- 
sider Joseph McDonald, George Beecher, 
James Brown, William Smith, and George 
Cross as accessories to his death." 

Upon the rendition of the verdict. Coroner 
Schirmer committed the accused to the 
Tombs to await (lie action of the grand 
jury. They all denied their guilt and said 
they knew nothing about the affair. 

Mitchell, the deceased, was a native of 
Ireland, and was forty-seven years of age. 
He leaves a wife and family to lament his 
loss. 

Captured Africans to be sent to Li- 
beria. — This day, the Government, entered 
into a contract with the Colonization Society 
to take the thousand captured Africans now 
at Key West to Liberia for the sum of $50,000. 
The bill which passed the Senate to-day au- 
thorizes the President to make all future ar- 
rangements with this Society to return to 
Liberia all the Africans taken. 

Return of the Fugitive Slave to Troy, 
New York. — This day, Charles Nalle, the 
fugitive slave who was rescued in Troy and 
made bis escape on April 27, returned to 
that city, his freedom having been purchased 
and the proper emancipation-papers having 
been received a day or two since by Uri Gil- 
bert, Esq., who in the main conducted the 



442 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



negotiation for his purchase with his late 
owner. I). W. Hansborough, of Stephensburg, 
Va. When Nalle escaped from Troy, he was 
driven some six miles on his way to Sche- 
nectady, when his handcuffs were cut in two. 
He walked to Schenectady, arriving there at 
eleven o'clock at night. There be found 
friends, who took off his handcuffs and 
started him on his way to Amsterdam, on 
foot. He arrived in sight of that village at 
daylight, but lay in the bushes all day, 
emerging at night. Next night he went ten 
miles back in the country, where he found 
employment, and where he remained until 
his return to Troy. 

The Japanese Ambassadors. — This clay, 
the Japanese Ambassadors visited the Navy- 
Yard, and were received by Commandant 
Buchanan with due courtesy. They were 
conducted through the various workshops, 
and subsequently witnessed target-practice 
with heavy ordnance and Dahlgren's rifled- 
cannon. A few experiments were also made 
with the boat-howitzers, with all of which 
they were astonished and delighted. 

Prince de Joinville, at the same time, had 
an opportunity of seeing the results of the 
rifled-cannon, and was lavish with his praise 
on this great improvement in naval war- 
fare. 

The Fisheries. — This day, the first fish- 
erman of the season, from Marblehead, Mas- 
sachusetts, arrived home, after an absence 
of ten weeks, with only two thousand fish. 
Fish were very scarce. 

The Steamer Red Wing Snagged. — This 
day, the steamer Red Wing, from Memphis 
to Little Rock, was snagged and sunk at 
Smith's Cut-Off. No lives were lost. 

A Magistrate elopes with his Hired 
Girl, deserting a Wife and Four Chil- 
dren. — This day, J. It. B-urd, a magistrate 
of Navarre, Stark county, Ohio, eloped (ac- 
cording to the Cleveland " Plaindealer") with 
Miss Eliza Brewster, a girl who has been 
employed in his family as a domestic for the 
past year. The Squire is about forty years 
old, has been twice elected magistrate in Na- 
varre, and has heretofore borne an un- 
blemished character. He was a man of con- 
siderable influence in Navarre. He took 
with him some $800 in money, belonging to 
parties who had employed his official ser- 
vices, for which his bondsmen will have to 
suffer. He deserts a wife and four children. 
The girl is about twenty-two years old, and 
quite pretty. It is supposed that her win- 
ning ways infatuated the magistrate. 

Appointments. — This day, the President 
sent to the Senate the name of Mr. Mallett, 
of New York, as Consul at Florence, and 



that of Mr. Doolittle, of Connecticut, as 
United States District-Attorney for Con- 
necticut. 

Fire at Dayton, Ohio. — In Dayton, this 
day, the extensive tannery of Hass, Mitchell 
& Stewart was destroyed by fire. Loss, 
$15,000 : insurance, $4000. 

Suit for Damages by John Shaw against 
Jeremiah Higgins, a New York Police- 
man. — Mr. Shaw had obtained a lease of the 
Government Hotel at Nassau, New Provi- 
dence, on condition that he entered into pos- 
session as soon as his sureties had been ap- 
proved. This having been done, the plaintiff 
made extensive purchases of furniture and 
other articles necessary for the hotel, and 
took passage for himself and family in the 
steamer Karnak, in February last. Mr. Hig- 
gins. however, in the presence of the officers 
of the Karnak, stated that "Mr. Shaw was 
a thief, that he (Higgins) had sent him to the 
State Prison, and that he (Shaw) had been a 
thief since he wore a yard of broadcloth." 
The effect of this slander was to induce the 
officers of the Karnak to put Mr. Shaw and 
his goods ashore, and to refuse him and his 
family their passage, whereby he lost his 
contract. No answer was put in, and the 
action went before the sheriff's jury to assess 
the damages. Defendant's counsel urged a 
mitigation of damages, as no real injury had 
been incurred. The jury thought differently, 
and rendered a verdict for the plaintiff' for 
$2500 

Duel between Commodore Moore and 
Captain Lamar. — At Screven's Ferry, South 
Carolina, near the city of Savannah, Ga., 
this day, a bloodless duel was fought be- 
tween Commodore E. W. Moore, formerly of 
the Texan navy, and Captain Charles A. L. 
Lamar, of the slaver Wanderer. The Sa- 
vannah "Express" gives the following ac- 
count : — 

It was known to several that a challenge 
had passed from Commodore E. W. Moore to 
Captain Charles A. L. Lamar, based upon cir- 
cumstances arising out of the trial of Cap- 
tain J. Egbert Farnum, now progressing 
before the United States Circuit Court. This 
morning early, these gentlemen, with their 
respective friends, repaired to the South 
Carolina side, by Screven's Ferry, where, 
after all the preliminaries were adjusted, 
they exchanged one shot, and, we are happy 
to say, without injury to either. Whereupon 
Mr. Owens, addressing Mr. Couper, said, 
" I have a duty now to perform. I am author- 
ized by Mr. Lamar to say to Commodore 
Moore that the language complained of was 
used by him under excitement and misappre- 
hension, and that he now withdraws and re- 
grets it." Upon which Mr. Couper imme- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



445 



diately replied that he was glad to hear it, 
and the parties shook hands as friends. 

Upon the return of these gentlemen to the 
city, warm congratulations greeted each for 
his gallantry, as well as for the favorable 
termination of the affair. 

Sudden Death. — Frederick W. Lord, a 
Republican delegate from Suffolk county to 
the Chicago Convention, died from an attack 
of apoplexy, in New York, the morning of 
this day. He was attacked on the 12th hist., 
at the Delavan House, in Albany, while on 
his way to Chicago, and was obliged to re- 
main there till Wednesday, when his friends 
placed hint on board the Isaac Newton and 
brought him to New York. There he was 
transferred to the steamer Massachusetts, 
but died shortly after being placed on board. 
Deceased was fifty-nine years of age. and 
resiced at Greenport, L.I. Dr. Lord was a 
member of Congress in 1847-49, and a dele- 
gate tii the National Convention in 1840 at 
Baltimore. 

Boys Killed by Lightning. — In Ottawa, 
Illinois, this day, during a storm, two boys, 
named Peter Kelly and Alfred Collins, were 
killed by lightning striking the tree under 
which they had taken shelter. Two others, 
at the same time, were slightly injured. 

One Brother-in-Law Murders Another. 

— This day, Law Richard Weedon and Geo. 
W. Freeman, brothers-in-law, quarrelled, at 
Deep Creek, Arundel county, Aid., about the 
ownership of a piece of land, during which 
Freeman struck Weedon with a grubbing-hoe 
on the head, causing his death in a few 
hours. Freeman was arrested. 

Died from being Stabbed. — In New York, 
this day. John M. Copper, the ferry-master at 
the Weehawken Ferry, died at his residence, 
No. 415 West Forty-Second Street, from the 
effects of a stab received while endeavoring 
to quell a disturbance at the ferry-house on 
the New Jersey side of the river on Sunday 
evening. The rowdies were immediately ar- 
rested, and are now confined in the Bergen 
jail. 

Fatal Jump after a Fekey-Boat. — This 
day, Peter lireen attempted to jump alter 
the Hamilton ferry-boat, in New York, after 
it had been detached from the bridge, and, 
striking his breast against the sharp edge of 
the stern, was thrown back into the water. 
He was drawn out, but was found to be se- 
riously injured, and died from the effects, at 
the hospital, to which institution he was con- 
veye i. The deceased was thirty years of 
age, and without family. 

Killing the Sufposed Seducer of a 
Wiie. — In New Orleans, on the night of this 



day, Officer George S. Howe, clerk of the 
Fourth District Police, was killed by an engi- 
neer named Joseph Williams, rest ling oa 
Chippewa Street, between Ninth and Har- 
mony. The affair is said to have grown out 
of a case of crim. con., in which Howe is 
charged with having been too intimate with 
the wife of Williams. It is reported that 
they had been very good friends up to this 
night, when Howe, having been told that 
Williams had stated that he (Howe) had 
been too intimate with his wife, went up to 
the house at ten o'clock, and, rapping at the 
door, awakened .Mrs. Williams. He asked 
the wife if Williams was in. and, she answering 
in the affirmative, he requested her to call 
him up, that he wanted to see him. Wil- 
liams, it appears, got up and let Howe in, 
and the latter, who is said to have been a 
little intoxicated, told Williams he had heard 
that he (Williams) had said that he (Howe) 
had been too intimate with his wife, and that 
any one who said so was a d — d liar. He 
had had nothing to do with Mrs. Y\ "iiliams. 
The wife states that just here Howe made a 
motion with his hand toward Williams, when 
she turned her head, and an instant after- 
ward a shot was tired and Howe fell mortally 
wounded in the side. Howe lingered until 
next morning, when he died. Williams was 
arrested by Recorder Adams and locked up 
to await the action of the coroner. 

Indian Fight in Butler. California. — 
This day. the Indians attacked the house of 
James Kenzie, where six white men were 
whom they had chased for the purpose of 
murdering. They were repulsed with the 
loss of five killed, one of whom was the chief 
of the tribe. 

The Iowa Republican State Conven- 
tion for the nomination of State officers, 
and the Congressional Convention for the 
nomination of a candidate for Congress in 
the Second District, met in Dubuque this 
day. The old State officers were nominated 
for re-election, and William Vandever was 
unanimously nominated for re-election to 
Congress. 

Attempted Suicide of a Fokgek. — This 
day. Frank Cook, alias Robinson, a resident 
of Pittsburg, who was convicted of passing 
counterfeit money, attempted to commit 
suicide by cutting the veins of his neck with 
a piece of glass. Happily, no artery had 
been sundered, and a surgeon, soon at hand, 
terminated the bleeding and bandaged the 
iucisions, upon which he was removed to 
the corridor, where he made a feeble but 
maniac-like assault upon his keepers, faint- 
ing at last from sheer loss of blood and in- 
tensity of excitement. At eleven o'clock he 
awoke from his swooning slumber, and, when 
sufficiently recalled to realize what had oc- 



444 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



curred, he tore determinedly the bandages 
from his throat, and bled again, but more 
profusely than before, — to such an extent, 
indeed, that the extremities became pallid 
and chilly and the usual premonitions of 
dissolution discovered themselves. With 
great etFort the second time the self-caused 
depletion was stopped and the hand of the 
suicide stayed; but he swore solemnly that 
he would yet take his own life rather than 
incur the disgrace of the State prison. 

Murder by a New Orleans Police- 
Officer. — The New Orleans correspondent 
of the "Police Gazette" of this date says: — 

Private Officer John Lynn, a tavern- 
keeper on Perdido Street, employed Officer 
Stanmeyer to attend to a whiskey-booth at 
the Hopkins plantation, during the annual 
"Volkfest" of the Germans. During the 
night a disturbance arose between Officer 
Stanmeyer and a party of Germans, among 
whom was John L. Conrad, a very respect- 
able young man, which resulted in Officer 
Stanmeyer's shooting and wounding Mr. 
Conrad in two places, which has since 
terminated in his death, at the Charity Hos- 
pital. 



FRIDAY, MAY 25. 

Death of the R,ev. S. F. Bucklin. — This 
day, the Rev. S. F. Bucklin died in Marl- 
borough, Mass., at the age of seventy-six. 
He had preached to the same congregation 
for nearly fifty-two years. 

Convicted of Murder. — In Camden, N. J., 
this day, the trial of David Hewitt for the 
murder of Eli Hendrickson was concluded. 
The jury remained out until half-past eleven 
o'clock a.m. on Saturday, when they ren- 
dered a verdict of "Murder in the second 
degree." 

Murderers Arrested. — In New York, this 
day, Detective Roach arrested Nathaniel Cox 
and Lawrence Cogan, who are alleged to be 
the persons who stabbed Mr. John Copper, 
the Weehawken. ferryman, on the 20th inst. 

Suicide in Corning, N.Y. — This day, B. F. 
Farnell, a clothing-merchant of Corning, N.Y., 
was found by his wife hanging by the neck, 
dead, in his own barn. Some four years 
since he attempted suicide, and was saved 
by the rope breaking. He had lately been 
depressed in spirits, which was undoubtedly 
the cause of the act. 

Suicide by Shooting. — In New York, 
this day, Valentine Dick, residing at No. 704 
Fourth Street, committed suicide by blowing 
his brains out with a pistol. The deceased 
is supposed to have been temporarily insane. 



Coroner Jackman will hold an inquest on 
the body. 

Suicide by Taking Laudanum. — In Phi- 
ladelphia, this day, Edward Murray, a 
butcher, who resided at No. 915 Auburn 
Street, Second Ward, committed suicide by 
swallowing a quantity of laudanum. The 
deceased, who leaves a family, had been 
unfortunate in business, and for some time 
was greatly depressed in spirits. On Thurs- 
day he took his children to Gloucester, and 
upon his return his wife asked him if he 
would go with them the next day, to which 
he replied that he had taken them out for 
the last time. It was feared from this that 
he intended to destroy his life, and he was 
watched. He left home, and while out 
obtained laudanum, which he took un- 
perceived, and lay down on his return. 
When a member of his family went to call 
him, he was found dead. The coroner held 
an inquest on the body. Verdict, "Suicide 
by taking laudanum." 

Dreadful Tragedy in Warren County, 
Miss. — A Husband Attempts to Kill his 
Wife, but whilst so doing is Killed him- 
self. — This day, a dreadful tragedy wa8 
enacted in Warren co., Miss. A Mr. Lafayette 
Lee attempted to murder his wife and a Mr. 
Flowers, and whilst so doing was himself 
shot dead by that gentleman. The Vicks- 
burg "Sun'' gives the following account of 
this terrible tragedy : — 

A few years ago Mr. Lafayette Lee was 
married to a young lady of this county, Miss 
Hicks, and remained for some time at the 
re>idence of his wife's father. In a short 
time Lee gave unmistakable evidence of 
being dissatisfied, and treated his young 
wife unkindly. A temporary separation took 
place, during which time Mrs. Lee remained 
at her father's house until a reconciliation 
was effected. Lee a few months ago went 
to Hazelhurst for the purpose of teaching 
school. He was unsuccessful, and finally 
returned to this county and solicited the 
assistance of Mr. Flowers, who was a re- 
lative. Mr. Flowers generously tendered 
the hospitalities of his house to Lee and his 
wife, who accepted them. Mr. Flowers fre- 
quently saw enough to convince him that 
Lee treated his wife unkindly, and remon- 
strated with him, and urged him to make 
some exertions to support his family, 
offering to extend assistance to him in any 
laudable effort. 

On Thursday last Mrs. Lee expressed an 
anxiety to see her mother, and a wish to 
visit her mother if she could obtain con- 
veyance. Mr. Flowers informed her that 
his carriage was at her service for that pur- 
pose whenever she wished it. Lee remarked 
that she should not go, and threatened to 
kill her if she did so. Having been re- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



445 



peatedly threatened by him in a like manner, 
she did not appear alarmed. On Friday 
the subject was again alluded to, and Lee 
persisted in his threats. Shortly after, 
■while Mr. and Mrs. Flowers and Mr. and 
Mrs. Lee were together in the drawing- 
room, the report of a pistol was heard, and 
Mrs. Lee started convulsively, exclaiming 
that she was shot. Mr. Flowers immediately 
caught heron his left arm'and supported her 
sinking form. Lee now advanced and fired 
again at his wife and once at Mr. Flowers. 
Mrs. Lee by this time had sunk nearly to 
the floor, supported by the left arm of Mr. 
Flowers, who drew a revolver from his 
pocket, and, partially turning, fired five 
times (over his shoulder) at Lee. Each ball 
took effect in the face of Lee, — one near the 
right temple, one near the middle of the fore- 
head, one near the left temple, one in the 
jaw, and the other just above the mouth. 
Lee fell and died immediately. 

The wound inflicted upon Mrs. Lee was of 
a most dangerous character. The ball en- 
tered just above the right breast, ranging 
down to the waist, and coming out near 
the spine. At last accounts she was in a 
most critical condition. 

The conduct of Mr. Flowers in this me- 
lancholy affair meets with the fullest com- 
mendation from the community. The noble 
manner in which he went to the aid of Mrs. 
Lee to protect her from the murderous fire 
of one who had sworn to love and cherish, 
exhibited moral and physical courage which 
is seldom to be met with ; while the prompt, 
terrible, and just punishment of the cow- 
ardly ruffian calls forth our highest ad- 
miration. 

Mr. Flowers occupies the very highest 
rank in position and character, as an honor- 
able, generous, and high-minded gentleman, 
beloved and respected by all who know him ; 
and no one regrets more than he docs the 
necessity which caused him to deprive a 
human being of life. We have conversed 
with many persons on this subject, and all 
unite in commending his conduct. Below 
will be found the verdict of the coroner's 
jury :— 

"We, the jury, upon a full and fair in- 
vestigation of the facts, and upon examina- 
tion of witnesses, do find that Lafayette 
Lee came to his death from pistol-wounds 
inflicted by U. G. Flowers, on the 25th day 
of May, I860, at the residence of said U. G. 
Flowers, in Warren county, in the necessary 
defence of himself and Mrs. Lee, the wife 
of the deceased. And furthermore state as 
our opinion that Mr. Flowers was not only 
justifiable, but entirely commendable, in 
acting as he did." 

A Colored Boy Killed by the Cars. — 
In Kent co., (Del.,) this day, a colored boy, 
indentured to Mr. George Leonard, between 



fifteen and sixteen years of age, was run 
over by the train going north on the De- 
laware Railroad, when near Williams's Side- 
ling, about three miles north of Salisbury. 
He had been sent to the place to keep the 
cattle off the track, but, instead of attending 
to his duty, he lay down on the track and 
went to sleep. The road has a very short 
curve at the point where he was; and hence 
the engineer did not see him until it was 
too late. Both legs were cut off, and the 
lower part of his body was badly mashed. 

An Old Man Killed by a Railroad-Train. 
— In Port Chester, N.Y., this day, an old man, 
apparently between sixty and seventy years 
of age, and who seemed to be a poor va- 
grant, either threw himself, or fell, from the 
platform upon the track of the New Haven 
Railroad, just after the seven o'clock train 
(Bacon's) had started. The train was im- 
mediately stopped, but not in time to save 
him from being struck and killed. No blame 
is imputed to the engineer. 

Man Killed. — At Fordham, N.Y., this 
day, Edmund Desmond had both legs cut 
off by a Harlem Railroad-train, and died on 
the train while being brought to New York. 

Fatal Railroad-Accident. — This day, 
Lawrence Rourke, of New York, was in- 
stantly killed, in New Haven, by the even- 
ing express-train from New York. 

Unknown Man Found Drowned. — In New 
York, this day, the body of an unknown 
man, about thirty-five years of age. was found 
floating in the water at the foot of Thirty- 
Eighth Street, East River. Coroner Schirmer 
held an inquest upon the body, when the 
jury rendered a verdict of '•Supposed 
drowning." Deceased was about five feet 
eleven inches in height, was dressed in the 
garb of a laborer, and appeared to have been 
in the water about three or four months. 

Found Drowned. — In Brooklyn, N.Y., 
this day, the body of an unknown man was 
found floating in the water at the foot of 
Elizabeth Street. It appeared to be that 
of a person about fifty years of age. The 
hair was gray. The clothing consisted of a 
brown sack coat, ribbed mixed cassimere 
pantaloons, black satinet striped vest, silk 
neck-tie, white cotton shirt, gray woollen 
socks, and shoes. Had been in the water 
about a month. 

Killed by Lightning. — Miss Mary Book- 
out, daughter of Wright Bookout, near Cal- 
houn, Ga., was killed by lightning during the 
thunder-storm this day. She was standing 
near a spring, when the lightning struck a 
tree near by. Two other members of the 
family were slightly injured. 



44G 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



Fall of a Building. — Laborers Buried 
in the Ruins. — In New York, this day, while 
the laborers at work in tearing down the 
building No. 625 Broadway, a short distance 
above Houston Street, and opposite Laura 
Keene's theatre, were employed on the front 
wall, a portion of the brick-work gave way 
and fell with a crash to the sidewalk, bury- 
ing in the ruins four men, named Patrick 
Monahan, James Sullivan, T. Donahue, and 
A. Monks. 

Officers George Young and James D. Cen- 
ter, of the Broadway squad, arriving in a 
phoi't time, managed, with the assistance of 
others, to extricate the sufferers from the 
ruins and see that their cases were attended 
to. Monahan and Sullivan were taken out 
senseless and found to be dangerously 
injured. 

The building was three stories high, and 
was owned by H. W. Derby, of the Dusseldorf 
Gallery. The contract for tearing it down 
belonged to Mr. B. H. Camp, who gave the 
charge of the job to Mr. J. J. Hull, a mason, 
who, in turn, let out the carpenter-work to 
the firm of Stammers & Co. 

The New York "Herald" says: — 

It is stated that some unpleasant feeling 
existed between the two "bosses." The 
mason did not think that the carpenter 
worked fast enough, and, feeling indignant 
at being hindered, he declared that he would 
not keep his men waiting for the carpenters, 
but would continue at the brick-work if all 
the wooden portion of the building fell down 
of its own volition merely for want of support. 

They went to work heedlessly removing 
the stone-work, causing the wall to fall as 
above stated. It was also stated by the 
officers that, although one man was being 
dragged from the ruins when they arrived 
at the place, still the principal part of the 
laborers kept at work as before, and it was 
with the greatest difficulty that they could 
im luce the overseers to allow their men to 
help in the necessary attentions to the 
wounded persons. 

The Eescue of Capt. Farnum. — In Sa- 
vannah, (Ga.,) this day, Messrs. Lamar, 
Styles, Middleton, and Hone pleaded guilty in 
the Federal Court on the charge of rescuing 
Capt. Farnum. The case against Lamar for 
holding African slaves was postponed till 
Monday. The jury in the case of Farnum 
stood eleven for acquittal and one for convic- 
tion. 

Missouri Congressman Nominated. — In 
Missouri, this day, the Democratic Conven- 
tion for the Second Congressional District 
nominated Hon. John B. Henderson for Con- 
gress, to succeed Hon. Thomas L. Anderson. 
At the same time and place the Opposition 
Convention nominated James A. Rollins for 
Congress. 



The Japanese Ambassadors dine with 
the President. — This day, the eight prin- 
cipal Japanese dined with the President, in 
company with the Naval Commission, mem- 
bers of the Cabinet and their wives, and 
other invited guests, to the number of about 
thirty-eight. 

Arms for Alabama. — The Richmond 
"Whig" of this date says: — Gov. Moore, of, 
Alabama, arrived in this city on AVednesday, 
and sojourned at the Exchange Hotel. He 
is proceeding to the North to contract for a 
limited quantity of arms for the use of the 
Alabama militia. The purchase of the entire 
complement required will be deferred until a 
manufactory of arms is established in one 
of the Southern States. 

Gen. Houston Accepting the Nomina- 
tion to the Presidency. — The following 
is General Houston's second letter accepting 
the nomination made in May, on the battle- 
ground of San Jacinto : — 

Austin, Texas, May 24, 1860. 

In reply to your letter of the 14th inst., I 
will say that I have responded to the people 
at San Jacinto, and consented to let my name 
go before the country as the people's candi- 
date for President. 

In yielding to the call of my fellow-citi- 
zens of Texas, in June last, to become a can- 
didate for Governor, I said: — 

" The Constitution and the Union embrace 
the only principle by which I will be go- 
verned if elected. They comprehend all the 
old Jackson national democracy I ever pro- 
fessed or officially practised." 

These have ever guided my action. I have 
no new principles to announce. 

Sam Houston. 

Killed by Lightning. — The night of this 
day. the house of Wm. H. Hoffecker, in Ray- 
mond's Neck, Kent co., Delaware, was struck 
by lightning, and a man named James Sawyer 
instantly killed while lying in his bed. 
Immediately after the shock a negro boy 
gave the alarm that the house had been 
struck and was on fire. After investigation, 
this was, fortunately, found to be untrue. 
Mr. Hoffecker, on concluding his search in 
the part indicated by the boy, went to the 
room occupied by Sawyer, and called several 
times ; but, receiving no answer, and knowing 
his aversion to being disturbed after going 
to bed, and thinking that he was in one of 
his "moods," he left without forcing an 
entrance. On Sawyer's being called on the 
following morning, and no answer given, the 
door was forced, and deceased found as above 
stated, dead, with his hands folded across his 
breast. He was between forty and fifty years 
of age, and without family. 

The window was found broken in, the 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



447 



chimney and ceiling considerably torn by the 
power of the electric shock, and a portion 
of the plastering had fallen on the body of the 
deceased, producing a slight abrasion of the 
skin upon the forehead. 

Adoption of Resolutions declaring 
that no Necessity Exists fob the Protec- 
tion of Slavery in the Territories. — This 
day? Mr. Clingman's resolution that no neces- 
sity now exists for the intervention of Con- 
gress to protect slave property in the Territo- 
ries was adopted by yeas 25, nays 23, as 
follows : — 

Yeas. — Messrs. Bigler, Bingham, Bragg, 
Chandler, Clingrnan, Collamer, Crittenden, 
Dixon, Doolittle, Foot, Grimes, Hale, Hamlin, 
Harlan, Johnson of Tennessee, Kennedy, 
Latham, Polk, Pugh, Simmons, Ten Eyck, 
Toombs, Trumbull, Wade, and Wilson. 

A'ui/s. — Messrs. Benjamin, Bright, Brown, 
Chestnut, Clay, Davis, Fitzpatrick, Green, 
Hammond, Hunter, Iverson, Lane, Mallory, 
Mason, Nicholson, Pearce, Powell, Rice, 
Saulsbury, Sebastian, Slidell, Wigfall, and 
Yulee. 

Direct Southern Trade with Europe. 
— The New Orleans "Picayune'' of this date 
says : — 

Among the visitors to our city, arrived this 
morning from Mobile, is M. Blondeel von 
Cuelebroeck, Minister from the King of Bel- 
gium to the United States, whose particular 
mission is to promote a direct trade between 
the cotton-ports of the South and the Belgian 
ports. We learn that his plans have been 
entered into very heartily by the people of 
Mobile, and that a line is about to be esta- 
blished between Mobile and Brussels. M. 
Blondeel is an experienced diplomatist, in the 
service of the sagacious Leopold. He has 
been a great traveller in his time, and pro- 
poses, we learn, to extend his tour in this 
country up the Mississippi and into the Far 
West. ' 

New Telegraph-Line. — News of this date 
from California says that Chai-les Street and 
six other gentlemen have formed a company, 
with a capital stock of $350,000, for the pur- 
pose of building a telegraph-line from San 
Francisco to Fort Yuba, via San Jose, Gilroy, 
and Los Angeles, and a branch to Monterey. 

Mayor of Utica. — This day, De Witt G. 
Grove, editor of " The Daily Observer," was 
elected Mayor of Utica by the Common 
Council. 



SATURDAY, MAY 26. 

Dreadful Case of the Violation of a 
Young Girl, and her Subsequent Degra- 
dation. — -In New York, this day, Captain 
Hartt, of the New York Police, succeeded in 



finding a young girl named Margaret Quinn, 
in a house of prostitution, who had aban- 
doned the home of her mother. The ••Tri- 
bune" gives the following account of the 
affair : — 

A note was received at the Mayor's office 
on Friday, stating that a young girl named 
Margaret Quinn, the daughter of a respect- 
able woman living near Quarantine, Staten 
Island, had been enticed to New York, and that 
she was known to have been in a low house 
of prostitution at No. 8 Morris Street. ( lapt. 
Hartt took the matter in hand, and sent 
several officers to find the girl. They re- 
turned on Saturday with the report that she 
was at No. 64 James Street, a house of similar 
character. They also ascertained that the 
girl had been enticed from home and brought 
to this city by an abandoned procuress, a 
German woman by the name of Ems, the wife 
of an emigrant-runner, who had effected the 
girl's ruin by representing that she was a 
washerwoman, in which guise she visited 
and became intimate with Margaret, who was 
then engaged as servant at Petear's Hotel. 
Margaret was brought to the City Hall, where 
she related her experience. She had been 
induced to go to the house in Morris Street 
by the representation of Mrs. Ems that she 
was smart, and could earn a great deal more 
money and more pleasantly as servant there 
than at the hotel. When she got there she 
was kept closely imprisoned for two days, at 
the expiration of which time she was visited 
by a man, who succeeded, contrary to her 
will, and notwithstanding her efforts and 
screams, in violating her person. It was 
also ascertained that the woman Ems was a 
professional procuress, and made it a busi- 
ness to go out as washerwoman for the sole 
purpose of enticing girls to particular houses, 
from which profession she derived a consi- 
derable income. In the present case she got 
$6 for the first house to which she bartered 
the girl, and as much for the second, after 
which Margaret fell out with her and went 
where she pleased. She (Margaret.) staved 
six or seven weeks in a notorious dance- 
house called "The Flag of Our Union," in 
James Street, as the mistress of one Johnny 
Peck, after which she fell in with a sailor, 
with whom she lived at the place where the 
officers found her. She had finally become so 
degraded that she did not wish to change the 
mode of life she had fallen into, even at the 
request of her mother. 

Despatch from our Minister in China. 
— The Coolie-Trade and American Ves- 
sels. — It was this day announced that our 
Minister in China has thought the conduct 
of the captains of the ships Messenger, 
Kitty Simpson, Governor Morton, and Pio- 
neer, as connected with the coolie-traffic, — 
thus seriously affecting our relations with 
that empire, — of sufficient importance to 



448 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



make it the subject-matter of a special de- 
spatch to our Government. 

The attention of the governor-general has 
been directed to the undisputed fact that the 
Chinese were taken on board their vessels, 
lying at Whampoa, by force or fraud, against 
a positive rule at Port Canton that they 
should be shipped only at that place. 

Minister Ward says no American house 
will have any connection with the traffic; 
but. unfortunately, ready agents are found 
among the English and other merchants of 
Hong-Kong. American vessels are chartered 
by the subjects of other Governments, and 
so odious has the traffic become by recent 
transactions that other Governments have 
cither forbidden their vessels to be engaged 
in it, or so restrained and regulated it as to 
throw it almost entirely into the hands of 
Americans. 

Mr. Ward expresses the earnest hope that 
Congress will pass a law to punish such 
offenci s, which obstruct the faithful execu- 
tion of our treaty-stipulations. He says the 
horrors of the coolie-traffic, as conducted at 
Whampoa, cannot be properly described 
within the limits of a despatch. The kid- 
napping grievance has become so intolerable 
that the governor-general has been aroused 
to a and at Canton rewards have been 

again i ffered for the heads of foreigners. 

The bill which Mr. Elliot has introduced 
into the House, for the remedy of the evil, 
so far as American shipmasters are con- 
cerned, is in accordance with the views of 
the State Department. 

Heavy Gust at Washington, D.C. — The 
afternoon of this clay, a storm of thunder, 
lightning, rain, and wind burst upon Wash- 
ington, D.C. The rain fell in torrents, and 
the force of the wind was such as to pros- 
trate trees and fences, tearing away roofs 
and chimneys and lining a large amount of 
damage. A schooner was driven against 
the Long Bridge, forcing the trestle-work 
out. of its place and rendering the bridge 
unsafe for heavy loads. An unfinished 
building was also levelled, the workmen 
barely escaping the falling walls. Senator 
Douglas's house was unroofed, and nearly 
all his tine furniture spoiled. 

Highway-Robbery of a Stage. — In Ca- 
lifornia, this day, the Iowa Hill stage was 
robbed of $11,000, in charge of Wells, Fargo 
\ i o.'s Express, by six highwaymen. 

Cataleptic Fit. — This day, a man had a 
cataleptic fit in a street in Louisville. He 
was walking along, apparently unconcerned 
as to affairs of this world, and suddenly 
became transfixed. At first nothing was 
thought of it, but his singular attitude soon 
drew the attention of a number of persons, 
and finally a great crowd gathered. The 



individual stood unmoved for two hours and 
a half, and at last was taken to the hospital. 
This is a novel occurrence, and one we have 
never heard of before in this country. Me- 
dical works record a few such cases in 
France. 

Singular and Serious Accident with 
Ammonia. — In Detroit, (Mich.,) this day, Dr. 
J. W. Kermott met with a dreadful accident 
while handling a bottle of ammonia, of which 
the Detroit "Free Press" gives the following 
account: — 

Dr. J. W. Kermott, of this city, met with 
a somewhat singular accident on Saturday 
night, which nearly cost him his life, and 
may yet result in the permanent, loss of his 
sight. He was engaged in his laboratory, 
preparing a prescription for a patient, who 
was fortunately in the room waiting for it. 
The prescription called for some aqua am- 
monia, and the doctor took a fresh bottle 
from a top shelf, which he proceeded to 
open. He had removed the kid witli which 
the stopper was secured, and also the wax 
about the mouth of the bottle, when the 
stopper suddenly flew out, filling the room 
instantly with the gas. Some of the liquid 
also flew upward, lodging in the face and 
eyes of the doctor. He was almost suffo- 
cated with the strong fumes of the ammonia, 
and had nearly fallen, when he was caught, by 
the patient, who dragged him from the room. 
For two hours he remained perfectly insen- 
sible, though every appliance was brought 
to bear to restore him. He is still lying in 
a critical state, though hopes are entertained 
of his recovery. He is not yet able to see, 
and it is feared that his sight will never be 
fully restored. He speaks with great diffi- 
culty, the organs of the throat being badly 
inflamed. 

This accident has no precedent, so far as 
we are aware. Ammonia in a liquid state 
lias never heretofore been considered explo- 
sive, and the only cause that has been as- 
signed for this case is that the bottle had 
remained for some length of time on a shelf 
close to the ceiling of the room, where it was 
affected by the heat. 

Large Fire at San Antonio, Texas. — 
This day, a fire occurred in the Government 
storage-buildings in San Antonio, Texas, and 
destroyed property worth $75,000. 

Death of the Hon. Asa Whitehead. — 
The Hon. Asa Whitehead died, this day, at 
Newark, N.J. He was born in Livingston, 
New Jersey, in 1795. He studied law with 
Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen. In 1819, he 
was appointed Clerk of the county of Essex 
by the Governor of New Jersey, to fill the 
vacancy caused by the death of his father, 
Silas AVhitehead, and at the subsequent 
meeting of the Legislature he was elected 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



449 



for the term of five years, and subsequently 
re-elected, holding the office until 1829. Iu 
1833-34, Mr. Whitehead was elected to the 
House of Assembly from the county of 
Essex. In 1840, he was chosen as a 
torial delegate to the National Whig Conven- 
tion which met at Harrisburg. In 1848, he 
was elected a State Senator from the county 
of Essex. In the memorable contest for the 
Chancellorship, Gov. Newell nominated him 
for that position. In politics Mr. Whitehead 
was a Whig. Upon the organization of the 
Republican party he was one of its firmest 
defenders, and presided over the great meet- 
ing at Newark which ratified the nomination 
of Fremont and Dayton. Mr. Whitehead 
was among the first projectors of the South 
Park Presbyterian Church, of which he has 
been a liberal supporter. From the day of 
its organization this Church has had in him 
a pillar and ornament, and he never shrank 
from any tax upon his purse or energies. 
He was, until within two years, a teacher in 
its Sabbath-school. His position at the bar 
of New Jersey has been a leading one for 
twenty years. 

Fatal Result. — Wm. T. Person, who was 
shot at Stony Creek, Sussex county. Va., on 
Thursday List, by his former overseer, John 
Murrell, whom he had attempted to cane, 
died this day. 

Arrest of a Suspected Murdtcrer. — 
Some time since, a pedlar, named Briscoe, 
left New Orleans, La., on a professional 
tour, in company with Israel Prince. Soon 
after, Briscoe's body Avas found in the woods 
near Grossc Tete, with the throat cut. 
Prince was arrested this day, with $175 in 
his possession, and Briscoe's license, by the 
New Orleans police, and, after an examina- 
tion, was committed for trial for murder. 

Found Drowned. — In Philadelphia, this 
day, the following bodies were found floating 
iu the Delaware, viz. : — 

The body of an unknown white man was 
found At Spruce Street wharf. It had been 
in the water some time. Deceased was 
dressed in black overcoat, brown striped 
pants, and two striped shirts. He was about 
five feet six inches high. 

The body of a boy was found in the Dela- 
ware, at Queen Street wharf, which proved 
•to be that of a son of Capt. May, residing in 
Front Street, below Christian. The child 
wandered from his home on Friday evening. 

The body of Charles Wyland, between 
seven and eight years old, who was drowned 
in the Delaware, near Chestnut Street wharf, 
on the Sunday previous, was found neat- 
Spruce Street wharf. 

The body of an unknown man was found 
in the Delaware, at Reed Street wharf. The 
deceased had on dark cloth overcoat and 



2'J 



pants, and in his pocket was a receipt for 
coal of Spencer & Roberts. 

Shocking Death of a Young Lady. — The 
afternoon of this day, at the satinet- factory 
of F. M. Bardwell & Co., South Belchertown, 
Mass., Henrietta Fuller, eighteen years of 
age, a weaver, was caught by her dress in 
the machinery, and carried around at the 
rate of one hundred revolutions per minute. 
With every revolution her head struck against 
the strong iron frame-work which supported 
the regulator, crushing her forehead .and 
forcing* her eyes from their sockets, while 
her body and limbs were shockingly mangled 
and broken. The cask and the ceiling were 
covered with the marks of the catastrophe, 
and the body was so firmly bound to .the 
shaft that her steel skirts were cut with 
chisels before she could be liberated. Her 
death was almost instantaneous. 

Killed on a Railroad. — In Philadelphia, 
this day, Michael McDonnell died from in- 
juries received on the Girard Avenue Rail- 
road. The jury rendered the following ver- 
dict : — "That the death of Michael McDonnell 
was caused by injuries received from being 
run over by car No. 6, of the Girard Avenue 
Railroad Company, on the 2'2d of May, in 
Girard Avenue, above Twelfth Street ; the 
occurrence being attributable to the careless 
driving of Lewis Radcliffe, the driver of the 
car." 

Singular Case of Drowning of a Child. 
— This day, in New York, Amelia Horsfall, a 
child about seven years old, was drowned at t he 
foot of North Moore Street, under somewhat 
singular circumstances. Deceased, it ap- 
peared, was gathering some chips at the 
edge of the pier during the progress of the 
storm, when a sudden gust of wind struck 
her and precipitated her into the water, 
where, after struggling a few seconds, she 
sunk to rise no more. The body of the un- 
fortunate child was recovered some hours 
after and taken to the residence of her 
parents. 

Scalded to Death. — In New York, this 
day, David Hurley, a native of Ireland, aged 
forty years, died from the effects of scalds 
received by falling into a vessel of boiling 
water while engaged at work in Thirty-Ninth 
Street, near Fifth Avenue. 

Supposed Fatal Stabbing by Three 
Ruffians. — In Richmond, Va., the night of 
this day, William H. Roby, Charles Gaylord, 
and George Penly Wilson stabbed William 
Gibbin and left him in a dying condition. 
They were arrested. 

The Weymouth Poisoning-Case. — This 
day, the coroner's investigation at Weymouth, 



450 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



in the case of Mary Tirrell, another of the 
alleged victims of Hersey, elucidated the 
fact that she came to her death by corrosive 
sublimate. It is supposed that the poison 
was administered at different times and 
in small doses. Hersey frequently visited 
the apothecary-shops in the region where 
he lived. 

Diabolical Scheme of Bobbery and 
Murder. — The Richmond (Ya.) '"Dispatch"' 
of this date says : — 

An affair has come to light in this city within 
a day or two, which makes one's blood/un cold 
to think of. A young man, employed by two 
lumber-merchants, in order to get possession 
of $600 in money, conspired with a negro 
to rob and murder one of his employers, and 
the foul deed was only prevented by the negro's 
courage failing him when required to strike 
the fatal blow. The facts, as we understand 
-them, are these. A young man in the employ 
of R. H. Whitlock & Son, knowing that Mr. 
Charles Whitlock lodged in his office, and 
that he had often large sums of money in 
his iron safe, bargained with a negro man to 
rob the safe, and, if necessary, murder Mr. 
Whitlock. Finding that Mr. Whitlock had 
deposited $600 in his safe a few evenings 
since, the young man alluded to left the 
window-blind unfastened. At a late hour 
that night, after arming the negro with an 
axe, the two repaired to the office to accom- 
plish their murderous design. On trying 
the blind, and finding that Mr. Whitlock had 
discovered its condition and fastened it, the 
clerk told the negro that they would have to 
shed blood to get the money. He thereupon 
placed the negro at the side of the door, 
armed with an axe, saying that he would 
bring Mr. Whitlock out by throwing a stone 
against the house, when the negro was to 
kill him. The white man was then to get 
the key, open the safe, secure the money, 
and divide it equally. The negro took the 
position assigned him, but when the white 
man threw the stone the negro retreated, ran 
off, and told his overseer, who communicated 
the tacts to Mr. Whitlock. The day after, 
Mr. Whitlock, in the presence of others, 
charged his clerk with the conspiracy to 
murder ; and, on his being confronted -with 
the negro, he confessed all and sued for par- 
don. Strange as it may appear. Mr. Whit- 
lock forgave this would-be murderer and 
robber, and turned him loose upon the world, 
" unwhipt of justice," and probably to im- 
brue his hands in the blood of some innocent 
man. We have not given the name of the 
offender, because an effort has been made to 
keep it from the public ; but if he is to be 
found in the Commonwealth there is very 
little doubt that he will yet be brought to 
trial for the offence. 

Drowning of Charles S. Bell. — Was 



drowned, this day, while bathing in the Red 
River, near De Kalb, Bowie county, Texas, 
Charles S. Bell, eldest son and only remain- 
ing child of Commodore Charles H. Bell, 
U.S.N., in the thirty-fourth year of his age. 
Mr. Bell, at the time of his death, was 
engaged as civil engineer on the Memphis 
& El Paso Railroad, Texas. 



SUNDAY, MAY 27. 

Death of a Desperado. — Robert H. Bow- 
ers, a reckless and desperate character, who 
had recently served out a sentence in the 
penitentiary for counterfeiting, induced Eliza 
Paine, a young and pretty girl, of Cleveland, 
Ohio, to go riding with him, on the 18th of 
May, when he brutally assaulted her and 
violated her person. The night of this day, 
Bowers met Thomas Paine, a brother of the 
girl he had treated so infamously, and a fight 
at once began, during which Bowers was 
stabbed, and died the following evening from 
the wound. Paine made his escape. 

Found Drowned. — At Staten Island, 
N.Y., this day, Mr. Robert Heslewood, the 
coroner of Richmond county, held an inquest 
on the body of a man which was picked 
up in the bay, near the lighthouse, and was 
brought into Quarantine by Edward Lawler 
and James Standford. The body seemed to 
have been in the water about three months ; 
was five feet seven or eight inches in height, 
had on a black or dark mixed thick coat, 
lined with cloth, with a ribbed cotton velvet 
collar, black cloth vest, black silk neck-tie, 
dark brown striped cassimere pants, new 
footed sewed boots, white cotton socks, white 
cotton shirt, plaited front, and a white Mar- 
seilles collar, drab wove undershirt, and 
elastic suspenders. Was slim built, had 
good teeth, low forehead, and small head. 
The body being somewhat decomposed, it 
was impossible to judge of his age. The 
hair must have been very dark. There were 
on his person two pocket-diaries, one for 
1859 and one for I860, some small change, 
and a note signed W. S. Church, at one year, 
dated Albany, Dec. 15, 1857, in favor of 
Gerardus B. Gunton, for $150. A post- 
mortem examination was held by Dr. James 
Harcourt, associated with Dr. A. N. Gunn, 
the Health-Officer, who found no marks of 
violence. Verdict, " Death by drowning." 

Killed by Falling Down-Stairs. — In 
New York, this day, Mary Larkin died at 
Bellevue Hospital, from the effects of injuries 
received by falling down a flight of stairs at 
her late residence, No. 575 First Avenue. 

Death of a Lady One Hundred and Six 
Years Old. — This day, at her residence, near 
Paterson, N.J., Mrs. Maria Post expired, at 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTEK. 



451 



the advanced age of one hundred and six years. 
She was born in that neighborhood in 175-4, 
and at the age of twenty-two married Captain 
Post, an officer in the American army, with 
whom she lived till 1847, when he died, aged 
ninety-seven years. Forty of her descend- 
ants, including several great-great-grand- 
children, and a daughter eighty-one years 
old, attended Mrs. Post's funeral. 

Death from Burning-Fluid. — In New 
York, this day, Francisca Nickeinber, a 
native of Germany, aged thirty-three years, 
died, at No. 18 Leonard Street, from the effects 
of burns accidentally received by the ex- 
plosion of a lighted burning-fluid lamp upon 
her person. 

Drowned. — This day, the body of a young 
man, named James F. Jones, formerly of 
Smyrna, Delaware, was found in the river at 
Montgomery, Alabama. He was a coach- 
maker, and worked in the latter place. His 
remains were decently interred. 

Loss- of the Ship R. M. Mills. — This 
day, ship R. M. Mills, Sturgess, of Augusta, 
Maine, from Ardrossan for Genoa, was lost 
in the Bay of Biscay-. She sprung a leak 
and hoisted a signal of distress. The schooner 
Stork, Fitzwalter, was passing, saw the sig- 
nals, bore up, and with his own boat (all the 
ship's being stove but one) rescued the ladies, 
the captain, officers and crew, and brought 
them into London : the residue were taken 
off by the Douro steamer and carried to Lis- 
bon. The ship was left nearly on her beam- 
ends and fast going down. There was $8000 
insurance in Providence on her, equally 
divided between the American and Roger 
Williams offices. The R. M. Mills was an 
A 1 J vessel, of six hundred and seventy-three 
tons burden, and was owned in Augusta, 
Maine, where she was built in 1854. 

Iron-Foundry Burned. — This day, an 
iron-foundry was destroyed by fire at South- 
old, Long Island, N.Y. The loss was esti- 
mated at $28,000. Insured in four New York 
offices for $20,000,— $5000 each. The fire 
is supposed to have been the work of an in- 
cendiary. There was a large amount of 
stock and finished work in the building : of 
one article, registers, it is said there was 
$5000 worth. 

Church Burned in Waltham, (Mass.) — 
The night of this day, an incendiary fire at 
Waltham destroyed the Episcopal church. 
Loss, $12,000 : partly insured. 

Destructive Fire at Monson, (Me.) — 
This day, the village of Monson, Piscataquis 
county, was almost entirely destroyed by 
fire. About forty buildings were burned, 
including the only ohurch, two public houses, 



post-office, stores, &c. The fire caught in a 
stable connected with the Monson House. 

Burning of the Steamer Peerless. — 
The steamer Peerless was burned, this day, 
at the levee in New Orleans. She was built 
only a year ago, and cost $42,000. There 
was an insurance of $20,000 upon her in 
Pittsburg offices. 

Fire at Ashland, (Mass.) — The night of 
this day, the paper-factory of Haven & 
Morse, at Ashland, was burned. Loss, 
It was insured. 



Destruction of the Long Wharf. — In 
Boston, the night of this day. the north end 
of the Long Wharf, which was being repaired, 
slid into the dock, destroying a stone sea- 
wall sixty feet long, and an earth embank- 
ment twenty feet in depth. Damage, $20,000. 

Fire in Crescent City, (Cal.) — This 
day, a fire broke out in Crescent City, which 
was the work of an incendiary. The fire 
was discovered bursting out of the upper 
story of the old Crescent City Saloon, situ- 
ated on Front, between F and G Streets: and, 
as the buildings were principally old wooden 
structures, the flames made rapid progress, 
soon laying the entire block in ashes. There 
was little or no wind at the time, to which 
fortunate circumstance is due the preserva- 
tion of the town. The following is a list of 
the principal sufferers : — Gordon & Dickin- 
son, grocers, loss $2500 ; J. Wall, loss on 
buildings, $2500; Norton, do., $1000; Jur- 
don, do., $300; Jasper Houck, Oriental 
Hotel, $4000; Dr. Miller, $250; Mr. Stew- 
art, $200. Total loss, $10,750, on which 
there was not a dollar insured. 

Robbery of $8000 worth of Jewelry. — 
In Boston, this day, one of the most exten- 
sive and successful store-robberies took 
place that has occurred for several years. 
It was executed with a dexterity only sur- 
passed by its wholesale nature. The place 
and particulars are as follows: — 

The store robbed was that of Josiah 
Gooding, No. 83 Washington Street, Joy's 
Building, near the head of State Street. 
The robbery was committed some time be- 
tween nine o'clock a.m. and six o'clock p.m. 
The burglar or burglars entered the store 
by the front door, by means of false keys. 
There were two locks on the door, each of 
which was turned by keys. The rogues, 
having gained entrance, proceeded to select 
the most valuable and portable of the stock, 
which they packed up and carried away. In 
their exit they took the back door, which 
leads to the circular portion of the building. 
To accomplish this, they removed a bar, slid 
two bolts, and used such force as was neces- 
sary. This door they left unlocked. The 



452 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



front door they took the precaution to lock, 
in order, doubtless, that they might insure 
a more successful plunder. 

The store was robbed of about $8000 
worth of goods, more than half the stock on 
hand, which, however, had been reduced 
considerably of late by sales. 

Among the articles stolen were about one 
hundred gold watches, very valuable, and 
about forty silver watches, the whole valued 
at about $5000 ; three diamond pins' worth 
$100 each ; from seventy-five to one hun- 
dred gold vest-chains ; about the same num- 
ber of ladies' neck-chains, the latter very 
long ; two entire trays of ladies' finger- 
rings ; one tray of gentlemen's seal-rings ; 
and a variety of other articles, including, as 
before remarked, the choicest portion of Mr. 
Gooding's goods. The stock was all in cases 
upon the counters, and the robbers there- 
fore had no difficulty in making the plunder 
after effecting an entrance. In fact, there 
was apparently but little difficulty in accom- 
plishing the whole robbery, though the time 
chosen was judged with a successful pru- 
dence. 

The robbery was unquestionably commit- 
ted by parties who were familiar with the 
premises, and not only this, but with the 
customs of those in the establishment. The 
store is never without an occupant except 
during the hour of service on Sunday, when 
the clerks are permitted to attend church. 
This fact must have been known to the ope- 
rators, as at no other time could a robbery 
have been achieved. 

As yet there has been no clew to the affair. 
It was not discovered until about six p.m., 
on the return of the clerks. One of the 
young men was suspected, but without 
foundation, as his absence was satisfactorily 
accounted for, he having taken a ride into 
the vicinity with his landlady. The police, 
upon being informed of the robbery, at once 
took all possible measures for the discovery 
of the guilty parties. 



MONDAY, MAY 28. 

Abandonment by the Government of 
the Prosecution in relation to the 
Slave-Yacht Wanderer. — In Savannah, 
Georgia, this day, upon the opening of the 
court in the forenoon, Mr. Justice Wayne 
alone on the bench, Mr. C. A. L. Lamar was 
arraigned on a bill of indictment for holding 
as a slave an African of the cargo of the 
Wanderer. A jury was empanelled without 
difficulty, and a number of witnesses were 
examined on the part of the United States, 
when at two o'clock the court adjourned 
until four o'clock p.m. 

Upon its convening at that hour, the Dis- 
trict-Attorney, Mr. Couper, rose and an- 
nounced that in consequence of the con- 



struction which his honor had given to the 
sixth section of the Act of 1818, and the in- 
timations thrown out by the court as to the 
insufficiency of the evidence introduced by 
the prosecution to connect the defendant, 
Mr. Lamar, with the Wanderer, he felt it 
would be useless to go further in the case. 
Mr. Couper then entered a nol. pros, in that 
case, and the cases of the United States 
against C. A. L. Lamar, R. F. Akin, J. F. 
Tucker, H. Dubignon, R. L. Motte, and the 
piracy-case against Nicholas Brown. 

Release of the Captain of the Slaver 
Wildfire. — At Key West, Florida, this day, 
the captain of the slaver Wildfire was re- 
leased from imprisonment, on his own bond. 

Seizure of the Schooner Josephine as 
a Slaver. — In New York, the evening of 
this day, Deputy-Marshal Thompson, and 
Mr. Dwight, Assistant District-Attorney, re- 
ceived information that the schooner Jo- 
sephine, a suspected slaver, which left that 
port on the 17th hist., had returned for re- 
pairs, having been completely dismasted in 
the late gales. The Collector ordered a 
revenue-cutter to watch the Josephine and 
not to permit her to leave the port. A mo- 
nition was issued, and Deputy Thompson 
seized the vessel, and arrested her captain, 
James Carter. 

Captain Carter was brought before Com- 
missioner Bridgham. Mr. Donohue appeared 
as counsel for the captain, and Mr. Dwight 
for the Government. The accused was held 
to bail in the sum of $3000. 

Loss of the Schooner Maud. — The night 
of this day, the schooner Maud, from Ger- 
mantown to Norfolk, went ashore on Wil- 
loughby Point. Cargo a total loss. 

Loss of the 'Ship Luna. — This day, the 
ship Luna ran ashore on Carter's Island, 
and went to pieces. 

Destructive Fire at North Attleboro', 
Mass. — The morning of this day, the Citi- 
zens' Saloon building, in North Attleboro', 
was destroyed by fire. Loss, $50,000. The 
fire was the work of an incendiary. 

Fire at Nevada, Cal. — This day, a fire 
occurred at Nevada. Loss, $13,000. 

The Japanese Ambassadors. — This day, 
the Japanese Ambassadors were busily en- 
gaged in estimating the comparative value 
of the coinage of the two countries, with the 
view to a reciprocal circulation. 

Monument at Roxborough, Pa., to the 
Virginians Killed in 1777. — This day, was 
dedicated, at Roxborough, Pa., the monu- 
ment to the brave Virginians who were 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



453 



slaughtered at Wood's barn in 1777. There 
was an immense crowd collected at the 
cemetery, at Roxborough, to witness the 
ceremonies. The monument is a neat affair. 
It consists of a base with granite shaft, on 
which is inscribed, "This monument is de- 
signed to perpetuate the memory of the 
Virginia troopers taken by surprise, when 
at Wood's barn, in the winter of 1777-78, 
by a company of British cavalry. Erected 
by the Pennsylvania Dragoons." 

The Pennsylvania Dragoons, Maj. Charles 
T. Jones, with the Montgomery County 
Troops, the Morgan Light Infantry, the 
Jackson Rifles, and the Scott Legion, formed 
the military display. The oration was de- 
livered by Horatio Gates Jones. 

Rejection of the Bill allowing Cali- 
fornia $50,000 to Take Care of the In- 
dians. — This day, the Senate, after a long 
discussion, rejected the appropriation of 
fifty thousand dollars to enable the State 
of California to take care of the Indians 
within her limits. It was alleged that the 
Indians were starving, and penned up in 
reservations, and shamefully treated by the 
white settlers. 

Slaves Escaping. — This day, eight slaves 
succeeded in making their escape, in the 
night, from Frederick, Md. The " Frede- 
rick Examiner" says the plan of the fugi- 
tives was evidently preconcerted, and advan- 
tage was taken of the holiday to make good 
their escape. It has been suggested that 
the approach of the 1st of June, on which 
day the law forbidding manumissions will 
go into effect, was the cause of their depart- 
ure. 

Direct Railroad-Connection between 
New York and Harrisburg. — This clay, 
the Quhake Railroad was opened. It forms 
a link of a direct connection between New 
York and Harrisburg. The following was 
the time of the first train from New York : 
It left New York at six a.m., arrived at 
East on at nine a.m., at Reading at eleven 
a. si., at Harrisburg at 12.40 r.M., — being six 
hours and forty minutes from New York, 
via Central Railroad of New Jersey, without 
change of cars. New York papers were re- 
ceived through the Hope Express Company 
eight hours earlier than before. Passengers 
by this train connected with trains on the 
Pennsylvania Central East and AVest, and 
also the Northern Central and Cumberland 
Valley Railroads. 

Suicide in New York. — This day, in 
New York, Lucius H. Hall, about thirty 
years of age, a copyist for John H. Bodie, 
Secretary of the Atlantic and Pacific Ship- 
Canal Company of Nicaragua, was found 
dead at 28 Broadway, under circumstances 



which lead to the belief that he committed 
suicide by taking poison. When deceased 
arrived at the office of the company, Mr. 
Bodie noticed that his manner was strange 
and unusual, and, suspecting that he had 
been indulging too freely in the use of 
ardent spirits, he told deceased to go out 
and take a walk, where he could expose 
himself to the influence of fresh air. Hall 
made no reply, but, putting on his hat, left 
the office, as if he intended to follow out 
the advice of his employer. In about an 
hour afterward, Mr. Bodie discovered de- 
ceased lying in the hall-way, and apparently 
dead. A physician was sent for; but all 
medical aid proved of little avail, as he 
breathed his last before the physician ar- 
rived. He came to New York from New 
Hampshire about two weeks ago, and but 
little is known respecting him or his con- 
nections. It is supposed, however, that 
grief for the death of some near relative 
may have led to the suicidal act. When 
found dying, a paper, containing a few 
blades of grass, and bearing the inscription, 
"From her dear grave, for Lucius," was 
found clasped to his bosom. This simple 
inscription may possibly lead to a know- 
ledge of the cause which impelled deceased 
to self-destruction. 

Murder of a Texas Judge.— This day, 
B. B. Walker, Chief-Justice of Lavaca county, 
Texas, was shot at Halletsville by Robert 
Kelly, a storekeeper in that place, and 
wounded so severely that he expired shortly 
afterward. The cause of the difficulty is 
said to have been a report, alleged to have 
been spread by the deceased, having refer- 
ence to Kelly and his clerk, Mr. Sarsi. 

The Weehawken Homicide Case. — In 
New York, this day, the inquest in the case 
of John M. Copper, who was fatally stabbed 
at the Weehawken Ferry, on the New Jersey 
shore, on Sunday, the 20th inst., was con- 
cluded, at the Twentieth Precinct Station- 
House, by Coroner Jackman. James Peel 
deposed that he acted as gate-keeper at the 
ferry ; on Sunday evening, May 20, two 
men, named George McDonald and Charles 
Dowdell, entered the ferry, and, walking 
toward the bridge, accosted a man who 
was standing there witli a woman and two 
children ; McDonald asked the man for a 
bunch of flowers that he had in his hand ; 
the man refused to grant the request, when 
a dispute arose and McDonald struck the 
man ; they fell upon the bridge ; witness 
went up and caught hold of McDonald, and 
was taking him to the gate, when he felt 
something hurt him in the back ; he after- 
ward found out that he was stabbed ; de- 
ceased then came out of the ferry-house 
and took McDonald away ; in a few seconds 
afterward, deceased cried out that he 



454 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



■was stabbed too ; deceased was afraid he 
would die immediately, and, pointing at 
Dowdell, said, " That is the man who stabbed 
me." Henry Parlen, a policeman detailed 
at the Weehaken Ferry, deposed that he 
arrested Dowdell and brought him before 
deceased, who identified the prisoner as the 
man who stabbed him. A knife was handed 
to the witness, which was found on the 
ground near the spot where the prisoner 
Dowdell was arrested. Drs. Beach and 
Gallagher made a post-mortem examination 
of the body of deceased, and gave it as 
their opinion that death resulted from 
pleuritis from stabs in the side, entering 
both pleural cavities. The case was then 
submitted to the jury, who rendered the 
following verdict : — "Death from stabs in- 
flicted at the hands of ("'barley, alias Patrick 
Dowdell, and George McDonald, on the 20th 
of May, 1860; and the jury exonerate Na- 
thaniel Cox from any participation in or 
complicity with the killing." The accused 
are locked up in Bergen jail, and will be 
tried for the murder in New Jersey. 

Murder, by an Insane Man. — Mr. A. G. 
Scott, of Pittsburg, Pa., was visiting Dr. C. 
H. Higby, who was in the hospital at New 
Brighton, under an attack of insanity, a 
few days since, when the doctor suddenly 
seized a poker and struck Mr. Scott a 
violent blow on the head, from the effects 
of which he died this day. 

Dreadful Rencontre in Mississippi. — 
Two- Men Mxtkdeked. — In Warrentown, 
(Miss.,) this day, a heart-rending rencontre 
occurred between Drs. Selser and Bell, 
and Col. Wm. De Griffin, gentlemen of high 
Standing and well known in that community, 
which resulted in the death of Dr. Selser 
and Col. De Griffin. The Vicksburg "Whig," 
in giving an account of the affair, says : — 

We have heard a number of conflicting 
reports regarding the origin of this sad 
affair, and have, therefore, endeavored to 
gain authentic information. It seems that 
Dr. Bell had been visiting Dr. Selser's house 
quite often of late, and that his visits had lie- 
come very disagreeable to Dr. Selser's" sister. 
She requested him to inform Dr. Bell that 
his visits were not agreeable, and for him to 
discontinue them, — which Dr. Selser did by 
note. Dr. Bell, in reply, sent a very insult- 
ing note to him by Dr. Pettit, and did not 
discontinue his visits. Dr. S. did not meet 
him again, however, until Monday night, 
when they met near the show-boat Banjo, 
where Selser took occasion to demand an ex- 
planation for the insulting message sent him 
by Dr. Bell. He asked Dr. Bell, "What 
did you mean by the message you sent me?" 
Dr. Bell then inquired, "What message?" 
to which Dr. Selser replied, "The message 
you sent me by Dr. Pettit." Immediately 



after, Dr. Bell drew a knife and inflicted 
two wounds on Dr. Selser, — one in the waist 
and the other in the neck, — severing several 
of the arteries, from which he immediately 
died. Col. De Griffin stepped up and caught 
Bell by the shoulder, for the purpose of 
separating them, it is supposed, when Bell 
stabbed him three times, twice in the arm 
and once in the right breast, — the latter of 
which entered the lung. Col. De Griffin 
lingered until about three o'clock yesterday 
afternoon, when he expired. Dr. Bell was 
arrested by the citizens of Warrentown and 
held in custody until the sheriff went down 
and brought him up to this city, where he 
was lodged in jail. 

Shootino-Affray at Portsmouth, Ya. 
— An affray occurred at Portsmouth, Va.. 
on this day, between J. W. Jones, a master 
caulker in the navy-yard, and a young man 
named Le Roy Peed, who had been dis- 
charged from the caulkers' department. 
During the affray Mr. Jones discharged a 
pistol, by which three men were wounded. 
James Brown, who happened to be near, 
was shot in the breast, and it is feared will 
not survive ; Charles Williamson was slightly 
wounded in the ear ; and Peed received a 
ball in one of his knees. Mr. Jones, who 
is said to be a very peaceable man, promptly 
surrendered himself. It is supposed he 
acted in self-defence, as Peed is alleged to 
have threatened him for discharging him. 

Shocking Casualty. — In New York, this 
day, as Daniel Clark, Thos. Garrigan, and 
Thomas Neville were engaged in raising 
some barrels of sulphur at the store of S. 
B. Althause & Co., corner of Greene and 
Houston Streets, the rope slipped off the 
drum and the elevator commenced to de- 
scend rapidly from the fifth floor. Neville 
saved himself by clinging to one of the 
landings; but his companions went down 
with the elevator and were dashed to the 
earth with terrific violence. The injured 
men were immediately conveyed to the New 
York Hospital, where Garrigan died a short 
time after his admission. Clark was at- 
tended by the house surgeon of the institu- 
tion; but little hope is entertained of his 
recovery. The deceased was about fifty 
years of age, and lived at No. 91 Greene 
Street. 

Yehtcle-Casualtif.s. — In New York, 
this clay, Coroner Shirmer held an inquest, 
at No. 35 East Twenty-Fifth Street, upon the 
body of James Schott, a native of Philadel- 
phia, aged forty-seven years, who died from 
the effects of a fracture of the ankle, re- 
ceived on the 19th inst., while attempting to 
jump from a carriage in Broadway, near 
Fifty-Second Street. Coroner Jackman had 
a similar case. 



/ I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



455 



In the same city, Catharine Forbes, a 
native of Scotland, aged fifty-three years, 
residing at 893 West Forty-Seventh Street, 
died this day from the effects of injuries 
received some three weeks ago by falling 
out of a wagon in Ninth Avenue, near 
Forty-Third Street. The verdict in each 
case was that of ''Accidental death." 

A Child Four Years Old Hangs itself. 
— A little daughter of Mr. Wm. Baird, a 
farmer residing near Sing Sing, N.Y., hung 
herself this day. It is supposed that she 
was swinging by the rope, which was in 
the wood-house, when her head, by some 
means or other, got caught in the noose at 
the loose end, by which she was strangled. 
The family were in the adjacent fields at the 
time, the mother being the first to return, 
who, entering the wood-house, found her 
beloved child gasping in the last agonies of 
death. The little unfortunate was a bright 
child of four summers. 

Child Frightened to Death. — In New 
York, this day, a girl, about seven years of 
age, named Mary Hawkins, whose parents 
reside at 268 East Eighteenth Street, died 
almost instantly, from the effects of fright 
occasioned by a disturbance among the in- 
mates of the house. Deceased was of very 
delicate constitution, and subject to fits. 

Found Drowned. — In New York, this 
day, the body of an unknown man was 
found floating in the water at the foot of 
Twenty-Third Street, and conveyed to the 
dead-house at Bellevue Hospital for identi- 
fication. 

Drowning of an Unknown Youth. — This 
day, in New York, Coroner Jackman held 
an inquest, at the foot of Warren Street, upon 
the body of an unknown youth, about seven- 
teen years of age, who was accidentally 
drowned by falling from a hawser attached 
to the steamship Ariel. The deceased was 
in the act of passing from the pier to the 
vessel, when he lost his balance and fell 
into the water. Verdict,, "Accidental 
death." 

The Supposed Body of Captain Burr. — 
In Williamsburg, N.Y., an investigation has 
been going on in regard to this body for the 
last week, under the auspices of Coroner 
Murphy. The case was submitted to the 
jury on this day, when, after a short de- 
liberation, the following verdict was ren- 
dered : — " That the said unknown man came 
to his death by falling or being thrown into 
the water, while suffering from insensibility, 
the result of concussion of the brain, said 
concussion being produced at the hands of 
some person or persons to the jury un- 
known." 



Sudden Death of a Ship-Builder. — 
Erastus B. Stevenson dropped dead at Bel- 
fast. Me., this day. He was a member of 
the firm of C. P. Carter & Co., ship-builders. 

The Prince de Jointille, this day. paid 
a visit to the Police Head-Quarters of New 
York, and was received and shown through 
the establishment by Inspector Dilks. The 
prince spent considerable time in examining 
the "Rogues' Gallery," and thought it an 
excellent device for detecting rogues. He 
was also much interested in the police-tele- 
graph arrangements, and thoroughly ex- 
amined all the appointments. After leaving 
head-quarters, the prince, in company with 
Inspector Dilks and Police-Surgeon Mott, 
paid a visit to the Seventeenth Ward Station- 
House, where he was received and enter- 
tained by Capt. Leonard. 

Arrested for Fokging Deeds. — In New 
York, this day, Detectives Sampson and De- 
voe arrested William A. Hyde, William S. 
Edrick, and Honeywell Vincent, on a charge 
of negotiating forged deeds of city lots. 
Henry C. Allen, of the District-Attorney's 
office, appeared as complainant, and testi- 
fied that on the 5th inst. Hyde and Edrick 
called upon Messrs. Robinson, Ward & Co., 
of No. 9 Morris Street, and negotiated for 
the purchase of a large lot of wines, and as 
security for the purchase-money offered a 
bond and mortgage, purporting to have been 
executed by Sarah J. Lyons to H. Vincent, 
on some real estate situated in the upper 
part of the city. It is claimed by the pro- 
secution that the bond and mortgage is not 
only forged and fictitious, but that the pro- 
perty in question is owned by the city and 
comprises a portion of the Central Park. 
Justice Connolly held the accused to bail in 
the sum of $2000 to answer. 

Stock Stolen by Indians. — In Arizona, 
the night of this day, the Apaches run off 
the entire herd of the Santa Vita Silver- 
Mining Company. 

Indian Hostilities in New Mexico. — In- 
formation of this date states that the Apache 
and Cheyenne Indians are making war on 
the citizens in the vicinity of Los Congoes. 
Several lives have already been lost on each 
side. 

Expedition against the Indians. — In 
Arizona, this day, Lieut. Carr, with a party 
of twenty-five men, started out on an ex- 
pedition to Soda Lake, to chastise the In- 
dians in that direction for murders and 
robberies committed. 

Suicide of a Singular Character. — In 
St. Louis, this day, a man who went by the 
Dame of Rudolph Wilkins, while standing 



456 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



near his bed, with great accuracy placed 
ihe muzzle of a pistol in the region of his 
heart, and pulled the trigger. The ball — a 
large conical one — pierced the heart and 
went through the thorax, and was found 
in the bed on the other side of his body. 
The St. Louis "Democrat" says: — 

The coroner, in reporting the suicide, 
gives the following account of his life : — He 
was born in France, of very respectable pa- 
rents. His father died shortly after this, and 
his mother removed to Prussia, where she 
contracted an alliance with a native of that 
kingdom. She did not, however, meet in this 
new condition the happiness she had antici- 
pated, and her second husband, soon forget- 
ting his vows rendered at the altar, began 
to embitter her life by the most shameful 
neglect, and went even so far as to lay his 
hands upon her. A witness to these domes- 
tic troubles, young Rudolph soon conceived 
for the persecutor of his mother a profound 
aversion. One day, when he saw his mother 
succumb under the indignities of her new 
husband, he killed him. He was then obliged 
to flee from Germany to escape the law, and 
he came to America. He went westward, 
and one day, while hunting the elk and buf- 
falo, was made prisoner by a tribe of In- 
dians, and was kept with them for three 
years. While living with them, the grace 
of his person — for he was a remarkably 
handsome man — attracted the attention of 
the young daughter of the Indian chief, and 
lie married her. In this wedlock he had a 
son and a daughter. Soon tired, however, 
of his " uncivilized" life, he sought a favor- 
able opportunity and made his escape to 
New Mexico, where he remained some time, 
and from which place he went to Pike's 
Peak. 

Losing in the mining-district all his sav- 
ings, he removed to St. Louis, where he 
found employment. His industry and gene- 
ral deportment were exemplary. 

It seems that Rudolph Wilkins was a name 
assumed by the deceased, who, on coming to 
St. Louis, feared the vengeance of some of 
his Indian relatives. 

Stabbing of Thomas McLaughlin. — In 
New York, the night of this day, Thomas 
McLaughlin was stabbed in Morris Street 
by Patrick Hogan. From the evidence 
elicited by the coroner, it appears that the 
deceased and two friends, named Martin 
Murray and Thomas Daily, were wnlking 
through Morris Street, when their attention 
was called to a disturbance in a liquor-store 
kept by a Mr. Fitzgerald, at No. 21 Morris 
Street. The three friends asked what the 
matter was, when Hogan struck Murray in 
the face. McLaughlin took the part of this 
friend, and some words passed between him 
and Hogan. Shortly after, the three walked 
up Morris Street and returned again. When 



opposite Fitzgerald's place, Hogan, without 
any provocation or previous words, rushed 
out and stabbed the deceased with a dirk- 
knife, inflicting a deep wound in the left 
side of the chest. McLaughlin was con- 
veyed to the hospital. 



TUESDAY, MAY 29. 

Sale of a Library. — This day, the sale 
of the Thorndike Library commenced, in 
Boston. Audubon's Birds, in four folio 
volumes, brought $600. The following are 
the prices at which some of the principal 
works sold. Beloe's Anecdotes, six volumes, 
S'i.75; Antiquarian Itinerary, seven volumes, 
$10.50; Chalmers's British Poets, twenty-one 
volumes, $36.75; Costumes of China, $9; 
Coslumis of Russia, $9; Costumes of Tur- 
key, $8; Costumes of Hindostan, $11; Cul- 
loden Papers, $5.12. 

Took the Ship. — In New York, the night 
of this day, a lot of thieving sailor boarding- 
house runners got on board the ship Glas- 
gow, from Rotterdam, drove the mates below, 
and began supplying the sailors with bad 
rum, preparatory to running them ashore and 
reshipping them while drunk. The harbor- 
police heard of what was going on, boarded 
the ship, drove off the rascally vampires, and 
replaced the officers in possession. The cap- 
tain was absent during the whole affair. 

A Notable Hydrographical Fact. — The 
Mississippi River is at the present moment 
— says the New Orleans "Delta" of this date — 
four feet lower than it was ever known before 
in the memory of the oldest inhabitant. It 
is so low that our planters are suffering for 
the want of sepage-water, to get rid of which 
has heretofore been the greatest trouble. 

Call for a Meeting of Bank-Presi- 
dents. — The Bank-Presidents of Philadel- 
phia this day issued a call for a meeting of 
the Bank-Presidents of Pennsylvania, New 
Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, to meet at 
Philadelphia on the 21st of June. The ob- 
ject of the meeting is the formation of an 
association similar to that now existing in 
New England known as " The Association of 
Banks for the Suppression of Counterfeit- 
ing;" which would exercise a powerful in- 
fluence in checking and preventing counter- 
feiting, forgery, &c, and in bringing to de- 
tection and punishment the perpetrators of 
such crimes. 

Houston Ratification Meeting in New 
York. — In New York, this day, a large meet- 
ing was held to ratify the nomination of 
General Samuel Houston, made on the battle- 
ground of San Jacinto, Texas. Speeches 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



457 



were made by ex-Mayor Mickle, Clinton 
Roosevelt, Dr. Stephen Hasbrouck, Fenelon 
Hasbrouck, D. D. Atchinson, J. W. Harris, 
and A. W. Bryce. 

Whit of Attachment Issued against the 
Members of the Pittsburg Councils. — 
The Councils of Pittsburg having failed to 
levy a tax to pay their indebtedness, in obe- 
dience to the order of the Supreme Court, 
this day the court entered, and, after con- 
sultation, ordered an attachment for con- 
tempt to issue against all the recusant mem- 
bers of both Councils, namely : — William 
Ward, Richard Thompson, Samuel Morrell, 
John Quinn, Jackson Duncan, and Jacob 
Tower, of the Select Council; A. G. Mc- 
Candless, Wm. F. Taylor, A. B. Hayden, 
George Hill, John Lang, Wm. Robotham, 
and Aaron Floyd, of the Common Council. , 

The writ was made returnable at Lan- 
caster, on June 27, at nine o'clock, and the 
sheriff was directed to have the men there. 

Elopement of the Wife of the Rev. Mr. 
Root with J. W. Brochaw. — The Rochester 
" Union" of this date says : — 

One week ago, we copied from the Spring- 
field (Mass.) "Spy" an account of the elope- 
ment of a minister's wife with a married 
man from Springfield, Ohio, and their arrival 
at Springfield, Mass., and subsequent de- 
parture for and arrival at Montreal. The 
parties are the wife of Rev. Mr. Root, a 
Congregational clergyman at Springfield, 
Ohio, and J. W. Brochaw, a manufacturer of 
reaping-machines at the same place. We 
have to-day learned some particulars of the 
parties which possess local interest. The 
minister's wife is Ellen M., only daughter of 
Samuel Barrett, who has for a quarter of a 
century been the postmaster at Ashburnham, 
Mass., and one of the most respected citi- 
zens of that place. She is about thirty years 
of age, and married Rev. Mr. Root about 
eight years ago. Shortly afterward they 
moved to Ohio. Brochaw is about forty-one 
years of age. He was reared in Chili, in 
this county, and there married a most esti- 
mable lady, daughter of Abram Green- 
dike. They have five children, nearly all 
grown to mature age. Both have a large 
circle of relatives and friends among the 
oldest and most respected residents of Chili. 
Some five years ago Brochaw removed to 
Springfield, Ohio, where he engaged in the 
manufacture of reapers, employing from sixty 
to one hundred hands and doing a very large 
business. From his representations when 
visiting his friends here, it was generally 
believed that he was worth some $30,000. 
He ranked high in the business community 
and society of Springfield, and was a deacon 
in Mr. Root's church. It was while stand- 
ing as a pillar in the church that the inti- 
macy with the minister's wife began and 



was cultivated. Last spring his dwelling 
was consumed by fire, and he obtained an 
insurance of $5U00 which he had upon it. 
It was reported that he intended to build a 
more extensive establishment, but he did 
not do so ; and there are those who now in- 
sinuate that there was a " nigger," not in the 
fence, but in the fire. The elopement took 
place about four weeks ago. The parties 
proceeded to Springfield, Mass., where they 
remained, visiting Mrs. Root's friends, until a 
week ago Friday. Suspicions were aroused, 
and word came from Ohio that all was not 
right, when the guilty couple left for Mon- 
treal and put up at a hotel. A Massachusetts 
officer sought to arrest them on a trumped- 
up charge of larceny ; but the Canadian au- 
thorities would not give them up. This is 
the last heard of them. Brochaw has de- 
serted a most exemplary, amiable, and de- 
voted wife and highly-respectable grown-up 
family; and the relations of his guilty part- 
ner are equal in standing. He left only some 
$700 with Mrs. B., and some $500 in unpaid 
obligations to creditors at Springfield. 

Sale of the Brooklyn Ferry, N.Y. — In 
New York, this day, the Brooklyn Ferry was 
sold to the Union Ferry Company for $105,000. 

Wreck of the Steamer Arctic. — The 
night of this day, the steamer Arctic, of the 
Cleveland, Detroit, & Lake Superior line, 
was wrecked, during a fog, on Huron Island, 
in Lake Superior. The vessel and cargo 
were a total loss. The crew and passengers 
were saved. 

The Abandoned Ship R. M. Mills Found 
and Taken to London. — This day, the ship 
R. M. Mills, abandoned in the Bay of Biscay 
on the 27th, was fallen in with by the Ame- 
rican ship Scotia, of and for Baltimore from 
Rotterdam, which put Mr. Forbes, the chief 
officer, and two men on board. They brought 
the ship up the Channel, taking steam at 
Rye. The ship came up the river and went 
into the Victoria Dock, London. 

The Ship Warnick Struck by Lightning. 
— Fire Smouldering in her Hold Twenty- 
Two Days. — This day, the ship Warnick, 
Captain Duverger, arrived at Havre, from 
New Orleans. She had fire smouldering in 
her hold ever since the night of May 7, when 
she was struck by lightning during a severe 
storm. She was taken into the basin of the 
Eure, upon the afternoon's tide, and scuttled, 
after discharging about twelve bales of cotton. 

Railroad Depot, Cars, and Locomotive 
Burned. — The morning of this day, at Bor- 
dentown, New Jersey, about two o'clock, the 
car-house of the Camden & Amboy Railroad 
was destroyed by fire, together with two 
locomotives and eight passenger-cars. 



458 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



• [May, 



Steamer Seized on Suspicion of Being 
Engaged in the Slave-Trade. — la New 
York, this day, Deputy-Marshal Thompson 
proceeded to Pier No. 87, North River, and, 
by directions of the Collector and Surveyor 
of the port, took possession of the steamship 
City of Norfolk. It appeared that this vessel 
had been for several days advertised to sail 
with goods and passengers for St. Thomas, 
W.I., and that, the suspicions of the custom- 
house authorities being aroused, the steamer 
was searched, when two extra-large tanks, 
full of water, and an. unusually large supply 
of coal, were found on board. 

Bursting of the Boiler of the Kate 
McLaurin. — The morning of this day, the 
steamer Kate McLaurin, from Fayetteville, 
N.C., .bound to Elizabethtown, burst her 
boiler, when near the latter place, killing- 
Captain Evans and two deck-hands, and 
scalding the fireman. The steamer's cargo 
of merchandise for the interior was a total 
loss. 

Drowned. — A drowned man was found 
floating in the creek near Odessa, Delaware. 
this day, who, on investigation, was iden- 
tified as Ross Dorrell. He was supposed to 
have been, drowned Saturday night, as his 
boat was found floating in the creek Sunday 
morning. While in the water the face was 
considerably mutilated by fish. 

In Delaware City, Del., this day, an inquest 
was held by Deputy-Coroner Price on the body 
of an unknown man found floating in the 
Delaware River. The body had been in the 
water a long time. Verdict, "Death by 
drowning." 

Indian Murders. — Desperate Battle in 
Arizona. — In Arizona, this day, a party of 
four hundred Apache warriors attacked the 
settlements upon the Mimbres River. Several 
of the settlers were murdered. A party of 
Americans and Mexicans assembled, who had 
a desperate conflict with the Indians, six 
Americans being killed and five Mexicans, 
besides eight being badly wounded. The 
number of killed and wounded among the 
Indians was supposed to be from twenty to 
thirty. These Indians are mostly well armed 
with rifles, and many of them have Colt's 
navy-revolvers, besides being well mounted. 
Fortunately, all the American women and 
children had arrived in Mesilla two days 
before the fight came off. 

The expressman who started with the in- 
telligence was attacked near Cook's Springs 
by the Indians, and badly wounded with two 
arrows, but succeeded in reaching the mail- 
station at the Springs. 

Attack and Defeat of the Indians on 
Carson River by Col. Hayes. — This day, 



Col. Hayes, with a party of over six hundred 
volunteers, and Capt. Steward, with sixteen 
United States troops, started from Carson 
Valley for the Indian head-quarters at Wil- 
liams's Station, on Carson River, where the 
first Indian murders occurred. 

Col. Hayes's party came upon a party of 
three hundred Indians, and attacked and de- 
feated them, killing seven Indians. Among 
the killed is one of the principal chiefs. Two 
of the volunteers were wounded. 

Battle between the Pawnees and the 
Sioux. — This day, a battle occurred between 
the Pawnee and Sioux Indians, in Nebraska 
Territory, near Genoa. The circumstances, 
as detailed by a correspondent of the Omaha 
" Nebraskian," were as follows : — 

Just at daybreak the Scheedee band turned 
loose their ponies to feed. The Sioux, about 
one hundred in number, immediately rushed 
into their midst, and succeeded in driving off 
about twenty-five head of ponies. The Paw- 
nees immediately gave chase, when the Sioux, 
taking refuge in a grove of timber, awaited 
the approach of the Scheedees, when a sharp 
fight took place, lasting about half an hour, 
in which three Pawnees were killed and four 
severely wounded, one of whom has since 
died. So sudden was the movement that the 
fight was well nigh over before the other 
bunds were apprized of what was going on. 
The Pawnees labored under great disad- 
vantages, — the wind blowing a perfect gale 
from the northwest, with a cold rain, having, 
with a few exceptions, nothing but their bows 
and arrows, which, when discharged, came 
whirling back in the air, doing no execution 
whatever-, whilst the Sioux were prepared 
with ammunition, having the wind behind 
them and the timber to protect them. Bravely 
did ISaptisteBayhylle and Crooked-Hand stand 
the fire of their enemies, — the latter having 
his horse shot dead from under him, and 
himself getting a severe wound in the throat, 
at first threatening fatal results, but now 
with a prospect of recovery. The loss of the 
Sioux is unknown ; but upon the arrival of a 
reinforcement of the Pawnees the Sioux re- 
treated; and, from the several groups seen 
to halt, they evidently had both dead and 
wounded to take care of. The Pawnees are 
very imprudent ; for upon the attack of the 
Sioux they were without powder, having 
wasted a supply given them by Agent Gillis 
when attacked by the Sioux a short time 
since. 

Policeman Charged with Murder. — In 
New Orleans, the night of this day, a waiter 
at the Couti Hotel, named Paul, was shot 
through the head, and instantly killed. The 
coroner's jury found a verdict of murder 
against Philip Sary, a policeman of the Second 
District, who was accordingly arrested and 
committed for trial. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



455 



Man Thrown from a Window. — In New 
York, this day, John Miller, a laboring-man, 
living in Fifth Avenue near Forty-Second 
Street, was quite intoxicated, and was soon 
sitting in the second-story window of his 
house, fast asleep. A young man named 
Terence Riley went up to Miller's room to 
speak to him. Shortly after Riley entered the 
room, Miller was seen to fall from the window 
to the sidewalk, thereby receiving serious in- 
juries. He was picked up in an insensible 
condition aud conveyed to the Bellevue Hos- 
pital. Mrs. Miller alleges that young Riley 
pushed her husband out of the window, which 
accusation he as stoutly denies, saying Miller 
fell out without being touched by any one. 
Riley was arrested by Officer Hogan, of the 
Nineteenth Ward, and looked up for examina- 
tion. 

Fatal Fall from a Cart. — In New York, 
this day, John Philips, a native of Ireland, 
aged thirty-seven years, lately a resident of 
No. 42 Tenth Avenue, died from the effects 
of injuries received about a fortnight ago 
by falling from a cart. 

Suicide of a Married Woman from Do- 
mestic Trouble. — In New York, this day, at 
No. 90 Avenue A, Clara Girbardt, a native 
of Germany, aged thirty-four years, com- 
mitted suicide, by taking arsenic, under the 
following circumstances: — 

Deceased, it appeared, lived unhappily with 
her husband, to whom she had been married 
but a few months, and contemplated com- 
mitting suicide for several days previous to 
her death. On this da} r , while laboring under 
a lit of despondency caused by a quarrel with 
her husband, she purchased a quantity of 
arsenic and swallowed the same. Violent 
vomiting and purging, accompanied with 
severe pains in the chest, followed the admi- 
nistration of the poison. Deceased then, 
for the first time, regretted the mistake she 
had made; and, hoping to save her life, she 
drank a large quantity of milk by way of an 
antidote. But repentance came too late: the 
fatal drug had done its work, and soon the 
unfortunate woman became conscious of 
approaching death. She then sent for Lena 
Eberhard, a neighbor to whom she was much 
attached, and confessed that she had poisoned 
herself. Mrs. Eberhard sent straightway for 
a physician; but medical skill proved of little 
avail. Deceased lingered in great agony 
during the day, and died at five o'clock p.m. 
Dr. Bouton made a post-mortem examination 
of the body, and gave it as his opinion that 
death was caused by the administration of 
arsenic. The jury rendered a verdict of 
"Suicide," and the body was handed over to 
the friends for burial. 

Departure of Mr. Hall in Search of 
the Remains of Sir John Franklin's Ex- 



pedition. — This day, Mr. Hall's expedition, 
consisting of the vessels George Henry and 
the Amaret, formerly the Rescue, left New 
London, Conn., to search for the remains of 
the expedition of Sir John Franklin. A 
correspondent of the "Herald," who dates 
his letter May 30, says : — 

Mr. Hall arrived here on Sunday morning 
and spent the day with Captain Budding'ton. 
On Monday his boat was lashed amidships on 
the deck of the George Henry, and his out- 
fits, consisting of large supplies of pemmican, 
meat, biscuit, clothing, cooking-utensils, am- 
munition, guns, &c, were carefully stowed 
away. During the day the George Henry 
was hauled into the stream and anchored ; 
j small boats were busily employed in taking 
off the crew and their friends who came to 
bid them a long farewell. Shortly .after 
the George Henry was moored, the Amaret 
(formerly the brig Rescue, of the GrinneH 
expedition) took her place astern of the bark. 
She has been thoroughly overhauled and put 
in excellent order, and is sent to act as 
tender to the bark. She is commanded by 
Mr. Reuben Lamb, the third officer of the 
George Henry, who has had a large ex- 
perience in the Northern seas in the ship 
Hannibal, of this port. 

At nine o'clock on Tuesday morning the 
tug-boat G. W. Geer took the vessels in tow 
and led out to sea. The weather was very 
fine ; the breeze was light, — scarcely enough 
to keep the bunting from drooping from the 
mast-heads. Hundreds of people had gathered 
along the shore to see them off. At about 
eleven o'clock the lines from the tug were cast 
off, and the vessels made all sail to a fine 
breeze which by this time had sprung up, and 
in a little time they wer'e clear of the land. 

Mr. Cornelius Grinnell, who arrived here 
on Monday, the Mayor of the city, Hon. J. 
N. Harris, and several of the prominent 
citizens, accompanied Mr. Hall down the 
hai'bor to bid him farewell, and wishing him 
every success. 

Mr. Hall seemed in excellent spirits, and 
never for a moment showed any hesitation or 
want of confidence in his proposed under- 
taking. Cud-la-ga-ah was in good humor, 
and seemed much pleased to start again for 
his icy home. 

The sending of the Amaret was not de- 
termined upon till about a week ago. It is 
not improbable that she will fdrward Mr. Hall 
a few leagues farther than was first intended 
on his journey. 

A Young Lady Poisons Herself. — Sin- 
gular Case. — The New York " Tribune" 
contains the following singular case of the 
poisoning of a young lady who was to have 
been married this day: — 

A young lady, named Martha Work, daugh- 
ter of Mr. Hastings Work, of East Granby, 
Conn., died suddenly last week at Simsbury, 



460 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



under singular and mysterious circumstances. 
She bore au unblemished character, and the 
day of her marriage was fixed for Tuesday, 
May 29. Her intended husband, Mr. Walter 
Loomis, of Windsor, is a young man of ex- 
cellent character, in good circumstances, and 
is universally respected. Miss Work taught 
school last summer in Windsor, as she had 
done previously, and subsequently in other 
places. She was an estimable, prudent girl, 
had a good education, saved her money, and 
had a little sum of her own against her 
wedding-day. She was esteemed by all who 
knew her. She had been engaged to Mr. 
Loomis for (we believe) more than half a 
year, though, when rallied by her female 
friends about her approaching marriage, she 
has on more than one occasion during the 
last three months said that she would never 
be married, — that her death would occur to 
prevent it. She stated this last winter to a 
lady acquaintance who was rallying her about 
her expected marriage with the remark that 
a chemise upon which she was working was to 
be worn on the occasion of the marriage, 
when Miss Work answered that she would be 
laid out in it for her funeral. She had also 
subsequently requested her sister to give 
various things to Mr. Loomis, (rings, &c.,) and 
had expressed a desire that if she died she 
might be laid out in her wedding-dress. A 
post-mortem examination was made, con- 
ducted by Drs. Kellogg and Newton, of Suf- 
field, and Hamlin, of East Granby. Upon 
opening the stomach, the presence of pru^sic 
acid was at once made manifest by its power- 
ful and peculiar odor. The doctors unani- 
mously decided that death had been caused 
by prus^ic acid, and also that this strong and 
usually instantaneous poison had in this case 
been rendered slower in its work by probable 
protracted exposure to the air. Dr. Rising, 
of Sufiield, subsequently confirmed the fact 
of the presence of prussic acid in the stomach ; 
and there can be no doubt that Miss Work 
committed suicide; but for what reason no 
mortal can say. Her inexplicable act has 
plunged her family and friends into the 
deepest distress, while the mysterious cha- 
racter of it has aroused the interest of the 
whole community where she lived. 

One Sister Stabs Another. — In New 
York, this day, two sisters, named Susan and 
Mary Sanders,' residing at No. 27 Baxter 
Street, became engaged in a quarrel, when 
Mary drew a knife and stabbed Susan in the 
leg, inflicting a severe wound. The injured 
girl was conveyed to the New York Hospital, 
while the affectionate and gentle Mary was 
taken to the lock-up in the Tombs. 



WEDNESDAY, MAY 30. 
Vessel Struck by Lightning. — In Bos- 



ton, the afternoon of this day, during a thun- 
der-storm, the lightning struck the schooner 
Roxbury, of Philadelphia, at the Baltimore 
packet-pier, setting the vessel on fire and 
piercing several holes through her hull. The 
damage by fire was considerable. One of 
the pieces of the masts in its descent broke a 
man's arm. 

Burning of a Packet, Ferry-Boat, and 
Barge. — In New Orleans, this day, the 
Bayou Sara packet Duncan F. Kenner, the 
ferry-boat B. Clark, and an Opelousas clay- 
barge, were burned. Loss, $70,000. 

Destructive Fiee at St. Joseph, Mich- 
igan. — This day, a fire at St. Joseph, Mich- 
igan, destroyed fifteen buildings, includ- 
ing half the business portion of the town. 
Loss estimated at $30, 000. It is supposed 
to have been the work of an incendiary. 

Burning of a Woollen -Factory in 
Ulster County, N.Y. — The evening of this 
day, about six o'clock, the woollen-factory of 
Mr. Joseph Greaves, a short distance from 
Marlborough, Ulster county, took fire, and 
was entirely destroyed, together with the 
machinery and contents. The loss is esti- 
mated at between $10,000 and $12,000: in- 
sured for $3000. The origin of the lire is 
unknown. 

Extra Session of the Massachusetts 
Legislature on the Cattle-Distemper. — 
In Boston, this day, the special session of 
the Legislature to take into consideration 
the cattle-distemper convened at noon, when 
a communication was received from the 
Governor on the subject, which was referred 
to a joint committee of fourteen of the House 
and seven of the Senate. The Governor 
estimates the number of neat cattle in the 
United States at twenty millions. He urges 
the importance of checking the contagion, 
suggests a thorough investigation of the 
character of the disease, thinks that the 
transit of cattle through the several towns 
may require additional legislation, and 
leaves to the wisdom of the Legislature the 
subject of enlarging the number of the Board 
of Commissioners and of increasing their 
authority. 

Organization of a New Political Anti- 
Slavery Party. — In Boston, the forenoon 
of this day, pursuant to a call, a meeting 
was held at Mercantile Hall to consider 
the propriety of forming a "Political Anti- 
Slavery Party," and to take such steps 
as may be deemed advisable. The call, 
which is signed by Messrs. John Pierpont, 
S. S. Foster, James W. Brown, J. H. Ste- 
phenson, James Redpath, Richard J. Hinton, 
and ten others, briefly states that the under- 
signed believe slavery to be the greatest 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



401 



curse of this nation, a crime of the deepest 
dye, subversive of the rights of the white as 
well as the black man, tending to debase the 
moral sentiment of the American people and 
to hinder their material advancement, and 
that it is the duty of every American citizen 
to give his vote and his influence in uncom- 
promising opposition to this form of oppres- 
sion ; and, feeling that neither of the political 
parties at present before the country repre- 
sent their sentiment, they have therefore 
called this meeting for the purpose above 
named. 

The New England Anti-Slavery Con- 
vention assembled in Boston, this day. 
The attendance was quite large. Mr. Gar- 
rison presented a series of resolutions, 
varying very little in tone and character 
from those presented at previous conven- 
tions. Among the speakers were Messrs. 
Wendell Phillips, Fred. Douglas, (colored,) of 
Chicago, Remond, Garrison, and others. 

The Mississippi Democratic State Con- 
vention. — In Jackson, Mississippi, this day, 
the largest Democratic State Convention that 
ever assembled in that State met. The 
greatest enthusiasm was displayed, and reso- 
lutions were adopted unanimously in favor 
of the course of the Mississippi delegates at 
Charleston. Delegates were accredited to 
Richmond and Baltimore. 

Nomination of an Indiana Congressman. 
— At Vincennes, this day, the Hon. John 
Law, of Evansville, was nominated for Con- 
gress by the Democrats of the First Congres- 
sional District. 

Letter of Hannibal Hamlin Accept- 
ing the Nomination of Vice-President. — 
This day, the Hon. Hannibal Hamlin sent the 
following letter to the committee who in- 
formed him of his nomination by the Chicago 
Convention : — 

Washington, May 30, 1860. 

Gentlemen : — Your official communication 
of the 18th instant, informing me that the 
representatives of the Republican party of 
the United States, assembled at Chicago on 
that day, had, by a unanimous vote, selected 
me as their candidate for the office of Vice- 
President of the United States, has been re- 
ceived, together with the resolutions adopted 
by the convention as its declaration of prin- 
ciples. 

Those resolutions enunciate clearly and 
forcibly the principles which unite us, and 
the objects proposed to be accomplished. 
They address themselves to all; and there is 
neither necessity nor propriety in my enter- 
ing upon a discussion of any of them. They 
have the approval of my judgment, and in 



any action of mine will be faithfully and 
cordially sustained. 

I am profoundly grateful to those with 
whom it is my pride and pleasure politically 
to co-operate, for the nomination so unex- 
pectedly conferred ; and I desire to tender, 
through you, to the members of the conven- 
tion, my sincere thanks for the confidence 
thus reposed in me. Should the nomination 
which I now accept be ratified by the people, 
and the duties devolve upon me of presiding 
over the Senate of the United States, it will 
be my earnest endeavor faithfully to dis- 
charge them with a just regard for the rights 
of all. 

It is to be observed, in connection with 
the doings of the Republican Convention, 
that a paramount object with us is to preserve 
the normal condition of our Territorial do- 
main as homes for free men. The able ad- 
vocate and defender of Republican principles 
whom you have nominated for the highest 
place that can gratify the ambition of man, 
comes, from a State which has been made 
what it is by special action in that respect 
of the wise and good men who founded our 
institutions. The rights of free labor have 
there been vindicated and maintained. The 
thrift and enterprise which so distinguish Illi- 
nois, one of the' most flourishing States of the 
glorious West, we would see secured to all 
the Territories of the Union, and restore 
peace and harmony to the whole country, by 
bringing back the Government to what it was 
under the wise and patriotic men who created 
it. If the Republicans shall succeed in that 
object, — as they hope to, — they will be held in 
grateful remembrance by the busy and teem- 
ing millions of future ages. 

I am, very truly, yours, 

Hannibal Hamlin. 

The Decision of the United States At- 
torney-General, granting $388,000 to Mis- 
souri. — This day, the Attorney-General gave 
his opinion in favor of allowing the State of 
Missouri $388,000, being the two per cent, 
arising from the sale of public lands in that 
State, heretofore reserved by the Federal 
Government on account, of the construction 
of the National Road, but which never ex- 
tended to Missouri. A Treasury draft was at 
once issued for the amount, in accordance 
with the decision of the Attorney-General. 

Presentation of the Champions' Belts 
to Heenan and Sayers. — This day, the cere- 
mony of presenting the two belts to the rival 
champions took place at the Alhambra, 
Leicester Square, London, — Mr. Dowling, 
the editor of "Bell's Life," presenting the 
belt to Mr. Heenan, the American champion, 
and Mr. Wilkes to the English champion, 
Mr. Sayers. The belts were of solid silver, 
fac-similes of the champion's belt. In pre- 
senting the belts, speeches were delivered by 



462 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



Mr. Wilkes and the English editor, the words 
of which were engrossed on vellum and 
placed in the boxes with the belts, in order 
that they might be treasured up with those 
trophies as mementos of the feelings of those 
by whom the belts were presented. 

Mr. Wilkes, in his address, made the fol- 
lowing statement : — 

"In this view, and in view also of your 
high deserts, I will now state what I have 
never felt at liberty to state before, — which 
is, that so deeply was John Heenan, in com- 
mon with his countrymen, impressed with 
your merits as a man, it was his fixed in- 
tention, had the old belt been awarded to 
him for what took place at Farnborough, to 
have handed it to you again on the occasion 
of its presentation with something like these 
words: — 'Take it back, Tom Sayers. You 
have earned it in many a hard-fought up- 
hill battle, and I am not the man to deprive 
you of what belongs to you more than it 
does to me. Lend it to me, however, for a 
few weeks, in order that I may show it to 
my friends and countrymen at home, and I 
will then send it back to you to keep as 
yours forever.' This determination he con- 
fided to me long before he left New York, 
and I am quite sure, from v^hat I know of 
him, that he would have kept his word." 

As the belts were presented to each cham- 
pion, they were buckled on amidst loud 
cheers. 

The American Tract Society, this day, 
held its forty-sixth anniversary, in the Tre- 
mont Temple. Ex-Governor Briggs was in 
the chair. Expenditures for the year, $66,000; 
receipts, $67,600. The society is free of 
debt, with a cash surplus of about one thou- 
sand dollars. 

Terrible Tornado and Loss of Life in 
Armstrong, Jefferson, and Clarion Coun- 
ties, Pa., and in Cattaraugus Co., N.Y. 
— Total Destruction of the Village of 
Mayville. — About noon, this day, a tre- 
mendous tornado, carrying destruction with 
it, swept along the line of Armstrong and 
Clarion and Jefferson counties, Pa., causing 
heavy losses of life and property. The 
dwelling of Charles Stewart was entirely 
carried away, his wife killed, and six chil- 
dren severely injured ; besio?es, his barn was 
burned to ashes. The house and barn of 
Mr. Shoemaker were torn to pieces, and one 
of his legs was broken ; the house and barn of 
Thomas Dougherty were smashed to bits, 
and his daughter was killed; the dwelling 
of McCullen Henry was blown down, and his 
wife severely injured ; the barn of Joseph 
Smith was completely wrecked ; the tavern 
of Nathan Hare was destroyed, and his 
daughter killed ; the barns of Jacob Hart- 
zell, John and Samuel Shick, and the resi- 
dence of John Mohoney, were all destroyed, 



and the wife of the latter was killed. In the 
village of Hestonville, several brick, frame, 
and log dwellings, a large grist-mill, and a 
substantial bridge crossing Redbank Creek, 
were swept off, and four lives lost. In fact, 
in a radius of ten or twelve miles heard 
from, thirty or forty houses and barns were 
torn down and six or eight lives lost. 

The "Brookville Republican" gives the 
following particulars: — 

Its course was from southwest to north- 
east; and those who witnessed it represent 
its shape as that of an inverted cone, in 
color like smoke, and well defined in its 
outlines. Some say it resembled a whirl- 
wind of fire and smoke. Three persons are 
reported killed north of Bethlehem. But 
its most fearful ravages were felt at Hess's 
Mill, in the little village of Mayville, Clarion 
county, about sixteen miles south of this 
place, the particulars of which we have from 
Dr. Mechlin. Four persons were killed and 
twenty-five or thirty wounded. Twenty-five 
buildings were demolished, among Avhich 
were the large grist-mill and saw-mill of Mr. 
John Hess. Eight families have been left 
homeless. The large bridge over Redbank 
ureek was torn to pieces, and the abutments 
badly injured. 

Hogs, dogs, poultry, and sheep were 
killed. Apple-trees were lifted out of the 
ground and carried away, "root and branch." 
The gardens were entirely destroyed. The 
trees in the vicinity were torn down. Two 
new wagons, just painted, were literally 
torn into mere particles. 

Mr. Ferry, blacksmith, was carried five 
or six rods, and with him his child of two 
years of age. He was slightly injured, but 
the child was unhurt. Dr. Straessley, of 
Ringgold, who was at Mayville, had his 
buggy taken up and torn to pieces, and the 
harness stripped from his horses. His boots 
were torn from his feet and his clothes from 
his body. 

The following is a list of the killed and 
wounded. Some of the latter are not ex- 
pected to recover. 

Killed. — Mrs. Irvin McFarland, D. Bauck- 
man, a child of Mr. Haine's, and one of Mr. 
Ferry's. 

Wounded. — Two of Mr. Irvin McFarla.nd's 
children, John Hess, Mrs. Hess and three 
children, one of Mr. Haine's children, John 
Survey, John Shick, Matthias Leitch, Mrs. 
Shingledecker, two strangers, (names not 
given,) D. D. Boyington and four or five of 
his family. David Hess had his arm broken 
in two places ; Mrs. Haine's ribs were broken, 
and leg so badly crushed that the physicians 
had to amputate it. She is not expected to 
recover. Mrs. Ferry had her arm broken 
in two places ; three of her children were 
injured. A little child of Mr. MeFarland's 
was found where a chimney had fallen, 
covered with brick and standing on its head ; 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



4G3 



and, strange as it may appear, it is not 
severely injured. 

This tornado continued its course to Cat- 
taraugus co., N.Y., in relation to which a 
correspondent from Waverly gives the fol- 
lowing particulars : — 

A terrible tornado passed over Waverly 
this afternoon. It came from a little south 
of west through the Cattaraugus station on 
the New York & Erie Railroad, about three 
miles distant, and passed up the south branch 
of the Cattaraugus Creek to the northeast of 
this place about two miles. I am informed 
by one who has just come from the station 
that it has unroofed ten buildings there and 
entirely destroyed five of them. It has un- 
roofed more than forty buildings here and 
entirely demolished thirteen of them. 

The cloth-factory of Mr. C. B. Allen and 
D. T. Gibson is nearly destroyed. The 
tannery of Mr. A. Borden is in ruins. It 
took off most of the roof of the Methodist 
church, and also a part of the roof of the 
school-house. It tore up the bridges. Forest- 
trees and fruit-trees were torn up by the 
roots in large numbers. Trees two feet 
and more in thickness were twisted off and 
hurled into the air. A one-horse wagon, with 
a heavy load in it, was taken up, and it is 
difficult to find its parts. The whole hea- 
vens were darkened for mile-s around with 
the leaves, timbers, and other objects carried 
through the air. Articles have been found 
eight miles distant. But one man — Mr. 
Bradford Burroughs — is killed. Others are 
more or less injured, but it is hoped that 
their injuries will not prove fatal. Frances 
Hunt, a little girl, ten years old, was much 
injured ; and she was thought to be dying, 
but is now much better, and will probably 
recover. During the terrible scene, most of 
the inhabitants manifested great presence 
of mind. Families fled to their cellars ; 
those who were in the streets threw them- 
selves upon the ground; some crept under 
the sidewalks ; those who could fled to the 
fields and threw themselves on the ground. 
There were many narrow escapes from 
death. Men ran their horses and teams to 
escape it. One team was heavily loaded 
with grain, and two bags of meal were taken 
up and have not been heard from since. 

Mr. Wm. E. Hunt, when he heard the 
tornado coming, closed the doors of his 
store and started for his house to protect 
his family. He had proceeded but a few 
rods when timbers and the roof of a building- 
passed over his head. A board knocked 
him down and he crept under the sidewalk. 
This was all that saved him, for in a mo- 
ment more the full force of the tornado 
passed over where he lay, and he saw two 
dwelling-houses, within two or three rods of 
him each way, swept from their foundations 
and carried down the hill. The family in 
one of them had just time to run out of the 



back door and down the bank, throwing 
themselves on the ground, when their house 
passed over their heads. 

The Rev. W. W. Norton, who resides in 
the west part of the village, saw the tornado 
for ten minutes or more, hanging down 
from the heavens in the shape of a funnel, 
and moving from the west. It mowed down 
the whole forest before it, and hurled the 
trees into the air. At first he fled with his 
family to the north, hoping to escape its 
force, but that seemed a vain effort, for, 
apparently, the tornado was making directly 
toward them, and when it was within sixty 
rods, sweeping every thing before it, they 
returned to the house, went into the cellar, 
and committed themselves to God. The 
tornado passed a little to the south of the , 
house, and left that without injury, while 
it destroyed the barn a few feet distant. As 
soon as it passed a little, Mr. Norton went 
for three of his children. The children, who 
were returning home from school, saw the tor- 
nado coming, and ran into the house of Mr. 
D. Bailey. Mrs. Bailey hurried them and her 
children to the cellar, and was about going 
down herself with her youngest child in her 
arms, when the tornado struck the house, 
swept it from its foundation, and carried it 
some seventy feet or more. The cellar was 
left bare, and the children unharmed. Mrs. 
Bailey was soon after recovered by her hus- 
band from the rubbish, without any serious 
injury to herself or child. 

There is a general expression of thanks- 
giving upon the lips of almost every one that 
no more lives were lost. Families whose 
dwellings were swept from their foundations, 
and whose all was destroyed, seem grateful 
that their lives are spared. 

I heard that Mr. Burroughs could live but 
a short time, and hastened down to see him. 
I found him upon a bed on the floor, his 
wife bathing his head, and his son lying by 
his side. I saw that he was dead ; but I 
could not find it in my heart to say so. His 
wife seemed unwilling to believe the terrible 
truth, and no language can describe the 
agony of the son. It was the saddest scene, 
I believe, I ever witnessed. Much sympathy 
is manifested on the part of the inhabitants 
in behalf of those who are suffering, and all 
is done that can be done to relieve them. 

Suicide in a Printing-Office. — Calvin 
D. Scott, a printer, about thirty years of 
age, committed suicide in the office of the 
"Cecil Democrat," at Elkton, Md., this day, 
by cutting his throat with a razor. The 
deceased was much addicted to excessive 
drink, though generally respected for his 
good qualities. 

Killed by Falling from a Hay-Loft. — 
In New York, this day, John Shorthall, a 
native of Ireland, aged twenty-six years, 



401 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



was killed, by falling from a hay-loft at No. 
193 Ninth Avenue. Deceased, it appeared, 
was intoxicated at the time, and he is sup- 
posed to have fallen while endeavoring to 
descend from the door of the loft to the 
stable below. Coroner Schirmer held an 
inquest upon the body of deceased, when 
the jury rendered a verdict of "Accidental 
death." 

Death of Colonel Campbell. — This day, 
Colonel C. M. Campbell, one of the editors 
of "The Memphis Avalanche," died, at Co- 
lumbia, Tenn. His nature was said to be 
gentle, and his life was pure. 



THURSDAY, MAY 31. 

Railroad-Accident. — This day, the Har- 
risburg express-train that left New York at 
six o'clock in the morning, via the Great 
Middle route, ran over a horse, killing the 
horse and Mr. John Bowers, the driver. 
The train, consisting of three crowded pass- 
enger-cars, had a narrow escape. No one 
on it was injured, except the messenger of 
the Hope Express Company ; and his injuries 
•were slight. 

Shocking Accident at Scranton, Pa. — 
Explosion of Fire-Damp. — In Scranton, 
this day, an- explosion of fire-damp took 
place at Stanton's Mines, near Wilkesbarre. 
A son of Mr. Broderick, and Harry and 
Miles Edwards, were ascending the shaft at 
the time. The force of the explosion broke 
the carriages, and they were precipitated to 
the bottom, killing them instantly. One 
man was also injured. 

Railroad- Accident in Washington, N.J. 
— This day, in Washington, N.J., a Mrs. 
Nolan was run over by a switching-engine 
and so injured that she died. 

Woman Killed by a Locomotive. — In 
Philadelphia, this day, Susannah Flesh, 
aged fifty-two years, was killed, by a blow 
from a locomotive on the Trenton Railroad, 
at Trenton Avenue, near the Reading Rail- 
road. She was attempting to drive her pigs 
from the tr.ack, and ran so close to it that 
she was struck on the shoulder and knocked 
down an embankment several feet high. 
Death was instantaneous. Deceased resided 
at Trenton Avenue and Miller Street. Coro- 
ner Fenner held an inquest on the body, and 
the jury rendered a verdict of "Accidentally 
killed." 

Man Drowned. — In Philadelphia, this 
day, Patrick Neal, a laborer, while engaged 
in wheeling coal on board the Keystone 
State, above Callowhill Street, fell into the 
river and was drowned. The body was 



recovered in a few minutes; but life was 
extinct. Deceased resided at No. 33 Jones' 
Alley. He leaves a wife and several chil- 
dren. 

Unknown Man Killed. — In New York, 
the night of this day, an unknown man was 
crushed to death on board the steamboat 
South America, at the foot of Robinson 
Street, by being caught in the machinery 
while the same was in motion. Deceased, 
it appeared, was intoxicated at the time, 
and it is supposed that, looking at the ma- 
chinery through curiosity, he stumbled, and, 
coming in contact with the walking-beam, 
was instantly killed. Coroner Jackman held 
an inquest upon the body of deceased yester- 
day, when the jury rendered a verdict of 
"Accidental death." Deceased was about 
twenty-five or thirty years of age, had dark 
hair, thick upper lip, and was pock-marked. 
The corpse was sent to the dead-house at 
Bellevue Hospital for identification. 

The Late Building-Casualty in Broad- 
way. — Patrick Donohue, one o £ the laborers 
who was injured by the falling of a wall at 
No. 655 Broadway, on the 25th inst.,died at 
the New York Hospital, this day, from the 
effects of his wounds. Coroner Jackman 
held an inquest upon the body and fully 
investigated the circumstances attending the 
casualty. All the witnesses who were ex- 
amined agreed as to the case being one of 
accident ; and, although it had been rumored 
that there was gross negligence attending 
the affair, the jury rendered a verdict of 
" Accidental death." Deceased was a native 
of Ireland, and forty-two years of age. 

Death of Judge Peter V. Daniel. — Died, 
this day, at Richmond, Va., the Hon. Judge 
Daniel, of the Supreme Court of the United 
States. Peter V. Daniel was born in Staf- 
ford county, Va., in 1785. His ancestors 
had long resided in that State, and were 
noted, at the time of the Revolution, for the 
zeal with which they advocated resistance 
to the British Government. After receiving 
the rudiments of his education from a private 
tutor, ke entered Princeton College, where 
he graduated in 1805. He chose the law as 
a profession, and studied at Richmond under 
Edmund Randolph, to whose daughter he 
was subsequently married. 

In 1808, he was admitted to the bar, and 
in the following year was elected a delegate 
to the Virginia Legislature from Stafford 
county. He was re-elected to that office in 
1810. Two years afterward he was elected 
a member of the Privy Council, and was suc- 
cessively re-elected until the adoption of the 
new Constitution, in 1830. During a con- 
siderable portion of this time he was Lieu- 
tenant-Governor of the State and President 
of the Council ex officio. On the adoption 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER, 



465 



of the amended Constitution, in 1830, when 
the number of members of the Council had 
been reduced from eight to three, he was 
again elected ; but in 1835, when the Whigs 
obtained a majority in the Legislature, he 
was dismissed from office, together with his 
Democratic confreres. But the Whigs re- 
tained their ascendency only for a short 
period ; and the next session, when the 
Democrats were victorious, he was restored. 
Chief-Justice Taney having been trans- 
ferred, in 1834, from the office of Attorney- 
General to the Treasury Department, Judge 
Daniel was pressed by President Jackson 
to accept the vacant post; but he declined. 
In 1836, Philip P. Barbour was transferred 
from the bench of the United States District 
Court to the Supreme Bench, and President 
Jackson appointed Judge Daniel to the va- 
cancy. Judge Barbour dying in 1840, Presi- 
dent Van Buren made Judge Daniel his suc- 
cessor. He has held the office from that 
period to the present time. He was strongly 
Democratic in politics, and fully approved 
of the Dred Scott decision of his friend 
Chief-Justice Taney. 

Death of Dr. J. D. O'Bannon. — Dr. J. D. 
O'Bannon, of Prattsville, Ala., died, this 
day, near Robinson Springs, in that State, 
after a painful and protracted illness. He 
was a gentleman possessing many noble and 
amiable traits of character, a well-cultivated 
mind, and high scientific attainments in his 
profession. He was one of that gallant band 
of brave and fearless spirits which composed 
the Palmetto Regiment of South Carolina in 
the late war -with Mexico, whose brilliant 
exploits and chivalrous deeds shed such a 
world-wide renown upon the American arms 
and the American name on the hotly-con- 
tested battle-fields from Cerro Gordo to the 
gates of the city of Mexico. He leaves a 
disconsolate wife and a large circle of de- 
voted friends to mourn his death. 

Sentence of the Savannah Rescuers. — 
This day, the United States Circuit Court, 
at Savannah, Ga., passed sentence of two 
hundred and fifty dollars fine and thirty 
days' imprisonment on Messrs. C. A. L. 
Lamar, J. Mott Middleton, Carey W. Stiles, 
and William Hone, who pleaded guilty to the 
charge of having rescued Captain Farnum, 
of the slaver-yacht Wanderer, from the 
county jail. 

Destructive Fire near Boston. — The 
morning of this day, W. F. Freeman & Co.'s 
dyewood-works, at Newton, were destroyed 
by fire, together with the valuable machinery 
and a large stock of logwood. Loss, $20,000. 

Cattle-Disease in New Jersey. — It was 
this day announced that the cattle-disease 
had appeared in the neighborhood of New- 



ark. Out of seven cattle attacked on the 
farm of Abraham Johnson, near Newark, 
four have died. Examinations show the 
disease to be the same as that in Massa- 
chusetts. The disease is supposed to have 
been introduced here by an animal from 
Massachusetts. 

The South Carolina Democratic Con- 
vention, this day, nominated a delegation 
to Richmond, headed by R. Barnwell Rhett. 
A strict test-vote was made on Rhett's elec- 
tion, and the majority was seventeen in his 
favor. Much excitement resulted ; and al- 
though Rhett's friends seemed subsequently 
anxious to send a mixed delegation to Rich- 
mond, the opposition determined to throw 
all the responsibility on the Rhettites, and 
the entire delegation to Richmond was so 
composed. 

Decision in the Pittsburg Bond-Case. 
— In Pittsburg, Pa., this day, in the 
United States Circuit Court, Judge Mc- 
Candless delivered an elaborate opinion in 
the case of David Pollock, a citizen of Ohio, 
against the county of Lawrence, directing 
that an attachment be issued against the 
county commissioners for refusing to sub- 
mit to an execution upon a judgment ob- 
tained for interest on railroad-bonds. 

The Supreme Court of Illinois, which 
had been sitting at Ottawa, adjourned, this 
day, having disposed of four hundred and 
twenty-one cases. In the case of Johnson 
vs. Stark County, the judgment of the lower 
court was reversed, the Supreme Court hold- 
ing that the law authorizing counties to sub- 
scribe for railroad-stock and issue county- 
bonds therefor was constitutional, and that 
the bonds in this case were regularly issued, 
and, although the county had no authority 
to make them payable in New York, they 
were not for that reason void. 

Aemed Force for Pyramid Lake. — This 
day, a party of regulars and volunteers 
started for Pyramid Lake, with the inten- 
tion of forcing a general battle with the 
Indians. 

Trial-Trip of the U.S. Steamer Da- 
cotah. — In Norfolk, this day, the United 
States steam sloop-of-war Dacotah returned 
from her second trial-trip. Her perform- 
ance was satisfactory. 

Volunteers against the Apaches. — 
This day, intelligence was received at Fort 
Fillmore ofthe attack of the Apaches on 
the Mimbres and the murder of the citizens. 
Governor Owings immediately communi- 
cated the facts to Lieutenant Lazelle, com- 
manding Fort Fillmore, who sent word 
that he was powerless, there being but tea 



30 



466 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



men on duty in the fort, and not a single ani- 
mal. Immediately upon the receipt of this 
answer, fifteen prominent citizens (all that 
could procure horses) volunteered to go to 
the assistance of the persons upon the Mim- 
bres. They started under command of 
Colonel S. J. Jones, (ex-Sheriff Jones, of 
Kansas.) 

The Stabbing of Thomas McLaughlin. — 
In the New York Hospital, this day, Thomas 
McLaughlin died, after intense suffering. 
An inquest was held. The jury found " that 
the deceased came to his death from a stab 
inflicted with a knife in the hands of Patrick 
Hogan, on the 28th of May, 1860." The 
deceased was a native of Ireland, twenty- 
eight years of age, and leaves a wife and 
five children. Hogan, the prisoner, is also 
an Irishman, twenty-four years of age, and 
a fisherman by occupation. He had nothing 
to say relative to the charge, and was re- 
manded by the coroner for trial. 

Attempted Suicide by a Frenchman. — 
In Philadelphia, this day, S. Didier, aged 
forty-nine years, a native of France, at- 
tempted suicide, by cutting his throat, in 
Market Street, near Fifteenth. The wound 
is severe, but not considered a mortal one. 
Didier arrived in that city a few days ago 
from St. Louis, where he had been working 
in a vineyard. On the way there, and after 
his arrival, he drank freely of spirituous 
liquors, and was supposed to be suffering 
from mania-a-potu. He was taken to the 
alms-house. 

Attempted Suicide of a Wife fbom Do 
mestic Trouble. — In Brooklyn, N.Y., this 
day, a young married woman, named Helen 
Doolan, residing with the family of Mr. 
Campbell, at 477 Pacific Street, attempted 
suicide, by taking a dose of arsenic. A 
physician was called in as soon as the fact 
was ascertained, and every thing possible 
was done in her behalf, but with slight pros- 
pects of success. The cause is alleged to be 
domestic unhappiness. Her husband is em- 
ployed as a waiter at the Astor House, in 
New York; and it is stated that the impelling 
motive for making the attempt was ill treat- 
ment and neglect. They had been married 
but six months. Mr. Campbell's family 
did every thing in their power for the poor 
woman. 

Attempted Wife-Murder and Suicide. 
— Henry 0. French, a blacksmith, married 
a Miss Rowan, of Hebron, N.Y., some time 
since ; but they did not live happily together, 
and Mrs. French found herself obliged to 
leave her husband. Since the separation, 
she has resisted repeated importunities for 
a reconciliation ; and, on this day, French 
left Poultney, Vt., and went to his father- 



in-law's, at Jackson, N.Y., where his wife 
was staying. After some conversation, she 
again refused to live with him, when French 
drew a pistol and discharged it at her, for- 
tunately without doing any harm. Mrs. 
French immediately ran to a neighbor's and 
gave the alarm. When she returned to the 
house, in company with a Mr. Collins, she 
found her husband lying by the side of his 
wagon, dead. Having failed to take the life 
of his wife, he had shot himself. 

Young Man Stabbed. — In Philadelphia, 
this day, a serious affray took place at the 
Tenth Precinct-House of the Twentieth 
Ward, during which Horace Greenleaf, aged 
nineteen years, was shot by a man named 
Henry Stewart. It is alleged that a party 
of young men, known as the "Prairie- 
Hens," went into the bar-room of the tavern 
and got drinks, which they refused to pay 
for. A quarrel ensued, leading to a general 
fight, during which the shooting took place. 
Greenleaf was so severely wounded that his 
life is considered in danger. Stewart was 
in the bar-room with some friends when the 
party entered. He was arrested, and was 
held by Alderman Hutchinson to await the 
result of Greenleaf's injuries. 



EVENTS OCCURRING IN MAY", THE 
EXACT DATE OF WHICH COULD 
WOT BE ASCERTAINED. 

Murder in New Orleans. — In New Or- 
leans, James Campbell, a rich builder, is 
confined in jail charged with striking on 
the head Peter Roach with a club, causing 
his death in a few hours. Roach and his 
son were doing piece-work for Campbell, 
when the lumber gave out, causing them 
to lose time, and when they went to Camp- 
bell to urge him to supply the lumber, 
he flew into a terrible rage, and told the 
elder Roach that if he did not go away from 
him he would knock him down with a club, 
and picked up one at the same time, but 
subsequently threw it away ; but upon being 
again solicited to supply them with lumber 
forthwith, or pay them for what they had 
already done, he took up the club and 
struck Roach upon the head and felled him 
to the ground. Young Roach would have 
avenged his father's death on the spot, had 
he not been kept back by Campbell's fore- 
man and other friends. 

Murder of James Conniff. — In Califor- 
nia, a gambler named George Caffelet, alias 
Bob York, and another man named James 
Conniff, got into a fight at Tuttletown, dur- 
ing which Conniff was stabbed in the side 
and died soon after. Caffelet is in prison. 

Shocking Murder in Monroe Co., N.Y. 
— About ten o'clock on a Sunday morning, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



467 



a man named Thomas Mclntyre was mur- 
dered, in the town of Wheatland, by one 
John Biggers, under circumstances about as 
follows : — 

Biggers and Mclntyre, both single men, 
were acquainted. The former was a laborer 
and a stone-layer, the latter a farm-hand, 
employed by Volney P. Brown, of Wheat- 
land. On Saturday evening, Biggers called 
at Mr. Brown's, and Mclntyre went with 
him to the village of Mumford, where they 
remained until a very late hour, drinking 
pretty freely. They started for home late, in 
company with two men, named McGinn and 
McGinness. When about half a mile from 
the village, the party came to a cross-road 
where some of them were to separate from 
the others. Here they stopped to talk, and 
an altercation ensued between Biggers and 
Mclntyre, they at first knocking oif each 
other's hats. At length a square fight was 
proposed, and the men prepared for it and 
engaged. Mclntyre rather got the better of 
Biggers, and there was a suspension of the 
fight. After a brief intermission, Biggers 
announced that he was ready to engage in 
the contest again, and the fight was renewed. 
This time Mclntyre was thrown, and while 
Biggers was lying upon him he deliberately 
cut his throat with a knife, causing imme- 
diate death. 

The Doom or the Parricide. — A man 
named Kirby killed his father and mother, 
in Alabama, about a year ago, and then fled 
to Mississippi. When captured, he cut his 
throat desperately, but was after some time 
completely cured. He has since been tried, 
convicted, and sentenced to be hung on the 
16th of June. 

Brutal Murder. — On a Saturday, a poor 
crippled woman, who had been begging 
charity in Hamburg, Berks county, Pa., was 
decoyed into a shanty near that place, and 
there beaten to death by a man, with a club. 
The body was then thrown into a stream, 
where it was found soon after. The alleged 
murderer, and a woman who was in the 
shanty with him, were arrested and sent to 
the Berks county jail. 

An American Sentenced to Death in 
Bogota.— A correspondent of the New York 
" Herald" says : — 

One William Williams, who murdered Cap- 
tain J. A. Otis, late of Boston, last June, in 
the cars near Aspinwall, has been condemned 
to death. He was tried last summer before the 
Criminal Court by a jury, and was sentenced 
to hard labor in the chain-gang for fifteen 
years. He appealed to the Supreme Court at 
Bogota, which remanded the case to the 
Supreme or District Court of this State, and 
the result is as stated : he is condemned to 
suffer the extreme penalty of the law. The 



sentence of the court is very generally ap- 
proved here by foreigners as well as natives. 
Williams is said to be a gambler, and hails, 
I believe, from Philadelphia. 

Discharge of Rev. Henry Budge. — The 
singular circumstances attending the arrest 
of the Rev. Henry Budge, of Lewis county, 
N.Y., on suspicion of murdering his wife, 
have attracted much attention. Some 
months since, she was found in bed with 
her throat cut from ear to ear : an inquest 
was held, and a verdict of suicide rendered. 
The deceased had, some two years before, 
an attack of insanity. Subsequently, a dif- 
ference arose in the church of which Mr. 
Budge was pastor, and also in the commu- 
nity at large, between Mr. Budge's friends 
and those not feeling friendly to him. On 
the heels of this came suspicions that Mrs. 
Budge had not committed suicide, and the 
body was disinterred and a post-mortem 
held, and another jury called to decide. 
The result of this was a verdict of homicide, 
implicating Mr. Budge. He was placed in 
the custody of officers. The same coroner 
subsequently acted as a committing magis- 
trate; a long examination was gone into, 
the accused, as the people, having able 
counsel, and masses of testimony, much of it 
new, were taken. This examination re- 
sulted in Mr. Budge being fully committed. 
His counsel at once procured a habeas corpus, 
to test the legality of the second inquest, 
and of the examination and committal before 
the coroner as magistrate. The questions 
were ably argued before Judge Bacon, at 
Utica. He decided that the second coro- 
ner's inquest in the case was unauthorized, 
illegal, and void, and that the commitment 
of Mr. Budge by the coroner, acting as a 
magistrate, upon the rendition of the second 
verdict, was also consequently void. An 
order was at once rendered for the discharge 
of Mr. Budge, who, a free man, received the 
heartiest congratulations from the large 
number who were present. 

Burglary. — Man Drugged with Chlo- 
roform, and the Building set on Fire. — 
In Richmond, Va., the extensive drug-store 
of Messrs. James H. Pearce & Co. was en- 
tered by burglars and robbed of six hun- 
dred dollars in cash and several hundred 
dollars' worth of drugs. The burglars 
gained admission to the sleeping-room of 
Mr. Pearce and there drugged him with 
chloroform. They then took the key of the 
iron safe from his pocket, with which they 
opened the safe and took therefrom six hun- 
dred dollars. After helping themselves to 
as much as they wished, they set fire to the 
house and departed. The flames were soon 
discovered and the alarm given, and, when 
the firemen and others reached the house 
and gained an entrance, it was with great 



468 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



difficulty that Mr. Pearce was awakened, so 
well had the burglars performed their in- 
fernal work. The loss by the fire is small, 
and Mr. Pearce was fully insured. 

Sentences for Murder. — At Wheeling, 
Va., Mage Baldwin was convicted of mur- 
der in the second degree, and sent to the 
penitentiary for fourteen years, for the 
murder of F. Maas, at Triadelphia. Four 
other parties are indicted for participating 
in the murder. 

William J. Merrill, convicted at Char- 
lottesville, Va., of killing James G. File, has 
been sentenced to three years in the peni- 
tentiary. 

Dastardly Attempt Frustrated. — A 
bold but unsuccessful attempt to destroy 
life and property was made about four miles 
from New Haven, upon the New York & 
New Haven Railroad. As the day express 
from Boston, which leaves that city at 2.10 
a.m., was proceeding at a rapid speed, near 
what is called Strong's Curve, the engineer 
discovered a railroad-tie lying directly 
across the track, which at this place is upon 
a high embankment. The usual signal for 
"down brakes" was given, but, it being 
down grade and on a curve, they were un- 
able to stop in time to avoid hitting it. 
Most fortunately, it did not have the de- 
sired effect, but was dragged a distance of 
two hundred yards under the pilot of the 
engine, strangely enough, without doing 
any damage. Mr. J. H. Pearce, division- 
master, who was at work near the spot, had 
noticed two suspicious-looking boys pass 
the place a short time previous. He pur- 
sued and succeeded in arresting them. 
They confessed that they put the tie on the 
track, and are now in custody. Their 
names are Francis Cook and Samuel Hyde : 
the former is but ten and the latter but 
twelve years old. Several attempts have 
recently been made to throw trains from the 
track near New Haven, and a vigilant watch 
lias been kept, which until this instant has 
proved unsuccessful. 

A German, at New Orleans, committed 
suicide, because he could not attend the 
Volksfest, which he had been looking for- 
ward to with great anticipations for a long 
time. He saw his companions decking 
themselves in their best attire to attend, 
and could not endure the idea of missing 
the festival. 

Suicide of a Fast Young Man. — A young 
man named Randolph Garrison committed 
suicide in Hamilton, Ohio, by shooting him- 
self with a pistol. Of highly-respectable 
family connection, and possessed of a fine 
address, and business qualifications of the 
first order, he was for the first two years 



universally esteemed, but during the last 
3 r ear he became dissipated in his habits and 
loose in his morals, the victim of a foul dis- 
ease, and has now ended his fast life by his 
own hands. 

Skeletons Found. — Some workmen in 
East Boston were digging, when they 
turned up half a dozen skulls and other 
bones. One of the skulls from the upper 
ridge of the eye diverged directly back- 
ward, exhibiting no forehead whatever, and 
the supposition by those who saw it was 
that it was the skull of an Indian. In course 
of making the excavation, a skeleton in a 
sitting-posture, facing eastward, was found, 
and an effort made to remove it entire ; but 
the smaller bones crumbled as they were 
disturbed, and nothing but a portion of the 
skull was retained. It may be remarked 
that a sort of mound has been for years ob- 
servable on the lot where the excavation re- 
ferred to took place. 

Warning to Young Ladies who Read 
Novels and Write Poetry. — The Hender- 
son (Ky.) "Reporter" says: — 

We understand that a young lady of Union- 
town committed suicide under rather roman- 
tic circumstances. Miss Catharine Adams — 
for t hat was her name — formed an attachment 
for a young gentleman, which was not ap- 
preciated nor reciprocated. She procured a 
gun and placed the muzzle against her head 
and pulled the trigger with her toe, blowing 
out her brains and killing herself instantly. 
This unfortunate affair was the result of 
novel-reading. The young lady was accom- 
plished, and has written several pretty lite- 
rary pieces. 

Suicide of a Fallen Girl. — Kate Clare, 
only twenty-three years of age, and pos- 
sessed of great personal beauty, terminated 
an ill-spent life at Montgomery, Ala., on :i 
Saturday night, by taking poison. 

Suicide from Drinking. — A man named 
Vincent committed suicide in Haynesville, 
Ala. He had been on a spree, and was re- 
turning home, but, altering his mind when 
within a few yards of his residence, he 
spread his coat on the ground, and, lying 
down on it, shot himself through the heart. 

Starved Himself to Death. — Mr. En- 
sign Eldridge, of Chatham, Mass., starved 
himself to death. The "Barnstable Patriot," 
speaking of the affair, says : — 

The deceased was evidently so melancholy 
as to be insane, and persisted, so long as he 
knew any thing, in refusing food. He lived 
thus seventy-eight days, except that during 
the last week of his life his friends gave him a 
teaspoonful of rice-water once an hour. His 
case has been watched with great anxiety by 



1S60.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



469 



his relatives, and they feel entirely certain 
that at no time, either by night or by day, 
did he receive any nourishment, except as 
above stated, and excepting also the taking 
of a single teaspoonful of nourishment in 
two or three instances. It is stated that for 
the first twenty-five days his flesh fell away 
but little ; but finally he became a mere 
skeleton, lost his mental faculties entirely, 
became perfectly blind, and was so utterly 
exhausted that he was unable to move him- 
self at all. 

Attempted Suicide from Unrequited 
Love. — In Cincinnati, a young man named 
Joseph Rother attempted to commit suicide 
because he was rejected by a young lady. 
The Cincinnati "Press" gives the following 
account of it: — 

A young man not yet twenty years of age, 
named Joseph Rother, attempted self-destruc- 
tion by discharging the contents of a pistol 
into his body, after first locking himself in 
his bedroom, at the residence of his parents, 
on Elm Street, near Liberty. The circum- 
stances, as related to us by his physician, 
are as follows. At a masquerade given by 
the Cecilia Society some months ago, he met 
for the first time a young girl — whose name, 
from motives of delicacy, we withhold — who 
impressed him in such a manner as to render 
him almost wholly unfit for the performance 
of liis daily duties. The girl was quite young, 
and seemed to feel somewhat flattered by his 
attentions, and the pair soon became quite 
intimate. About a week or two ago he made 
her a proposal of marriage, which was im- 
mediately and peremptorily refused. The 
girl stated that she had always esteemed him 
very highly as a friend, and had never re- 
garded him in any other light ; she was quite 
young, and would not under any circum- 
stances marry for some time to come, and 
would be compelled to discontinue his ac- 
quaintance forever if he persisted in his suit. 
Lover-like, he did persist; and she, true to 
her threat, entirely refused to see him. After 
several repeated and unsuccessful efforts to 
gain an interview with her, he wrote her a 
note stating that death was preferable to life 
without the privilege of being admitted to 
her society, — repeating in the most fervid 
terms his admiration for her, and bidding her 
a final farewell. He did not threaten self- 
destruction, save in the indirect manner we 
have stated ; and the girl, unconscious of his 
intention, paid no attention to his letter, and 
believed that she was finally rid of a friend 
she would never cease to regret, and a lover 
whose passion she could never return. The 
young man did not seem to be aware that 
love, like a sun-glass, if held steadily for a 
sufficient length of time, would kindle a 
flame, — determined to end his life, now that 
his hopes had been destroyed, and seek in 
another the sympathy he failed to find in this. 



Accordingly, as we have already said, he pro- 
cured a pistol and, after loading it, placed 
the muzzle against his left breast and dis- 
charged the contents into his bosom, whether 
fortunately or unfortunately we leave the 
reader, when the sequel has been made 
known, to judge. The ball struck one of the 
ribs, and, passing around his body, lodged 
near the spine, causing a painful and some- 
what severe although not dangerous wound. 
When the circumstance was made known to 
the girl, partly actuated by remorse, and 
partly by an inherent regard for the young 
man, in whom she felt really interested, she 
ran immediately to his residence, and, hiding 
her eyes, which were dimmed and red with 
the burning tears she had shed upon his 
wounded breast, consented to marry him if 
he would only convalesce. The young man 
seemed to receive new life from this. So 
great was the effect of the mental peace, 
caused by the few words she had uttered, 
upon his physical system, that all the health 
and buoyancy of the young nature of his be- 
loved apparently flowed into his weak and 
wounded frame. After kissing her hand, 
they were left alone, and a long conversation 
ensued, which concluded to the entire satis- 
faction of both the parties. Next Sunday, 
if the young man is still alive, the pair will 
be married. 

Deaths of Revolutionary Soldiers. — 
Frederick Shaff, an old Revolutionary soldier, 
one hundred years of age, died, about the 
middle of May, in Berkshire, Tioga county, 
New York. The account of the clergyman 
who officiated at his funeral says that Fre- 
derick was never wounded in battle, but a tree 
behind which he took shelter was consider- 
ably cut with bullets, and the man who stood 
next to him was shot in the arm. Once also 
he was so near the British foe that he saw 
the buttons on the men's coats. 

Mr. John Daniel Vaughan died, at Nas- 
sau county, Florida, in the ninety-eighth 
year of his age. He was at the battle of 
Lexington, though a mere boy; was with 
General Washington during the terrible win- 
ter at Valley Forge, engaged in the battles 
at Monmouth and Trenton, and left the army 
after the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. He 
roved about for many years, and finally set- 
tled in Savannah and commenced the pursuit 
of a merchant. In the "great fire" of 1820 
he lost his all, and emigrated to Florida, 
where he has since lived, leading an active 
and useful life up to the time of his death. 
He was born in Boston, which city he visited, 
after fifty years' absence, to find that he was 
a stranger at his home. 

George D. Avery, recently deceased, says 
the Oxford (N.Y.) "Times," was born at 
Groton, in the State of Connecticut, August 



470 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



19, 1763, and at his death had nearly com- 
pleted his ninety-seventh year. He was a 
colonial subject of George the Third, and a 
witness of some of the exciting scenes of the 
American Revolution. He witnessed the 
burning of New London by the British, and 
was a pupil of Nathan Daboll, who, with his 
arithmetic, has long been numbered among 
the things that were. On the 8th day of 
August, 1796, Mr. Avery took up his resi- 
dence at Belleville, on the Ohio River, in the 
State of Virginia, after a toilsome journey of 
eight hundred miles. He there undertook the 
arduous task of early settlement. He was 
familiar with the romantic incidents in the 
life of Herman Blennerhasset and his island- 
paradise in the Ohio, and the strange adven- 
ture of Aaron Burr connected therewith, of 
all of which he was personally cognizant. 
About the year 1830, through the kindness 
of Benjamin Butler, (deceased,) who married 
his sister, he was induced to remove to Che- 
nango county, New York, where he has since 
resided. Mr. Avery was twice married, but 
had long survived his children, one of whom 
was a midshipman in the United States navy 
with Commodores Rogers and Decatur, and 
died in 1818. He voted at every election for 
President since the foundation of the Govern- 
ment, which act was performed by him with 
a religious sense of duty. 

Colonel Daniel Coleman died, at Dan- 
ville, Va. Colonel Coleman's youth was 
spent in the midst of the trying scenes which 
immediately preceded and were coeval with 
the Revolutionary era. At twelve years of 
age he was employed as an express by the 
military commandant at Halifax, where he 
then lived, to convey general orders for- 
warded to him by General Lafayette, for the 
commandant at Pittsylvania, ordering troops 
to the rendezvous near Irvine's Ferry, for the 
purpose of aiding General Greene, then act- 
ively retreating before the advancing columns 
of Cornwallis. He delivered the orders, the 
troops marched promptly, Green crossed the 
Dan in safety, and Cornwallis, chagrined at 
his escape, wheeled about and returned into 
North Carolina. He was commissioned as 
captain of militia in the One Hundred and 
First Pittsylvania regiment in July, 1791. 

Death of the Rev. John Barker, D.D., 
President of Alleghany College. — This 
gentleman died suddenly, in Pittsburg, Pa. 
He was a member of the Pittsburg Confer- 
ence of the M.E. Church. lie succeeded the 
Rev. Homer J. Clark, D.D., in the Presidency 
of the institution, in the winter or spring of 
1847. The college was just then emerging 
from the financial embarrassments which had 
long crippled its energies and usefulness, — 
the tide of prosperity set in motion by the 
endowment system then first perceptibly 
reaching its walls and landing within them 



hundreds of young men who gladly availed 
themselves of the cheap endowment to secure 
the advantages of a collegiate course. This 
S3 r stem was devised by the retired President, 
Dr. Clark, at a time when the institution was 
in a most desponding condition, and when 
those who had struggled and toiled for it 
through many years were despairing of sus- 
taining it with any success. The same sys- 
tem has since been adopted in other institu- 
tions, similarly situated, with the happiest 
results. 

Death of Joseph Stimpson. — Mr. Joseph 
Stimpson died, in Elliot, Me., aged eighty- 
nine years and ten months. He was born in 
Chariest own, Mass., in 1770. His grand- 
mother, whose name was Bunker, gave name 
to the celebrated Hill so designated, having 
owned a large tract of land embracing that 
renowned spot. When Joseph was a boy, 
another small boy was shot down at his side 
by the Regulators who were passing the 
house where they were. 

Death of one of Lafitte the Pirate's 
Men. — The Pensacola (Fla.) "Tribune" 
states that John Reira, one of the men for- 
merly engaged with Lafitte the pirate, re- 
cently died in that State. He had found a 
home with Reuben Dolive, of Baldwin county, 
and was at the time of his death eighty years 
of age. He was born in Minorca. On his 
passage to America the vessel in which he 
sailed was captured by Lafitte, and he and 
other passengers were compelled to serve 
under the "Pirate of the Gulf." One day, 
however, while at Bar at aria Bay, he obtained 
permission to go to New Orleans under a plea 
of illness, and never went back. 

Death of George Beach. — George Beach, 
a distinguished citizen of Connecticut, died 
at Hartford. The Hartford "Times" says: — 

In the death of George Beach, Hartford 
loses one of her well-known and much re- 
spected citizens. For a long series of years 
he has been President of the Phoenix Bank. 
As an officer of that institution, he pursued 
a course that was generous and just to his 
fellow-citizens, but ever maintained a cha- 
racter untarnished by the slightest blemish. 
He was a liberal-minded and useful citizen, 
aiding the needy, liberal to the poor and dis- 
tressed, and always foremost in enterprises 
of general public utility. He has filled a 
valuable space in the history of this city for 
the past fifty years, and his memory should 
be cherished by our citizens with profound 
respect. 

Fatal Accidents in California. — Frede- 
rick Wilson, formerly of New York, was 
killed at Green Valley, Placer county, by the 
falling of a stone upon him while he was at 
work mining. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



471 



John Gry died, in Tuolumne county, from 
the effects of injuries received by the upset- 
ting of a stage. 

Thomas Matherwell, an Irish gentleman, 
was killed by the caving-in of a bank in his 
mining -claim at Oregon Gulch, Trinity 
county. Deceased was a native of Sligo, 
where his connections are highly respectable 
and in opulent circumstances. 

Dr. B. Brown Williams, well known in 
Pennsylvania as a lecturer on psychology, 
and a Fillmore stump-speaker in 1856, died 
at Little Rock, Ark. 

A Wealthy Negro. — Robert Price, a col- 
ored man, died in Memphis, Tenn., leaving 
property valued at $50,000, the fruits of his 
own industry. 

John Spence, a colored minister, died in a 
chair in a store in Norwich, Conn. He sat 
down and apparently fell asleep, and some 
time elapsed before the fact of his death was 
known. He was seventy-six years old, and 
left a wife. 

Great Mortality in Texas. — The Texas 
correspondent of the Mobile (Ala.) "Mer- 
cury" says: — 

Never, in the absence of an epidemic, has 
so much fatal disease been known as now. 
Different types of fever, pneumonia, typhoid, 
congestive chills, and other diseases incident 
to our climate, are doing their work of de- 
struction in almost every section of our State, 
and especially iu the southern and south- 
eastern sections. 

Great Mortality. — The people of Rye 
Valley, in Smyth county, Va., are greatly 
afflicted by what seems to be a contagious 
inflammation of the throat. Rufus K. Wil- 
liams and five of his family died with it; 
besides a number of the citizens of that 
valley. 

Death from Gluttony. — The Pittsburg 
(Pa.) "Gazette" states that a man named 
Brant, a resident of Shankeville, Somerset 
county, ate twenty-one boiled eggs at one 
meal, but his digestive organs were unable 
to do the work assigned them, and the man 
died a victim to his gluttony. 

Frightened to Death. — A young lady — 
Miss Stewart, of Cumberland county, Pa. — 
was so badly scared by meeting a will-o'-the- 
wisp, that she was taken ill on reaching 
home, and, in a short time afterward, died 
from the effects of the prostration of her 
nervous system superinduced by the fright. 

Sailors Lost Overboard. — Schooner 
Matchless, Hinckley, from Norfolk for Kings- 
ton, Jamaica, in lat. 84° 40', Ion. 75°, in the 



Gulf Stream, lost overboard James Bobbins, 
of New York, and John Lyons, of London, 
both leaving families ; were compelled to 
throw deck-load overboard; lost jib-boom, 
sails, and rigging, and will have to discharge 
for repairs. 

Boy Falling Sixty Feet. — In Buffalo, a 
boy fell from the rigging of a schooner sixty 
feet, and was killed. The Buffalo "Re- 
public" says: — 

This morning, about half-past nine o'clock, 
a boy sixteen years of age, whose name we 
could not ascertain, was playing in the rig- 
ging of a schooner lying in the creek, oppo- 
site the foot of Commercial Street, showing 
to the bystanders his agility and fearlessness. 
He had been in the rigging some time, when 
he started to go from the maintopmast to the 
foretopmast on the maintopmast-stay, which 
is fixed at least sixty feet from the deck. 
When about half-way across, he threw his 
legs on the stay, let go his hands, and hung 
head downward. It was observed that he 
hung in this way for a considerable time, 
and it was seen plainly that he was endea- 
voring to clutch the stay with his hands and 
get back on it again. All at once his legs 
loosened, and, to the horror and afl'right of all 
around, he dropped to the deck with a heavy 
" thud," that sent a chill to the hearts of all. 
The blood was splashed all over the deck, and 
the scene was a horrible one. He was picked 
up senseless, but alive, and a physician was 
instantly sent for. Dr. Pratt attended him ; 
but we learn that though the boy is yet 
alive there is no probability of saving his 
life. By to-morrow his injuries will, in all 
probability, have killed him. 

Rencontre. — The Dubuque (Iowa) "He- 
rald" gives an account of a street-fight be- 
tween Postmaster Heath, of that city, and 
C. S. D. Jones, a son of General Jones. 
Heath got some severe flesh-wounds, and 
Jones got a black eye. 

Marine Losses for May. — The marine 
disasters of this month show the following 
results: — 

Vessel 

and Freight. Cargoes. Total. 

Steamers $70,500 $61,000 $131,500 

Ships 640,500 972,200 1,012,700 

Barks 105,500 71,000 176,500 

Brigs 52,500 56,200 108,700 

Schooners 77,300 83,100 160,400 

Total $940,300 $1,243,500 $2,189,800 

Five months. 1860 5,785,750 6,482,650 12,268,400 

Same time, 1859 5,109,400 5,81S,560 10,918,960 

Mate Knocked Overboard. — Schooner 
Prowess, Capt. Hulse, on her voyage to Ber- 
muda, reports that when on the northern 
edge of the Gulf, while winged with the wind 
from n.n.w., the second mata, Ebenezer 
Tooker, had just issued from the cabin, when 



472 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



the main boom jibed and struck him on the 
back and threw him overboard, and he 
almost immediately disappeared, without 
making any exertion to save himself, though 
he was a most excellent swimmer. The boat 
was lowered without loss of time, and every 
means taken by the captain and crew to res- 
cue him, but all to no purpose. It is pre- 
sumed that the blow killed him instantly. 

A Right Whale, one hundred feet long, 
was found off Block Island, and towed on 
shore. About thirty barrels of oil were 
obtained. 

Since January, five vessels, with their 
crews, have been lost in the Georges fishery. 
Within the past thirty years, over thirty 
vessels and two thousand men have been lost 
in their hazardous branch of the fishing- 
business. 

Explosion of a Boiler. — The boiler of 
the steam saw-mill of Richmond, Pickens & 
Co., in Middleborough, Mass., exploded on a 
Friday, demolishing the engine-house and 
chimney-staek and a portion of the main 
building, and ruining the engine. Mr. 
Charles R. Parsons, of East Bridgewater, 
who had been in his position as engineer 
only a few days, was instantly killed. 

The Root Elopement Case. — The Wor- 
cester "Spy" says: — 

We have received letters of a very sad and \ 
painful character in relation to the recent 
elopement of Mrs. Ellen E. Root, of Spring- 
field, Ohio, with a member of her husband's 
church. They desire us to express the 
friendly conviction that she was betrayed 
while under the influence of insanity induced 
by the extreme and long-continued delicacy 
of her health. She left a note behind her 
exonerating her husband from any blame on 
account of her remarkable conduct, and 
saying that "he had ever been one of the 
most devoted and affectionate of husbands." 

Elopement, and Attempted Murder of 
the Adulterer by the Outraged Hus- 
band. — The Adams county (Wisconsin) "In- 
dependent" occupies two columns in the de- 
tail of an infamous case of adultery and 
elopement at Cascade, in that county, the 
substance of which is as follows. Dr. L. B. 
Garrison, formerly from Milt on, Rock county, 
Wisconsin, about six years ago settled at, 
Cascade, where he sustained a reputation of 
no creditable character. For several years 
he has had an improper intimacy with a Mrs. 
Cuppernell, the wife of a highly-esteemed 
and intelligent young man in charge of 
Barker & Niles's mills, at Cascade, who is 
described as a woman of more than ordinary 
intelligence and personal beauty. A few 
.weeks since, Garrison and his family 'left 



Cascade, under pretence of going East. A 
few days after* he left, Mrs. Cuppernell took 
her child, a bright girl of two years, under 
a pretence of visiting friends in Quincy. 
Garrison sent his wife and family forward 
from Milwaukee, and was joined by Mrs. 
Cuppernell, and together they went to Blairs- 
ville, Posey county, Indiana, and purchased 
a farm, where they had got nicely established 
as man and wife, when they were discovered 
by Chicago detectives under the inspiration 
of the outraged young husband. They were 
arrested and taken back to Adams county. 
Cuppernell attempted to kill him, and shot 
him, putting a ball into his neck, when the 
pistol was wrested from him, and he then 
drew a knife, but was prevented from using 
it. The infamous doctor has been bound over 
in five hundred dollars to appear for trial, 
and is in danger of being dealt summarily 
with by a mob. Mrs. Cuppernell, the poor 
deluded victim of his wiles, has returned to 
the Cuppernell house, where she remains in 
company with her father. Her husband has 
received from her a confession of her crimi- 
nal conduct dating back for three years, and 
a full account of the arts and wiles used by 
the doctor to obtain control of her. 

An Elopement fbom Camden, N.Y. — Mr. 
Sears, a married man, some fifty-five years 
of ago, and a Miss Barnes, aged sixteen, 
eloped from Camden. They went to Utica, 
and stopped over-night, since which time no 
trace of them can be found by those inte- 
rested in their whereabouts. The runaway 
girl is a sister of Sears' s wife. 

An Elopement. — W r e learn from the Butler 
(Pa.) " Herald" that a lawyer named Hippie 
has absconded from that place with a girl 
named Maria J. Brinker. Hippie leaves a 
wife and child, he having taken one of his 
children with him, but left the other. He 
carried off $2000 of other people's money. 

Elopement, Robbery of a Wife, and 
Fobgery. — The New York "Tribune" 



Mr. Leroy, who formerly lived, and ought 
still to have remained, in Lafayette, Indiana, 
that being the residence of his wife, the other 
day stole $G00 of her money, raised $200 on 
forged drafts, and eloped with another wo- 
man, named Myers. Mrs. Leroy, being an 
energetic woman, and naturally anxious for 
her money and husband, set out in pursuit 
of him. She traced him from Chicago to 
Toledo, thence to Detroit: there she began 
to lose sight of him. She is determined. 
however, to find him, and the prevailing 
opinion in Michigan was that she would 
succeed. 

Elopement in Salisbury, Mass. — The 

Newburyport "Herald" states that Abraham 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



473 



Varney, of Salisbury, broke up housekeep- 
ing, moved his wife and several children 
(one of whom is but ten months old) to an- 
other town, hired a horse and chaise, which 
he drove to Salem and sold, and with the 
proceeds eloped with a married woman of 
Newburyport, who leaves behind a babe of 
eight months. 

Betrayal and Elopement. — A Seducer 
Shot. — A painful case of connubial infidel- 
ity and elopement was revealed in Cairo, 111., 
which is thus related in the papers of that 
town : — 

The wronged gentleman, who is well known 
upon the river, and is generally esteemed 
for his fine qualities and business abilities, 
arrived from New Orleans a short time since, 
in company with his wife, to whom he had 
been married about eight years and to whom 
he was very strongly attached. On his ar- 
rival he found employment in a forwarding- 
house, and boarded with his wife at the St. 
Charles Hotel. 

The same boat which brought them up 
brought also another man, a steamboat-run- 
ner in New Orleans, with his wife. This 
latter had formed the acquaintance of our 
friend in New Orleans, and took advantage 
of his kindness and friendship to seduce the 
affections of his wife, with whom he had 
lived lovingly and without any disagreement 
for many years. Having established a cri- 
minal intimacy with the erring spouse, he 
took his wife to St. Louis, where he left her, 
and returned to Cairo last week, stopping at 
the St. Charles. 

While here, he prevailed upon the mis- 
guided woman to forsake the tried love of 
years, and to abandon her confiding husband, 
as he had abandoned his trusting wife, and 
fly with him to the South. On Saturday 
morning she departed with her paramour, 
taking the steamer B. P. Cheney and the cars 
for the South. Of course the state of mind 
of the deserted husband was by no means 
enviable, and his thoughts were distracting; 
but he immediately decided to pursue the 
pair and to take summary vengeance on the 
destroyer of his peace. Taking the same 
route which they had pursued, he overtook 
them at the town of Jackson, Tennessee, 
where they had stopped to spend the night. 
Entering their room at an early hour in the 
morning, he found them occupying the same 
bed. Exasperated at the sight, he imme- 
diately drew a pistol and fired upon the man, 
the shot striking him on the hand. The 
other clinched with him, but he broke his 
hold, jumped out of the window in his night- 
clothes only, and ran as he probably never 
ran before. He was overtaken, however ; 
and when the citizens of Jackson learned 
the circumstances, they desired the injured 
husband to take whatever vengeance upon 
him he pleased. But our friend suffered him 



to escape, desiring to "do no murder," and 
rested content with having exposed him and 
frightened him nearly to death. The woman 
who had so greatly injured him he brought 
up to Columbus, intending to send her to 
her friends. 

An Officer Strives to Prostitute a 
Witness. — A case known as the "Mother 
Allen Conspiracy Case" recently created 
much excitement in the city of Chicago. 
The following case, which is related in the 
"Saturday Review" of that city, has added 
another shocking feature to the affair. The 
"Review" says: — 

It has come out that this same officer, act- 
ing, as it appears, under the same influence 
which had so mysteriously directed him 
hitherto, has been engaged in the almost 
incredible baseness of endeavoring to reduce 
to prostitution one of the witnesses against 
the woman Allen, in order to furnish proof 
of such a character against that witness as to 
render her testimony worthless ! We do not 
care to soil our columns with the details of 
this villany ; but it is enough to state that 
the girl Herbert, of whose truthfulness there 
can be no doubt, stated under oath to Re- 
corder Wilson that Gillespie had endeavored 
to compel her to submit to his embraces; 
that upon her refusal lie threatened her with 
imprisonment; and that, as she still declined 
to surrender her person to him, he did arrest 
her, confined her all night in the lock-up, 
and the next morning had her sent up to the 
bridewell to work out a fine for her unpar- 
donable contumacy in preferring her virtue 
to her liberty ! 

We leave this subject here. If an ignorant 
negro woman, for an attempt to reduce a 
girl to prostitution, is sentenced to three 
months' hard labor in the bridewell, — if two 
young men, for the same offence, are sen- 
tenced to six months' imprisonment and a 
fine of $100 each, — of what reprobation shall 
that officer be deemed worthy who, to shield 
these people from punishment, or to obey a. 
power mightier than he, prostitutes his 
official station and uses his authority as a 
conservator of the public welfare to throw 
into a dungeon and into the bridewell a young 
girl who, amid degradation, vice, and tempta- 
tion, still preserved her honor, and chose 
apparent shame rather than real disgrace ! 

Accusing a Rival of Murder to get 
him out of the Way. — In Ohio, the fol- 
lowing singular case occurred, according to 
the Cleveland " Plaindealer :" — 

A young lady, the daughter of a farmer 
living near Canton, was the object of the 
tender regard of two persons, — one a young 
man named Day, son of a neighboring 
farmer, and the other named Gebo, a man 
of French extraction, hired by the lady's 
father as a farm-hand. In order to put his 



474 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Mat, 



rival out of the way, Gebo bethought him- 
self of a singular expedient. He induced a 
young brother of the lady to accompany him 
in a ride, and, driving some distance from 
the house, he got out of the wagon and told 
the boy to wait for him, but in case he heard 
him halloo to drive on quickly toward him. 
It was not long before the signal was given, 
and on reaching Gebo he found his clothing 
torn and his arm bleeding, as if he had been 
engaged in an affray. In explanation of 
this appearance, he stated that Day had met 
and attacked him, attempting to cut him to 
pieces. In evidence . of this, he showed 
several severe slashes in his vest-pattern and 
a gash in his arm. He further alleged that 
Day had challenged him to mortal combat, 
and showed what purported to be letters 
written by Day, one of which invited Gebo 
to meet him. It was afterward proved that 
Day had not been near the place, and that 
the whole affair was trumped up by Gebo to 
remove one whom he feared to be a danger- 
ous rival. 

A Sad Case of Love and Guilt. — The 
Richmond (Va.) correspondent of the Peters- 
burg "Express" relates the following me- 
lancholy case of love betrayed and its cri- 
minal consequences: — 

About ten months ago, a young, beautiful, 
and wealthy girl came to this city from South 
Carolina, a guilty refugee from the home of 
her birth and the scenes, alas! alike of her 
innocence and her shame. The fear of ex- 
posure to the reproach and contumely of an 
uncompromising world had driven her 
hither, where she was unknown, and she 
found a shelter for her misery beneath the 
roof of a low procuress in an obscure part 
of the city. In due time, the fruit of her 
unfortunate error appeared upon the stage 
of existence. Upon recovering from her ill- 
ness, she left her "sinless child of sin" in 
the keeping of her available but by no means 
trusty friend, and, with a heavy heart, re- 
turned to her once happy and beautiful 
home. 

In the mean time, the false custodian of 
the child, though amply rewarded for her 
services, transferred her charge to the care 
of a negro woman, and a few days ago the 
child, though its history was unknown, at- 
tracted some notice from outside sources by 
its sickly, famished look, striking all who 
saw it with the suspicion that it was dying 
of hunger and exposure. The subject 
reached the knowledge of the police, and the 
negro woman was arraigned before the 
Mayor, when the above developments were 
made; but, as no guilt could be attached 
legally to the negro, she was discharged. 
The case requires no commentary. It forms 
one of the most mournful chapters of human 
frailty that break in dark shadows now and 
then upon the snowy walks of social life. 



Seduction and Breach of Promise — 
A young man at Roxbury, Mass., named 
Patrick Raney, about twenty-one years old, 
became acquainted with a widow, about 
twenty-five years old, named Ann Ward, who 
had one child. The result of the intimacy 
was Raney' s arrest on a bastardy-warrant. 
He was committed to jail, where he remained 
five days. During the time, Mrs. Ward had 
an interview with him, and says he agreed 
to marry her if she would not appear against 
him. She agreed to this, and he was soon 
after discharged at a hearing on a writ of 
habeas corpus. Now, however, he proves 
recreant to his honorable professions and 
refuses to marry her. She has commenced 
a suit against him, laying damages at $4000. 
Raney was arrested by Sheriff Farrington, 
and immured in one of the lock-ups at Rox- 
bury. 

Fond of Married Life. — A man named 
Perkins, alias Frank Hoyt, alias Henry 
Brown, was arrested in Groveland, Mass., 
because he was the husband of four wives, 
and is now in Salem jail, awaiting his trial 
at Newburyport. One wife is in Derry, an- 
other in Concord, N.H., another in Danvers, 
and the last quite a youthful one in Grove- 
land, — a daughter of highly respectable 
parents. 

Robbery of a Young Married Couple. — 
A young couple in St. Louis were robbed, 
in the night, of money and clothes, by some 
villains who administered chloroform. The 
room had been so thoroughly sacked that 
the plundered pair were obliged to remain iu 
bed till the neighbors brought them some 
clothing. 

Breach of Promise of Marriage.— The 
following case of breach of promise of mar- 
riage was tried in Middlesex, Mass. : — 

Sarah II. Travis vs. Abel Pond. — This was 
an action brought to recover damages for an 
alleged breach of promise of marriage. Both 
parties reside at Holliston, Mass., and the 
plaintiff is a young lady about twenty-five 
years of age, the daughter of a wealthy 
farmer of that place. The defendant at the 
time his alleged attentions to the plaintiff 
were paid was a widower, aged fifty-one. 
He had long resided at Holliston, had been 
actively engaged in business there, had held 
several important town offices, and accumu- 
lated a small fortune. At the time of his 
attentions to the plaintiff his first wife had 
been dead less than a year. 

The plaintiff alleged and introduced evi- 
dence to prove that in January, 1858, her 
acquaintance with the defendant was com- 
menced by the reception from him of a polite 
note, asking leave to visit her, which he 
shortly after did, and at once made proposals 
of marriage. That when she hesitated 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



475 



somewhat about accepting his offer, on ac- 
count of the disparity in years between 
herself and defendant, and the suddenness 
of his unexpected offer, he urged her to 
accept it by showing her how much better 
it would be to marry him, with his wealth 
and influence in town, notwithstanding his 
age and widowerhood, than to marry a man 
of her own age without money ; and he 
professed great regard and attachment for 
her as a pious, devoted girl and a member 
of the same church as himself. That finally 
she accepted the offer, and, as he was urgent 
to have the marriage take place at once, 
immediately made her preparations therefor, 
and commenced purchasing articles with 
which to furnish the house and her ward- 
robe. That he made her presents of a gold 
watch and a wedding-ring, and was having 
a new house built to live in. That at the 
expiration of several months defendant told 
plaintiff he had changed his mind, and 
wished her to release him. That when asked 
for his reasons he said "he found no fault 
at all with her: she deserved a much better 
husband than he could make her; but he 
could never marry her." And thus he 
finally left her. That eight months after- 
wai - d, and while the present suit was pend- 
ing, he married and took to his new house 
another wife, who a year or two before had 
been divorced from a former husband. 

The defendant, admitting the contract and 
the breach of it as charged, and the plaintiff's 
excellent character, contended that plaintiff 
could have no object in marrying a man of 
his years, who was fast verging upon old 
age, and whom. she would have been obliged 
to take care of and nurse during his decline. 
That she could have made more money 
in nursing at a hospital ; and that there- 
fore it was a bad bargain for her, and no in- 
jury, but rather a benefit, to be released 
from it. 

The jury, after being out less than an 
hour, returned a verdict for the plaintiff. 
Damages, $3000. 

A Lady of New England Travelling a 
Thousand Miles to Marry a Gentleman 
she never saw. — A y oung lady of Lowell, 
Mass., for many years an assistant-teacher 
in one of the grammar-schools of that city, 
left in company with a sister on a journey 
of over a thousand miles to meet and marry 
a man she had never seen. The engage- 
ment was brought about by means of a piece 
of poetry written by her while residing in 
a neighboring city, and published in the 
local paper of the place. The article, signed 
by a fictitious name, was seen by the gen- 
tleman, and so much admired that he wrote 
to the address ; and the correspondence 
thus begun was kept up for nearly two 
years, and has resulted as above. 



A New York Young Lady Travels Three 
Thousand Miles to Marry a Gentleman 
she never saw. — The Skaneateles "Demo- 
crat" says : — 

We learn that Miss Harriet E. Smith, 
daughter of Horace Smith, of Spaft'ord, 
will start soon for Washington Territory, 
away in the Northwest, beyond the Rocky 
Mountains, to marry a man she has never 
seen, — Mr. David Spalding, Jr., son of David 
Spalding, of Spaft'ord. The friends of the 
parties are intimate, and recommended a 
correspondence between them, whicli was 
continued for two years, and has resulted 
in a marriage-contract; and the young gen- 
tleman, being engaged in a profitable busi- 
ness which he cannot conveniently leave, 
has remitted funds to his dearie, with a re- 
quest for her to join him there. We sin- 
cerely hope that " the course of true love 
may run smoothly" in this instance. 

Married Young. — In Waytoma, Wiscon- 
sin, died Mrs. Case, aged sixteen years, 
six months, and ten days. Mrs. C, so 
early called from life to death, was mar- 
ried about three years ago, and has left 
three little children to mourn a mother's 
loss. 

Prolific. — A Mrs. Galen, in Memphis. 
Tenn., gave birth to three children. She 
has been married two years, and is now the 
mother of five children. 

Dissolving a Hasty Marriage. — -The 
Court of Chancery of New Jersey has 
granted an application for the divorce of 
Mary J. Snyder from Simeon Remer, both 
of Newark. These parties were married 
some two years since while on a pic-nic 
excursion of the Park Presbyterian Church 
Sunday-School, at Rahway. Both were 
under age, and the girl was married against 
the wish of her parents. 

Divorces in Massachusetts. — During 
the last session of the Supreme Court at 
Salem, Mass., no less than seventeen couple 
were divorced from the bonds of matrimony. 
The cases were as follows : — -Wife from hus- 
band, desertion, 7 ; husband from wife, de- 
sertion, 1 ; wife from husband, adultery, 2 ; 
husband from wife, adultery, 7. 

Divorced and Remarried. — The New 
York "Tribune" relates the following sin- 
gular narrative of the divorce and remar- 
riage of a husband and wife: — 

A young lady, beautiful in person and at- 
tractive in manner, who resided in the im- 
mediate vicinity of Boston, was sought in 
marriage some years ago by two men. One 
of these was poor, and a mechanic ; the 
other was rich, and not a mechanic. The 
woman loved the former ; the family of the 



476 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[May, 



woman liked the latter. As is the case in 
such affairs, the woman married to please 
her friends. Having thus "sold herself," 
she ought to have been miserable; but she 
was not. Her husband's unaffected love 
subdued her heart, and his gold smoothed 
the rough places in the human path. For- 
tune, feeling that this couple were too happy, 
frowned, and the man's riches took wings 
and used them in flight. Thereupon the 
husband wound up his business, put his 
wife and children — of whom there were 
two — at a comfortable boarding-house, and 
then departed for California in search of 
money. Some letters and some remittances 
arrived from him at first; then nothing 
came, and there was a blank for several 
years. The wife thought herself deserted. 
The family, whose good opinion of the hus- 
band had not lately been so often published 
as formerly, told her that it was clearly a 
case for a divorce. When she had become 
well accustomed to the sound of this un- 
pleasant word, the disconsolate wife was 
thrown into the society of the mechanic- 
lover, now prosperous and still unmarried. 
The memory of her early, real love came 
upon her, and she believed with a secret 
joy that he had remained single for her 
sake. This thought nourished her affec- 
tion, and at last she obtained a divorce 
from her husband, who had deserted her 
and remained absent beyond the time al- 
lowed by the statute. This accomplished, 
there was no barrier between her and the 
mechanic of her youth. She informed him 
that she was his forever when he should 
choose to claim her hand. Her feelings 
cannot have been pleasant to learn that, 
since his rejection by her and her marriage 
to another, the unromantic hewer of wood 
had drowned his passion for her in the 
waves of time, and that at the time of her 
handsome offer he no longer palpitated for 
her. In fact, "Barkis was not willin'." 
As if all this was not embarrassing enough, 
who should turn up but the husband, who 
made his appearance in the form of a letter, 
announcing that he had accumulated a daz- 
zling pile of wealth, that he was on his 
way home, and that she was to meet him in 
New York. The letter also chid her for 
neglect in not writing to him for years ; and 
it was clear that he had sent assurances of 
love and also material aid at intervals 
during his absence. Where these had gone 
no one knows. Here, then, was trouble. 
No husband, no lover. The one she had di- 
vorced, the other had refused her. Taking 
counsel with herself, she packed her trunk, 
— seeing that her wardrobe was unexcep- 
tionable, — and came to the metropolis. She 
met the coming man on his arrival, and told 
him the whole story as correctly as she, 
naturally prejudiced in favor of the defend- 
ant, could tell it. The husband scowled, 



growled, looked at the charming face and 
the becoming toilette, remembered California 
and its loneliness, and took her to his heart. 
A clergyman was summoned, a marriage was 
performed, and a new volume in their life's 
history was opened. 

Ax Undesirable Marriage Forbidden 
by the Ghost ok the Mother. — The San- 
dusky (Ohio) "Register" relates the follow- 
ing:— 

We have received the particulars of a 
recent ghostly interference in the internal 
arrangements of a family residing on the 
line of the Sandusky, Dayton & Cincinnati 
Railroad, which may be interesting to our 
readers. The names of the parties, or the 
exact location of the transaction, we do not 
feel at liberty to publish. A farmer was 
bereaved of his wife some sixteen years 
ago, an infant daughter — an only child — 
being left to console him in his afflictions. 
The daughter grew up a beautiful and 
amiable young lady, and not long since did 
what maidens have done from time imme- 
morial, — fell in love. But, unfortunately 
for her, the young man upon whom she la- 
vished the wealth of her youthful affections 
was poor, although worthy of her in every 
other respect. And when her stern "pa- 
rient" discovered how matters were drifting 
he ordered the distracted daughter to con- 
fine herself to her room and her needle- 
work, and commanded the young man of 
poor though honest parents never again to 
darken his door. A stern, unyielding parent 
was he; and so satisfied of the fact was the 
daughter, after a rather intimate acquaint- 
ance of about sixteen years, that she uttered 
not a word of remonstrance, but went quietly 
into seclusion and decline, pining away after 
the approved style of disappointment and 
forlorn maidenhood. The young man didn't 
pine, but took a school to teach, exhibiting 
a commendable degree of energy and per- 
severance. 

About this time a wealthy and miserly 
old fellow in the neighborhood, vfho had 
seen the young lady a few times and become 
enamored, made known his flame to her 
father, and directed him to tender to her his 
hand in connection with a miserable fossil 
he called his heart. In short, he wished to 
marry her. The father was in ecstasies with 
the proposed match, as the old man, though 
old enough to be her grandfather, was 
known to be immensely rich. The girl, 
however, treated the proposition with dis- 
dain, mingled with a considerable quantity 
of disgust, and intimated that she would 
"die first." The father, who was not ac- 
customed to having his authority set at 
naught in the slightest particular, raved 
and stormed like a madman and swore his 
child should obey him. 

Several weeks passed by, in which the 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



477 



daughter pined more and more, — still firm 
in her resolve, however, — and her father 
became more and more enraged at what he 
termed her senseless obstinacy. At length, 
one day, after a long and private interview 
with the miserly old lover, the father di- 
rected his daughter to prepare herself for 
the ceremony, as marry she must, that very 
day, the husband he had chosen for her. 
Then, sealing the command with a big oath, 
he threw himself upon his horse, standing 
at the door, and rode away for a magistrate 
to make the ill-assorted twain one flesh and 
blood. 

After the expiration of about an hour, a 
horse's hoofs were heard coming down the 
road and into the yard at a break-neck 
speed, and those who ran out of the house 
saw the farmer hurriedly alight, his face 
covered with a deadly pallor. As he stepped 
upon the threshold of his door he sank 
down insensible and was borne into the 
room by the affrighted servants. 

The wedding did not take place that day ; 
for, after recovering from his fainting-fit, 
the farmer was confined to his bed by a long 
ami severe fit of sickness. The daughter 
nursed him tenderly, and, after a hard strug- 
gle between life and death, the former con- 
quered, and the old man began to recover. 
He was a changed man, however ; and one 
day he told his daughter the cause of his 
fright on the day he rode away for the ma- 
gistrate. He said as he was dashing madly 
down the road leading to the village, on his 
horse, and while passing through a bit of 
woods, he was conscious of a rustling above 
his head. At the same time a pair of arms 
reached down and caught the bridle from 
his hands. As he looked up he saw the 
form of his dead wife hovering above him. 
Her face was sad and melancholy, nearly 
touching his own. The horse wheeled sud- 
denly, as if directed by the ghostly hands 
upon the bridle-rein, and then, as if little 
less terrified than his rider, went at a fear- 
ful rate toward home. The vision remained 
hovering above him, its hands upon the 
reins, until the horse turned into the yard, 
when it suddenly vanished. 

The story became known, and is firmly 
believed by all the neighbors. They think 
the ghost of his wife interfered to save the 
daughter from the fate which threatened 
her. It had that effect, at least ; for the old 
miser's visits are no longer received, and 
the young lover, of poor but honest parents, 
is a welcome visitor at the farm-house. The 
young lady has ceased to pine, and a dress- 
maker is there at work on an elegant dress, 
any allusion to which invariably causes the 
young lady to blush exceedingly. We sus- 
pect it is her wedding-dress, but don't 
know. 

Liability of the Bondsmen or the Rev. 



Mr. Peck, the Defaulting Treasurer of 
Maine. — The commissioners appointed to 
settle with the sureties of Benjamin D. Peck, 
late Treasurer of Maine, have made a report 
in part. Peck's defalcation, as far as the 
commissioners could discover, amounted to 
something over $93,000. The commissioners 
have come to the conclusion that the bonds- 
men for 1859 are not responsible for any de- 
ficit which occurred before Peck was duly 
qualified, by giving bonds that year, and 
that the bondsmen for 1858 were liable up 
to the time of such qualification. The amount 
of deficiency thus recovered is stated as fol- 
lows: — From the Mechanics' Bank, Portland, 
$1100; from Neal Dow, $8500; from the 
sureties of 1859, $37,000, being $7000 in 
cash and $30,000 in good notes of $5000 
each. 

The Tennessee & Alabama Railroad 
is now completed to Mount Pleasant, eleven 
miles from Columbia, Tennessee. A charter 
has been obtained, with State aid of $10,000 
to the mile, to extend it to Hamburg, on the 
Tennessee River. 

The Lynn Strike. — The strikers' organi- 
zation in Lynn have voted to devote the re- 
maining funds in the treasury to the defence 
of the parties indicted for riotous disturbances 
in that city on the occasion of the recent 
strike. 

"A Fair Shake." — Elder Kimball, of the 
Mormon Church, while preaching recently in 
Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, addressed 
some missionaries who were about starting on 
a proselytizing tour, as follows : — " Brethren, 
I want you to understand that it is not to be 
as it has been heretofore. The brother mis- 
sionaries have been in the habit of picking 
out the prettiest women for themselves be- 
fore they got here, and bringing on the ugliest 
for us : hereafter you have to bring them all 
here before taking any of them, and let us 
all have a fair shake." 

Singular Forgery-Case in New York. 
— The New York papers contain the details 
of a singular case of forgery by a man named 
Lawson, who was in the habit of forging 
deeds for lots owned by others, and in some 
instances owned by the city. Speaking of 
the affair, they say : — 

Detectives Sampson and Devoe made two 
additional arrests, in the persons of Joel W. 
Foote and Cornelius Totten, brokers, doing 
business in Wall Street. The prisoners were 
brought before Justice Welsh at the Lower 
Police Court, where they were held for a 
hearing, which will come off to-day. At 
length Lawson's object in committing the 
forgeries seems capable of explanation. It 
appears, from what we could learn yesterday, 
that the prisoner was in the habit of raising 



478 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



small sums of money on the forged deeds, 
enabling parties to whom he transferred 
these fictitious titles to become bail for crimi- 
nals. In two instances owners of real estate 
were induced to part with their property in 
return for these forged deeds of city lots; 
and so far they appear to be the only persons 
who have suffered any damage at the hands 
of the forger. The names of the victims are 
Emiliano P. Bergomini and Dominico Cella. 
They claim to have been defrauded out of a 
farm worth $6000, situated in New Jersey, 
in the following manner. In January last, 
Bergomini says, he called upon Charles G. 
Thompson, one of Lawson's alleged confede- 
rates, in relation to selling the farm in New 
Jersey. Thompson proposed to exchange 
some lots situated on Ninety-Fifth and Ninety- 
Sixth Streets, in this city, for the property. 
He represented that the lots belonged to a 
rich man named Lawson, who was connected 
with George Law, Marshal 0. Roberts, and 
other influential citizens, and that the title 
to them was perfect. After some negotiation, 
the exchange was effected, Thompson giving 
Mr. Bergomini a forged and fraudulent deed 
of property which subsequently proved to 
belong to a gentleman named Van Herevel, 
who was an entire stranger in the transac- 
tion. The discovery was not made until the 
farm had passed through several hands and 
was then in possession of a sixth party, who 
knew nothing, probably, of the fraud that 
had been practised upon the original owner. 
Another victim from New Jersey is expected 
to make an affidavit in the case to-day. This 
gentleman is said to have exchanged a farm 
worth $16,000 for some of Lawson's lots. 
In addition to the forgeries, the crime of per- 
jury is said to have been committed by one 
of Lawson's accomplices. Charles P. Thomp- 
son is charged with having sworn to the 
ownership of a house and lot on East Twenty- 
Sixth Street to which he had not the shadow 
of a title, so that he might become bondsman 
for his father, who had been arrested on 
charge of false pretences. All the accused, 
with the exception of Shipman, are now in 
the Tombs, awaiting the result of the inves- 
tigation. It is probable that there will be 
some more arrests in a day or two. 

Attempt to Assassinate a Lady. — As 
Mis. T. W. Freeman, of Augusta, Georgia, 
was sleeping in her room, about eleven o'clock 
in the evening she was awakened by a 
strange noise, followed by a stunning sensa- 
tion in her head. On examination, she found 
herself shot in the jaw, and the bedclothes 
on fire. The fire was soon extinguished, 
and a physician was called, who extracted a 
ball from the wound, which was found not to 
be dangerous. Footsteps were heard on the 
stairs as she awoke; but no certain clew has 
been obtained as to the perpetrator of the 
horrible outrage. Her carriage-driver, who 



had been guilty of some misdemeanor and 
had reason to expect punishment, is sus- 
pected, and has been lodged in jail. 

Shooting a Woman in New Orleans. — 
Catharine Griifen was shot in New Orleans, 
on a Friday, under peculiar circumstances. 
The pistol was fired by an unknown man, 
who had disappeared. A sister of the 
wounded woman, Biddy Mullen by name, 
related the course of the affair, from which 
it appears that the corner of Dryades and 
Poydras Streets, in New Orleans, is a 'Change 
where laboring-women out of work congre- 
gate, seeking employment. Biddy had been 
standing here for some time, waiting for a 
job, and, being fatigued, sat down upon a 
wheelbarrow to rest. As she sat, a man — 
" a beautiful-looking man, with a gold watch 
around his neck," to give her own descrip- 
tion — "came up, and, taking hold of the 
handles of the wheelbarrow, commenced roll- 
ing her about, and finally turned her over 
into the dirty gutter." At this stage of the 
proceeding her sister Catharine and another 
woman became somewhat excited, and, pick- 
ing up some lumps of mud or earth, threw 
them at the man who had pitched her into 
the gutter. The man no sooner saw the 
mud spatter over his coat than he put his 
hand around, and, drawing a pistol, fired at 
her sister, the ball taking effect in her 
stomach. The man darted into a coffee-house 
and disappeared. 

Betting with Minors. — At the late term 
of the Scott County (Miss.) Court, Matthew 
Jordan was found guilty of betting a dime 
with a minor, and was sentenced to pay a 
fine of three hundred dollars and to be con- 
fined in the county jail for three months. 
He did not know that the youth was a minor: 
had he known this fact, still betting, he 
would have gone to the penitentiary for two 
years. 

Sentence of Quimbo Appo, the Chinese 
Wife-Murderer, Commuted. — In New York, 
Governor Morgan commuted the penalty in 
the case of Quimbo Appo, who has been 
under sentence of death, to ten years' im- 
prisonment at Sing Sing. 



FRIDAY, JUNE 1. 

Indiana Congressional Nomination. — 
The Sixth Congressional District Republican 
Convention met at Indianapolis, this day, and 
nominated the Hon. Albert G. Porter for re- 
election to Congress, by acclamation. 

Wreck of the Schooner Frank Hall. 
— Capt. Law, of the schooner A. B. Conwell, 
from Grand Cayman, reports: — 

June 1, off Cape Corrientes, took on 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



479 



board the captain and crew (six, all told) of 
the schooner Frank Hall, of Philadelphia, 
■which vessel they had run on the beach at 
the cape, she having been wrecked pre- 
viously and sold. They were endeavoring to 
take her into Pensacola, but found she was 
making too much water, and were compelled 
to beach her. The captain was put on board 
the lightship at Five-Fathom Bank, Cape 
May, awaiting a vessel for Philadelphia. 

A Mormon Conference was held at 
Council Bluffs, this day, which was attended 
by Joseph Smith's son. This branch of the 
Mormons were opposed to Brigham Young 
and polygamy. 

Died of Gluttony in Jersey City, N.J. 
— This day, a man named Hopper, a member 
of the Gregory Guards, Jersey City, ate 
twenty hard-boiled eggs, from the effects of 
which he died, the physicians certifying that 
the eggs had formed into a hard substance 
in his stomach, rendering digestion impossi- 
ble. Hopper was buried with military 
honors. 

Indian Murders in Texas. — This day, 
a party of Indians, supposed to have crossed 
from the Mexican side, killed a Mexican at 
the Comitas ranche, then, passing on to San 
Antonio Wells, killed two Mexicans who 
were in charge of the stock, and then drove 
off a caballada belonging to Lino Ramirez. 
The arrows with which the Mexicans were 
killed gave no clew to the tribe of the mur- 
derers. 

Died, this day, Dr. C. H. Higby, who, 
while in a state of insanity, murdered A. G. 
Scott, of Pittsburg, Pa., in the insane-hos- 
pital of New Brighton. 

Sentence of Albert W. Hicks, alias 
Wk. Johnson, for Piracy. — In New York, 
this day, Albert W. Hicks was sentenced by 
Judge Smalley, of the United States District 
Court, to be hanged at Bedloe's or Ellis' Is- 
land, on the 13th day of July, for the mur- 
der of Captain Burr and the crew of the E. 
A. Johnson. The proceedings were as fol- 
lows : — 

Judge Smalley to Hicks. — I would now in- 
quire of the prisoner if he has any thing to 
say why the sentence of the law should not 
be passed upon him. The clerk had better 
interrogate him. 

Mr. Stilwell (addressing the prisoner, who 
stood calmly and as unimpassioned as 
throughout the whole trial) said : — Have 
you any thing to say why the sentence of the 
court should not be passed upon you ? 

Hicks (in a subdued tone). — No, sir : I 
have nothing to say, — nothing at all. 

Judge Smalley then proceeded to pass sen- 
tence. He said: — You, Albert W. Hicks, 



otherwise William Johnson, have been in- 
dicted by the grand jury for this district 
for robbery and piracy upon the high seas. 
You have had a patient and fair trial before 
an honest jury of your country. You have 
been defended by able counsel with great 
fidelity, but found guilty. The evidence 
against you was so strong, clear, and con- 
clusive that no one who heard it could doubt 
as to the correctness of the verdict. The 
evidence also established beyond a moral or 
rational doubt that in order to accomplish 
the robbery you were guilty of a triple 
murder, — that to enable you to possess your- 
self of the paltry sum of one hundred and 
fifty dollars in money, and some articles of 
clothing not your own, you, the first officer 
of the sloop in which you sailed, as she was 
proceeding to sea, in the stillness of the 
night and under its cover, in cold blood and 
without provocation, murdered three innocent, 
inoffensive persons and threw them in the 
sea, and the next morning attempted to 
escape with your blood-stained plunder. But 
the finger of Providence seems to have fol- 
lowed you and pointed you out to the guard- 
ians of the law. You were pursued, ar- 
rested, and most of your ill-gotten gains 
found upon you and identified, by the most 
unmistakable evidence, as the property and 
clothing of the missing and, as it appeared 
on your trial, murdered men. The annals 
of crime present few cases of greater atrocity 
and horror than this most inhuman and re- 
volting violation of the laws of your country 
and of the Great Ruler of the universe, for 
which you must soon justly pay the forfeit 
of your life. The crime is of such an aggra- 
vated character, and your guilt so certain 
and incontestable, that you must not hope 
any thing from Executive clemency. The 
court, therefore, would urge you to earnestly 
and sincerely devote the little time that may 
yet remain to you of life to repentance and 
preparing to meet your last and final Judge. 
The sentence of the law and the court is that 
you be taken from this place to the prison 
from whence you came, there kept in 
close confinement until Friday, the loth day 
of July next, and on that day be taken 
thence to Ellis' Island, or to Bedloe's Island, 
in the bay, as the Marshal for this district 
may elect, and, between the hours of ten in 
the morning and three o'clock in the after- 
noon, be hung by the neck till you are dead. 
At the conclusion of the sentence the 
prisoner sat down, and, for the first time 
during the whole investigation, he seemed to be 
uumanned. He became pale : death was too 
near at hand; and he who in the dark hour 
of night, and upon the fearful waters of the 
deep, imbued his hands in the blood of three 
fellow-wayfarers without remorse, quailed 
before the majesty of the law that thus 
ordains a partial avengement of his bloody 
deed. 



480 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Junk, 



Deputies De Angelis, Dugan, and O'Keefe 
removed the prisoner, handcuffed, to the 
cell. 

The Weymouth Poisoning-Case. — This 
day, the coroner's inquest which has been 
sitting on the bodies of the Misses Tirrell 
closed. The fact that Betsey Frances Tirrell 
died by poison was established ; but no direct 
evidence implicated George C. Hersey. The 
circumstances, however, were deemed suffi- 
cient to demand his committal to await the 
action of the grand jury. 

Suicide at Sea. — A Mr. Bushnell, said 
to have a family in Brooklyn, L.I., jumped 
overboard from the steamer Sonora, this day, 
when within one day's sail of Panama, N.G., 
and was drowned. He had exhibited, for 
some days previous, slight symptoms of de- 
rangement. 

Shocking Accident. — A Girl Killed 
while Tied to a Cow. — A terrible accident 
occurred in the town of Delhi, Delaware 
county, New York, this day, which resulted 
in the death of a little girl seven years old. 
The parties to the sad occurrence were 
William Scott, a boy seventeen years old, 
and his half-sister, Elizabeth Doby, the 
victim. The boy had been sent to take the 
cows to pasture, the little girl accompanying 
him. He had with him a piece of rope, 
with which he was to bring back some hay. 
On the way he playfully tied one end of the 
rope around the body of his sister and the 
other' end to the cow's tail. When the cow 
had proceeded a short distance in this way, 
followed by the girl, the latter stumbled and 
fell, which so frightened the cow that she 
ran off at a furious rate, dragging the poor 
girl after her. After running some distance 
the girl's head struck a solid rock, crushing 
in the skull, and at the same time the 
cow's tail pulled out, so great was the force 
of the resistance. The girl was also badly 
cut around the face, neck, and head. She 
was taken up by the boy and carried home, 
where she breathed but two or three times 
before expiring. The boy is said to be 
rather deficient in intellect, and it is not sup- 
posed that he realized the imminent danger 
in which his sister was placed by his mis- 
chievous conduct. 

Melancholy Death of a Newly-Mar- 
ried CourLE. — About three o'clock on the 
afternoon of this day, as the steamer Jacob 
Strader was ploughing her way up the river, 
when near Westport, Ky., a short distance 
below Madison, Indiana, the pilot observed a 
man and a woman in a skiff, crossing the 
Ohio from the Indiana shore. AYhen first 
seen, the man was leisurely resting upon his 
oars; and the pilot presumed he was waiting 
till the boat would pass, in order to ride the 



waves. To his sui'prise, however, as the 
crafts neared each other, the man in the 
skiff vigorously applied his oars to the water 
and endeavored to cross the line of the 
steamer. The engines were instantly re- 
versed, but the velocity of the boat could 
not be checked in time to prevent a collision. 
The steamer struck the skiff, which was at 
once capsized, and, with its occupants, swept 
under the larboard wheel. A yawl was im- 
mediately lowered; but the unfortunate couple 
had disappeared, and were lost to view for- 
ever. A bundle of clothing and an umbrella 
were picked up and conveyed to the Ken- 
tucky shore, where an old man, who had 
witnessed the catastrophe, was standing with 
a couple of horses. He informed the men in 
the yawl that the woman was his daughter, 
and, in company with her husband, to whom 
she had recently been married, was return- 
ing from a brief visit to some friends in In- 
diana. The lamentations of the sorrow- 
stricken old man, who refused to be com- 
forted, were painful in the extreme, and, as 
long as the steamer remained in sight, he 
continued wringing his hands and rending 
the air with his cries. 

Manumission of Slates in Maryland. — 
This day, the law prohibiting the manumis- 
sion of slaves in Maryland went into ope- 
ration. In view of this fact, no less than 
one hundred and thirty-six slaves have been 
manumitted in Frederick county alone since 
the 1st of March, when the new law was 
passed. 

Young Girl Seduced and Abandoned. — 
This day, a young girl, about seventeen 
years of age, was found wandering about 
the streets of Philadelphia, weeping bitterly. 
Upon being questioned by an officer, she 
stated that she was homeless and without 
friends. Her story was as follows: — 

She was seventeen years of age, and a 
native of Salem, N.J. Two years ago her 
father purchased a plantation near New 
Orleans, and, with his family, removed 
thither. The girl went to school a few miles 
from home, and a hired man was in the 
habit of carrying her backward and forward 
in a wagon. During these rides he succeeded 
in winning her affections and in persuading 
her to elope with him. She stole one hun- 
dred dollars belonging to her father, and 
the couple came to Philadelphia, where the 
villain effected her ruin ; and, after obtaining 
all her money and pledging nearly all her 
clothing, he deserted her. Having no means 
left, the poor creature was turned into the 
streets by the proprietor of the house where 
she had been staying. The girl refused to 
make affidavit against the scoundrel who 
had betrayed her. She was sent to the 
House of Refuge until her family could be 
communicated with. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



481 



A Young Gikl Recovered from a House 
of Prostitution by her Father. — This 
day, a young girl was brought before the 
Mayor of New York, having been arrested 
by one of the officers in a house of prosti- 
tution. The "Tribune" gives the following 
account of the case : — 

During the month of September last, the 
household of a worthy citizen of Portland. 
Me., was thrown into great confusion by 
the sudden disappearance of the eldest 
daughter of the house, a handsome young 
lady of about twenty years. It was after- 
ward ascertained that she had visited a 
circus performing at the time in Portland, 
and, having made there the acquaintance of 
one of the employees, had eloped with him. 
Ever since, the unhappy father was in search 
of his missing daughter, until, a short time 
ago, he was informed that she was leading a 
life of ill-fame in New York. He immediately 
started to find his unfortunate child; and, 
arriving here, he went to the Mayor's office 
to claim the assistance of the authorities. 
He was introduced to Captain Ilartt. of the 
Twenty-Sixth Precinct, and, through his 
assistance, she was at last detected in a 
house of ill-fame in this city. She informed 
the captain that she had only lived a short 
time with her seducer when he had left her 
in Boston; that there she only remained 
about two weeks, and then she started for 
New York, where, being utterly destitute of 
the necessities of life, she resolved to be- 
come an inmate of one of the kind of houses 
where she was found. On Friday morning 
she was brought before the Mayor, where 
her father was anxiously awaiting her ap- 
nce ; and the scene that ensued was 
painfully affecting. She was then allowed 
to leave with her father, and promised to 
lead a better life henceforth. 

Successful Navigation of the Reo 
River of the North. — The Anson Northup 
returned to Fort Garry, this day, having 
successfully navigated the Red River of the 
North. On her trip up she stranded on 
Goose Rapids ; but as soon as the captain 
and crew, whom Mr. Burbank, her owner, 
had brought through with him from St. 
Paul, were able to reach her, from George- 
town, she was got off and run to the mouth 
of the Buffalo River without difficulty. On 
her way back she steamed past Goose Rapids 
without once touching bottom. Mr. Bur- 
bank, to render the navigation of Goose 
Rapids easier, has given instructions to 
construct a rising dam there. 

The Answeh of Mrs. Burch to her Hus- 
band's Petition for Divorce. —This day, in 
the Circuit Court of Chicago, Cook county, 
111., Mrs. Burch filed an answer, in which she 
says that the several allegations in the 
said amended bill of complaint contained, 



Zl 



charging the defendant with having com- 
mitted adultery with persons unknown to 
her, and at times and places unknown, are 
so vague, general, and uncertain that she 
cannot go on trial and be as fully prepared 
to meet and disprove the same as she would 
be had the allegations been made with 
greater certainty as to the time or times 
when, place or places where, and the per- 
son or persons with whom, the adultery 
therein alleged is claimed to have been com- 
mitted; and she insists that she is entitled 
to have before trial a more particular speci- 
fication in regard to the allegations, to enable 
her to disprove or explain any statement or 
circumstances which the complainant may 
claim have a tendency to establish the same. 
She positively and unequivocally denies that 
she has ever committed adultery or had crimi- 
nal intercourse with David Stuart or with 
any other person at the city of Chicago, in 
the State of Illinois, or at Guilford, in the 
State of Connecticut, or any other place 
whatever, at any of the times mentioned in 
Mr. Burch's amended bill of complaint, or 
at any other time whatever. She says that 
she first became acquainted with Mr. Burch 
about the year 1842, at Albany, in the State 
of New York, where he was then residing 
and employed as a clerk in a banking-house. 
She was at that time living in the family of 
her uncle, Erastus Corning, of that place, 
where she had resided as one of his family 
after the death of her father and from the 
time she was about fifteen years of age. 
That Mr. Burch subsequently, and prior to 
the time of his marriage with her, removed 
to Chicago, and there, with very limited 
means, engaged in and thereafter continued 
to transact a banking-business. That she. 
lias, since the filing of the amended bill of 
complaint, for the first time been informed, 
and she now believes it to be true, that Mr. 
Burch, previous to his marriage with her, 
made repeated and particular inquiries in 
regard to the relation that she sustained to 
her uncle, Erastus Corning, with whom she 
was then residing, and in regard to the. pro-- 
bable amount of pecuniary benefit and ad~ 
vantage that would accrue to him by marry- 
ing her, which circumstance, together with 
Mr. Burch's subsequent conduct, fully de- 
velop to her mind the motives and feelings 
by which Mr. Burch was at that time and 
has since been governed and actuated. She 
further states that, at the time of her mar- 
riage, her uncle, Erastus Corning, made, by 
a large outlay and expenditure of money ► 
such provision for her as then appeared to 
be entirely satisfactory to Mr. Burch, and 
also did then and thereafterward, for several 
years, by himself and by those with whom 
he was connected in business, extend to Mr. 
Burch large and extensive pecuniary aid, ac- 
commodations, influence and credit, by means 
of which, and the efforts of Corning to pro- 



482 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



mote the interest and welfare of Mr. Burch, 
large and substantial benefits and profits 
accrued to his business. And she further 
slates that while such aid, accommodations, 
influence, and credit were thus extended, as 
he desired, and while Corning was unceasing 
in his efforts on his behalf, Mr. Burch treated 
her and her family and friends kindly and 
with respect; but that about the year 1855 
a misunderstanding arose between Mr. Burch 
and some of the persons connected with 
Corning in reference to the pecuniary ac- 
commodations that should thereafter be ex- 
tended by them, and that from time to time 
thereafter other misunderstandings occurred 
of a similar and of a pecuniary nature, so 
that Coming's aid and accommodations 
nearly ceased from and after the year 1857. 
That immediately after the misunderstand- 
ing in theyear 1855, Mr. Burch began to treat 
her unkindly, and to speak to her and of her 
friends and family in her presence in harsh 
and unkind terms : and that, as the other mis- 
understandings from time to time occurred, 
he treated her more unkindly, and was more 
and more harsh and severe to her in speak- 
ing to her and of her family friends in her 
presence, until she was, by his neglect, ill 
treatment, and cruelty, deprived of all hap- 
piness and domestic comfort, and was often 
afraid to express a wish in matters wherein 
he had expressed a different wish of his own, 
or even to ask him for money to defray the 
ordinary and necessary expenses of her 
household, fearing that she might thereby 
displease him and bring upon herself further 
neglect, ill treatment, and cruelty. And, as 
explanatory of the manner in which Mr. 
Burch has treated her, she says that, not 
knowing why he disliked her, and feeling 
almost broken-hearted on account of his ill 
treatment, she has often been to him, and 
begged and implored of him to love her as 
he did when they were first married, and 
has received from him as the sole and only 
reply to such appeals, " Shut up, and stop 
your crying: I'll break you of that." And, 
in further explanation of the manner in 
which he has treated her, she says that she 
has often, with his knowledge, been for days 
without one penny of money for the ordi- 
nary and necessary expenses of her house- 
hold, and has frequently, with his know- 
ledge, been obliged, in order to defray such 
expenses, to borrow one and two dollars at 
a time from a young lady guest of her 
family, whom he uniformly kept supplied 
with money. That she has frequently asked 
nim for ten or twenty dollars in money, and 
he has given her one-half of the sum for 
which she asked, well knowing that she 
could not defray the expenses with the sum 
thus given her ; and at the same time, and in 
her presence, he has given the young lady 
staying in the family at his request, as 
pocket-money, more than the sum desired by 



her. She states that the complainant has at 
times made use of the most gross and insult- 
ing language to her, and abused her family 
and friends. That he had in many instances 
compelled her to relinquish the company of 
those who were her friends and cultivate 
that of his acquaintance who were distaste- 
ful to her. That David Stuart was intro- 
duced to her husband as a gentleman for 
whom he expressed the highest regard and 
esteem; and that when reports injurious to 
Stuart's conduct and character were men- 
tioned between her husband and her, he 
assured her that Stuart was a gentleman, 
and all such scandalous reports were without 
any foundation whatever. She details the 
times she was with Stuart, — all of which times 
were at accidental or formal meetings, in the 
presence mostly of female friends. That 
Stuart had presented her a book ; that she 
placed it on the parlor-table, where it lay for 
several months ; that Mr. Burch knew of and 
made no objection to the present. That the 
only time Stuart took any liberty was when, in 
the fall of the year 1857, Stuart called at Mr. 
Burch's house, in the afternoon, just before 
tea-time, and Mrs. Burch came down to the 
parlor to see him, requesting the young 
ladies to come down as soon as they were 
ready. Before they came down, Stuart and 
herself became earnestly engaged in con- 
versation relative to some trivial matter 
which she had heard in regard to other per- 
sons ; and he insisted that she should tell 
what it was, and she persistently declined 
doing so. She arose to go to another part 
of the room for something that she wished, 
when he caught hold of her arm and insisted 
that she should tell him. As he caught hold 
of her arm, one of the young ladies entered 
the room, and he released his hold. The 
young lady looked surprised, and when 
Stuart had gone she explained to her the 
circumstance. She afterward heard that 
what transpired on that occasion had been 
grossly misrepresented. 

That about the 1st of February, 1858, 
Stuart, ceased to visit the house of Mr. 
Burch familiarly, though he made two or 
three formal calls; that, notwithstanding, 
Burch still expressed high regard for him, 
until the fall of the year 1858, when some 
matter of business created an unkind feeling 
on the part of Mr. Burch; and after that 
time he frequently complained that Stuart 
neglected his (Burch's) business, and, in 
connection with such complaints, spoke in 
disparaging terms of him and his repu- 
tation. 

She further says, in relation to not being at 
home to Mr. Farnam whilst conversing with 
Mr. Stuart, that she recollects that Stuart 
was at her husband's house one evening in 
the month of December, 1857, or in January, 
1858; that while there the servant-girl, in 
passing through the hall to answer the door- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



483 



bell, stopped at the door of the parlor, where 
she was sitting with Stuart, for directions, as 
was her custom ; that she told the girl to say 
she was engaged. Upon the return of the 
servant, Mrs. Burch inquired of her who it 
was at the door, and was informed that it 
was Mr. Farnam. Mrs. Burch asked her 
why she did not admit him, adding, "You 
know I always see Mr. Farnam." The ser- 
vant replied, "You told me to say you were 
engaged, and I told him so, and that you 
were up-stairs." Mrs. Burch says that she 
recollects the circumstance, for the reason 
that she learned from a member of her family 
who had seen Mr. and Mrs* Farnam on the 
next day that Mr. Farnam felt injured in 
consequence of the servant's refusal to admit 
him, and on meeting him soon after she 
apologized to him therefor, stating to him 
that she supposed he was out of town, and 
that she most certainly would have seen him 
had she known he was at the door, — although 
she did not desire to see general company, 
adding, "You know, Mr. Farnam, I am always 
glad to see you." It was mentioned between 
them that Mr. Stuart was there, and Mr. 
Farnam said that he noticed his hat and 
shawl in the hall when he was at the door. 
Farnam then expressed himself satisfied; but 
Mrs. Burch thought that he felt injured in 
his feelings, and she regretted the circum- 
stance, for fear that it might interfere with 
her husband's business relations with Mr. 
Farnam, — as she had before that time ex- 
pressed to her husband a dislike to so close 
an intimacy between themselves and Mr. and 
Mrs. Farnam, when the complainant informed 
her that he owed Mr. Farnam too much 
money to have any break with them. 

She also states that, at the request of her 
husband, she showed some civilities and at- 
tention to the members of the family of Mrs. 
Boyd, for the reason that the young ladies of 
this family were teachers in a Sunday-school, 
of which Mr. Burch was the superintendent, 
and therefore she soon after that time, and 
in the fall of the year 1859, invited the 
members of that family to her house, and 
also, at her husband's request, called upon the 
lady members of it. That Carlisle Boyd, a 
brother of the young ladies, sometimes joined 
them in the street ; and that once, knitting a 
smoking-cap, she presented it to him. That 
in the month of December, 1856, a young 
lady from Little Falls, in the State of New 
York, came to the city of Chicago upon a 
visit, and returned to Little Falls in the 
month of September, 1857, of which time she 
passed a considerable portion in Mrs. Burch's 
family. The same young lady came to Chi- 
cago upon a second visit iu the month of 
December, 1857, and remained until the 
month of February, 1858, when she returned 
to Little Falls. She came to Chicago upon a 
third visit in the month of December, 1858, 
and remained until about the 4th day of July, 



1859, when she returned to Little Falls. 
From and after about the month of June, 1857, 
the young lady was an inmate of the family 
of the defendant while she was at Chicago, at 
her husband's request. Prior to the young 
lady's last visit to Chicago, Mrs. Burch had 
noticed with much pain the marked attentions 
of Mr. Burch to her, and when the subject of 
her return to Chicago was mentioned by her 
husband, Mrs. Burch suggested that she 
would prefer to live one winter without com- 
pany; but her husband insisted upon the 
young lady's returning to Chicago, and Mrs. 
Burch very reluctantly submitted thereto. 
After the return of the young lady to Chi- 
cago, in the month of December, 1858, Mr. 
Burch continued his marked attentions to 
her, to the annoyance of his wife, and by 
numerous acts exhibited more partiality and 
affection for the young lady than for his wife, 
among which was his kissing her whenever 
he left her or returned to the house from his 
ordinary every-day business, when such marks 
of affection were not as uniformly bestowed 
upon his wife. Mrs. Burch, with her nurse 
and children, left Chicago for the East on the 
2d day of June, 1859, leaving the young 
lady and Mr. Burch at Chicago ; and prior to 
that time the attentions had become so 
marked that they were noticed by others ; 
and it was then a matter of regret on the 
part of a friend of Mrs. Burch, as she has 
since been informed and believes, that the 
young lady and Mr. Burch were left together 
iu the absence of his wife. On or about the 
4th day of July, 1859, Mr. Burch left Chi- 
cago with the young lady for Little Falls, 
where he remained for several days, and 
afterward joined Mrs. Burch, her children 
and mother, at the city of New York, and 
accompanied them, on the 19th day of July, 
1859, to Sachem's Head, in Guilford, Conn. 
Mrs. Burch has been informed and believes 
that her husband, while at Little Falls, in 
July, 1859, continued his attentions to the 
young lady, and that they were during that 
time frequently observed sitting in close 
proximity to each other, in earnest conversa- 
tion. Such conversations were uniformly 
suspended whenever any other person entered 
the room where they were sitting, and there- 
upon one of them would leave the room and 
the other would follow soon after. Upon the 
arrival of Mr. Burch and family at Sachem's 
Head, his youngest child, then only about 
fourteen years of age, was very ill, and con- 
tinued so for a long time after. After Mr. 
Burch had been at Sachem's Head about teu 
days or two weeks, he said to his wife that 
he thought the sea-air did not agree with 
him, and that he would go to Saratoga, and 
thereupon he left his wife, while her child 
was very unwell, for that place. Mrs. Burch 
has since learned, and believes that she will 
be able to prove, that the young lady met her 
husband by appointment at Saratoga or on 



484 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



his way thither, where they remained for 
several days, and that while there the com- 
plainant was particularly attentive to her ; 
and among the things which were at that 
time observed as indicating the nature of the 
attentions and the intimacy between them, 
Mr. Burch was seen kissing her and exhi- 
biting other marked evidences of fondness. 
About the 1st day of September, 1859, Mr. 
Burch joined his wife at Sachem's Head and 
accompanied her to Chicago, by the way of 
Albany and Little Falls, at each of which 
places they stopped for several days. After 
Mrs. Burch's return to Chicago, she was 
surprised that she did not receive letters from 
the young lady so frequently as she had 
before that time been accustomed to receive 
them, and soon after discovered that Mr. 
Burch was writing letters to her, and, as she 
now believes, was receiving letters from her 
in reply. About this time, Mrs. Burch was 
informed that, her husband had proposed to 
the young lady to make his house at Chi- 
cago her permanent home. Not long after 
this time, Mrs. Burch was informed that the 
young lady had, in January, 1858, while at 
her house, made a statement to Mr. Burrill, 
of Chicago, relative to Stuart and Mrs. Burch ; 
and thereupon she wrote to the young lady, 
inquiring whether she had made the remarks 
attributed to her ; to which letter she replied, 
denying that she had ever made the statement 
attributed to her, and professed to state what 
she really had said, and imputed dishonorable 
motives and conduct to Stuart and Burrill. 

Mrs. Burch further says that about the 10th 
day of January, 1860, walking out in com- 
pany with one of her husband's nieces, she 
met Carlisle Boyd, and that he walked home 
with them. That Mr. Burch questioning her 
as to where she had been, she told him, neg- 
lecting by accident to relate that Boyd had 
walked home with them. That when he 
asked if she had seen Boyd, she said, "Yes; 
he walked home with us." She then in- 
quired of Mr. Burch the reason why he had 
made this inquiry relative to Boyd, to which 
he replied, " I was told so." From the 
manner of her husband Mrs. Burch dis- 
covered that he was displeased, and, thinking 
that his displeasure might be in consequence 
of Boyd's attention to her, and being afraid 
to speak to him on the subject, on Wednesday, 
the 11th day of January, 1860, she wrote to 
her husband a note, stating in it, as near as 
she now recollects, that she feared she had 
received more attention from Mr. Boyd than 
Mr. Burch approved of, which she regretted, 
and hoped he would forgive her. In the even- 
ing of that day her husband, in a very harsh 
and severe manner, inquired of her what at- 
tentions she had received from Boyd; and she 
then truthfully related to him the whole of 
the attentions, and every act and circumstance 
connected therewith, which she then recol- 
lected. He then asked her if she had ever 



been criminal with Boyd, to which she truth- 
fully replied, "No! never!" and added, 
"Father, [the appellation by which she 
usually addressed him,] how can you ask me 
such a question? You know I never have." 
Her husband then reproached her in the most 
harsh and severe language for what she had 
done, and represented to her that by receiv- 
ing the attentions she had brought reproach, 
shame, and dishonor upon him as well as 
herself, for the reason that such attentions 
had been observed by others, and would be 
commented upon to the injury and disgrace 
of himself, herself, and the church and 
society of which they were members. 

Mrs. Burch also asserts that on the 12th 
day of January, 1860, her husband presented 
her with a draft of a note which he desired 
her to write to Boyd, stating to him that 
Mr. Burch was cognizant of all that had 
transpired between Boyd and herself, and 
requesting him to return to her, to the care 
of her husband, articles that he had given, 
and any notes that she had written to him, 
and further stating that her husband said 
that he, Boyd, should leave the city; that 
the smoking-cap she had before given, a 
book she had taken from the table, and a 
handkerchief, were so returned ; that on 
another day he presented to her another 
letter which lie desired her to write to Boyd, 
stating, among other things, as near as she 
can now recollect, that Boyd had enticed her 
from the path of virtue to that, of shame and 
dishonor. She begged of her husband not 
to compel her to write such a letter, and 
said to him that the language implied ter- 
rible and gross improprieties, of which she 
had never been guilty, and would not only 
injure her when there was no reason for so 
doing, but would be grossly insulting on her 
part to Mr. Boyd. Mr. Burch did not at 
that time pretend to believe that his wife 
had been guilty of any criminal act with 
Boyd, but that she hail disgraced her hus- 
band by receiving Boyd's attentions, and for 
that reason he would ruin Boyd and drive 
him from the city. After expostulating with 
her husband against writing the letter for a 
few moments, he would listen no further, 
and peremptorily ordered her to copy the 
letter. She was so much afraid of her hus- 
band that she dared not do otherwise than 
obey his command, for fear of the conse- 
quences that might follow a refusal, — this 
fear having been greatly increased by the 
threats, language, and manner before stated ; 
and, under such circumstances, she copied 
the letter and delivered it to her husband, 
but she did not sign the copy made by her. 
After she had copied the letter her husband 
appeared to be satisfied, and did not further 
ill treat her on that day. 

The Sunday following, Mr. Burch in- 
quired of her if she had ever been criminal 
with Stuart, and she told him she never had 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



485 



been, and begged of him to know why lie 
could ask her such questions. At that time 
she was sitting upon the floor at his feet, 
and, in reply to her inquiry, he said to her, 
"Get up! That is no place for you!" He 
then inquired of her why she had received 
attentions from gentlemen other than him- 
self; and she told him that he had neglected 
her for years, and, under the belief that he 
disliked her, she had received attentions 
from Boyd and Stuart, both of whom had 
always been very courteous and polite to 
her, which attentions she never should have 
received had her husband been kind to and 
not neglected her. That she was satisfied she 
had, by receiving such attentions, wronged 
and injured her husband, and sincerely 
regretted that she had done so. 

The next Monday he went up-stairs to his 
wife's room, very much excited, and said 
to her that she had not told him of one-half 
of what she had done. He then professed to 
read to her from a letter that he pretended 
to have received from Carlisle Boyd that 
morning, (in reply to the one which he 
wrote to him two days before,) "It was not 
me, but another, that enticed your wife from 
ihc path of virtue to that of shame and dis- 
honor;'''' and he then charged her with cri- 
minal conduct not only since but before their 
marriage, and applied to her every vile, 
opprobrious, and insulting name he could 
think of. He asserted that he had the evi- 
dence of and could prove her guilt, and that 
there was no use in denying it, nnd said he 
should send her to Albany immediately. She, 
in the most solemn manner, over and over 
again, and upon her knees, protested that 
she was innocent, and implored him to be- 
lieve her, and to tell her what reason he 
had for making such charges ; but in vain. 
The only information that she could obtain 
from him was his repeated assertion that 
she had been guilty of crimiual conduct with 
David Stuart. 

She cannot describe or give an adequate 
idea of the terrible violence and severity of 
her husband's manner and language upon 
that occasion. So excited and exasperated 
was Mr. Burch that she feared immediate 
expulsion from the house, and the disgrace 
which would necessarily be attendant thereon. 
Having these impressions, and with a view 
to save herself from such impending danger 
and disgrace, and ultimately to satisfy her 
husband that his suspicions were unfounded, 
she begged of him to send for her uncle, Mr. 
Corning, and wait until he came, when, she 
hoped, she would be able to satisfy him of 
her innocence. He said to her that if she 
would acknowledge her guilt he would send 
for her uncle, and that nothing whatever 
should be done until he came, and several 
times repeated these assurances in the most 
solemn manner. Mrs. Burch, relying upon 
the promises and assurances of her husband, 



and believing that they would be faithfully 
kept, and to prevent him from at once, in 
his frenzy, thrusting her out of his house, 
and forever disgracing her, falsely said to 
him, "Well, I have." He then insisted that 
she should acknowledge that she had been 
guilty fifteen times, to which she exclaimed, 
" Oh, no, father, I am not guilty : I cannot say 
fifteen times." He then insisted that she 
should acknowledge that she had been guilty 
ten times, and she again asserted her in- 
nocence as a reason why she could not 
acknowledge that she had been guilty so 
many times. He then said, "Well, then, 
say you have been guilty of adultery with 
Stuart," and this defendant falsely said, 
"Yes, I have so." Her husband then left 
her, after refusing to allow her to go down 
to her meals, and saying to her that he had 
locked the front door. 

The two other papers containing the con- 
fession, she asserts, she signed under fear of 
his threats. She also asserts she is innocent, 
and that he dictated every word of the paper 
in which she confesses her guilt. 



SATURDAY, JUNE 2. 

Rout of the Indians at Pyramid Lake. 
— This day, Col. Hayes sent out a scouting- 
party of forty-five men, who, when near the 
scene of the former fight with the Ormsby 
party, were attacked by the Indians and 
pursued till near camp, where they made 
a stanch They were speedily reinforced by 
two companies of volunteers and one of 
regulars, when a sharp running fight com- 
menced, which lasted three hours. In the 
first charge, Capt. Story, of the Virginia 
Rifles, fell, mortally wounded, it is feared, 
the ball entering about three inches under 
his left arm, ranging a little under his shoul- 
der-blade. Two of his men, named Cameron 
and Phelps, were killed, and Private Hasey, 
of the Nevada Rifles, was wounded ; also four 
of the regulars were wounded. The fight 
resulted in the Indians being driven back 
with a loss of twenty to twenty-five killed, 
judging from the number of bodies found and 
the number of lost horses taken. 

MURDERS BY INDIANS. THREE MINERS 

Killed. — This day, a party of miners out 
prospecting near Owens River, on the Walker 
River region, were attacked by Indians. 
Three of the miners were killed. 

Collision on the Baltimore Central 
Railroad. — This day, a collision oocurred 
on the Baltimore Central Railroad, at twenty 
minutes past four in the afternoon, near the 
Fairville (Pa.) Station. Two passenger-trains 
met on a curve on a heavy grade. Both 
engines and four of the ears are a total wreck. 
Lee Michuer, a farmer, residing in Chester 
county, was standing on the platform of one 



486 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Junk, 



of the cars, and was instantly killed. The 
firemen and engineers escaped by jumping 
from the train. A conductor, Mr. Willis Tay- 
lor, and a newsboy, were seriously injured. 
Mr. Finney, an employee of the railroad-com- 
pany, was injured. The contractor, A. B. Bur- 
ton, was riding on the engine and jumped off. 
He was bruised, but not seriously. Every 
assistance was rendered to the passengers, a 
number of whom were more or less injured. 

Child Killed ry a Piailroad-Cae. — In 
Philadelphia, this day, Harriet Barrett, be- 
tween three and four years old, daughter of 
Mr. J. W. Barrett, while crossing Sixth Street, 
near Spruce, was run over by a railroad-car, 
and had one arm and one leg crushed. She 
was removed to the hospital, where she died 
in a few hours. 

Suicide of a German. — In New York, 
this day, Francis Lutz, a German, aged forty 
years, committed suicide. The deceased en- 
tered the saloon No. 13-i Canal Street, kept 
by his friend Joseph Marmona, and said he 
would like to go to bed a while. He went up- 
stairs and lay down, but was shortly after 
heard groaning and calling for help. Mr. 
Marmona went to him, when the deceased 
told him he had taken strychnine. Medical 
attendance was at once provided ; but death 
ensued in about ten minutes. The deceased 
had been out of employment for a number 
of weeks, and was very despondent in con- 
sequence. The jury rendered a verdict of 
"Suicide by strychnine while laboring under 
depression of spirits." 

Death of the Hon. Ansel Phelps. — This 
day, the Hon. Ansel Phelps, Jr., died at 
Springfield, Mass., aged forty-four years. Mr. 
Phelps was a native of Greenfield, )la^., 
and formerly associated in the editorial de- 
partment of the Greenfield "Gazette and 
Courier," but for the last sixteen years he 
has resided in Springfield. He was a lawyer 
by profession, and for several years was 
closely identified with the Western Railroad, 
having attended with great success to their 
law-business for the last fifteen years. He 
was elected Mayor of the city for several 
successive years. In politics he was an Old- 
Line Whig, and a steadfast friend of Daniel 
Webster. On the breaking up of the Whig 
party he joined the Democratic ranks, and 
has since been associated with that party. 

A Husband Arrested for Stealing his 
Wife's Jewelry. — Stephen G. Kennedy, 
who eloped from Nashville, (Tenn.,) taking 
with him ten of his wife's negroes and her 
jewelry, with a young girl, was this day ar- 
rested in Cleveland, Ohio, and taken back to 
that city, on the charge of stealing the jew- 
elry of his wife. A previous requisition, on the 
vharge of stealing slave property, was refused. 



Burning of the Steamer Scioto. — In 
Louisville, (Ky.,) this day, the steamer Scioto, 
while laid up at the lower Louisville wharf, 
caught fire and was burned. Loss, $5000. 

Opening of the Staten Island (N.Y.) 
Railroad. — This day, this road was opened 
by an excursion from Yanderbilt's Landing 
to the southern terminus, a pleasant little 
village opposite Perth Aniboy, a distance of 
twelve miles, — thence a trip by steamer 
Huguenot across the Raritan Bay, passing 
by South Amboy, and bringing up at Eagles- 
wood, near the entrance of the Raritan 
River. 

Attempt to Pass a Forged Check. — Ar- 
rest of the Offender. — A forged check on 
the Consolidation Bank for $770, purport- 
ing to have been signed by the firm of B. & 
•I. Crawford, and dated June 1, 1860, was 
presented at the counter of the bank on this 
day. Suspicious of the genuineness of the 
check being excited, it was carefully in- 
spected. The presenter of it, becoming 
alarmed, ran out of the bank, but was pur- 
sued and overtaken, and conveyed to the 
.Mayor's office, where he was recognised as 
Edgar Bishop, a reputed passer of counter- 
feit money, only recently out of the peni- 
tentiary. Upon being questioned, he said 
that the check was given to him by a man 
to get cashed, and that he had no knowledge 
of the person. He had a hearing before 
Aid. Beitler, and was committed for a further 
hearing on the 6th of June at half-past two 
o'clock. The forgery was well executed. 
Soon afterward the detective officers arrested 
Col. J. B. Cross, the individual who figured 
prominently in the Quarter-Sessions of Phi- 
ladelphia several months ago, charged with 
being the party guilty of the forgery. He 
was committed in default of $2000 bail. 

Dreadful Storm at Alton, (III.) — This 
day, a dreadful storm broke over the city 
of Alton, 111. The Alton "Courier," de- 
scribing it, says : — 

The most destructive storm in this section 
of the country that has occurred within the 
memory of any one, broke upon our city on 
Saturday evening, and in twenty minutes 
destroyed property to the amount of scores 
of thousands of dollars. 

The track of the storm through the busi- 
ness part of the city lies between Belle and 
Henry Streets. On and west of State Street, 
the damage done to buildings is very slight, 
— confined to the throwing down of two or 
three chimneys and one or two stables. 
Here as well as elsewhere the shrubbery, 
fruit-trees, shade-trees, &c. suffered to a 
considerable extent. 

The "Courier" office, for which so much 
apprehension was felt, escaped uninjured. 
Our loss is confined to the bindery, and is 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



487 



but slight, occasioned by the tearing open 
of a trap-door in the roof. 

Farther up the street, beyond the Piasa 
Foundry, was the principal scene of disaster 
on Belle Street. Here, in the creek-bottom, 
are about twenty small houses, occupied by 
twenty-five or thirty families, mostly Irish. 
At sunset there was scarcely enough water 
in the creek to make a current ; when the 
storm was at its height the water must have 
been at least ten to twelve feet deep, — tear- 
ing on with almost resistless force. Some 
three or four of these houses were torn in 
pieces, three or four more swept from their 
foundations, and all of them filled with 
water and mud. The affrighted families 
fled with what they could carry, in very few 
cases saving much more than three-quarters 
of their household effects, and in some in- 
stances hardly escaping with their lives. 

Still farther up the road, in the neighbor- 
hood of the toll-gate, some damage was done 
by water, but very little by hail or wind. 
The road is very much washed in all places, 
all the way to the Buck Inn. 

In Insurance-Office neighborhood the 
traces of hail first began to be much ap- 
parent, — the insurance-office having very 
many panes of glass broken out, and other 
houses having suffered in this respect to 
some extent. We remarked two or three 
chimneys down, also a stable near the 
house of Dr. Wood. The main damage 
hereabouts is upon the shrubbery and fruit 
and other trees ; and it is very severe, — not 
to be estimated in dollars and cents. Dr. 
Wood, Mr. Kellenberger, Mr. Moses Atwood, 
Robert Smith, John Atwood, Judge Billings, 
Capt. Adams, H. I. Baker, Mr. Wade, Dr. 
Marsh, Mr. Metcalf, — all these, and, in fact, 
everybody in this neighborhood, have lost 
much in this respect. Mr. Smith's yard and 
garden particularly are very much damaged. 
The house building for Cashier Caldwell 
lost its chimneys and part of its roofing. 

In Hunterstown, the German Catholic 
church, corner of Third and Henry Streets, 
built last year at an expense of about $0000, 
is almost a complete wreck, the basement 
and part of the front wall alone standing. 
From the two-story brick building directly 
opposite, belonging to Mr. Coppinger, the 
roof was partially lifted; and a small frame 
building near it was badly damaged by a 
falling tree. 

Farther up Henry Street, opposite the 
German Protestant church, a frame story- 
and-a-half house, about finished, for John 
Callacombe, was torn completely to pieces. 

Lower Middleton suffered considerably, 
both by hail and by wind. 

Capt. James Starr's house lost a couple 
of chimneys. James Newman lost a chim- 
ney and a stable. J. C. Underwood lost a 
stable. C. Dimmock lost a stable, and had 
both gables of his house blown out : damage, 



say $800. A new story-and-a-half framo 
house opposite Mr. Dimmock's was badly 
wrenched, but not blown down. A story 
brick house, also opposite, occupied by Mr. 
Spreen, is a wreck: loss, $1000. 

Seth T. Sawyer's house lost its roof and 
part of the back side-wall : $500. Mr. 
Johnson's house lost a couple of chimneys. 
Joseph Spray, porter with De Bow & Son, 
living back of the African church, had tho 
upper story of his house taken off, and a 
part of it carried two hundred and fifty or 
three hundred feet : loss, $350. A small 
stable near by Avas wrecked. A small frame 
house in front of, and a short distance from, 
the church, building for Mr. AVaples by Mr. 
McCorcle, was blown from its foundation 
and badly sprung. Thomas S. Coffy's houso 
suffers, by loss of roof and otherwise, to tho 
amount of $500. Mr. Coon's house has 
chimneys off, and part of one gablo out : 
damage, $150. Mr. Waples's house has a 
chimney and one corner down. Dr. Hope's 
stable was scattered over an acre of ground. 

All through this section of the city thcro 
is no small loss of trees and shrubbery, 
very few property-owners escaping. There 
are also several houses damaged to the 
amount of from $20 to $50 or $00 by falling 
limbs, or parts of other houses. 

In Second Street, the residence of Dr. De 
Leuw, a short distance above Henry Street, 
has a chimney down and also the front of a 
one-story wing. Ames's new brick store 
and residence has the lower gable-end out. 
Kohler's seed-store has part of its front 
down. One of the old shells in Cary's Row 
is demolished. The lower gable-end of 
Joerges's fine brick house is out. Mr. Emer- 
son's house has a part of both gable-ends 
out. One of the back gable-ends of the 
Alton House is out. 

The Baptist Society were burned out but 
a short time ago, and now are out again. 
Ryder's three-story building lost its upper 
story, in which the Society have been wor- 
shipping for several weeks. It is said that 
this building was struck by lightning. 

The City Building lost rather more than 
half of its tin roof. The front firewall of the 
building occupied by Blair, Ballinger & Co., 
Adams & Collett, and Ferguson & Gawley, 
was partly blown off. The river gable-end 
of the store formerly occupied by Adams & 
Collett wns blown out. Part of the river 
front of Pickard's store is down, as is also 
one gable of Malachi Holland's liquor- 
store. 

The steeple was blown off the Episcopal 
church. It is said that the church is almost 
a total loss, the walls being very much 
sprung and cracked. The church cost about 
$12,000. The organ is ruined. 

The steeple was also blown from the Me- 
thodist church. The roof was considerably 
hurt by its fall, and the interior is also some- 



488 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



■what damaged. The loss cannot be less than 



The house of D. Simms was also com- 
pletely crushed by the falling steeple of the 
Methodist church. It was worth $1800. 

The back end of the depot is blown in. 

The destruction of awnings, signs, &c, 
in the entire business part of the city, is 
very great. A dozen houses or more in this 
part of the city, the r.ames of whose owners 
we did not learn, loot chimnojs. 

The front gable-end of the Illinois Iron- 
Works is blown out, and the building is 
slightly damaged otherwise. 

No loss in the city is commented upon 
with more and warmer expressions of sym- 
pathy than that of "The Democrat" office. 
The building was new, yet hardly finished, 
and Mr. Fitch moved into it only a week 
ago, — just a week ago on Saturday evening, 
opening it with a gathering of his friends, 
and it is now all gone, — the most complete 
wreck we ever saw. We know how Mr. 
Fitch has labored early and late in his pro- 
fession here and elsewhere for many years, 
— through what discouragements he had at- 
tained his position as the head of the leading 
Democratic paper of this section of the State ; 
and, knowing all this, and appreciating the 
public spirit which led him to put up so fine 
a building in these times, we share the gene- 
ral sympathy felt for him. 

The building, presses, engine, and stock, 
and all, is completely wrecked : the entire 
loss must be at least $8000. The Beobachter 
office was moved into the building on Satur- 
day, as was also the German bindery ; and 
of course the entire stock of these establish- 
ments is a complete loss. 

Singular Case of Swindling. — In New 
York, this day, Kuggles W. Clapp and Rich- 
ard M. Robbins were arrested on a charge 
of false pretences, preferred against them 
by George Robinson, of Hudson, N.Y. The 
complainant alleges that about one year 
ago he owned a note signed by Cornelius 
Wendell, of Washington, D.C., for $2825, 
made payable to the order of Ruggles W. 
Clapp. Clapp was anxious to obtain this 
note from Robinson, and finally effected a 
trade with him, receiving the Wendell note 
and three notes signed by Robinson, making 
in all $9976.62. For these he gave a deed 
for twelve hundred and eighty acres of land 
in Illinois, and some railroad-bonds for a 
small amount. He represented that Rob- 
bins and his wife owned the land, and that 
the deed was executed by them. Subse- 
quently, Mr. Robinson ascertained that nei- 
ther the bonds nor the deed were of any 
value whatever, as Robbins had no title to 
the land pretended to be conveyed to him. 
He accordingly made a complaint against 
them, and the accused were arrested by 
Officers Smith and McCord. Robbins ad- 



mits having signed the deed, but saj's he 
did it to oblige Clapp, without knowing 
what he wanted of it, and without receiv- 
ing any compensation for his part of the 
transaction. Justice Osborn committed 
Clapp to prison for examination, but per- 
mitted Robbins to depart on his parole. 

The Cattle-Disease in Massachusetts. 
— Evidence befoke the Legislative Com- 
mittee. — The Massachusetts Legislative 
Committee, appointed to investigate the 
causes of the prevailing cattle-disease, held 
an adjourned meeting in the Hall of Repre- 
sentatives, in Boston, this day. 

A large number of witnesses — medical 
men and others — who had been summoned 
were present and answered to their names. 
The witnesses were examined by Mr. Went- 
worth, of Lowell, for the committee. 

Dr. Loring, of Salem, — one of the com- 
missioners, —said that he had known of no 
cattle being killed that were getting better ; 
so far as external appearances were con- 
cerned, some were getting better; one ox 
killed had imparted the disease to twenty- 
three yoke of cattle ; he looked well when 
he was killed, apparently in good condition 
for beef, but had a slightly "pinched" ap- 
pearance; he was killed because it was 
known he had been exposed, and believed 
that he had imparted the disease to the 
others; the general external appearance of 
the lungs was that of fair health; in the 
left lung was found a bunch about the size 
of a fowl's gizzard, and of the same color; 
it resembled decayed cheese, and was a little 
harder; this substance was entirely distinct 
from the other parts of the lungs, the disease 
having stopped there ; nature appeared to 
have enclosed the disease there; analogous 
cases had been found in the human system ; 
he had no doubt the ox would have lived 
on, but whether it would have been healthy 
is another question ; whether the animal 
would communicate the disease to others 
was not known, and no observations in Eu- 
rope threw any light upon that question. 

They found that a yoke of oxen had given 
the disease to one herd, and afterward, when 
the disease was in a chronic form, were taken 
to another herd, and did not communicate 
the disease. It is impossible to tell how 
soon the disease appears after it is taken. 
There had been no analysis of the blood 
of diseased animals. The disease is com- 
municated by the breath, by exhalations, 
and by mucous discharges from the nostrils. 
He never had known of any other disease 
of the lungs of animals to be contagious. 

The disease was not precisely the pleuro- 
pneumonia, but is similar to that disease. 
Since he has been on the commission, no- 
thing has been done in the way of curing the 
disease, and no examination has been made 
with that object in view. He believed the 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



489 



disease utterly incurable. Cases not treated 
are not always fatal. In favorable circum- 
stances, fifteen to twenty per cent, would 
prove fatal ; in other circumstances, from 
ninety to ninety-five per cent. He thinks 
the most economical and most effectual way 
to eradicate the disease is to kill. 

Mr. Chenery's herd has been very much 
isolated. The disease has been carried two 
or three rods in the air, with the wind blow- 
ing, when the air was heavy : it is believed 
in Europe that the disease may be carried 
in the clothes of herdsmen. 

In England, when animals are first at- 
tacked with the disease, they are sometimes 
hastily fatted and killed for beef: all cattle 
are not subject to the disease, but it is im- 
possible to tell in what conditions of the 
system it will be taken. 

To F. W. Bird.--All the animals killed that 
were examined were diseased ; cannot tell 
how large a portion were examined ; the 
disease can be communicated whenever it is 
active ; we have seen or heard of no case 
that cannot be traced to Mr. Chenery's herd ; 
this disease in Europe is subjected to sani- 
tary regulations, in some cases very strin- 
gent; in some cases these regulations have 
proved successful ; they generally kill all 
animals known to be diseased, and isolate 
all others. 

In answer to inquiries by J. A. Andrew, 
Esq., and others, Dr. Loring explained at 
some length the system of isolation adopted 
here and in various European countries ; he 
would be willing to have cattle of his own 
within half a mile of a diseased herd ; about 
two hundred post-mortem examinations 
have been made, and in all cases the ani- 
mals found to be diseased; about seventy 
of these died, and the others were killed. 

riuzE-FiGHT Prevented. — This day morn- 
ing, a large crowd of over two thousand 
persons, mostly from New York, were as- 
sembled on the Eclipse Course, Centrcville, 
Long Island, to witness a prize-fight between 
King and Woods. The police, however, in- 
terfered and stopped the proceeding. 



SUNDAY, JUNE 3. 

Dreadful and Destructive Tornado in 
Iowa and Illinois. — One Hundred and 
Fifty Lives Lost. — One Million of Dol- 
lars' worth of Property Destroyed. — 
Entire Destruction of the Towns of Ca- 
manciie and St. Mary's, in Iowa, and of 
Albany, Illinois. — The night of this day, 
the most terrible hurricane that ever visited 
this country commenced in Linn county, 
Iowa, not far from the village of Marion, at 
about twenty minutes after seven p.m., and 
raged for several minutes with unabated 
fury, uprooting forests, levelling houses, 



laying waste whole villages, and spreading 
consternation, ruin, and death along its 
path, and from thence swept on in a north 
or rather northeasterly direction, extending 
a distance of near one hundred and thirty 
miles, and varying in width from a quarter 
to half a mile. 

A writer from Clinton, Iowa, giving a 
description of the hurricane, in the ISew 
York "Herald," says: — 

It moved with great velocity and power, 
passing over the entire distance in less than 
an hour. As the route of the storm lay 
through the most fertile and thickly-settled 
portion of the country, you can at once 
imagine what fearful loss of life and pro- 
perty has occurred. I was about seven 
miles from the village of Clinton when I first 
noticed the approach of the storm. The fore 
part of the day had been quite pleasant, and 
even delightful. The sky was without a 
cloud, and the air was cool and bracing. 
About three o'clock, however, the clouds 
began to overspread the heavens, and in an 
hour or two a dark pall was stretched over 
the entire west, extending from the horizon 
upward to the zenith. It Avas as though 
nature was dressed in mourning for the 
dead so soon to be. Soon the heavy thun- 
ders began to roll, reverberating through 
the heavens and shaking the very earth ; the 
lurid lightning gleamed forth from the 
pitchy darkness in the west, and the scene 
was one of awe, sublimity, and grandeur. 

A little after six the clouds separated, the 
sky seemed about to clear up, and it was be- 
lieved that the storm had spent its force and 
fury. But, alas! how many that then looked 
upon the brightening sky and rejoiced at the 
prospect of a pleasant evening were cold and 
stark in death ere two hours had gone ' 

At seven the hurricane began. It formed 
in the southwest, resembling at first an im- 
mense compact mass of black clouds, gra- 
dually changing its shape until it resembled 
an inverted hay-stack, the smaller end 
sweeping the earth and widening as it ex- 
tended upwards, and discharging vast quan- 
tities of rain. 

The first real damage of any extent which 
seems to have been done was at Lisbon 
station, sixty-four miles west of this town. 
There the freight and passenger houses, and 
other depot-buildings, were totally demo- 
lished. They were principally wooden 
structures, and the materials were scattered 
like feathers. Scarcely a board, plank, or 
timber remains within many rods of where 
so recently stood the comfortable railroad- 
buildings. Ten freight-cars were standing 
upon the track at the time, and were caught 
by the gale, lifted from their trucks, carried 
for several rods, and dashed to pieces. Some 
were loaded with grain, which was sowed 
broadcast over the adjoining fields, and 
others were loaded with lumber, which was 



490 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



scattered in confusion for rods around. 
Fortunately the principal part of the village 
was untouched by the tempest, else the loss 
of life here must have been great. 

From thence the destroying force passed 
on, carrying death as it swept by. All along 
the route farm-houses were demolished, and 
their inmates either killed or wounded. 
Near Union Grove we hear of sixteen deaths. 
About this time the storm seems to have 
divided and passed onward in three different 
routes,— one, however, far more destructive 
than the others. 

Sweeping onward, the main route struck 
the town of Camanche, an old and flourishing 
village about eight miles south of this town. 
It contains about two thousand inhabitants. 
It was built along the bank of the Missis- 
sippi, upon a level plain or plateau, and is 
somewhat compact for a Western town. This 
rendered it more exposed to the fury of the 
tempest, and it seems that at this point was 
its most appalling force displayed. It struck 
the very heart of the town, and in an instant 
swept it to destruction. I was but a short 
distance from the village at this time, and 
was an unwilling witness of the heart-rend- 
ing scene. No pen can adequately describe 
the scene of terror, agony, and peril that 
ensued. The air, darkened by the immense 
moving cloud, charged with death, the rain, 
which was now falling in torrents, the frag- 
ments of crushed and scattered buildings, 
which were flying in all directions, and the 
shrieks and groans and prayers for help that 
were heard, even above the din and roar of 
the tempest, all combined, rendered the scene 
one of the most solemn and extraordinary I 
ever witnessed. I was riding in a covered 
carriage without the range of the tornado; 
but even there its force was sufficient to 
untop my buggy in an instant and nearly 
turn it over, while the horse could hardly 
stand up under it. Not many rods from 
where I was, cattle grazing in the fields, 
and exposed to the full force of the wind, 
were blown completely down, and were un- 
able to rise for some minutes. One fine 
three-year-old steer, I afterw T ard learned, 
was blown up in such a manner as to break 
his neck in the fall. I saw a boy in an ad- 
joining field taken up and carried several 
rods, and dashed with such force upon the 
ground as to break several of his ribs and 
one arm, besides receiving some internal 
injuries, from which he will not probably 
recover. A thirty-by-forty-feet barn, con- 
taining several hundred bushels of grain, 
several tons of hay, and four horses, was 
taken from its foundation, carried nearly a 
hundred feet, and dropped in one mingled 
mass of ruins. 

A brick dwelling-house, two stories in 
height, was razed to the ground, the bricks 
being scattered like so many bits of paper. 
Had your correspondent been one-eighth of 



a mile to the northward, doubtless some 
other writer would have given you an ac- 
count of my destruction. 

As soon as possible I hurried into the vil- 
lage of Camanche, or rather where the vil- 
lage so recently stood, — for but little of it 
was now left. The angel of destruction had 
passed over it, and with his wings had 
brushed it from the bosom of the plain. 

Not a solitary business-block was left 
standing in the town. The Millard House, 
a large and stoutly-built three-story hotel, 
kept by H. G. Sessions, formerly of Erie, 
Pa., was struck and left a shapeless mass of 
rubbish. Several of the guests were killed, 
though how many I have not definitely 
learned. Rumor says six or eight, but I do 
not credit it. 

Three stores under the hotel were also de- 
stroyed, with their contents. 

There were three churches in the town, 
all of which are laid in ruins. A large and 
costly brick block, intended for business 
purposes, which was in course of construc- 
tion, was totally demolished. 

The dwelling-houses in the town shared a 
similar fate : scarcely one is left in the vil- 
lage in a habitable state. Most of the 
inhabitants are left houseless and destitute. 
Several dwellings standing upon the river- 
bank were blown into the stream and their 
inmates drowned A raft was passing at 
the time with twenty men on board, all of 
whom were carried into the stream and 
drowned. 

Of course, amid such terrible destruction 
of property, many lives must have been 
lost: how many is not yet known. One 
report says fifty, though I do not deem it 
correct. 

This I do know : the loss of life was fear- 
ful. I counted over twenty-three dead 
bodies, besides many who were dangerously 
wounded, who have since died. Add to this 
the hundreds who were wounded, some 
slightly and others dangerously, and the 
list is swelled to an enormous length. The 
scene, when the bodies were taken from the 
ruins and exposed for identification, beg- 
gars all description. The piercing shriek 
of anguish, which told that some mangled 
form had been recognised, still seems ring- 
ing in my ears. 

One poor girl, the only one left of a family 
of eight, gave uncontrolled vent to her grief. 
She fell upon the corpse of her mother and 
kissed it again and again, sobbing and 
shrieking until nature became exhausted, 
when she fainted, and for a time forgot her 
terrible grief in unconsciousness. I saw a 
little babe a few months old, which was 
crushed in its mother's arms by a falling 
timber, and yet the mother frantically clung 
to its lifeless form. 

From this place the storm passed on across 
the river and struck the village of Albany, c 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



491 



little town of about eight hundred inhabit- 
ants. As at Camanche, the storm passed 
through the heart of the town, destroying 
almost every thing in its path. Scarcely a 
dwelling-house is left in the place, and two 
churches were demolished. Fortunately, 
the loss of life there was much less than at 
Camanche. 
' From this point the storm swept on north- 
ward, pursuing a similar career of death and 
destruction, though its greatest ravages seem 
to have been in the vicinity of Camanche and 
Albany. 

The total number of deaths caused by this 
fearful visitation it is as yet impossible to 
say. It must reach nearly one hundred and 
fifty, though I would not have you rely much 
upon these figures. 

The "Lyons Advocate" gives the follow- 
ing account of the destruction of Camanche, 
Iowa: — 

It becomes our painful duty to record the 
most distressing calamity that has ever fallen 
to us to witness, — the effects of the tornado, 
and the consequent, loss of life and property. 
Last evening, about nine o'clock, a man came 
from Camanche, about- nine miles below this 
city, on the Mississippi, with the heart- 
rending intelligence that the town had been 
visited by a tornado and that many of its 
citizens were buried in its ruins. The alarm 
spread from house to house, and in a very 
short time hundreds of our citizens were on 
their way to the scene of the disaster, both 
by land and on the steamer Queen City, 
which Captain Bristol immediately put in 
sailing-order. 

We were among the first to arrive at the 
scene of the disaster ; and our pen fails en- 
tirely to depict the sight that met our view. 
We found the town, as the messenger had 
reported, literally blown to pieces, and de- 
struction and death scattered everywhere 
within the sweep of the devastation. The 
first pile that met our eye was the ruins of 
the Millard House, occupied by II. G. Ses- 
sions, formerly of Erie, Pa. This was a three- 
story brick hotel; and it could not have 
been more effectually destroyed had a barrel 
of gunpowder been exploded within its walls. 
The inmates were all more or less hurt. From 
this we proceeded to look about the town, 
and we found that hardly a house was left 
uninjured, and that many of them were swept 
entirely away. Every business-building in 
the place is destroyed, including a large 
brick block recently erected. About sixty 
feet of this, including the cupola, is de- 
molished, and the remainder is nearly all 
unroofed. Front Street presents a scene of 
ruin seldom witnessed : every building on it 
is either unroofed or entirely destroyed. 
The dwelling and store of Mr. Waldorf, a 
three-story brick, is entirely demolished, 
and the family buried in the ruins. Mrs. 
Waldorf and one child were taken out dead, 



and two children rescued alive, — and, strange 
to say, unhurt. Mr. Waldorf had not been 
found when we left, at two o'clock a.m. The 
loss of property in Camanche alone cannot 
fall short of $^30,000 or $300,000: in fact, 
whatever the town was worth, less the real 
estate, is gone ; and it will be seen at once 
that aid must come from some source to 
prevent those that are left alive from suffer- 
ing. 

The "Chicago Journal," in its account of 
the destruction of Camanche, and of the tor- 
nado, says : — 

At seven o'clock on Sunday evening, the 
stoi-m started at Cedar Rapids, in Iowa, 
dividing there into two winds, which passed 
with inconceivable rapidity in a wavy line 
to Camanche ; there, uniting, they crossed 
the river into Illinois, striking Albany and 
passing on to Amboy. The distance tra- 
versed was about one hundred and fifty miles, 
and this it accomplished in two hours. 

Near Cedar Rapids, a man observed the 
tornado approaching, and instantly threw 
himself among some hazel-bushes, with his 
face to the ground, and clung to then- 
branches for protection. They passed over 
him, hurling him a distance of some rods 
and stripping every vestige of clothing from 
his body. Another man was surprised in a 
similar manner, and threw his arms around 
a young beech-tree, holding on with all his 
strength, which was considerable, as he was 
an unusually powerful man. The whirl- 
wind, however, as quick as thought, un- 
wrenched his grasp, as one would snap a 
pipe-stem, hurled him into the air, and 
dashed him to the ground, and twice and 
thrice repeated it, of course leaving him a 
corpse. Another man, as is established by 
affidavits of respectable citizens of Bertram, 
the first station east of Cedar Rapids, was 
caught up from the town plat, hurled in the 
air, and carried high above the timber, until 
he was out of sight. Cattle, horses, and 
sheep were also drawn up in the airy Mael- 
strom, whirled terrifically about, and dashed 
to the earth again, with a force which re- 
duced them to a mere pulpy mass. The 
prairies between Cedar Rapids and DeWitt 
were literally strewn with the carcasses of 
cattle, and the loss in stock alone must be 
immense. There is scarcely a farmer be- 
tween the two stations, a distance of forty 
miles, but has suffered the loss of either a 
part or the whole of his stock. 

At Lisbon, the large brick and frame 
grain-warehouses belonging to merchants 
of that town, and the freight-depot of the C, 
I. & N. Railroad were utterly demolished, 
and their contents scattered. Ten freight- 
cars were hurled from the track and broken 
up. One of them, heavily loaded with lum- 
ber, was lifted into the air and turned over 
twice, finally descending with such force as 



492 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



to completely shiver the car and its contents 
into fragments. 

The most terrible effects of the tornado 
were felt at Camanche, Iowa. There, at 
seven o'clock, the tornadoes were seen com- 
ing with the rapidity of lightning. The sky 
assumed a yellowish, brassy aspect, and the 
air seemed dead. The tornadoes themselves 
resembled huge balloons at first, about, the 
size of a barrel, but gradually increasing 
and swelling. At one time they rose and 
again fell to the earth, their black folds un- 
dulating and whirling with snapping, crack- 
ling reports, like a volley of musketry, dis- 
tinctly audible at a great distance. The in- 
terior of the airy tunnels was filled with a 
heterogeneous mass of leaves, branches of 
trees, timbers, and stones, which seemed to 
impart a yellowish tinge inside the black 
outer folds. There was but little time for 
gazing, however, for in an instant, and with 
a force inconceivable, the doomed town was 
struck full in the centre, and the air choked 
with fragments of timbers, bricks, stones, 
furniture, and in many places with human 
beings, who were hurled about like straws. 
The affrighted horses and cattle filled the 
air witli their terrible and shrill screams; 
but above all were heard the snapping and 
cracking of these fearful besoms of destruc- 
tion. 

The scene beggars description ; and one, 
after gazing upon it, only wonders how a 
single person was left to tell the tale. There 
are but one or two buildings in this town of 
two thousand souls which were untouched : 
all the others arc a shapeless mass of ruins. 
In many places, fur several acres, every 
remnant of a house is gone, and only a few 
scattered slivers mark the spot where they 
stood. A singular feature of the scene is 
the fact that from one end of the town to the 
other not a vestige of the furniture can be 
found. Here and there a few shreds of 
clothing, or a mattress torn into ribbons, 
tell that the town was once inhabited. 

After destroying Camanche, the tornado 
crossed the river, forming an immense 
water-spout. In this connection, we should 
have mentioned before that every time it 
crossed the river it drew up an immense 
quantity of water, which was dashed with 
fearful violence wherever it struck. In 
crossing the river, it struck a raft containing 
twenty-six persons, and dashed it to pieces 
in an instant. Only two of the entire number 
escaped, they being blown ashore through 
the water. 

On reaching the opposite bank, the whirl- 
wind took a northerly direction, and dashed 
upon Albany, two miles distant, with terrific 
force, destrojdng almost every house in the 
town, populated by eight hundred inhabit- 
ants. 

Both the towns of Camanche and Albany 
are entirely ruined, and it is a doubtful pro- 



blem whether they will ever be rebuilt. 
Most of the houses were owned in part by 
the tenants, who have yet payments to make 
upon them. These men are poor and en- 
tirely ruined, and will be unable to meet 
their payments soon coming due. Every 
thing is wrapped in utter desolation, and 
strong men seem to be palsied as they look 
upon the future. They have lost their 
houses, furniture, stock, and clothing, and 
are thrust out into the world, ruined in an 
instant. 

A Mi*. A. A. Terrell writes to the Chicago 
" Press and Tribune," giving the following 
description of the destruction at Camanche. 
He dates his letter Sterling, 111. He says : — 

Horses and cattle are lying in every direc- 
tion, killed from the effects of the storm. 
The buildings look as though they had all 
been torn in small fragments, scattered over 
the whole country, and feathers from the 
bedclothes strewn upon the ground, and 
then all had been overswept with rushing 
waters. 

We went into one building where were fif- 
teen dead bodies, some mangled in the most 
frightful manner, and only wrapped up in a 
sheet and put into a rough box, ready for 
burial. 

Dr. Howell, of Fulton, informed us that 
from Sunday evening to Monday noon he 
had visited ninety-one wounded, and set 
twenty-three broken limbs. 

We saw twenty-eight dead bodies, and 
there were eighty-two that require strict 
medical attendance, and as many more that 
are more or less hurt, yet are able to be 
around. In addition to this number, twenty- 
eight were swept from a raft in the river 
that was passing at the time, and ten are 
yet missing from the town, that arc sup- 
posed to be buried in the ruins or to have 
been blown into the river and drowned. 

With the exception of half a dozen houses 
on the north side of the town, every single 
building is either torn down, unroofed, or 
otherwise damaged. 

A worse sight no human eye ever beheld ; 
and the heart grows sick in seeing such a 
destruction of life and property. The town 
is entirely ruined, and we do not see how it 
can ever be rebuilt. There are whole blocks 
of lots that are vacant, entirely, with no- 
thing but. the cellars to indicate that, houses 
ever stood there. 

We saw a part of a wagon, consisting of 
the forward axletree and one hub, and no 
more of it could be found. 

Out of the contents of three dry-goods 
stores not, one cent's worth of the goods has 
been found. 

The tornado struck the town a little past 
seven o'clock, and in less than ten minutes 
the whole was in ruins. After it had passed, 
the town was all afloat with water. All who 
could, began to run from place to place, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



screaming at the top of their voices, calling 
for friends and for children. In every pile 
of rubbish, and from every demolished 
house, the groans of the dying and wounded 
•were heard, and, as the sounds came from 
every part of the town, no one knew where 
to go first. The darkness occasioned by the 
black clouds, the air being filled with rub- 
bish of every conceivable character, and the 
near approach of night, rendered the scene 
still more appalling, and such a wail of 
lamentation, sorrow, and woe never went 
up from any place, in the history of torna- 
does, as that from this ruined and destroyed 
city. Nothing could be found to bind up 
the wounds of the suffering, no medicines 
were to be got, and the wails of the mother 
over her dead children, the anguish of the 
wife over the lifeless remains of her hus- 
band, of the father over his slaughtered 
children, or hunting in vain for his wife, — 
all these were scenes that cannot possibly 
be described. 

In one family, all that was left were three 
little girls, the father and mother and two 
children having been instantly killed. We 
saw where a fence-board had been forced 
clear through the side of a house, end-ways, 
and hundreds of shingles had forced them- 
selves through the clapboards of a house. 

We visited the graveyard, and saw 
twenty-eight graves, side by side, all dug, 
waiting to receive the rough boxes contain- 
ing the remains of the slaughtered people. 

The whole atmosphere around the town 
is sickening, and a stench is pervading the 
whole path of the storm, that it is almost 
impossible to endure. 

The loss of property is immense, and can 
never be known to its full extent. 

We have just learned that three of the 
men on the raft have made their appear- 
ance. They state that they were blown 
from the raft clear on to the Illinois shore, 
beyond Albany, and for a long time were 
unable to move or stir, but after recovering 
from the shock succeeded in crawling to a 
house, where they were kindly cared for. 
They know nothing of the rest of their com- 
rades, not having seen them since they were 
on the raft together. 

In this vicinity, near Sterling, the 
wounded are dying almost every day, and 
every farm-house is a hospital for the dying 
and wounded. 

The Lyon "Mirror" gives the following 
account of the killed and wounded the Tues- 
day after the disaster. It says: — 

The number of dead whose bodies have 
been recovered is twenty-eight. The fol- 
lowing is a list of their names, ages, &c. : — - 

Hannah Curran. Irish, aged 55 years; 
Christian Westphall, German, 30 years ; 
Elizabeth Westphall, German, 28 years; in- 
fant of Westphall, German, 6 months ; Au- 
gust Hoeft, German, 24 years ; D. Waggoner, 



German, 27 years ; Diefleff Stoltenburgh, 
German, 2(5 years ; Leza Burman, German, 
18 years ; Philip Peepers, German, 56 years; 
Margaret Foss, German, 40 years; Mary 
Foss, German, 3 years ; Mrs. J. Stolten- 
burgh, German, 27 years: Theodore Arpe, 
German, 2 years ; Augusta Myle, German, 
4 years ; Jacob Myle, German, — years ; 
infant of Jacob Myle, German, 8 months; 
Mary Greenleaf, American, 11 years; Eliza- 
beth Rathbun, American, 23 years; Mrs. 
Amelia Davis, American, 25 years ; Charles 
Davis, American, 6 years ; Eli Millirons, 
American, 24 years; George Burnham, 
American, 50 years ; Mrs. George Burnham, 
American, 48 years ; D. D. Bigelow, Ameri- 
can, 40 years : Harry McKindrick, Ameri- 
can, 5 years ; infant of Mary Knapp, Ame- 
rican, 8 months ; infant of G. W. Chase, 
American, 4 months ; Heman Wight, Ameri- 
can, 8 years. 

The following is a list of the wounded at 
Camanche, with a brief statement of their 
condition on Tuesday evening, made from a 
personal visit to each person injured: — 

Mrs. Greenleaf, arm broken and otherwise 
severely injured, doing well; four of Mrs. 
Greenleaf's children wounded, three of 
them doing well : the fourth has a fracture 
of the cranium which will probably prove 
fatal. Mrs. Dillon, severely injured : will 
recover. Miss Dillon, bad flesh-wound; will 
recover. Peter Dillon, bad flesh-wound ; 
will recover. Alice McKindrick, bad flesh- 
wound ; will recover. Peter Kruse, badly 
: injured, cranium fractured, and many se- 
vere flesh-wounds; his recovery doubtful. 
Aber Clint, flesh-wounds ; not dangerous. 
Mrs. Waggoner, flesh-wounds; not danger- 
ous. Jacob II. Gosh, flesh-wound ; bad, but 
not dangerous. Mrs. J. II. Gosh, severely 
injured: doing well. Two children of Mr. 
Gosh, considerably injured ; will recover. 
Mrs. Waggoner's boy, flesh-wounds : not 
dangerous. Henry Otto, severe flesh-wounds 
about the head, and otherwise badly 
bruised; wife badly bruised ; two children 
slightly bruised ; all doing well. Mrs. Stol- 
tenburgh, arm fractured, and otherwise 
badly bruised; two children considerably 
injured; all doingwell. Henry Snattock, old 
gentleman, severely bruised, in rather a cri- 
tical condition; will probably recover. Mrs. 
Kendall, said to be badly injured; not 
visited. Henry Westphall, severe flesh- 
wounds in various parts; wife badly 
bruised ; both doing well. David Miller, 
severely bruised ; doing well. Mrs. A. M. 
Miller, left arm fractured, and otherwise se- 
verely injured; will recover. Mrs. Miller's 
child, slightly injured. Mr. B. Baily, slightly 
injured. Mrs. Baily, severely bruised on 
arms and head ; doing well. Fayette Day, 
considerably bruised; not dangerous. Jo- 
sephine Burnham. slightly injured. Charles 
Mudgett, son of J. 11. Mudgett, concussion 



494 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



of brain and internal bodily injury ; condi- 
tion critical. Mrs. Calvin Judd, very badly 
bruised, but doing well. Oscar A. Anthony 
and wife, not severely injured; child in 
rather a dangerous condition. Mr. Snially 
and wife, flesh-wounds and bruises ; not 
dangerous. Two children, slightly injured. 
Mrs. George Chase, severely bruised. John 
Avors, severely bruised in various parts ; 
doing well. Mrs. Peepers, bad wound in 
shoulder, not dangerous ; five children, 
more or less injured, one's arm broken ; 
doing well. Charles Oris, badly injured; 
condition critical. Lena Hoft, one arm 
fractured, otherwise much bruised ; doing 
well. Catharine Seneca, badly bruised ; 
doing well. Bennett Junk and wife, slightly 
injured; not serious. Mr. H. G. Sessions 
and wife, very severely bruised; daughter, 
slightly injured. H. G. Sessions, one arm 
broken, and badly injured otherwise. Walter 
Sessions, slightly injured. Alice Sessions, 
badly bruised. Anson G. Sessions, badly 
bruised. Eugene and W. Sessions, slightly 
injured. Mr. Sessions's family all doing well 
and likely to recover. S. P. Harvee and 
wife, badly bruised ; not dangerous. H. W. 
Perkins, pretty severely injured ; doing 
well. W. H. Day, fracture of the cranium, 
leg, and jaw, otherwise severely cut and 
bruised ; precarious condition. Mr. Swear- 
enger and son, badly bruised, and flesh- 
wounds ; not dangerous. Mrs. Edminster, 
wife of the Rev. J. Edminster, severely 
bruised, but not dangerous. Mrs. James 
Redfield, severely bruised ; doing well. 
Four children of Mr. Edminster, all pretty 
severely injured; the youngest rather dan- 
gerously. John Hawman, ribs fractured, 
and severely bruised ; wife severely injured ; 
two children slightly injured ; all doing 
well. Wyman Wright and wife, severely 
bruised ; Wright's child, leg fractured ; 
comfortable. 

A correspondent of the Indianapolis 
" Journal" says : — 

Many of the incidents connected with the 
tornado at Camanche can hardly be credited 
by those who have not seen the ruins. A 
chimney weighingabout two tons was broken 
off at its junction with the roof, lifted 
into the air, and hurled down into the front 
yard, burying itself in the ground, a depth 
of three feet, without, breaking or cracking 
a single brick. A light pine shingle was 
driven from the outside through the clap- 
boards, lath, and plaster, and projects two 
inches from the inside wall of a dwelling- 
house. No other known force could have 
accomplished this. A common trowel, such 
as is used by masons, was driven through 
a pine-knot in the side of a barn, projecting 
full two inches. In one spot was found a 
large pile of book-covers, every leaf from 
which was gone, and twisted into a thou- 
sand shapes. Leaves were stripped of their 



tissue, leaving the fibres clean and bare 
as if a botanist had neatly picked it off. 
Tree-trunks were twisted several times 
round until they were broken off. The Mil- 
lard House, a three-story brick structure, 
fronting north, was lifted up from its found- 
ation and turned completely round, so that 
the front door faced the south. It then col- 
lapsed, and seemed to fall outward, as if 
in a vacuum; and, strange to relate, out of 
seventeen persons in the house, only two 
were killed. One house upon the bank was 
lifted from its foundation and whirled into 
the river, crushing as it fell and drowning 
three persons, the inmates. 

A piano was taken out of a house in the 
centre of the town and carried some dis- 
tance to the river-bank without breaking it. 

The effects upon some of the houses near 
Camanche which were in the outer edge of 
the tornado were very curious. Upon some 
roofs the shingles were stripped off in fan- 
ciful shapes, a bare spot upon one roof ex- 
actly resembling the figure 8. Some roofs 
were entirely unshingled, and in some cases 
every clapboard was torn off. The sides of 
some houses were literally perforated with 
boards, splintered timbers, and sharp stakes. 
In some parts of Camanche, where houses 
stood thickly clustered together, there is not 
a vestige of one left. Another tract, of about 
forty acres, is covered with splinters of 
about two feet in length. The lower stories 
of some houses were blown out entirely, 
leaving the upper story upon the ground. 

Before the tornado reached Lisbon it had 
killed sixteen persons. From there one cur- 
rent of the storm passed north through 
Mechanicsville, demolishing every thing in 
its course, and killing sixteen persons more. 

Another current took in its course Union 
Grove, killing in that vicinity seventeen 
persons. 

It then passed south of the railroad near 
De Witt, killing twenty-seven persons, six- 
teen of whom belonged to the family of 
Thomas Hatfield. The current then passed 
south of Rowmersa and Low Moor, destroy- 
ing the house of David Millard, and killing 
him and a portion of his family. 

At Albany, Illinois, scarcely a building 
in the town was left uninjured. Among 
the buildings destroyed, two churches were 
blown down entirely. The names of those 
killed there were D. Buck, E. Effner, Mr. 
Sweat, two children of Mr. Riley, and Miss 
Ryder, missing. The fatally wounded are Mr. 
Riley, Miss Mary Stagg, and Mrs. Slocum. 
The badly hurt are Mr. Perkins, Mrs. Sweat. 
Mrs. Caspar and child, Mrs. McMann, Moses 
Bishop, wife and child, Mrs. Cole, Miss 
Whitcomb, leg broken, Mrs. Effner, Fred. 
Miller, and Mr. Ostrander. 

In Hardin county, Illinois, the hurricane 
worked dreadful ravages. The following 
were the names of the killed and wounded. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



495 



Killed. — Mrs. Michael Devine, John De- 
vine, Wm. Devine, Eva Devine, George De- 
vine, Mrs. Isaac Garrison, and a child, name 
not learned. 

Wounded. — John Burch, thigh broken ; 
Michael Devine, shoulder broken and badly 
bruised ; Safrona Devine, shoulder and collar- 
bone broken, and badly injured ; Widow 
Crist, thigh and shoulder broken, and fatally 
■wounded ; Elizabeth Crist, Catharine Crist, 
and Job Crist, injured ; Adam Crist, badly 
injured ; two children of Isaac Garrison, 
Daniel Wentworth and wife, Jesse Turner, 
Alexander Smith and wife and one child, 
Wesley Smith, John Galway and wife and 
one child, B. S. Parish, and Anson Banks, 
all injured, some very badly. 

In Providence, Henry Witham, wife and 
son; Martin Witham, badly injured; Alfred 
Dorland, skull fractured, supposed fatally ; 
Sarah Hensley and Samuel Sherman, badly 
injured, supposed fatally ; Henry Bliss, badly 
hurt ; wife of Dr. Tuller and son of E. An- 
drews, slightly injured. There were several 
persons injured at and about Quebec, names 
not yet learned. 

At Lynden, three miles south of Sterling. 
several persons were killed, and fifteen per- 
sons in that vicinity were badly injured by 
having arms and legs broken. 

In other towm? on the route of the 
tornado, the destruction of life and property 
were equally as great as in Northern Illinois. 

At Morristown, Illinois, the following were 
killed : — Mrs. Richmond, Mr. and Mrs. Dorr, 
George Romerth, boy named Barnum. 

The seriously wounded are : — Thomas Dig- 
by, Benjamin Lathe and wife, Mr. Richmond, 
Hiram Mann. 

The town of St. Mary's, Iowa, was swept 
awny, and most of the inhabitants killed or 
wounded. The Mt. Vernon (Iowa) "News," 
in giving an account of the affair, says : — 

We have to record this morning one of the 
most terrible visitations that ever desolated 
a country inhabited by man. About six 
o'clock last night a terrific whirlwind or 
tornado passed a mile south of our town, 
from west to east. 

When first seen, probably six or seven 
miles away, it had the appearance of a large 
black shaft or column, shaped like an upright 
hour-glass, extending from a tremendous 
threatening cloud, which for some time had 
been hanging over the west, to the ground. 
Hundreds watched it as it swept on its 
course, seemingly bearing directly toward 
Mount Vernon. It was attended with a 
heavy roar, as of a hundred trains of cars. 
Branches of trees could be seen in the air, 
while its changing form, and the flakes of 
clouds thrown from its sides, showed its 
whirling motion. 

When within two miles of us, while people 
were seeking safety in cellars, or, as in some 
cases, running wildly about the streets, it 



veered in its course, and swept by in full 
sight, — sublime, but fearful. Hardly had it 
passed ere a half-dressed man, bleeding from 
wounds upon his head, and reeling upon his 
horse, rode furiously into town, calling for 
help. Talking incoherently, he reported 
persons killed and others injured at a little 
village or hamlet one and a half miles west, 
known as St. Mary's. 

In a few minutes, hundreds were on their 
way there, including Drs. Carhart, BeUlen, 
Gordon, and Carson. The wild scene of deso- 
lation they found beggars description. We 
had imagined the horrors of a battle-field, 
but never had pictured any thing so awful as 
the sight of these poor victims, disabled, 
dying, and dead. These having been quickly 
carried to the house and store of Mr. Harvey 
Gillet, near at hand, were soon in the care 
of the physicians and other Samaritan men 
and women. 

At that point the house and shop of a Mr. 
Cunningham were entirely destroyed, and 
himself and family much injured. A few steps 
farther on, scarcely a vestige remained of 
the house and two large barns of Mr. James 
Burge. Two of his children, a grown-up 
son and a small daughter, fatally hurt, have 
since died. Mr. William Wain, brother of 
E. D. Wain, of this place, and a young man 
by the name of Columbus Sparks, happening 
to be in or near the house at the time, were 
afterward found dead. As the blast ap- 
proached, Stephen Spring, son of Josephus 
Smith, was seen to ride up and spring from 
his horse, and was afterward picked up 
mortally injured. Several persons were 
saved by ci-eeping into a root-house, partly 
under ground, others by lying down flat upon 
the earth. 

A little eastward, the house and barn of 
Mr. Clark Thompson were utterly demolished. 
His family, by running down in the cellar, 
escaped : for some reason, he did not go with 
them, and so lost his life. Close by, Mr. 
Josephus Smith and family were much hurt, 
but not dangerously. His house was torn 
down, and his large barn turned partly round 
and carried fifty feet. 

The power and force of this "demon of 
the elements" must have been immense. We 
reached the path of its fury less than an 
hour after it went howling on. We found a 
hundred men standing around, mute and 
aghast. The sufferers had been borne away, 
but there were other evidences of its fearful 
mission. Houses gone, utterly gone, and 
nothing but blackened and smeared founda- 
tions told where they had been; trees, one 
and two feet in diameter, and even larger, 
uprooted and hurled many rods, robbed of 
branches and foliage ; carcasses of horses, 
cattle, and swine strewed the former barn- 
yard. 

Of its course east of Lisbon we have not 
the particulars. It is certain, however, that 



496 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



between there and Pioneer Grove eight or 
ten lives were lost, and many others horribly 
injured, while the destruction of property is 
even greater than here, nor has its fury, 
when last heard from, in the least abated. 

Appended is a list of the killed and injured, 
so far as we have learned: — 

Killed. — Wm. Wain, Patrick Lynch, Colum- 
bus Sparks, Clarkson Thomson, a son of 
James Burge, a boy not yet identified, found 
in the woods, evidently brought across the 
Cedar, in the storm. 

Injured. — The family of Mr. Cunningham, 
little girl, mortally, Stephen Smith, mortally, 
family of James Burge, Josephus Smith and 
family, Henry H. Fuller. 

East of Lisbon,, a Mr. Piper was injured, 
two children were killed; Mr. Latimer and 
family were injured ; Mr. Wm. Andre and wife 
are missing, probably killed, and five were 
killed in one family by the name of Allen. 

West of the Cedar five persons were killed. 
Several houses were blown down, and seve- 
ral persons killed, north of Cedar Rapids. 

The destruction on the line of the road is, 
if possible, greater than here. At Mechanics- 
ville are ten bodies, brought in from the 
country north. In the vicinity of De A\itt. 
fifteen to twenty are killed. 

In Dubois county, Iowa, J. Jones was 
instantly killed by a falling tree within 
a l ii nit two miles of Celestine. Mr. Nalerian 
Grass, of Fulda, was killed in the same way 
while on his way home from Haysville ; had 
three horses killed by lightning. Mr. II. 
Cameron had one horse killed by a falling- 
tree. Mr. Isaac Harris and Samuel Dillen, 
Jr., each lost a cow. Two or three houses 
were blown down in Portersville, and Mr. 
Osborne's residence, below Portersville, a 
log house, was blown over, slightly injuring 
him. He was outside of the house at t lie 
time, and his wife sick in bed inside. She 
escaped unhurt, though logs fell on the bed- 
stead on which she was lying. 

At New Amboy, Illinois, John Hubbell's 
farm-house, barn, fences, and stock were 
destroyed; also those of Mr. Moss, J. Rose- 
brugh, Mr. Norway, Mr. Bigsby, Mr.Crombie, 
Judge Wood, Mr. McWright, Mr. McEmmett, 
and Mr. Main. 

Killed. — Mrs. Moss, Mr. Crombie's child. 

Wounded. — Mr. and Mrs. Hubbell, danger- 
ously ; Master Northway, badly ; Mr. Moss, 
and daughter, dangerously, and two sons 
slightly : Mr. Saekett, dangerously. 

In Adams, Illinois, a house belonging to 
B. 0. Cook, and occupied by a family named 
Pike, was also torn down. Mr. McComber's 
house was moved from its foundation, and 
the gable-end torn off. Next, the house of 
Capt. Doty, where every thing was torn to 
pieces. 

Wounded. — Mrs. Pike, seriously; Mr. 
Pike's son and daughter: Wm. Yeoward, 
dangerously; Master Doty, dangerously. 



The two latter were carried by the force 
of the tornado upwards of one hundred 
feet. 

At Hackneman, 111., the first house struck 
was a large brick one, belonging to David 
Scott. The upper story was taken entirely 
off. Next, Alonso Golder's, tearing it com- 
pletely in pieces. Joel Wood's house was 
taken entirely from its foundation and car- 
ried some distance. The family escaped by 
taking refuge in the cellar. Next, William 
Goodrich's house, whose family escaped by 
taking refuge in the cellar. The house was 
entirely demolished. Wm. Kimball's house 
was torn down. On the opposite corner the 
house of Cyrus Scott was blown down. Also 
the house of Jesse E. Scott. S. Russell's 
house was blown down. On the whole line 
of the tornado scarcely a piece of furniture 
can be found. Cattle were found dead, and 
the feathers blown from turkeys, chickens. 
&c. 

Killed, Wm. Kimball's child, Mr. Jennings 
and his mother, Mrs. Jennings. 

Wounded, Mrs. Win. Kimball, seriously ; 
Jesse E. Scott's family, dangerously; Alonzo 
Golder's son, dangerously. 

The Iowa City "Reporter" has the follow- 
ing summary of the great storm: — 

Hardin county. — Killed, 7 ; wounded, 27 ; 
houses destroyed, 37 ; estimatedloss,$75,000. 

Linn county. — Killed, 18; wounded, 35; 
houses destroyed. 18; estimated loss, 
$150,000. 

Cedar county. -^Killed, 3 ; wounded, 13 ; 
houses destroyed, 8; estimated loss, $15,000. 

Clinton county. — Killed, 75 ; wounded, 
150; estimated loss, $400,000. 

Jones county. — Killed, 9; wounded, 30; 
houses destroyed, 13 ; estimatedloss,$30,000. 

Thus it will be seen that in Iowa alone one 
hundred and two persons were killed, two 
hundred and fifty-five wounded, and sixty- 
five houses destroyed, other than those 
blown down at Camanche and in Clinton 
county, while the estimated amount of pro- 
perty reaches about six hundred thousand 
dollars. 

Besides the above, there is to be counted 
the loss of life and property at Albany and 
other places in Illinois. 

The De Witt "Standard" says that good 
judges report that the damages by the late 
tornado, from Wm. D. Smith's, west of De 
Witt, to Brophy's Creek, a distance of about 
ten miles, are at least $100,000; that $5000 
will not supply the cattle and horses killed 
in that awful hurricane. 

The Davenport (Iowa) "Democrat and 
News" says that when the tornado struck 
Camanche, four men were engaged in play- 
ing cards, in one of the buildings totally de- 
stroyed. All four were killed, with the cards 
in their hands. 

The reporter of the Chicago "Journal," 
writing from Clinton, gives the following 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



497 



summary of the number of persons killed 

in Iowa: — 

Cedar Rapids 2 

St. Mary's 5 

Roger's Settlement 1 

Eden 1 

Orange 1 

Lisbon 4 

Mechanicsville 9 

Union Grove 2 

De Witt (vicinity) 26 

Camanche 29 

From a raft 24 

Total 104 

Add to the above the five who perished at 
Albany, opposite Camanche, and the total 
number of deaths in Iowa and on the Mis- 
sissippi is oue hundred and nine. Besides 
these, some twenty-five persons were killed 
in Illinois by the storm, which would make 
the number of deaths one hundred and thirty- 
four. Besides the above, there are ten miss- 
ing. The number of lives lost by this dread- 
ful tornado will exceed one hundred and fifty, 
and the amount of property destroyed be 
about a million of dollars. 

Double Homicide in Virginia. — Peter 
Riley and P. Simpson, laborers on the Co- 
vington & Ohio Railroad, were shot and 
killed, on this day, in Greenbrier county, 
Virginia, by a man named Harrison Myers, 
who is said to hail from Maryland. He made 
his escape. 

Fire in Meriden, Connecticut. — This 
day, in Meriden, Connecticut, about ten 
o'clock in the evening, the three-story build- 
ing owned by Wm, Stone, of New Haven, 
was entirely consumed. It was occupied 
by Geo. R. Wilmot, furniture-dealer. Most 
of the furniture was saved in a damaged con- 
dition. Asaph Merriman, dealer in stoves 
and tinware; J. P. Bottsford, manufacturer 
of mechanical toys, nothing saved : insured. 
E. Harwood & Co., silver-platers, total loss : 
not insured. The hall in the third story 
was occupied by Germans as a club-room. 

Match-Factory Burned. — The night of 
this day, in Detroit, Mich., Richardson's 
match-factory, with the machinery and fix- 
tures, was totally destroyed by fire. Loss, 
$12,000, which is insured for $2700. The 
establishment employed one hundred and 
forty hands. 

An Unknown Man Found Drowned. — 
In New York, this day, at the foot of Cort- 
land Street, the body of an unknown man was 
found floating in the water. Deceased was 
about five feet seven inches in height, had 
brown hair, and was dressed in the garb of 
a laborer, with blue overalls and hickory 
ehirt. The jury rendered a verdict of 



•','2 



" Found drowned." The body was sent to 
the dead-house at Bellevue Hospital for iden- 
tification. 

Two Brothers Drowned. — In Albany, 
N.Y., this day, a small boat containing five 
boys was upset by coming in contact with 
the hawser of the steamer Baltic, and two 
brothers, named Andrew and Peter Smith, 
were drowned. The others were rescued 
with difficulty. 

Railroad-Accident in New Jersey. — 
A man named William Beale was killed on 
the track of the Camden & Amboy Rail- 
road, near Deep Cut, N.J., by being run over 
by one of the freight-trains, some time during 
the night of this day. The right leg was 
amputated near the hip. As the six o'clock 
a.m. train was passing this spot, the engi- 
neer, discovering the dead body lying upon 
the track, stopped the train suddenly, which 
precipitated the brakesman, Wm. Cole, from 
the gig-top to the ground, injuring him 
seriously upon the head. A severe wound 
upon the left temple was inflicted. Mr. Cole 
was brought to his residence in Camden, 
N.J. 

Postmaster Fowler at Havana. — The 
New York " News" publishes a letter of this 
date from a gentleman residing at Havana, 
who went out in the Moses Taylor with 
Isaac V. Fowler. It says: — 

We had only three ladies on board and six 
gentlemen, and among the latter was the late 
Postmaster of New York, Mr. Fowler. He 
called himself "Mr. Potts" while on board, 
and appeared quite sociable. After arriving 
at Havana he called on Mr. Helm, our consul, 
told him who he was, and asked him if he 
should inform me. The consul replied in 
the affirmative. So "Mr. Potts" called and 
informed me. He also informed me that Mr. 
Helm and myself were the only two persona 
in Cuba who knew who he was ; but at this 
present writing many persons know him and 
all about the affair. I should have said that 
he came on board the Moses Taylor at Sandy 
Hook, from a steam-tug, having left the city 
the night previous. What his future inten- 
tions are I do not know. 

Arrest of a Mail-Contractor Charged 
with Robbing the Mails. — This day, at 
Olney, 111., James Shread, the mail-contractor 
between Olney and Granville, was arrested 
at the instance of W. D. Gillmore, Special 
Agent of the Post-Offi ce Department, charged 
with robbing the mails. The extent was not 
known, but was supposed to be large. 

Mayor Elected at Lexington, Mo. — In 
Lexington, Mo., this day, Major Vietch, the 
Independent candidate, wasre-elected Mayor 
by 96 majority. 



493 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



A Noble Irish Girl. — The Ballymena 
(Ireland) "Observer" of this date records the 
story of the doings of an Irish girl, whose pa- 
rents formerly resided in the neighborhood of 
the town in which that journal is published, 
substantially as follows: — Her father, ffm. 
McCord, a shoemaker, and tenant of a small 
farm near Ballymena, died in circumstances 
of pecuniary embarrassment some years ago. 
At the time of his death his liabilities 
amounted to nearly £40, and his family were 
left without a shilling for themselves, or any 
means for the liquidation of these debts. 
Soon after his death, about the year 1853, his 
daughter, Ann Jane McCord, then scarcely 
twenty years of age, emigrated to America, 
where she obtained employment as a domestic 
servant. Having from the outset determined 
to pay every farthing of her dead father's 
liabilities, she hoarded the small earnings of 
her industry with the utmost care, and, 
after six years of incessant toil, her noble 
aspirations were crowned with success, — her 
ardent desire was accomplished, and the 
grand aim of all her self-sacrificing exer- 
tions was fully achieved. On the 9th of 
February last, she sent a letter from No. 99 
West Twenty-Fourth Street, New York, re- 
mitting to Mr. James McCord, of Castlegore, 
a bank-order for the sum of £40, to be dis- 
tributed by that gentleman in payment of 
her father's debts. The aggregate sum due 
was £34 3s. 3d. In a postscript, she di- 
rected that one McHenry should be paid 5s. 
over the amount of his debt, and that the 
balance of the remittance, £5 lis. 9d., 
should be presented to her sister, Mrs. Mar- 
garet Wilson. 



MONDAY, JUNE 4. 

Terrible Storm in Kentucky and Ohio 
— A terrible storm this day passed over 
Louisville and Lexington, Ky., and Dayton, 
Ohio. The Louisville "Journal" says: — ' 

In the afternoon, about three o'clock, the 
western horizon was darkened with portent- 
ous clouds, and in a few moments a storm 
of wind and rain burst upon the city. The 
gale lasted scarcely a minute, but that brief 
period was marked with unusual violence. 
We have the following disasters to record: — 

Grace Church, on Gray Street, was un- 
roofed. 

The bagging-factory of A. L. Shotwell & 
Son, on Monroe Street, sustained partial 
damage. 

The roof of a portion of Messrs. Wallace 
& Lightgow's foundry, on Main and Clay 
Streets, was blown off. 

On the corner of Sixth and Breckinridge 
the tin roofing that was being put on some 
new buildings by T. J. Nicholson was swept 
off and scattered in the commons. 

Awnings were smashed, signs thrown 
down, window-shutters wrenched from their 



places, and hacks and horses blown about. 
The storm was fortunately only of very short 
duration, and in a few moments the sun 
shone forth as brightly as ever. 

The steamer R. M. Patton, lying at the 
foot of Fifth Street, was blown from her 
moorings, taken out in the middle of the 
river, and finally cast against the Indiana 
shore and there secured. For a time there 
was imminent danger of the Patton being 
carried over the falls and wrecked. She was 
brought back to her landing last night in 
proper trim. The boats at Portland were blown 
about, but sustained no serious damage. 

Along the line of the Lebanon Branch 
Railroad the storm was very destructive. 
The train was detained several hours by the 
removal of large trees that had been blown 
across the track. The telegraph-wires were 
all prostrated, barns and dwellings were un- 
roofed, and the storm was the severest that 
has been felt in that section for many years. 
Great damage was done to the corn and 
wheat crops. 

In Lexington, Yellman's hemp-factory was 
blown down, Morgan's woollen-factory un- 
roofed, and a large number of other build- 
ings were more or less injured. The damage 
to fruit and forest trees was great. One 
farmer in the vicinity of the city reports the 
destruction of five hundred trees on his own 
place. At Sandersville, in Fayette county, 
the storm was equally severe. A man named 
Cavena is said to have been killed by the fall- 
ing of a tree. 

A correspondent of the Lexington "Ob- 
server" writes that around Nicholasville, Jes- 
samine county, from one-third to one-half 
of the timber is prostrated, and great injury 
has been done to fences, &c. 

In Dayton, Ohio, it prostrated a great 
many trees, and blew off the roof of Frank 
Welty's barn. Edgars's woods was also vis- 
ited, and a large number of trees torn up by 
the roots or twisted off. Between Dayton and 
Xenia, houses and barns were damaged, trees 
were blown down, and the grain-crops twisted 
into kinks and strewn upon the ground. It 
was particularly severe in the neighborhood 
of Harbine's station. The mail train on 
the Greenville & Miami Railroad, coming 
east, was overtaken by the tornado in the 
swamp between Gordentown and Arcanum, 
and for a time it was feared that the train 
would be crushed and the passengers killed 
by the falling timber. The engineer, who 
seemed to take the matter coolly, backed the 
train to the vicinity of a wheat-field, where 
it remained until the track was cleared so as 
to permit them to proceed. 

Abandoned Vessel. — This day, the 
schooner Austin, Capt. Parsons, from George- 
town, D.C., for Boston, twenty miles e. of 
Chincoteague, saw a three-masted schooner 
on her beam-ends; was painted green, and 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



499 



hailed from Newbern, N.G., but could not 
make out her name. Had not been long 
abandoned, but saw nothing of her crew. 

Loss of the Bark White Cloud. — This 
day, the bark Trinity, Capt. Leask, fell in 
with the bark White Cloud, Capt. Ray, from 
New York for Cadiz, dismasted and full of 
water, having been knocked down in a gale 
on the 29th of May, and rescued her officers 
and crew. Capt. Leask, whose vessel was 
bound from Boston to Guliesta, and had to 
put back to that port for repairs, makes the 
following report. He says: — 

June 4, lat. 35° 46', Ion. 67° 43', about five 
p.m., made a vessel on the weather bow, with 
fore and main masts gone, and a signal of 
distress flying. She proved to be bark White 
Cloud, (of Boston,) Ray, from New York for 
Cadiz, and was found to be in a sinking con- 
dition. The captain wished to be taken off, 
and we accordingly hove to, at leeward, and 
lay until we got one boat-load of baggage from 
her. By this time we had drifted nearly out 
of sight, and, it being dark, we braced up 
and filled away, to make a tack to the wind- 
ward. On approaching her again, intending 
to go under her stern and round to at lee- 
ward, the man at the wheel was ordered to 
keep off, but the vessel did not mind her 
helm, and before any thing else could be 
done she struck the White Cloud about mid- 
ships, carrying away all the head spars and 
the foremast head of the Trinity. After 
being together about an hour, during which 
time they struck very heavily, there being a 
bad sea on, the vessels were got clear. Not 
knowing at that time which vessel had sus- 
tained the most damage, concluded to lie by 
each other all night. On ti'ying the pumps 
it was found that the Trinity was leaking 
500 to 600 strokes per hour, rolling very 
heavily ; could not ascertain the amount of 
damage received, and consequently the boats 
were got all ready for use. We then com- 
menced clearing the wreck, and had to cut 
away every thing adrift. At eight a.m. had 
made such progress that a piece of the main- 
topsail could be set, when we stood toward 
the White Cloud again and proceeded to take 
off her crew. About ten a.m. had taken all 
her crew on board. The wind was then about 
s.w. by w., blowing fresh, with squalls; we 
made what sail we could, and stood to the 
southward. At noon we were in lat. 35° 06', 
Ion. 65° 20'. For the next twenty-four hours 
we had strong gales from the s.w., with heavy 
squalls, and at noon on the 6th were in lat. 
35° 10', Ion. 64° 38'. There being no ap- 
pearance of either wind or weather changing, 
and finding that we were only drifting to the 
eastward, we bore up for Boston with a fair 
wind, and for a few days did very well, gra- 
dually increasing her canvas. At noon of 
the lith, we had reached lat. 39° 10', Ion. 65°, 
where we had light winds and calms. On 



the 16th we got the wind from the east, with 
squalls, and on the 17th came through the 
South Channel. On the 18th lay becalmed 
off Nausett; 19th, seven a.m., tookapilot, and 
was towed up to the city by the steamer Nep- 
tune this afternoon. The White Cloud, Ray, 
left New York 24th ult., with a cargo of 
80,000 staves. Reports on 28th and 29th 
ult., in a gale from n.e., sprung a leak and 
had four feet water in her hold. The White 
Cloud was three hundred and ninety-six tons, 
built atWaldoborough in 1854, and was owned 
in Boston. 

Indian Outrages near Laredo, Webb 
County, Texas. — The Corpus Christi "Ran- 
chero" says: — 

We have been favored with a perusal of a 
letter dated June 4, written by a gentleman 
of our acquaintance at Laredo, detailing out- 
rages committed in the neighborhood of that 
town by Camanche Indians, on the day the 
letter was written, and also referring to out- 
rages by the Indians the day previous. We 
can vouch for the perfect reliability of the 
writer and for the authenticity of the letter. 
The communication says : — 

I had the misfortune of having my sheep- 
camp attacked this morning by fourteen Ca- 
manche Indians, armed with rifles. They 
took two boys (shepherds) prisoners, and 
routed the rest. ... I have not been able 
as yet to ascertain the loss of sheep. 

I am going out early in the morning, with 
about twelve others, (citizens,) to see if we 
can overtake the Indians and recajJture the 
boys, if they are still alive. 

This country is suffering dreadfully from 
want of protection. Yesterday the Indians 
killed five men and took one boy prisoner, and 
they have stolen great quantities of horses 
from both sides of the Rio Grande. These 
Indians are scattered all over this county. 
They took a man named Juan Escoba pri- 
soner yesterday. He lived with these In- 
dians about ten years, and only escaped from 
them about three years ago. He knew the 
Indians well, as they belonged to the Indian 
village he lived in so long, and they turned him 
loose for old acquaintance' sake. They told 
him that six hundred warriors had come 
from their encampment in New Mexico, that 
a large party passed through Texas, and in- 
tended to commit depredations near San An- 
tonio, and that all the rest scattered through 
Mexico, except about one hundred, who in- 
tended to steal and commit outrages on both 
sides of the Rio Grande. I believe the man 
tells the truth, as I know him well. 

Indian Depredations on the Overland 
Route. — In St. Louis, the correspondent of 
the "Republic'' reports numerous Indian 
outrages in various parts of Arizona. 

A train of twenty-four mules, laden with 
sugar, from Sonora, was attacked by the 



500 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



Apaches and captured. Five persons were 
killed. 

All the mules at Ewell and Dragoon Springs 
Station, on the Overland Mail route, were 
stolen. 

The route is without protection, and liable 
to interruption. 

Fort Fillmore is garrisoned by only ten 
men, who are all on the sick-list. The com- 
manding officer was applied to for rations for 
volunteers, but refused to furnish them. 

The American Troops at Pyramid Lake. 
— Appearance of the Battle-Ground. — 
On the morning of this day, the American 
troops, under Capt. Stewart and Col. Jack 
Hayes, started for Pyramid Lake. The cor- 
respondent of the "Alta Californian" gives 
the following account of the battle-ground. 
He says:— 

We started for Ormsby's battle-ground, 
expecting to meet the Indians in force on 
the way, as there were several positions 
naturally very strong for defence. But we 
passed them all in succession without seeing 
any redskins. From a high point we finally 
got a view of the whole country down to 
Pyramid Lake. No smoke nor dust could 
be seen anywhere, and then we concluded, 
for the first time, that the whole force of 
Indians had fled. This proved true. As 
subsequently found, they had left in the ut- 
most haste. The sharp practice and long 
range of our Minies, on the 2d, had struck 
such terror into their hearts that they had 
declined another encounter. 

We had been shocked through the whole 
march by the sight of dead men scattered all 
along for fifteen miles. It was dreadful. 
The poor fellows had been shot down on 
their retreat from Ormsby's disaster, and 
their heads all smashed with rocks, which 
were found lying by the heads of the dead 
men. All had been stripped, and some of 
them cut and mangled. Arrows were still 
remaining in some of the bodies. 

Major Ormsby was found in a ravine, 
close to the point of the severest part of the 
fight of 2d June. His body was recognised 
by several who knew him well, — among them 
his brother. Dr. Ormsby. 

The body of William Spear lay upon the 
face, with an arrow in the back, as if he had 
been shot with it after having fallen. 

Meredith's body lay just outside of a 
point of timber, where he and several others 
made their last stand. His remains were 
the farthest down the river of any. 

Only one or two others, among them 
that of Richard Snowden, Jr., were on the 
battle-field. All the others had fallen du- 
ring flight, and nearly all on the trail or 
close by it. 

McCloud and McCarthy lay within a rod 
of each other, where they had undoubtedly 
made their final death-struggle. 



McCloud's body was less decayed than 
any of the others. The Indians had cut him 
open along the spine, from his neck down, 
and taken out the spinal sinews, as is sup- 
posed, for bowstrings, or other purposes. 
He was a very tall, well-made man, and for 
that reason, and perhaps also because he had 
fought gallantly, they gave him this distinc- 
tion. He had received a terrible gash across 
his back, below the right shoulder-blade. A 
number of the other bodies were identified by 
marks, or papers lying scattered around. 

Hung by Lynch-Law. — A man named 
John Johnson, formerly of McIIenry county, 
Illinois, was tried at Black Jack, Kansas, 
on this day, for horse-stealing. The court 
consisted of a magistrate and six jurymen. 
After the evidence was all in, Johnson con- 
fessed and begged for mercy. But the ver- 
dict was "guilty," and the sentence death 
in fifteen minutes. The criminal then se- 
lected a man to settle his affairs and see 
that, his mother got the avails of his pro- 
perty. At the expiration of the fifteen 
minutes, at the command of the officers, 
they marched to the nearest tree, about half 
a mile from the village, and there gave him 
three minutes' further respite, and then he 
was hung. When he was dead, his body 
was taken down and buried decently. 

Adjournment of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Conference. — At the session of the 
Methodist Episcopal Conference, at Buffalo, 
this evening, there was no quorum present, 
and, on motion, the Conference adjourned 
sine die. 

The Pacific & Atlantic Telegraph. — It 
was, this day, announced in the press of the 
Atlantic States that the Pacific & Atlantic 
Telegraph line is now completed to Vizalia, 
two hundred and eighty miles from San 
Francisco, on the Butterfield route. 

Retiring of a Business-Man. — This day, 
in Philadelphia, Horace H. Day, the India- 
rubber patentee, retired from active busi- 
ness, having first, sold out his interest in 
his various establishments, including India- 
rubber patents, the whole realizing about 
$500,000. The purchasers are Mr. William 
Judson, Conrad Poppenhusen, and others, 
of New York, and Henry L. Daggett and 
Charles Rice, of Boston. 

Invitation by the President to thit 
Prince of Wales to Visit the United 
States. — This day. President Buchanan sent. 
the following message to Queen Victoria, 
inviting the Prince of Wales to visit the 
United States : — 

To Her Majesty Queen Victoria. 
I have learned from the public journals 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



501 



that the Prince of Wales is about to visit 
your Majesty's North American dominions. 
Should it be the intention of his Royal 
Highness to extend his visit to the United 
States, I need not say how happy I should 
be to give him a cordial welcome at Wash- 
ington. You may be well assured that every- 
where in this country he will be greeted by 
the American people in such a manner as 
cannot fail to prove gratifying to your Ma- 
jesty. In this they will manifest their deep 
sense of your domestic virtues, as well as 
their convictions of your merits as a wise, 
patriotic, and constitutional sovereign. 

Your Majesty's most obedient servant, 
James Buchanan. 

Washington, June 4, I860. 

Caucus of Georgia National Demo- 
crats. — The National Democrats of Georgia 
held a caucus in Milledgeville, this day, in 
which they determined to co-operate with 
the general convention assembled, so long as 
there was a hope of a national organization 
being preserved. In the event of delegates 
being sent to Richmond, or a platform 
adopted different from that adopted at 
Charleston, then they determined to adopt 
the Charleston platform and send delegates 
to the Baltimore Convention. 

The Democratic State Convention of 
Florida met at Quincy this day. Gen. John 
Milton was nominated for Governor. R. B. 
Hilton, of Tallahassee, was nominated for 
Representative in Congress, to succeed Hon. 
George S. Hawkins, who declined a re-nomi- 
nation. 

The New Orleans Municipal Election 
came off this day. It passed off quietly. J. 
T. Monroe, the American candidate, was 
elected Mayor by one thousand majority. 

The New Haven City Election came off 
this day. It resulted in the choice of H. 
M. Welch, the Democratic candidate, for 
Mayor. 

Assistant Secretary of State. — This 
day, Mr. Trescott assumed the position of 
Assistant Secretary of State, in place of Mr. 
Appleton, appointed Minister to Russia. 



TUESDAY, JUNE 5. 

Loss of the Schooner Virginia Lav- 
ERTY. — This day, Capt. Plummer, of the 
brig O'Brien, from Cardenas, reports : — -At 
7.30 a.m., lat. 33° 25 / , long. 76° 46', saw a 
schooner with a signal of distress flying ; 
sent a boat to her, and found it to be the 
Virginia Laverty, of Elizabeth City, North 
Carolina, Capt. Hobbs, (from a guano-island, 
with a cargo of guano, bound to Baltimore,) 



in a sinking condition. Took from her the 
captain and crew, and landed them at Cape 
Hatteras. The schooner sank shortly after 
leaving her. Capt. Hobbs reports having a 
few days previous experienced a heavy gale, 
which caused the vessel to leak so badly that 
the pumps would not keep her free. 

Loss of an American Bark on the Coast 
of Holland. — This day, an American bark, 
bottom upwards, was picked up off East Ter- 
schelling, and carried into that port, by some 
English fishermen. 

Seduction-Case Settled by Marriage. 
— In the Court of Sessions of New York, this 
day, a young man, named Robert Furman, 
employed as a conductor on the Court Street 
Railroad route, was brought before Justices 
Blatchley and Voorhees on the charge of 
bastardy, preferred by a young lady, named 
Henrietta Clary, a resident of the Eighth 
Ward. Several young men were called on 
this examination to testify as to the com- 
plaining witness's previous behavior, in 
which they attacked her chastity. The 
young lady, feeling herself aggrieved, made 
a complaint before the grand jury, and a 
true bill for seduction was found against 
Furman. 

The case was called on for trial in the 
Court of Sessions last week, but, in conse- 
quence of the absence of an important wit- 
ness on the part of the defence, was post- 
poned until yesterday, when the District- 
Attorney again called it on. It then ap- 
peared that the young men who had sworn 
on the examination before the justices as to 
the doubtful character of the lady were 
missing, and could nowhere be found. The 
defendant's counsel applied for another post- 
ponement, but the District-Attorney urged 
that justice required that the case should be 
proceeded with, and the court decided that 
it should go on. This caused great excite- 
ment among the friends of both the parties 
present. They consulted with each other 
for some time, when finally it became known 
that the two most interested had entered 
into an agreement to be married forthwith. 

The Rev. G. M. Johnson was sent for, but, 
not being at home, Justice Voorhees was 
summoned. The parties retired into an ad- 
joining apartment, and, in the presence of 
the relatives of the couple and officers of 
the court, were united in the bonds of 
matrimony. This being accomplished, the 
young lady's father expressed his satisfac- 
tion at the result, and informed the new hus- 
band that he might go to a certain unmention- 
able locality, lor he (the father) would take 
care of his daughter and support her. On 
re-entering the court, the District-Attorney 
called on the indictment for trial, as a 
formal matter, to which the defendant 
pleaded in bar a marriage, which was ad- 



502 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



mitted, and judgment ordered for the de- 
fendant. The plea in bar, being sworn to, 
was ordered on file by the court, and the 
parties interested took their departure, — the 
wife with her parents, and the husband with 
his friends. 

Arrest for Circulating Ixcexdiary 
Documexts in Virginia. — This day, J. B. 
Brown, a resident of Fairfax county, Vir- 
ginia, was arrested at the Long Bridge, on a 
warrant issued by Justice Noah Drummond, 
on a charge of circulating the Helper book, 
and other incendiary documents. 
The Alexandria "Gazette" says: — 
He was brought to this city by a police- 
officer, specially despatched for the purpose, 
assisted by a citizen of the county, and 
taken before Justice Price, who committed 
him to jail in default of $2000 bail. Brown 
was a delegate to the Wheeling and Chicago 
republican Conventions, and voted for Fre- 
mont in 1850. He has been suspected for 
some time of entertaining sentiments inimi- 
cal to the South, and of circulating incen- 
diary documents, and when arrested had 
about his person several copies of the 
Helper book and other publications of simi- 
lar character. 

Destructive Fire in Philadelphia. — 
This day, between four and five o'clock in 
the morning, a fire broke out in the ex- 
tensive meat-packing and smoking establish- 
ment of Mr. N. Hicks Graham, fronting on 
Filbert Street, above Twenty-First, and ex- 
tending to Cuthbert Street, which in a short 
time was almost totally destroyed. The 
establishment consisted of a range of build- 
ings on Filbert and Cuthbert Streets, and on 
the eastern and western ends, with a space 
in the middle covered with shedding. There 
were two cooper-shops, a lard-oil factory, 
smoke-houses, office, stable, and ice-houses. 
All the buildings were brick, and most of 
them two stories high. 

A row of five small brick dwellings on the 
east of the fire was partially unroofed by the 
fire. Three of them belong to Mr. Andrew 
Given, and two to Mr. William J. Given. 
The loss of the Messrs. Given is covered by 
insurance. Mr. Graham had a very large 
stock on hand, which, with his fixtures, 
presses, furnaces, &c, was either destroyed 
or much damaged. His loss is estimated at 
from $30,000 to $40,000, upon which he has 
an insurance of about $25,000, as follows: — 
$5000 in the Commonwealth, $5000 in the 
Reliance, $5000 in the American, $4000 
in the Delaware Mutual, $3000 in the 
Spring Garden, and smaller amounts in one 
or two other companies. 

Terrible Storm in Indiana. — The after- 
noon of this day, a terrible storm visited 
Indiana. In relation to it, a correspondent 



of the Indianapolis "Journal" writes as fol- 
lows: — 

On last Tuesday afternoon, a violent storm 
of rain, hail, and wind visited a portion of 
country about nine miles south of the Terre 
Haute Railroad, doing great damage. It con- 
fined itself to very narrow limits, extending 
only a few yards wide and about ten miles 
long. It commenced showing its terrible 
force with Robert McCanrick, of Putnam 
county, by first unroofing his dwelling, and 
while at this, Mr. McCanrick ran out of his 
house, intending to take refuge in the well, 
when he was suddenly lifted off his "pegs" 
and carried up in the air for a distance un- 
known to him, to mingle with an enormous 
amount of trash and timber of all descrip- 
tions. He was let down in a wheat-field, 
about a quarter of a mile from his house, in- 
juring him so much that it is supposed his 
case is fatal. 

The storm also carried off for him some 
sixty head of pigs; thence making its way 
east, twisting down the largest of trees, and 
playing its mysterious tricks, until it reached 
Mount Washing, a small village situated in 
Morgan county, and then wringing to pieces 
three dwelling-houses, and lifting the frag- 
ments to a great distance, and at the same 
time taking with it about twenty-four dozen 
chickens, all belonging to one man. 

Those who witnessed the scene say that it 
moved along very slowly. 

No person is said to have died, but several 
were seriously injured. 

This clay, as one of the cars of the Second 
and Third Street Railroad was passing up 
Third Street near German Street, Phila- 
delphia, the horses became frightened and 
jumped into a trench which had been cut 
near the track for laying gas-pipes. One 
horse was completely jammed in the ditch, 
while the other fell upon him. They wer? 
extricated, after some labor and much diffi- 
culty. 

Terrible Galein Wilmington, N.C. — 
This day, about one o'clock in the morning, 
Wilmington, N.C, was visited by a tornado. 
It commenced from the southwest, but veered 
round to the northwest, from which quarter 
it blew with even increased violence. Provi- 
dentially, it did not last, in all, over half an 
hour, and its greatest fury was exhausted 
in about twenty minutes. It unroofed a few 
houses, prostrated fences and chimneys, and 
damaged river-steamers and sailing-craft. 
No lives were lost. 

Choked to Death.— This day morning, 
Mr. George Maltzberger stepped in at Deng- 
ler's saloon, Reading, Pa., and called for a 
plate of pickled clams, which were given 
him. He was quite intoxicated, and at- 
tempted to swallow them whole, without 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



503 



chewing, but one, rather larger than the 
rest, refused to go down, and stuck in his 
gullet. A physician was immediately called, 
but too late to save the unfortunate man, 
who died in a few moments after. He was 
an old settler in Reading, about fifty-five 
years of age, and leaves a wife, but no chil- 
dren, to mourn his sudden exit. 

Death from Burning-Fluid. — In New 
York, Mrs. Harriet Heritage, a resident of 
No. 81 West Thirteenth Street, was so 
severely injured on Sunday by the explosion 
of a lighted burning-fluid lamp upon her 
person, that she died on this day night from 
the effects of the burns received. Coroner 
Schirmer held an inquest upon the body, 
when the jury rendered a verdict of "Acci- 
dental death." 

Death of a Stranger. — In Philadelphia, 
this day, an unknown man was found at 
Walnut Street wharf, in convulsions. He 
was removed to the Union Street Station- 
House, where he died in a few minutes. 
From a receipt found in his pocket, his 
name is supposed to be B. C. Hoffin. The 
coroner held an inquest, and a verdict of 
"Death from unknown causes" was ren- 
dered. 

Death of the Hon. Silas M. Burroughs. 
— Died, this day, at Medina, New York, Silas 
M. Burroughs, Representative in Congress 
from the district composed of Niagara and 
Orleans counties, N.Y. Mr. Burroughs was 
born in that State. He was elected to the 
Assembly in 1837, and again in 1850, 1851, 
and 1853. Mr. Burroughs was a very active 
and prominent member of the Legislature. 
As one of the Committee on Colleges, Aca- 
demies, and Common Schools, he was instru- 
mental in framing the present New York 
school laws. He was an advocate of the 
most liberal system of common-school edu- 
cation. He was also especially engaged in 
furthering the enlargement of the canals, 
both in the Committee on Canals and on the 
floor of the House. He was an ardent and 
eloquent speaker, always securing the atten- 
tion of the Assembly whenever he arose to 
speak on any subject. In 1856. he was 
elected to Congress, and was re-elected in 
1858. In Congress he was an efficient legis- 
lator, and made several speeches of great 
power and eloquence. Mr. Burroughs was 
about fifty years of age. He was married, 
the second time, about two years. 

Death of Samuel D. Ingham. — Died, at 
Trenton, N.J.. this day, Samuel D. Ingham, 
in the eighty-first year of his age. He was 
born in Bucks county, Pa., Sept. 10, 1779. 
He was educated for the bar, and attained 
distinction in legal practice early in life. In 
1805 and the two subsequent years, he was 



elected to the Legislature, and became actively 
engaged in politics. In 1808, he declined to 
be a candidate for re-election. In 1813, he 
was chosen to the popular House of Con- 
gress, and was an industrious member of 
committees. Ill health obliged him to retire, 
and he accepted a local office at home. From 
1822 to 182U he was again in Congress, was 
Secretary of the Treasury under Jackson, 
and with the whole Cabinet resigned in the 
second term of his Administration. This 
was the result of a quarrel growing out of 
the refusal of the other members of the 
Cabinet to allow their families to associate 
with the family of the Secretary of War. 
Rather than submit to the dictation of the 
President, they resigned. Mr. Ingham did 
not engage actively in politics after this pe- 
riod. In 1856, he published a letter favor- 
ing the election of Col. Fremont. 

Death of Col. Wm. R. Hallet. — Died 
in New York, this day, Col. Wm. R. Hallet, 
of Mobile. He arrived from the South on 
the Cahawba on Sunday afternoon, in ex- 
treme ill health, having been an invalid for 
several years. Col. Hallet was for nearly 
thirty years the President of the Bank of 
Mobile, and was known as a successful mer- 
chant and banker. 

Murder of George Condon. — On the 
forenoon of this day, George Condon and 
John Magrath, seamen attached to the ship 
Harris, lying in New Orleans, La., were 
playing cards at their boarding-house, in 
that city, when a quarrel arose, during which 
Magrath, stabbed Condon in the neck, di- 
viding the carotid artery and causing almost 
immediate death. Magrath was arrested 
and held for examination. 

Terrible Affray in Texas, caused by 
Adultery. — Three Men Shot. — A bloody 
affray occurred in Houston, Texas, this day, 
between Mr. J. J. Cain, a commission-mer- 
chant, and Dr. H. H. Smalley, in consequence 
of the former discovering improper intimacy 
between his wife and Smalley. The "Tele- 
graph" gives the following account of the 
affray : — 

Stung to madness with the consciousness 
of a blasted happiness and a blighted home, 
he armed himself and sought Smalley. Find- 
ing him, he charged him with the outrage 
and told him he had come to take his life. 
Smalley begged that his life might be spared 
until he could settle up his affairs, and he 
would leave town. Cain gave him forty-eight 
hours to do this in. They then separated. 

The next morning Cain was informed that 
Smalley had defied him to drive him from 
town, and had determined to stay and brave 
it out. He at once armed himself with a 
double-barrelled shot-gun and carried it that 
day. 



504 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June. 



At about five o'clock p.m., he came up 
lo the Finish Saloon, corner of Main and 
Prairie Streets, and, seeing Smalley within, 
called to him to defend himself. Smalley 
turned round, and, seeing the gun levelled 
upon him, attempted to dodge the charge. The 
gun was then discharged, the charge of small 
shot taking effect in the left arm and breast. 
The barkeeper in the saloon, Mr. Farrow, 
received a portion of this charge in his 
breast, but is supposed to be not dangerously 
wounded. Cain then discharged the other 
barrel of his piece at Smalley, which took 
effect in the shoulder-joint of the right arm, 
tearing it badly to pieces. Smalley then ran 
up-stairs, and, coming to the window, at- 
tempted to discharge a walking-cane gun at 
Cain, but had too little strength left to set 
the trigger. He then levelled a pistol upon 
him. As he did this, James Robertson, not 
seeing Smalley, rushed in and seized Cain to 
prevent further difficulty. Cain told him to 
let him alone, that Smalley was shooting at 
him, and, if he didn't unhand him, he (Cain) 
would shoot him (Robertson.) Smalley then 
fired two shots, and it is thought Cain one. 
In the melee, a shot struck Robertson in the 
breast and passed clear through his body. 
By this time Smalley was too much exhausted 
to stand up any longer, and the crowd 
rushed in, ending the fight. 

Farrow is doing tolerably well, though it 
is hard to say whether he is dangerously 
wounded or not. Robertson is in great dan- 
ger, though some hopes are entertained of 
his recovery. Smalley, it is thought, will 
die, though he is said to keep up the best of 
courage. 

The Weymouth Poisoning-Case. — The 
coroner's jury at South Weymouth this day 
returned a verdict that Mary Tirrell was 
poisoned by corrosive sublimate administered 
by some person unknown. 

Prize-Fig ht between Boys. — This day, a 
prize-fight came off at Fordham, West Chester 
county, N.Y. The names of the pugilists 
are James Odell and Hans Pardee, — boys 
only seventeen years of age. Several hun- 
dred bruisers and bullies witnessed the brutal 
exhibition, and the fight is described by those 
who saw it as a very severe one. Sixteen 
rounds were fought, when the former was 
declared the winner. The mother of Pardee 
was present, encouraging her son. At last, 
on the sixteenth round, Odell got in a left- 
hander and knocked his antagonist down, 
leaving him in such a condition that he could 
not come when time was called. At this 
Pardee's mother, who was on the ground, 
^became so exasperated that she sprang into 
the ring and expressed a desire to fight the 
•victor herself. The cry being raised that 
the police were coming, the ground was soon 
cleared. 



New Hampshire Legislative Nomina- 
tions. — The night of this day, the legisla- 
tive Republican caucus nominated Charles 
H. Bell for Speaker of the House ; Edward 
Sawyer, Clerk ; for President of the Senate, 
George Towle ; G. Cummins, Clerk. 

The Democratic caucus nominated Paul 
J. Wheeler for Speaker of the House, and 
T. J. Smith for Clerk. At the latter caucus 
speeches favorable to union and harmony at 
Baltimore were made. 

The Georgia National Democratic Con- 
vention met at Milledgeville this day, Judge 
Warner presiding. Resolutions were adopted 
reaffirming the Cincinnati platform, declaring 
property in slaves and favoring the Died 
Scott Decision. A full delegation to the 
Baltimore Convention was nominated. Judge 
Warner, Governor Johnson, James Gardner, 
and A. H. Chapel were appointed delegates 
to represent the State at large. Thirty 
counties were represented in the convention, 
one hundred delegates being in attendance. 
The convention was harmonious, and ad- 
journed. 

The Regular Louisiana Democratic 
State Convention adjourned this day. It 
was resolved that, in case of a withdrawal 
from the Baltimore Convention, the Louisiana 
delegates were authorized to unite with the 
Richmond Convention. 

Michigan Congressional Nomination. — 
The Fourth District Republican Convention 
this day nominated Roland E. Trowbridge 
for Congress. 

The Alabama Douglas and Administra- 
tion Democratic Conventions this day con- 
vened at Montgomery. At the Administra- 
tion Convention the Committee on Resolu- 
tions reported a series that were soundly 
Southern, declaring that "we will take no 
steps backward." The Hon. J. E. Sanders 
was the permanent President. 

At the Douglas Convention the attendance 
was large and the excitement great. During 
the first part of the proceedings there was 
considerable yelling, whistling, hissing, &c. 
Mr. Cooper, of Cherokee, made an angry 
speech, severely denouncing such scenes of 
disorder and annoyance. Robert M. Patton, 
of Lauderdale, was the temporary Chairman. 

Farewell Visit of the Japanese Princes 
to the President. — This day, at noon, the 
Japanese princes, accompanied by their prin- 
cipal officers and the naval commissioners, 
proceeded to the Executive mansion to take 
leave of the President. 

The latter received them in the blue-room, 
in company with General Cass and several 
other gentlemen. The intercourse was cor- 
dial and of comparatively long continuance. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



505 



The President, among other things, in- 
formed them that he had selected for the 
commission several of the most gallant offi- 
cers of our navy, who in peace were most 
kind, but in war we depend upon them for 
our defence. He trusted, however, that they 
would never be required to operate against 
Japan. 

The distinguished visitors, through the 
interpreter, expressed their high apprecia- 
tion of the President's address, and, as on a 
former occasion, alluded to the handsome 
reception with which they have met, and to 
the many kind attentions bestowed upon them. 

The President presented to each of the 
princes a large gold medal, (which was 
struck at the Philadelphia Mint,) bearing 
his likeness and a suitable inscription, and 
also a number of beautifully-bound, illus- 
trated American books. These were re- 
ceived with evident delight. 

At parting, the hand-shaking was mutu- 
ally cordial, and the interview throughout 
of a gratifying and pleasant character. 

Withdrawal of Horatio Seymour, of 
N.Y., as a Candidate for President. — This 
day, Horatio Seymour sent the following 
letter to the Utica "Observer" : — • 

Utica, June 5. 
To the Editor of the Utica "Daily Observer." 

Although I have at all times objected to 
the use of my name in connection with the 
nominations to be made by the National 
Democratic Convention, and you have also 
repeatedly, in the course of the past year, 
with my approval, contradicted in your 
journal the rumors that I was willing to 
take a place upon the national ticket, I find 
that I am still spoken of by the press and 
individuals for the office of President or 
Vice-President. While I am gratified with 
the expressions of confidence and regard 
which I receive from the State and from 
other sections of our country, I deem it due 
to myself and others to state publicly that 
I do not wish a nomination for either office, 
and I have requested the delegates from 
this Congressional district to withdraw my 
name in case it is presented to the conven- 
tion which will meet at Baltimore on the 
18th inst. 

In common with the mass of the Demo- 
cratic party, I look forward with confident 
hope to the results of that convention. I 
feel assured if any fit and patriotic man 
shall be presented with unanimity, a certain 
triumph awaits us. The coming contest in- 
volves the highest interests of our people 
and the stability of our institutions, and I 
wish to be left free to do battle against the 
spirit of meddling fanaticism which has 
been so hurtful to the honor of our country 
and so baleful in its effects upon public mo- 
rality. Horatio Seymour. 



WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6. 

Duel. — At nine a.m. this day, a duel was 
fought at Screven's Ferr}', near Savannah, 
Ga., by two gentlemen of that State, L. A. 
Neims, Esq., of Warrenton, and Dr. William 
R. Holmes, of Waynesborough, — W. M. Mcin- 
tosh, Esq., of Elbert, acting as the friend of the 
former, and Mr. John D. Ashton, of Burke, 
as the friend of the latter. The weapons 
were fowling-pieces, charged with buckshot : 
distance forty paces. At the first fire Mr. 
Neims received four shot from the gun of his 
antagonist, and was too much disabled to 
continue the fight. One took effect in the 
thigh, a second in the hip, a third in the 
arm, and a fourth in the shoulder. Fortu- 
nately they were all flesh-wounds, and all the 
balls made a clean exit. Dr. Holmes was 
unhurt. Mr. Neims was a member of the 
minority of the late delegation to Charleston, 
and the difficulty arose from a supposed in- 
sult cast upon those delegates to the Charles- 
ton Convention from Georgia who refused 
to withdraw with the majority. 

They were hung in effigy by a few of the 
citizens of Burke, which led to a correspond- 
ence between them, which, not proving satis- 
factory, was settled as above. 

Assassination of Professor Henry 
Crawley. — In Cincinnati, the night of this 
day, Mr. Henry T. Crawley, a teacher in the 
Mount Auburn Female Seminary, while 
escorting two ladies home from the Opera, 
was stabbed in the breast by rowdies, causing 
instant death. A writer in the "Cincinnati 
Commercial" gives the following account of 
the transaction: — 

Professor Henry T. Crawley escorted Miss 
Carrie Menzies and Miss Sarah Vallette, 
daughters of old and respected citizens, from 
the Mount Auburn Seminary to the concert 
at Pike's Opera-House, on Wednesday even- 
ing. Afterward they stopped at Mrs. John- 
son's ice-cream saloon, adjoining this office, 
for refreshments. At five minutes before 
eleven o'clock, deceased, accompanied by the 
ladies, met the writer of this in the door of 
the office, and stated their desire to see the 
press in operation. They were conducted 
through the several departments of the es- 
tablishment, and a little after half-past eleven 
o'clock, accompanied by one of the editors 
and his wife, they proceeded up Fourth Street, 
intending to visit Mrs. Louderback's saloon: 
but at the corner of Fourth and Sycamore 
Streets they perceived that establishment was 
closed, and the two parties separated, de- 
ceased, with Misses Menzies and Vallette, 
going up Sycamore, on the way to Mount 
Auburn. Several minutes previous to the 
tragedy, a police-officer saw them cross the 
canal bridge on Main Street. On the east 
side of Main, when about to cross over Hunt 
Street, the young ladies, walking a step or 



506 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



two in advance of their attendant, saw four 
men standing at the corner, near Squire 
Bowekamp's office. Professor Crawley told 
them not to be afraid. 

When nearly opposite the rowdies, the 
latter insulted them by disgusting noises 
with their lips, when Prof. Crawley, a step 
or two in the rear, smoking a cigar, turned 
and confronted them, the ladies proceeding. 
Miss Vallette thought she heard deceased 
laugh sneeringly ; but a moment or two after- 
ward he staggered toward them, perhaps five 
or six steps, and afterward fell headlong into 
the street. The terrified ladies supposed he 
had fallen in a fit produced by palpitation of 
the heart, — a disease with which he had been 
afflicted. Soon after, Mr. A. H. Kestner, 
who had been at a bar-room opposite Twelfth 
Street, arrived at the scene, and discovered 
the appalling state of the case. 

Others, to the number of twenty or thirty, 
soon after collected around the body, and 
after some time several police-officers, assisted 
by citizens, placed the body in an express- 
wagon and conveyed it to the Bremen Street 
Statiou-Houscfwhere it remained until ten 
o'clock. The police also detained several 
persons for witnesses, notifying others to be 
present at the coroner's inquest. 

It need not be said that the young ladies 
were horror-stricken. Their lonely and un- 
protected condition at that hour of the night 
and in that wretched locality, under such 
fearful circumstances, will suggest to the 
mind of the reader the agonizing shock they 
felt. And, strange as it appears, no one 
offered them assistance, and they braved the 
perils of a midnight walk alone, through all 
that solitary part of the city, up the foot of 
the hill leading to Mount Auburn, when they 
found friends and sent them to protect the 
body of their dead friend. 

This is succinctly the history of this awful 
tragedy ; but it is involved in fearful mystery. 
The total ignorance of the ladies of the na- 
ture of the brief and fatal controversy, — no 
words audible to them having been spoken, — 
and the supposition that he had fallen in a 
fit, mask the tragedy in almost hopeless 
obscurity. 

Mayor Bishop offered a reward of $500 for 
the murderers. 

Poisoned with Brandy. — In Troy, N.Y., 
John Shelly and Patrick Carroll reside in the 
same house. Shelly keeps a groggery. On 
this day, with his children and a female 
friend, he went to church, leaving his wife at 
home. Mrs. Carroll also went to church. 
, When Shelly returned he found his wife 
stupidly drunk; but, as this was not unusual, 
he paid little attention to the matter. At 
eleven o'clock he spoke to her, and she an- 
swered. About twelve lie went to her again. 
She did not notice him. and he found that she 
was dead. When Mrs. Carroll returned, she 



found her little girl, aged four years, lying 
upon the floor, evidently in great agony. 
On asking her what was the matter, she said 
Mrs. Shelly had given her a lot of liquor, 
and told her to drink it, as it was good. 
She continued to grow worse during the 
afternoon : toward evening she was seized 
with convulsions, and died about ten o'clock, 
after having suffered terrible agony. There 
is no doubt that death was produced by 
drinking the liquor. The character of the 
stuff may be inferred from the fact that 
Shelly swears that he purchased the "brandy" 
for fifty cents a gallon ! 

Suicide or an Unknown Man by Drown- 
ing. — In New York, the night of this day, a 
man about thirty years of age deliberately 
committed suicide, at the foot of Tenth Street, 
East Biver, by walking off the pier. Efforts 
were made to save the unfortunate man, but 
in vain, as he sank to the bottom the moment 
he touched the water. A few minutes before 
he committed suicide, deceased was observed 
to take off his coat and hat and tie a hand- 
kerchief around his head. Having thus di- 
vested himself of his clothing, he coolly 
walked toward the end of the pier and pre- 
cipitated himself into the water. 

Death from Laudanum. — In New York, 
this day, Margaret Byder died from the 
effect of an overdose of laudanum. Mar- 
garet had been in the workhouse for about 
three months, and was about being released 
Her clothes, containing a bottle of laudanum, 
had been returned to her, that she might be 
ready to leave. Shortly after she was taken 
sick, and subsequently died. A post-mortem 
examination was made, the result of which 
warranted the jury in finding a verdict of 
"Death from an overdose of laudanum." 
There was no suspicion of her having taken 
it with a view to self-destruction. 

Confession of Hicks of the Murders on 
the Sloop E. A. Johnson. — This day, Albert 
W. Hicks, alias Wm. Johnson, the convicted 
pirate, and supposed murderer of Capt. Burr 
and the two Wattses, of the sloop E. A. 
Johnson, made a full confession of his crime. 

He states that the murders were perpe- 
trated between nine and ten o'clock at night, 
while all the crew, with the exception of one 
of the Wattses, were below. Hicks was steer- 
ing, while Watts was at the bow of the sloop, 
keeping a look-out ahead. Hicks seized a 
hatchet, and, starting forward, dealt Watts a 
blow which killed him almost instantly. The 
other AVatts, who was below, was awakened 
by the noise, and rushed up on deck, but was 
met by Hicks, who struck him over the head 
with his axe and killed him. Hicks then went 
down into the cabin and attacked Capt. Burr, 
who was asleep. The captain instantly woke 
up, and, springing out of Ms berth, struggled 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



507 



desperately with his murderer. The fight 
lasted several minutes ; but it terminated by 
Hicks knocking his victim's brains out. 

Hicks denies that the knife-marks on the 
vessel's rail were made by him. The bodies 
of his victims were not, he says, thrown over- 
board for more than an hour after the mur- 
ders were committed. 

In reply to a question, he stated that he 
felt well enough during the commission of 
the murder, for the devil sustained him ; but, 
said he, " He has deserted me now, though, 
and I feel bad enough." 

The sloop, he says, was fifty miles out at 
sea at the time the murders were committed, 
and he took good care the bodies should 
never rise to the surface. He also said he had 
heard that one of the bodies had been found, 
but he knew that it was impossible. 

In regard to the murders on the ship 
Saladin, hinted at in the verses said to have 
been repeated by him, he declined to give any 
information, but said that his life would 
shortly be published in pamphlet form for 
the benefit of his widow, when the world 
would know all about his doings. 

Death and Burial of Colonel Joseph 
Plympton, of the Regular Army.— This 
day, the body of Colonel Joseph Plympton 
was brought from Staten Island, where he 
died, and buried at Governor's Island with 
the honors of war. The following is a brief 
biography of this meritorious officer: — 

Colonel Joseph Plympton was born at 
Sudbury, Mass., on the 24th of February, 
1787, being the second son and fourth child 
of Ebenezer Plympton and his wife Susan- 
nah Buggies. His ancestors were of Eng- 
lish extraction, having emigrated from Sud- 
bury, England, in 1635, and founded the 
town of the same name in Massachusetts. 
After attaining his majority, Mr. Plympton 
engaged in mercantile pursuits until the 
long-standing difficulties between the United 
States and Great Britain culminated in the 
"War of 1812. He entered the army on the 
3d of January in that year as a second lieu- 
tenant of infantry, and served with credit 
and distinction throughout the whole of that 
war, chiefly upon the Northern frontier. At 
the reduction of the army, in 1815, after the 
peace consequent upon the treaty of Ghent, 
Lieutenant Plympton was among the officers 
who were retained in service. His principal 
duty was upon what was then the Western 
frontier, among the Indian tribes. When 
the remodelling and reduction of the army 
took place in 1821, the subject of this sketch 
was again among the number of those se- 
lected to be retained. Under the command 
of Colonel Snelling, he was active in esta- 
blishing military posts on the extreme 
frontier, and among others the well-known 
station of Fort Snelling, a few miles above 
St. Paul, Minnesota. He remained in this 



active service, with the exception of two 
years, — '1822 to 1824, — when he was on 
recruiting-service in New York. He re- 
turned to Fort Snelling in 1824, and remained 
in the Northwest, on constant and active duty, 
involving a great amount of hardship and 
exposure, until the year 1834, when he was 
again detailed for recruiting-service at Bed- 
loe's Island, New York Harbor. This period 
embraced the time of the Black Hawk War, 
in 1832, throughout which Captain Plympton 
was distinguished for his uniform soldierly 
bearing and attention to duty. 

From 1834 to 1836, as a brevet-major, he 
was in command of the depot for recruits at 
Bedloe's Island, and subsequently returned 
to Fort Snelling, in 1836, remaining there 
four years in command, and rendering very 
efficient service in preserving order and 
good feeling among the Indians. In 1840, 
he was ordered to Florida, where the Semi- 
nole War was then raging, and took an active 
part, under the command of General Worth, 
in the movements which resulted in the sub- 
jection of those brave but unfortunate In- 
dians two years later. Major Plympton was 
among those highly commended by his su- 
perior officer, and particularly distinguished 
himself in the battle with the Seminoles 
near Dunn's Lake, in January, 1842. He 
was ordered to Sackett's Harbor after the 
war, where he remained until 1846, at which 
time he received orders to proceed to Mexico 
with his regiment, as lieutenant-colonel of 
the Seventh Infantry : he commanded it 
through the whole of that arduous but 
glorious campaign, under General Scott, 
which terminated by planting the American 
flag upon the national capital of Mexico. 
Colonel Plympton took an active part in the 
memorable siege of Vera Cruz, and at the 
sanguinary battle of Cerro Gordo he led his 
regiment at the point of the bayonet into the 
main stronghold of the Mexican army. For 
his "gallant and meritorious conduct" on 
this occasion he received the brevet of 
colonel, to date from the 18th of April, 
1847. His regiment, under his immediate 
command, performed desperate service at 
the battles of Contreras and Churubusco, in 
which actions, and particularly the former, 
the Seventh Infantry took a most prominent 
part. 

After the close of the war, Colonel Plymp- 
ton returned, in 1848, to Jefferson Barracks, 
Mo., where he remained until the hostile 
manifestations of the Florida Indians again 
called him, with his regiment, to the scene 
of his old exploits. The troops were with- 
drawn from Florida in 1850, and he was 
ordered at once with his command to New 
Mexico. They proceeded a short distance 
beyond Fort Leavenworth, when they were 
recalled, by orders from Washington, to 
Jefferson Barracks. In 1851, Colonel Plymp- 
ton was detailed for duty, in New York, as 



508 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



General Superintendent of the recruiting- 
service of the army, which position he held 
for two years. He resumed command of his 
regiment on the frontiers, between Texas 
and Mexico, in 1853, and remained on duty 
for a year, when he was strongly advised by 
his medical officers to return to the North 
on account of his ill health. His long and 
active life of incessant hardship, privation, 
and exposure had brought on an organic 
disease, which gradually undermined his 
iron constitution and impaired his robust 
strength. An accidental wound from a rifle- 
ball, in the summer of 185G, nearly termi- 
nated a life which had escaped so many 
dangers and trials. With enfeebled health, 
but a clear and vigorous intellect, he re- 
mained in or near the city of New York 
until his death, which took place on the 5th 
of June, 1860, at Stapleton, on Staten Island. 

Colonel Plympton married, in 1824, Eliza 
M., eldest, daughter of Peter W. Livingston, 
of New York City, who survives him. He 
leaves six children, — three sons and three 
daughters. One of his sons is an officer of 
the army, while the others are in civil life. 
Two of his daughters were married at the 
time of his decease, — one to Captain M. 
Lovell, late of the army, and now of New 
York, and the other to Captain II. M. Black, 
of the Ninth Regiment of the United States 
Infantry. The remaining daughter, his 
youngest child, is unmarried. 

Colonel Plympton was noted as a military 
man for his uniform and strict attention to 
his duties, which he performed at all times 
and under all circumstances with the most 
scrupulous conscientiousness, regarding life 
itself as of little moment when risked in the 
performance of the sacred call of duty. In 
private life, his urbane and courteous man- 
ners, his disregard of himself, and his never- 
ceasing thoughtfulness for others, marked 
him pre-eminently as an accomplished 
"gentleman of the old school." In priva- 
tion, in sickness, even to the hour of death 
itself, his uniform courtesy never deserted 
him even for a moment. Throughout long 
years of service, he always commanded the 
respect and esteem of his superiors in rank, 
and never failed to secure the love and af- 
fection of his inferiors. The tears of the 
humble soldier will drop upon his honored 
grave, while the country may well lament 
the loss of a gallant officer and accomplished 
gentleman. 

The Alabama Democratic State Con- 
ventions continued their sessions, this day. 
The National Democratic Convention re- 
solved to send a full delegation to the Balti- 
more Convention and to nominate an elec- 
toral ticket. The convention of the Seceders 
sent delegates to Richmond and Baltimore. 
In the regular Democratic Convention, Mr. 
Yancey had the floor this morning, and 



spoke in favor of the majority-resolutions. 
Mr. Gardner, of Richmond, followed in 
favor of the minority. Mr. Jackson, of Sa- 
vannah, favored the majority-report, and 
Mr. Cobb, of Washington City, closed the 
debate. All the speeches were able and elo- 
quent. 

Mr. C. W. Stiles called the previous ques- 
tion, which was carried. The vote was then 
taken on the minority-platform, which was 
negatived, — Ayes, 77 ; Nays, 805. The vote 
on the majority-platform was then taken, — 
Ayes, 298; Nays, 41. 

Mr. Gardner, of Richmond, entered a 
protest against the action of the convention. 
After some other minor matters were trans- 
acted, the convention adjourned shie die. 

The delegates to Richmond for the State 
at large are F. S. Lyons, A. B. Meek, D. W. 
Paine, W. L. Yancey, W. M. Brooks, P. D. 
Smith, L. P. Walker, L. W. Lawler, and 
twenty delegates from the districts. 

The National delegates at large to the 
Baltimore Convention appointed at the 
meeting last night were D. C. Humphrey, 
S. C. Pasley, W. C. Winston, J. J. Siebels, 
R. A. Baker, John Forsyth, A. W. Hilliard, 
W. Garnett, and twenty delegates from the 
districts. 

Louisiana Democratic Convention. — 
This day, the Bolting Democratic Convention 
adjourned, after providing that, in case of 
their withdrawal from the Baltimore Con- 
vention, the Louisiana delegates be author- 
ized to unite with the Richmond Convention. 

Meeting of the New Hami'siiiee Legis- 
lature. — This day, the House organized by 
the election of the Republican nominees 
made in caucus last night. 

Resolutions were adopted in the House 
authorizing the appointment of a committee 
to consider what legislation is necessary to 
prevent the spread of the cattle-disease. 

The Trial of Judge Terry for Killing 
Senator Broderick. — The trial of David S. 
Terry, for killing David C. Broderick in a duel, 
commenced, this day, in the Fourth District 
Court in San Francisco, Judge Hagar pre- 
siding. On being arraigned, he pleaded not 
guilty, and immediately after his counsel 
(Messrs. Hoge and Crittenden) applied for 
a change of venue, on the ground that the 
prejudice against him, as shown by the acts 
of the Vigilance Committee, and having just 
passed through a heated political canvass, 
would prevent his getting a fair trial. 



THURSDAY, JUNE 7. 

A Seducer and Adulterer Shot. — 
This day, Joseph C. Williams shot the seducer 
of his wife, at New Orleans. He was ar- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



509 



rested and tried. In his defence he showed 
that for a year he knew of their intimacy, 
felt bad about it, tried to break it up, 
thought he had broken it up, when, on a re- 
cent evening, he took drinks with the man, 
and got his promise never to meddle with 
the woman again. But he broke his word, 
and even came to the house while he (the 
husband) was there; and he shot him down. 

Postponement of Trial of the Mates of 
the Bark Anna. — In the United States 
Circuit Court of New York, this morning, 
the first and second mates of the bark Anna, 
charged with the murder of six colored sea- 
men on the voyage from Laguna to ('owes, 
were again brought up for trial ; but, their 
counsel not being ready, the court granted a 
further postponement, with a view especially 
to procure the attendance of Captain Tuthill, 
a material witness. 

Man Scalded to Death.— -In New York, 
this day, John Van Stevenburg, of No. 311 
Houston Street, was scalded to death, in conse- 
quence of having fallen into a tank of boil- 
ing liquor, at Webb & Co.'s distillery, corner 
of West and Beach Streets. Tho deceased, 
who was employed there, was engaged at the 
time in arranging some of the belting. Coro- 
ner O'Keefe held an inquest on the body, re- 
sulting in a verdict of '-Accidental death." 

Drowned. — In Philadelphia, this day, the 
body of John Rogan was found. He fell 
from one of the wharves the night previous. 
Deceased had been employed at one of the 
fishing-grounds, and had just returned, the 
season having terminated. He was about 
forty-five years old, and had a family. 
Coroner Fenner held an inquest on the body, 
and the jury rendered a verdict of "Acci- 
dentally drowned." 

Body Found. — In New York, this day, 
the body of a man apparently about forty 
years of age was found in the woods near 
High Bridge, lying at the foot, of a large 
rock. The body was very much decomposed, 
and it was impossible to ascertain whether 
the deceased had sustained any violence or 
not. Near the body lay a shovel bearing 
the initials " D. D. A." on the handle. De- 
ceased had dark hair, brown pants, plush 
vest, dark overcoat, and was about five feet 
eight inches in height. Coroner Schirmer 
held an inquest, when the jury rendered a 
verdict of "Death from unknown causes." 

Killed by a Falling Wall. — In New 
York, this day, Coroner Jackman held an 
inquest on the body of Cornelius Breanhan, 
a young man who was killed on Friday night 
by the falling of a wall at No. 27.] Washing- 
ton Street. He, with others, had been 
engaged in tearing down the building, when 



a portion of the back wall fell in, burying 
him in the ruins. A verdict of "Accidental 
death" was rendered. 

Found Drowned. — In New York, the body 
of an unknown man, about fifty years of 
age, was found floating in the water at the 
foot of Twelfth Street, East River, this day. 
Coroner Jackman held an inquest, when the 
jury rendered a verdict of "Found drowned." 
Deceased was about five feet seven inches in 
height, and, from his apparel, he appeared 
to have been a laborer. 

Fatal Folly. — A young daughter of 
Riley Tait, of Camden, Ala., on this day, 
found in the house an old pistol, that had not 
been used for some length of time, and, 
thinking to amuse her little sister, snapped 
the pistol in her face. After snapping once 
or twice, the pistol fired, and the ball shot 
through the baby's hand, and entered the 
forehead, just above the eye, causing death. 

Attempted Suicide. — In New York, the 
afternoon of this day, as the Staten Island 
steamboat Sylph was on her six o'clock trip 
from the city, a Polish woman, name un- 
known, about forty years of age, after 
divesting herself of hat and mantilla, jumped 
overboard. The steamboat Richard Stockton 
was passing at the time, and the captain, 
seeing the occurrence, immediately stopped 
the boat and succeeded in rescuing the woman. 
No cause was assigned for the act. 

One more Unfortunate Gone to Her 
Death. — In New York, this night, a woman 
twenty-three years of age, named Maria 
Cassidy, committed suicide by hanging her- 
self in one of the cells of the Sixth Ward 
Station-House, where she was locked up on a 
charge of intoxication. She was very neatly 
dressed, and when brought in by the police 
appeared to be in good humor, laughing and 
talking to those in the office. She spoke to 
another woman in a cell on the opposite side 
of the corridor, and said she was going to 
kill herself. The doorman was back and 
forward frequently, but took no particu- 
lar notice of her, as she stood with her back 
against the door. Desiring some time after- 
ward to put another prisoner in that cell, 
the doorman opened the door, when he found 
the woman tied to the iron bars by her 
garter, which she had twisted about her 
neck. When thus discovered, life was ex- 
tinct. 

Death of John L. Schoolcraft. — John 
L. Schoolcraft, of Albany, N.Y., died at St. 
Catharine's, Canada, at twelve o'clock, on 
the night of this day. He was long an 
active and highly-esteemed citizen of Albany. 
He began mercantile life with W. & H. B. Cook, 
of Albany, and was subsequently a partner 



610 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



in the leading firms of Cook & Schoolcraft, 
and Schoolcraft, Raymond & Co. In 1854, 
he was chosen President of the Commercial 
Bank of Albany, which office he filled until 
his death. He was twice elected Repre- 
sentative to the United States Congress, but 
declined additional political honors. The 
Albany "Evening Journal" says of him that 
"beyond most men, he was respected as a 
citizen and loved as a friend. Faithful and 
sagacious, his counsels were invaluable. 
Generous and warm-hearted, his hand was 
ever ready to aid. Reserved almost to a 
fault, few, even of those who knew him most 
intimately, knew the full worth of his cha- 
racter ; and there are numberless good deeds 
of his unostentatious life which have no 
chronicle save in the hearts of those on 
whom they were bestowed." 

Death of Lieut. John Parker. — Lieut. 
John P. Parker, of the U.S. Navy, died, at his 
residence in Somerville, Mass., this morning, 
at the age of fifty years. He was a native 
of Portsmouth, N.H. The last active pro- 
fessional service in which Lieut. Parker was 
engaged was as flag-lieutenant of Com. 
McKeever, in the Congress frigate, upon the 
Brazil station. 

The Maine Republican State Conven- 
tion met at Bangor, this day. Three hun- 
dred and twenty-one towns were represented 
by seven hundred and eighty-one delegates. 
Frederick A. Pike, of Calais, presided. Israel 
Washburn, Jr., of Orono, was nominated for 
Governor on the first ballot, receiving 429 
votes against 806. The nomination was 
then made unanimous. 

Abner Coburn, of Broomfield, and William 
Miller, of Portland, were selected as candi- 
dates for Presidential electors at large. 

A series of resolutions were adopted, en- 
dorsing the Chicago nominations, approving 
the Republican platform, and strongly re- 
commending Mr. Washburn to the people of 
Maine for Governor. 

The Louisiana Democratic Convention 
met, this day, at Donaldsonville, and ad- 
journed. The secession from the Charleston 
Convention was condemned, and it was re- 
solved that the Louisiana delegates pledge 
themselves to support the nomination of the 
Baltimore Convention. 

The Michigan Republican State Con- 
tention met at Detroit this day, and made 
the following nominations : — For Governor, 
Austin Blair; for State Treasurer, John 
Owen ; for Secretary of State, James B. 
Porter ; for Presidential electors at large, H. 
I. Wells, and Rufus Hosmer. 

The Delaware People's Party Conven- 
tion met, this day, at Dover, George Z. 



Tybout in the chair. They appointed the 
following gentlemen as a State Executive 
Committee for the campaign of 1800, viz. : 
Samuel Biddle, George Z. Tybout, and Sewell 
C. Biggs, of New Castle county, Nunes H. 
Coverdale, Dr. Isaac Jump, and Hiram W. 
McColley, of Kent county, and Peter F. 
Causey, John D. Rodney, and Benjamin F. 
Fooks, of Sussex county. 

A resolution was passed that the people be 
instructed to meet in their respective hun- 
dreds on the 14th of July, to elect delegates 
to the State Convention to assemble the 25th 
of July. 

This convention was composed of the 
Union and Republican party, which united 
together on State affairs, but differed on 
national, — the former supporting Bell and 
Everett, the latter Lincoln and Hamlin. 
Quite a discussion soon ensued. The Chair- 
man, Mr. Tybout, rose and said that he de- 
clined serving as a member of the Central Com- 
mittee, as he thought he should differ from a 
majority of the People's party. Being further 
pressed, he said he wished it clearly and 
unequivocally and distinctly understood that 
he was a Bell and Everett man, and that he 
would under no circumstance forego voting 
for Bell and Everett. It being stated that 
these sentiments would not trammel his 
action as one of the committee, he consented 
to serve. Dr. Jump rose and stated that he 
was a Bell and Everett man. Ex-Governor 
Temple said that when this convention 
assembled originally, it decided that no dele- 
gates from Delaware should be sent either to 
the Baltimore National Convention or to the 
Chicago Convention, but that it would await 
the result of those conventions and then 
meet to-day in order to take action in regard 
thereto; but, delegates having been sent 
to both those conventions, nothing is left for 
this convention to do, and that in fact 
the People's party is virtually dissolved, and 
that the only party which can defeat the Demo- 
crats in this State is the Constitutional Union 
party, of which he announced himself a 
member and that he should vote for Bell and 
Everett under all circumstances. Mr. H. H. 
.1. Naff said that the People's party still had 
an existence in Delaware. George P. Fisher 
opposed the breaking up of the People's party, 
and thought that the voters of Delaware 
all could vote the People's ticket, whether 
they were Bell, or Douglas, or Lincoln men, 
or men of any other party, provided they 
were opposed to Locofocoism, and in favor of 
a protective tariff, which was a measure of 
vital importance to Delaware. Judge Lay ton 
was in favor of harmony for the sake of defeat- 
ing the Locofocos, and hoped mild measures 
might be resorted to by both branches of the 
Opposition, that a union might be effected on 
the State ticket. Mr. Higgins was also in 
favor of union and harmony to de"3at the 
Locofocos. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER, 



511 



The Bell men had a large majority in the 
convention, but no resolutions expressive of 
principle, State or national, were passed, 
each party voting for their own electors, but 
uniting on State officers. 

Inauguration of the Governor op New 
Hampshire. — This day, Governor Goodwin 
was inaugurated. It was attended with un- 
usual display, both civic and military. The 
inaugural address was brief, and mainly de- 
voted to local affairs. 

The Annual Regatta of the New York 
Yacht-Clubs took place this day. In the 
early part of the day the weather was not 
favorable, but in the afternoon there was a 
good breeze, favoring the movements of the 
fleet. The yachts came in in the following 
order : — 1, the Haze ; 2, the Favorite ; 3, the 
Rebecca ; 4, the Mannering, and 5, Glengary. 

Gold in Arizona. — This day, Governor 
Owings addressed the following letter to R. 
P. Kelly, Esq., giving an account of the 
discovery of gold in Arizona : — 

Mesilla, June 7, 1860. 

R. P. Kelly : — I am happy to be able to 
inform you, upon the authority of Col. S. T. 
Torry, Col. Phil. Herbert, Col. G. W. Frazier, 
and many other good men who have returned 
this day from the new gold-mines, fifteen 
miles west of ours, that Col. Snively and 
others have found the richest gold-mines ever 
found on this continent. At this time, I un- 
derstand, there are about forty men at work, 
but in one month thousands will be taking out 
the yellow dust. From one hundred panfuls 
of dirt Col. Herbert saw ten ounces of gold 
taken out. He tried his luck, and with a 
common pan realized $700 of gold, digging 
and packing the dirt all himself, except three 
panfuls of dirt that Col. Jones assisted him 
in packing. The gold is now in my office. 
The largest lump of gold found is worth 
twenty-five dollars. 

Gold has already been discovered over 
some eight miles of country. Water at this 
time is rather scarce ; but, the rainy season 
having set in, we will in a few days have 
plenty. The whole town is excited ; all are 
bound for the mines. Our mines will average 
about ten dollars per day to the man ; but 
the other is so much richer that I expect 
our hands will all stampede. I have already 
secured an interest for us in the new mines. 

I am tied down with business, and cannot 
leave this place. You must come home 
quick. Don't send any person, but come 
yourself, for now is the time for you to be 
in this country. In haste, L. S. Owings. 

Divorce-Case. — This day, in New York, 
an extraordinary divorce-case was on trial 
before r udge Woodruff, in the Superior Court. 



The applicant was a Mrs. Elizabeth M. John- 
son, the respondent, Wm. S. Johnson. 

The parties were married in Connecticut, 
in 1837, and lived together without quarrel- 
ling more than once a week, on the average, 
until within three years, when they separated. 
The wife says the husband abandoned her, 
took away her dresses, and left her "nothing 
to wear." On one occasion, he also tried 
to choke her, and on another, at the Western 
Hotel, in New York, he denied that she was 
his wife. 

She also charged that, in November, 1857, 
she was in a delicate condition, and that he 
endeavored to persuade her to consent to a 
crime which, in the eye of the law, is always 
equivalent to murder. The husband denies 
all these statements in toto. 



FRIDAY, JUNE 8. 

Death of the Hon. Henry P. Haun, of 
California. — This day, the Hon. Henry P. 
Haun, late United States Senator from Cali- 
fornia, expired, at the residence of his bro- 
ther, A. J. Haun, near Marysville, in that 
State. 

Judge Haun was born on the 18th of Ja- 
nuary, 1815, in the State of Kentucky. He 
studied law at Lexington, in the same class 
with Hon. Wm. T. Barbour, and married in 
that State. He emigrated to Iowa in 1815, 
and settled upon Elk River, at its junction 
with the Mississippi. There he engaged in 
merchandising with his brothers, under the 
firm-name of W. G. Haun & Co., and was 
elected a delegate, in 1846, to the Constitu- 
tional Convention of Iowa. In 1849, he 
crossed the plains for California, and here 
settled down, attended by those various 
successes and misfortunes which were cha- 
racteristic of the period. In 1851, he was 
elected County Judge of Yuba county, and 
served in that capacity for four years. As 
a candidate for Governor, from the northern 
section of the State, he afterward occupied 
a very conspicuous position before the 
Democratic State conventions, and always 
wielded a very considerable influence in the 
ranks of the Democratic party. 

In December, 1859, he was appointed by 
Governor Weller United States Senator, to 
fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of 
Hon. David C. Broderick, and announced 
the death of that stalwart Senator in elo- 
quent and befitting terms. 

At the moment he was stricken down he 
occupied, by virtue of his geographical 
position and Senatorial record, the fairest 
position of any man in California for the 
Gubernatorial seat; and there can be but 
little doubt that he would have received the 
next nomination of the Democratic party 
for that office. He died in the full tide of 
his advancing prosperity. 



512 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



Indian Murders in New Mexico. — This 
day, Mr. Thompson, who resides at Ash 
Creek, in the neighborhood of Pawnee Fork, 
discovered, as he supposed, some buffalo or 
ponies approaching the ranche, and John 
Cunningham, his hired man, went out to 
see what they were. Mr. Thompson soon 
after heard a noise, and, upon looking, dis- 
covered Cunningham running toward the 
house, pursued by three Indians, who shot 
their arrows into him. Just as he reached 
the door he fell dead. Thompson ran into 
the house and fired three shots from a re- 
volver at them, but without effect. The 
Indians then closed on the house and set 
fire to it. Thompson made his way out, 
and. having two guns loaded, fired on them 
and made his escape. As he was leaving 
he heard the report of a gun. The next 
day he went back and found the dead body 
of a man named Christian Krouse, who had 
been murdered by the same Indians. The 
dead bodies were decently buried by the 
commanding officer at Pawnee Fork. The 
Indians took all the clothing off the dead 
men and scalped them. Krouse had been 
in the employ of Capt. Scott, and was 
making his way to Missouri when killed. 

Found Guilty of Murder. — Enos 
Sprague, Jr., on trial for the murder of 
.lames Henry on the 15th of January last, 
at Depauville, Jefferson county, N.Y., was 
this day found guilty of murder in the first 
degree! 

Murders ry Police-Officers in New 
Orleans. — A correspondent of the New 
York " Police Gazette," from New Orleans, 
whose letter is of this date, gives the fol- 
lowing account of murders by police-officers 
of that city : — 

The inquest on Conrad, who was killed at 
the Hopkins plantation by Officer Charles 
Stanmeyer, has been completed, after seve- 
ral postponements, and resulted in a verdict 
of "Heath caused by a gunshot-wound, in 
the hands of some person unknown to the 
jury." Time was given to Stanmeyer to 
leave the city, as he was advised so to do by 
his friends, in consequence of so many ver- 
dicts being rendered against policemen of 
late for murder. Last week I gave the 
account of the killing of Paul Schander by 
Officer Larry, of the Second District. That 
it was a cool, determined killing, no sane 
man can doubt ; but every kind of rascality 
known by his associates on the police will 
be resorted to in order to save his worthless 
life. As in the case of Charley Stanmeyer, 
for the murder of Conrad, men will be found 
to commit perjury to save him. When Larry 
gave himself up, he had his revolver in his 
hand, which was taken from him and placed 
in a private drawer at the police-station by 
the clerk, Mr. Rapp. It was examined by 



Lieutenant Gastinel, who found four barrels 
empty ; but when it was produced and 
brought before the coroner's inquest, every 
barrel was loaded. . . . Williams, for killing 
Officer Hone, has been acquitted by Recorder 
Summers upon the ground of justification. 
. . . It was on proof that Hone was or- 
dered by Williams never to visit his house 
again, and that Hone disregarded the order. 

Executed. — Elly H. Gordon was hung in 
Abbyville, Wilcox county, Georgia, this day, 
for the murder of Abraham Pytas in De- 
cember last. The Pulaski "Times" says 
the occasion drew together an immense 
concourse of people. 

Conyicted of Mutiny. — In the U.S. Cir- 
cuit Court of New York, this day, George 
Beecher, Alfred Ryder, James Brown, 
George Cross, Joseph McDonald, Robert 
Craig, James Dillon, and Wm. Smith, were 
convicted of revolt and mutiny, on board 
the American ship Wm. F. Storer, on the 
23d of May, 1860, while in the bay and 
harbor of New York. 

Drowned and Killed. — In New York, 
this day, Coroner Jackman held an inquest 
on the body of R. C. Falster, who was found 
drowned at Pier No. 3, North River. De- 
ceased had been missing for several days from 
his home, No. 25 Rector Street. He was r. 
native of Denmark, about thirty years of oge. 
. . . Luke O'Reilly, a native of Ireland, aged 
twenty-eight years, died, this day, from the 
effect of a strain received recently while 
removing a piano from a cart. Coroner 
Schirmer held an inquest, which resulted in 
a verdict of "Accidental death." 

Explosion of a Fireworks-Manufac- 
tory. — On this day afternoon, the fireworks- 
factory of J. W. Hatfield, in Middle Village, 
about two miles from AVilliamsburg, New 
York, was the scene of a dreadful calamity. 
An explosion occurred, by which two men 
were instantly killed, and several others so 
severely injured that but little hope of their 
recovery is entertained, and the whole pre- 
mises, consisting of eight small detached 
brick buildings, were entirely destroyed. 
Mr. Charles Hatfield and Mr. Jacob Gresk 
were instantly killed, and Henry Hatfield, 
John Hertnee, Robert Brundell, and several 
others, were severely injured. The loss by 
the destruction of the property is estimated 
at $27,000. 

Severe Tornado in Kansas. — Lykins 
county, Kansas, was visited by a severe 
tornado this day. At Ossawatomie and the 
vicinity, houses were unroofed, and much 
damage was done. The house of Abraham 
Halliday, two miles from Ossawatomie, was 
blown to pieces, and Mrs. Halliday instantly 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



513 



killed. At Indianapolis several buildings 
•were destroyed. At Santo, D. AV. 0. Baker 
and two children were killed. 

Loss of the Schooner Hannah Selina, 
her Passengers and Crew. — This day, the 
coasting-schooner Hannah Selina was found, 
bottom up, off Grass Point, Lake Michigan, 
by the steam-tug May-Queen. It is sup- 
posed she was struck by the tornado which 
passed over the lake the Sunday evening 
previous. The captain, Daniel French, his 
wife and child, two seamen, and two pass- 
engers, were lost. She was towed into Chi- 
cago by the May-Queen. 

A Sad Tale. — A Fallen Wife attempts 
Suicide. — The New York " Tribune" of this 
date has the following sad and eventful tale: — 

The following cheerful story has relations 
with American social life, and with human 
charity, upon which some pondering may 
advantageously be done. A few years ago, 
a young girl left her home and went to 
Rochester, there becoming the inmate of a 
school. AVhen less than fifteen years old, 
she felt a schoolgirl's fancy for a boy two 
or three years older than herself, who was 
fiercely in love with her, and the two were 
secretly married, the wife returning to her 
school, the husband to his, for he also was 
in the early stages of an education. When 
in course of time the marriage was made 
public, there was a great outcry. The 
parties were sent from their schools, and 
the indignation of the principals was hot. 
The boy took his wife home to a house 
where a rich step-father and a haughty mo- 
ther divided the rule. At first they were 
reconciled to the loving pair, for they 
supposed the girl was an heiress, and the 
money appeased the step-father, while the 
idea of the "gentility" which money brings 
soothed the mother. But when it was found 
that the son had brought home a penniless 
bride, their indignant virtue burst its pru- 
dent bonds. The young wife was cast adrift, 
and the husband was sent to kind Indiana 
to gain a divorce. She returned to Rochester, 
the inhospitable parents living in another 
county, and there found employment in a 
shop. He could not obtain his divorce, — 
perhaps did not wish it. At any rate, he 
came also back to Rochester, and held 
clandestine intercourse with his wife. Un- 
doubtedly reprehensible as it was, no one 
can wonder that he took to drink, being 
weak-minded and disappointed. His in- 
temperate habits destroyed the little manli- 
ness originally in him, and he became a 
burden to himself and a source of shame to 
his friends. The wife, disheartened by the 
treatment she had received for contracting 
a legal marriage and trying to support her- 
self, and being unused to labor and in danger 
of breaking quite down under it, forsook a 



virtuous life and sold herself. It was not 
long, however, before the disgrace attaching 
to her position made life insupportable; and 
she determined to end it. Accordingly, she 
attempted suicide twice, but was each time 
kept from dying by the timely arrival of 
assistance. All of this has happened be- 
fore she has arrived at the summer of her 
twentieth year. 

A Douglas Democratic Meeting was 
held in Wilmington, Del., this day, at which 
Samuel Townsend and James Montgomery 
were appointed delegates to Baltimore. 

A Prolific Cow. — This day, a New Jersey 
cow, not three years old, gave birth to four 
well-formed calves, of dark-red color, and 
all heifers. This promising animal is owned 
by Mrs. Nancy Coffin, Glendale, Camden 
county, New Jersey. 



SATUEDAY, JUNE 9. 

Planter Murdered by his Slave. — This 
day, a man named William Smith, a planter 
in Oglethorpe county, Georgia, was mur- 
dered by a slave. The slave was appre- 
hended and burned at the stake on Mon- 
day. 

Two Men Murdered by a Circus-Com- 
pany. — A terrible fight took place at Mon- 
tezuma, Indiana, this day, between a circus- 
company exhibiting there and some of the 
citizens of that place, in which two of the 
latter were killed by being beaten with the 
pegs used in fastening down the canvas. 

Death from Drunkenness. — In New York, 
this day, Coroner Murphy held an inquest 
on the body of a man by the name of Patrick 
Walden, who was found dead at his resi- 
dence in North First Street. A short time be- 
fore his death he had a fit in a store on the cor- 
ner of Grand and Third Streets, — recovering 
from which, he returned home, and in a few 
hours died. The jury found a verdict of 
"Death from apoplexy, superinduced by 
habitual drunkenness." 

Fatal Leap from a Window. — In Phila- 
delphia, on the afternoon of this day, Fred- 
erick Jahraus, aged twenty-three years, 
leaped from the attic-window of his resi- 
dence, No. 118 Christian Street, and injured 
himself so severely that he died a few hours 
after at the hospital. The deceased had 
been laboring under aberration of roind for 
some time, and it was feared he would de- 
stroy his life. He took advantage of the 
absence of the family to put his design into 
execution. Coroner Fenner held an inquest 
on the body, and a verdict in accordance 
with the facts was rendered. 



33 



514 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



Fatal Railroad-Accident. — This day, 
Harrison Sippen, a fireman on the Norris- 
town (Pa.) Railroad, was fatally injured, in 
the following manner. When the train was 
approaching a bridge he put his head out, 
and, being struck, was knocked off, the 
train passing over him, crushing both legs 
in a shocking manner. He was taken to 
the hospital, where he died during the 
night. Deceased resided at Norristown, and 
was unmarried. An inquest was held on the 
body, and a verdict of " Accidentally killed" 
was rendered. 

Found Drowned. — In Philadelphia, this 
day, the body of Thomas Clark was found 
in the Schuylkill, off Vine Street wharf. 
Deceased, who was a weaver, resided in 
Shamokin Street, Fifteenth Ward. He had 
been missing from the Wednesday previous. 
The coroner held an inquest on the body. 
A verdict of ' ' Found drowned" was rendered. 

Death from a Trifling Cut. — Dr. Wil- 
liams, of Salem, Mass., while shaving, acci- 
dentally cut the back of his hand with his 
razor. The wound was dressed, and ap- 
peared to be healing; but inflammation of 
the cellular tissues set in and extended so 
rapidly that it could not be checked. It 
terminated fatally this day. He was sixty- 
three years of age. 

Fatal Boiler-Exflosion. — This day, the 
boiler of Moore's steam saw-mill, in Wash- 
ington county, Va., near Bristol, exploded, 
tearing the building to pieces and seriously 
damaging the machinery. John May, the 
superintendent, was fatally wounded : the 
rest of the employees escaped unhurt. 

Killed by Falling from a Ladder. — In 
New York, this day, Coroner Schirmer held 
an inquest at the New York Hospital on the 
body of a German painter named John 
Vogel, aged eighteen years, who died in 
consequence of injuries received by falling 
from a ladder. The deceased was working 
on the front of the new building at the corner 
of Avenue D and Seventh Street. The jury 
returned a verdict of "Accidental death." 

Death of Eugene Ccmmiskey. — This day, 
Mr. Eugene Cummiskey, an eminent book- 
publisher of Philadelphia, departed this life, 
at his country-seat, Warren county, Pa., in 
the sixty-eighth year of his age, of paralysis. 
Mr. Cummiskey began the publishing-busi- 
ness about forty years since, on the south- 
east corner of Fourth and Walnut Streets, 
where he remained many years, until he 
removed to the present location, No. 250 
South Sixth Street. In 1824, he published the 
"Douay Bible," folio size, the only one 
ever issued in this country. He also, in 
the same year, stereotyped and published 



the "Lives of the Saints," in twelve octavo 
volumes, — a very heavy undertaking at that 
time. He also published " Lingard's His- 
tory of England," " Gobinet's Instructions," 
and many other standard Catholic works. 
Kind and amiable in his disposition, strictly 
honest and upright in all his dealings, Mr. 
Eugene Cummiskey won the affectionate re- 
gard of all with whom he dealt. Plain and 
unsophisticated in his manners, a gentleman 
of no pretension, he labored faithfully and 
cheerfully in his vocation. 

The Hon. Benjamin Pinney, one of the 
prominent men of Tolland county, Connec- 
ticut, and a much-respected citizen, died at 
his home, in Ellington, this day, in his 
eightieth year. Mr. Pinney was well known 
in that State, having in former years repre- 
sented Ellington in the Legislature, and 
been elected to the Senate from the Twen- 
tieth District. He was also for several 
years judge of the county court for Tolland 
county, and in 1841 he was the Democratic 
nominee for Lieutenant-Governor. He was 
a man of good judgment and strong powers 
of memory, — entertained his opinions as 
convictions, always with firmness, and often 
with some degree of prejudice. He was 
always a Democrat. 

Death of L. D. Stockton. — Judge L. D. 
Stockton, of the Supreme Bench of Iowa, 
died, at his residence in Burlington, in that 
State, on this day. Judge Stockton was 
first appointed to the Supreme Bench by 
Governor Grimes, in 1856, and subsequently 
elected to serve six years. He was an able 
and learned judge and an upright man. 

Wrongly Suspected and Accused. — 
Judge Connolly has discharged Mr. Good- 
enough, arrested in New York on a very 
serious charge. The following letter will 
explain : — 

On Saturday last, June 9, Rollire A. Good- 
enough, Jr., a medical student in the office 
of Drs. Sayre and Jones, 795 Broadway, 
was brought before me, charged with grand 
larceny, on complaint of Dr. E. L. Jones, 
with having stolen some $300 from the safe 
in the office. Upon a full investigation of 
the facts connected with this case, it has 
been clearly proved that said Goodenough 
was entirely innocent of the charge. I have 
therefore this day honorably discharged 
him from custody and dismissed the com- 
plaint. 

Michael Connolly, Police Justice. 

New York, June 12, 18G0. 

Upon the legal investigation in this case, 
it was found that the key with which it was 
alleged that Mr. Goodenough opened the 
safe, and which was found on his person, 
was a trunk-key, which could not open the 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



515 



safe when locked. The $300 were found in 
the safe ; and it would appear from this 
that the search made for the money before 
proceedings were begun against the young 
man was not thorough enough to justify the 
grave charge of larceny on the part of Dr. 
Jones. The investigation relieves Mr. Good- 
enough from every imputation of theft, and 
without any foundation for arrest. 

The Louisiana Democratic Douglas 
Convention, which met at Donaldsonville, 
adjourned this day. It was represented by 
one hundred delegates from twenty-one 
parishes. Resolutions were adopted con- 
demning the Charleston seceders and ex- 
pressing a determination to abide by the 
Baltimore nominations. The delegates ap- 
pointed to attend the Baltimore Convention 
go uninstructed. Ex-Senator Soul6, Gov. 
Wickliffe, and Isaac Morse were the ruling 
spirits of the convention. 

Visit of the Japanese Embassy to Phila- 
delphia. — The afternoon of this day, the 
Japanese Embassy arrived in Philadelphia, 
in a special train of cars, which left Balti- 
more at 10.30 a.m. The cars in which the 
Embassy rode were new ones, built at the 
shops of the Philadelphia, Wilmington & 
Baltimore Railroad Company, and were 
handsomely draped with the American and 
Japanese flags, while the locomotives at- 
tached to the train at Baltimore, and also 
on the east side of the Susquehanna, were 
beautifully decorated with flags, flowers, 
i^cc. The one that brought the train to that 
city was the large coal-burner " Daniel 
Webster." The sub-committee of Council, 
consisting of Messrs Simons, Benton, and 
Megargee, accompanied by Mr. Felton, 
President of the road, went in the early 
train to Havre de Grace, where they awaited 
the arrival of the Japanese. When the cars 
reached the boat to cross the river, the com- 
mittee were introduced to Captain Dupont 
by Mr. Felton, and by the captain to the 
Embassy. Mr. Simons then addressed the 
chief Ambassador, Sinnie-Booj sen-No-Kami, 
as follows: — 

To your Excellencies, the Ambassadors 
from Japan : — Gentlemen, it affords me much 
pleasure to welcome you at this point, on 
the part of the people and authorities of 
Philadelphia, and to extend to you the warm- 
est and most friendly hospitalities of the 
first manufacturing and one of the greatest 
commercial cities in our country. 

The chief, through the interpreter, re- 
plied briefly, thanking the committee for 
their kindness in coming so far to meet them, 
and also expressing their happiness in the 
prospect of seeing Philadelphia, of which 
they had heard so much. 

There was a large crowd of ladies and 



gentlemen at this point ; but, as the train 
passed the river on the upper deck of the 
boat, and the locomotive was attached as 
soon as possible after crossing the river, 
few obtained a sight of the distinguished 
visitors. All the stations from the river to 
Wilmington were passed with speed, thus 
disappointing a large number at each of 
these places in gratifying their curiosity. 
But at Wilmington a halt of a few moments 
was made ; and so densely was the street 
packed that the train had to move very slowly 
for fear of doing injury to some of those 
who insisted upon getting as near the cars 
as possible. One of the dignitaries of Wil- 
mington got upon the platform and desired 
admittance for the purpose of making a 
speech of welcome ; but he was informed 
through the window that he might send it to 
Philadelphia, and an answer would be re- 
turned to it. 

Long before the train arrived, Broad 
Street, as far as the eye could reach, was 
one mass of people. Houses, sheds, board- 
piles, sidewalks, and streets were covered 
with human beings. The military were 
ranged on the western side of the street and 
extended from the depot up to South Street. 

The special train reached the depot a little 
after three o'clock. As soon as the Ambas- 
sadors left the cars they were introduced to 
Mayor Henry. 

The Ambassadors were plainly dressed 
and had very few decorations about them. 
In this respect there was little to distinguish 
the Embassy from the rest of the suite. It 
is only when acting in an official capacity 
that the ambassadorial dress is worn. 

The Mayor bowed, extended his hand to 
the prince, which was taken, and then shook 
hands with the rest in order. The Ambas- 
sadors kept their eyes upon the ground, and 
no change of countenance was perceptible. 
The prince's exceedingly mild expression 
of face was the subject of remark generally. 
The introduction being over, Mayor Henry 
addressed them, as follows, his words being 
interpreted to the prince alone : — 

In behalf of the assembled authoi'ities and 
in the name of the city of Philadelphia, I 
welcome your Excellencies to this city. As 
the ambassadors from a powerful sovereign 
to the Federal Government of our country, 
you are entitled to every manifestation of 
respect. As the representatives and first 
visitors from a great nation, hitherto stran- 
gers, but with whom it is desired to promote 
and foster the most friendly intercourse 
through all coming years, we offer to you 
the hospitalities of the city. We entertain 
the hope that, during your visit to Phila- 
delphia, your Excellencies will have full 
assurance of the hearty good will and kindly 
regard with which your presence is wel- 
comed by its citizens. 



516 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



The prince replied in a few words, thank- 
ing the Mayor for the welcome extended to 
him and his countrymen, and added that he 
was gratified in being able to visit Phila- 
delphia, of which he had heard. The Am- 
bassadors were then conducted to the car- 
riages, on the south side of the depot, within 
the enclosure, and the Mayor took a seat 
with the prince and Captain Dupont. The 
Presidents of Councils and the other Am- 
bassadors came next in their order, then the 
Chairman of the Committee of Arrange- 
ments, followed by the members of the com- 
mittee, all riding with officers of the Em- 
bassy. After this, all was confusion and 
disorder, there being no one left to direct 
whose authority was acknowledged. The 
Japanese had to look for carriages, and 
there was danger of some of them being 
left in the depot. As it was, a number of 
them had to ride in close carriages, which 
prevented them from being seen except by 
those who had positions close to the line of 
the procession. As the Embassy left the 
depot, the procession went through the route 
previously designated. The whole line of 
the route was crowded with a dense mass of 
people, and every window and doorway, 
every available spot, was filled with spec- 
tators. Flags covered the streets, and flags 
of every size and kind were displayed from 
windows. The military made a very fine 
display, and added largely to the animation 
and splendor of the scene. 

Sale of Slaves in New Orleans. — This 
day, seventy-eight slaves were sold in New 
Orleans, for $74,720. These slaves averaged 
forty-six years of age, and brought within 
a fraction of $1000 round. Terms, cash. 
Eighty others were sold, ranging from 
twelve months to fifty-five years, for $1250 
round, on terms equivalent to cash. The high- 
est price paid for field-hands was for men 
ranging from eighteen to twenty-five years, 
$1600 to $2000, women from $1400 to $1600. 

Dreadful Stabbing-Case in New York. — 
In New York, late in the night of this day, 
a German, named Emanuel Geschwind, 
stabbed John B. Johnson and Albert Price, 
two young men, aged respectively eighteen 
and twenty years. Johnson, Price, and 
another young companion, named Enoch 
Tompkins, were standing conversing at the 
corner of Norfolk and Stanton Streets, when 
Geschwind approached them and insulted 
one of the party. 

Some words ensued, when Geschwind, 
becoming exasperated, drew a double-bladed 
dirk, the blade of which was four inches in 
length, and plunged it into Johnson's left 
shoulder. The blade passed between the 
shoulder-blade and the ribs, and, penetrating 
the left lung, inflicted a wound that it is 
feared will prove fatal. Price, in attempting 



to rescue his friend, was stabbed in the fleshy 
part of the left arm and badly wounded. 
Tompkins escaped uninjured. Geschwind 
then made his escape. 

Burning of the Steamers Umpire and 
Dewdrop. — This day, the steamers Umpire 
and Dewdrop were totally destroyed by fire 
on the Osage River. The former was valued 
at $10,000, and was insured for $3000. The 
latter was valued at $15,000, and was insured 
for $6000. 



SUNDAY, JUNE 10. 

Loss of the Schooner St. Mary's. — 
This day, the schooner St. Mary's, of Bath, 
Me., from Wiscassett for Boston, was capsized 
in a gale, twenty-five miles east of Cape 
Elizabeth. She was afterward fallen in 
with by the C. D. Oliver, and towed into 
Portland. 

English Crew P»escued by an Ameri- 
can Vessel. — This day, the American bark 
Roscoe rescued the crew of the English bark 
Sea-Serpent, of Hull, which had been de- 
stroyed by fire. They afterward transhipped 
them on board the French bark Grognard. 
The Sea-Serpent was loaded with cotton, and 
had left Parahiba May 12. 

The Japanese Embassy. — In Philadel- 
phia, this day, the doctors connected with 
the Embassy accompanied a medical pro- 
fessor of that city to the residence of a pri- 
vate citizen, at 1106 South Eleventh Street, 
in order to be present at a surgical operation 
of lithotomy. They expressed considerable 
surprise at the administering of ether to the 
patient, having been unacquainted with its 
properties. They were highly gratified with 
the manner in which the operation was per- 
formed, and, before leaving for their quarters, 
accepted an invitation to visit the Clinic of 
Jefferson College, and also the Pennsylvania 
Hospital, to witness certain amputations 
shortly to take place. 

Death of General Thomas S. Jesup. — 
Major-General Thomas Sidney Jesup, Quar- 
termaster-General of the U.S. Army, died, 
this day, in Washington, D.C., of paralysis. 
Gen. Jesup was born in Virginia, in the 
year 1788, and entered the army in 1808, as 
a Second Lieutenant of the Seventh Infantry, 
and his subsequent military history is suc- 
cinctly described as follows. So rapid was 
his promotion, that in 1812 he was Brigade- 
Major and Acting-Adjutant-General to Bri- 
gadier-General Hull. In 1813 he was Major 
of the Nineteenth Infantry; transferred in 
1814 to the Twenty-Fifth Infantry as brevet- 
lieutenant-colonel, for distinguished and 
meritorious service in the battle of Chippewa, 
on the 5th of July, 1814. In November of 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



517 



the same year, he was brevetted colonel, for 
gallant conduct and distinguished skill in the 
battle of Niagara, of the 25th of June, 1814, 
in which he was severely wounded. On the 
reduction of the army in 1815, he was re- 
tained in the First Infantry, and in 1817 was 
Lieutenant-Colonel of the Third Infantry. 
In 1818 he was appointed adjutant-general, 
with the rank of colonel ; and the same year 
quartermaster-general, with the rank of 
brigadier-general, and was brevetted major- 
general in May, 1828, for ten years' merito- 
rious service. He was assigned to the com- 
mand of the army in the Creek Nation, Ala- 
bama, in 1830, and succeeded Gen. Call in 
Florida on the 8th of December, 1836 ; was 
wounded in action with the Seminole Indians, 
near Jupiter Inlet, on the 24th of January, 
1838, and was succeeded by Colonel Z. 
Taylor, on the 15th of May, 1838, whereupon 
he returned to the duties of his department, 
which he managed with distinguished ability. 

In his despatch from Chippewa Plains, 
July 7, 1814, Gen. Brown, in detailing the 
incidents of the battle of Chippewa, thus 
refers to the subject of this sketch : — " Major 
Jesup, commanding the left flank battalion, 
finding himself pressed in front and in flank 
and his men falling fast around him, ordered 
his battalion to 'support arms and advance.' 
The order was promptly obeyed, amidst the 
most deadly and destructive fire. He gained 
a more secure position, and returned upon 
the enemy so galling a discharge as caused 
them to retire. By this time their whole line 
was falling back, and our gallant soldiers 
pressing upon them as fast as possible." 

In his despatch concerning the severe 
battle of Niagara, June 25, 1814, Gen. Brown 
thus refers to some of the officers : — " From 
the preceding details you have new evidence 
of tlie distinguished gallantry of Generals 
Scott and Porter, of Col. Miller, and Major 
Jesup, of the First Brigade." 

A writer in the "Herald," who gives a 
biography of General Jesup, says: — 

In May, 1818, he was promoted in line of 
promotion to a brigadier-generalship, and 
in ten years after, viz., 1828, he was bre- 
vetted major-general. 

During the Creek War in Georgia and Ala- 
bama, in 1836, General Jesup, with his su- 
perior in rank, General Scott, was actively 
engaged, the latter having been called from 
Florida to assist in its termination. 

By the 1st of July, the war, which had 
threatened much, was virtually concluded, 
five hundred hostiles having been captured. 
Seott soon after turned over the command 
to General Jesup, who, on the 12th, wrote 
that of thirteen huudred other hostile Creek 
Indians nine hundred were his prisoners. 
On the 9th of July, "Scott gave up command 
under extraordinary circumstances." He 
was, in fact, superseded. General Scott had 
written to Washington to complain of dis- 



obedience of orders by General Jesup. 
This was as well known in the army as the 
disobedience had been, and, of course, came 
to the knowledge of General Jesup, — if Scott 
did not in person communicate it to him. 
General Jesup wrote also to Washington, 
not, however, to the Secretary of War, as 
was usual in such cases, but to Mr. Blair, 
the editor of the "Globe," in which he stated 
substantially that he considered Scott's 
course in prosecution of the Seminole War 
ruinous to the best interests of the United 
States. A court of inquiry was ordered; 
Scott made an elaborate defence, and the 
court, after a careful inquiry and review of 
the testimony, acquitted Scott. President 
Van Buren approved the finding of the court. 
General Scott then addressed a letter to Mr. 
Poinsett, Secretary of War, claiming the 
command of the army in Florida as a right, 
inasmuch as nearly all the troops of his di- 
vision were employed there, and on the 
ground that he was the senior of General 
Jesup. The Senators and Members of Con- 
gress from Virginia, of which State both 
Jesup and Scott were citizens, urged that 
the command should be conferred on the 
latter. So strong was public opinion through- 
out the Union in this military controversy, 
that the Richmond "Enquirer," the devoted 
advocate of the Administration, urged the 
propriety of this course. General Jesup 
afterward took an active part in the Florida 
War, and in all cases displayed marked abili- 
ties as a military officer. 

Before proceeding further in this hasty 
sketch of the services of a meritorious officer, 
we should state that General Jesup's peculiar 
bureau, so to speak, in the army, was of such 
a peculiar nature that, although his name 
does not appear in our military history as 
frequently as others, yet his master-mind was 
never idle, either in peace or war. He was 
the Quartermaster-General of the United 
States army, and to a military man the 
magnitude of the position is obvious. Of 
the efficiency in any army most depends upon 
the good order of the quartermaster's depart- 
ment and the activity and efficiency of its 
members. Its duties are multiform and va- 
rious ; it has to do with every thing in the 
army, and every person. Its duty is to pro- 
vide quarters, food, forage, camp-equipage, 
arms, equipments, transportation for troops ; 
and the full discharge of this duty, even 
with our little army, scattered as it is over a 
wide area of territory, requires quite as 
much skill as the largest army extant; and 
yet these duties were for a long term of years 
discharged with credit by General Jesup, 
whose long experience in the service of his 
country made him familiar with all its 
details. 

The history of the war with Mexico, which 
gives the details of the victories won by 
American arms in that country, does not 



518 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



even allude to the name of General Jesup. 
Yet it was on the good management of the 
detachment of "which he was the honored 
chief that the success of the army depended. 
Through his bureau were all the contracts 
made for transportation of troops and pro- 
visions, horses and forage for their support, 
arms, equipments, and ammunition; and 
hundreds of living witnesses to-day who par- 
ticipated in the glorious deeds of Mexico 
will cheerfully attest to the completeness in 
every detail in this particular point. During 
all his military career General Jesup dis- 
charged his duties, whether in the field or 
other duties, with a courage and fidelity well 
worthy of imitation ; and he has closed his 
earthly career ripe in years and with a clear 
escutcheon. 

General Jesup's survivors are three daugh- 
ters and two sons. 

General Jesup was the adviser and second 
of Henry Clay in his duel with John Ran- 
dolph, after having in vain tried every effort 
to prevent a hostile meeting. His last public 
appearance was on the occasion of the inau- 
guration of the Washington statue, on the 
22d of February, when he commanded the 
military escort of the President. 

Murder of a Mate at Sea. — This day, 
the ship Lowell, which arrived at Boston 
from Gibraltar, brought a sailor, named 
Henry Johnson, under arrest for the murder 
of a man named Cunningham, mate of the 
bark Lilias, of Belfast, Maine. It appears 
that the bark was on a trip from New Orleans 
to Gibraltar, and that when within a few 
days' sail of the latter port, while Johnson 
was at the wheel, the mate gave him some 
instructions as to how he should shape the 
course of the bark. Some bad feeling was 
engendered through a conversation follow- 
ing, and, when the mate had turned and 
walked a short distance away, he was at- 
tacked by the sailor with a sheath-knife, who 
inflicted wounds causing death. Johnson 
was, on the arrival at Gibraltar, put under 
arrest and sent by the American consul to 
Boston. 

Murder at Yorkville, near New York. 
— This day, at Yorkville, Michael Flynn, an 
Irish carman, about thirty-five years of age, 
residing in Worth Street, New York, was 
murdered under the following circumstances. 
He and a man named Michael Lenehan, who 
had been drinking pretty freely all day, met 
at the house of a mutual friend, in Eighty- 
Third Street, near Third Avenue, and there 
quarrelled over some trivial matter. From 
words the parties came to blows; and in the 
heat of the fight Lenehan, as it is alleged, 
picked up a pair of tongs and struck his an- 
tagonist a blow on the head, felling him to 
the ground. Flynn was found to be insen- 
sible from the effects of the blow, and upon 



conveying him to the hospital the surgeon 
discovered that the injured man's skull was 
fractured. Every attention was paid the 
patient; but he continued to fail from day 
to day, and died just one week after his ad- 
mission. Lenehan succeeded in making his 
escape before the matter came to the ears of 
the police. 

Singular Suicide. — Dean Gilbert, a resi- 
dent of Prescott, Mass., about fifty years of 
age, balanced a rock, weighing nearly a ton 
and a half, and propped it up with a piece 
of board. He then crawled under, kicked 
away the board, and the rock fell, crushing 
him to death. 

Suicide of an Unknown Man. — In Phi- 
ladelphia, the morning of this day, an un- 
known man was found hanging in a barn 
near the Point-House. On his person was 
found a gold watch and three dollars in 
money, but nothing to indicate his name. 
He had been seen about the neighborhood 
for several days. 

Drownings in Philadelphia. — This day, 
the body of an unknown white man floated 
ashore at Fancy Hill, below Red Bank, which 
was about five feet eight inches high. His 
dress was blue pants, red flannel and striped 
muslin shirts, and heavy boots. The right 
hand was nearly covered with warts, and his 
face much marked with smallpox. Justice 
Sparks, of Woodbury, made an examination 
of the body, and then buried it in the public 
ground. 

Frederick Hawkhurst, second steward of 
the ship Norway, while coming ashore, fell 
into the Delaware and was drowned, though 
every effort was made to save him. The 
body was not recovered. Deceased was a 
native of Portsmouth, England. 

Areest of Emanuel Geschwind. — In 
New York, Emanuel Geschwind, who stabbed 
Johnson and Price on Saturday night, was 
this day arrested by Sergeant McKelvey, who 
found him engaged in whetting his dirk. He 
was locked up in the Seventeenth Ward Sta- 
tion-House. The young men allege that no 
provocation whatever was given for the as- 
sault, while the accused says that one of the 
party kicked him. 



MONDAY, JUNE 11. 

This day, the delegates who seceded from 
the National Democratic Convention at 
Charleston, S.C., April 28, met, pursuant 
to adjournment, at Richmond, Va. Dele- 
gates were present from Alabama, Arkansas, 
Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, 
South Carolina, Florida, Second Congres- 
sional District of Tennessee, and the Seventh 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



519 



Electoral District of "Virginia. The Hon. 
John Erwin, of Alabama, was chosen Pre- 
sident. 

The convention adopted the following re- 
solutions, and on the 12th, at twelve o'clock, 
adjourned. 

Resolve d, That as the delegations from States 
represented in this convention are assembled 
upon the basis of the platform recommended 
by a majority of the States at Charleston, 
which we endorse, we deem it unnecessary 
to take any further action on the subject at 
the present time. 

Resolved, That when this convention ad- 
journ, it adjourn to meet in this city on 
Thursday, the 21st inst., provided that the 
President of this convention may call it to- 
gether at an earlier or a later date, if it be 
deemed necessary. 

The convention reassembled on the 21st, 
but, without doing any business, adjourned 
to the following day, and so continued to 
meet and adjourn, awaiting the action of the 
convention at Baltimore, till after the nomi- 
nation of Breckinridge and Lane, when such 
of the delegates as had not joined the se- 
ceders in Baltimore adopted the candidates 
and platform of the Breckinridge party, and 
adjourned sine die. 

The Japanese Embassy. — This day, im- 
mense crowds assembled in front of the Con- 
tinental Hotel, in Philadelphia, where the 
Japanese Embassy were stopping. The 
policemen, stationed at the entrance to the 
corridor on the second floor, were constantly 
beset by ladies and gentlemen to let them 
pass ; but their orders were imperative, and 
nearly all had to go away disappointed. By 
these stringent measures, the Japanese were 
left in comparative quiet, a state of things 
which they really enjoyed. In the morning, 
one of the Ambassadors, the Governor, In- 
terpreter, and one of the principal officers, 
started out with Capt. Porter, to visit several 
of the handsome stores and manufacturing 
establishments of Philadelphia. They were 
first taken to Bailey & Co., jewellers. The 
beauty of the interior of this store pleased 
them much, but in examining the articles 
displayed, it was very evident that the 
plainest articles, and those of use, received 
the most attention. This was particularly 
the case in their selection 'of opera-glasses, 
for all gaudy ones were rejected, and the 
plainest of the glasses suited them. Several 
of this kind were purchased by them, also a 
number of the plainest and cheapest ther- 
mometers. A case of rich and expensive 
diamonds were shown them, and they were 
asked if a beautiful ring would not suit the 
Japanese ladies, to which they responded, 
immediately, "No, no," and they turned 
away to something having more real value 
and use. 

Whilst in Bailey & Co.'s, they were taken 



to the workshops connected with the store. 
They particularly asked in relation to the 
quantity of silver placed in the gold when 
manufactured for use, — the mode of alloying 
the different metals, — all of which was put 
down in their note-books for future use. 
The large blow-pipe, which generates a heat 
sufficient to melt steel in a moment, received 
much attention from them. Its great power, 
being a combination of gas and hot air, was 
fully explained. The machinery for rolling- 
out silver into sheets was also closely ex- 
amined, and commented on with great satis- 
faction. Whilst in the establishment, each 
visitor was presented by the firm with a 
bronze and silver medal, having upon it a 
medallion head of Washington. These pre- 
sents were received with lively satisfaction, 
as indeed all presents were, no matter how 
trifling. 

They were next taken to visit L. Johnson 
& Co.'s Type and Stereotype Foundry, which 
they examined minutely. The whole ope- 
ration was explained to them, — the mode of 
melting the lead, casting the type, making 
stereotype plates, printing, &c. They were 
also shown men engaged in engraving upon 
wood, an operation which is somewhat fa- 
miliar to them, but has not been brought to 
such perfection in their own country as the 
specimens exhibited to them. Before leaving, 
the interpreter ordered a lot of type, for his 
own use, also a coihposing-stick. Whilst in 
the foundry, they were shown a splendid set 
of type, which that firm manufactured in 
anticipation of their visit, as a present for 
the Tycoon. This type was contained in a 
handsome box of massive walnut, sur- 
mounted by an elegant tablet, bearing the 
inscription, "Presented to the Japanese 
Embassy by L. Johnson & Co., Phila- 
delphia." The contents of the box were of 
the most interesting nature. One depart- 
ment contained a vast variety of printing- 
types manufactured by this firm, consisting 
of Greek, Hebrew, Script, German, and 
Music characters, as well as ornamental 
type and borders, and Roman type of all 
descriptions and sizes. There were in it, be- 
sides, a page of type representing President 
Buchanan's reply to the Ambassadors, with 
stereotype and electrotype moulds and ste- 
reotype and electrotype plates of the same ; 
and also an assortment of beautiful electro- 
typed cuts, as well as a wood-cut exhibiting 
the President. A striking feature of the 
contents was a casting-mould, and punches 
and matrices representing the names of the 
chief members of the Embassy in their pro- 
per characters. A composing-stick, with 
type and rule in it, and a pot of printing- 
ink, and a composition roller, are also in the 
box, which might have been said to contain 
a type, stereotype, and electrotype foundry 
in miniature. 

From thence they visited the establish- 



520 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



ment of Simons & Brothers, "where they 
were shown a great deal of fine machinery 
for making jewelry, thimbles, &c. 

In the afternoon they were taken to see 
the Fairmount Park and Water-Works, the 
steam fire-engine of the Good Will Hose- 
Company, also to the extensive machine- 
works of Sellers and Baldwin & Co. The Em- 
bassy were presented by Messrs. J. B. Lip- 
pincott & Co. with a copy of their "Web- 
ster's Unabridged Dictionary," and their 
"Gazetteer of the World," splendidly bound. 

Horrible Butchery of a Wife. — In 
Richmond, Va., the morning of this day, a 
most diabolical attempt was made to murder 
his wife by a man named Edward R. Cooper. 
A correspondent of the "Police Gazette" 
gives the following account of it: — 

At an early hour, the city was startled by 
the news of one of the most brutal attempts 
at murder which it has ever been my pro- 
vince to record. The affair occurred near 
the corner of Broad and Twenty-Fifth Streets, 
and about three o'clock in the morning the 
neighbors were aroused by the cries of mur- 
der. They hastened to the premises, and 
there learned that a man named Edward R. 
Cooper had attacked his wife, Mary Ann 
Cooper, with a hatchet, while she was 
asleep, and had wounded her in a terrible 
manner. The fiend had also attempted the 
life of his son, aged fifteen years, who 
awoke and endeavored to defend his mother. 
On making further examinations, it was dis- 
covered that Mrs. Cooper had received two 
or three terrible cuts on the left temple, one 
on the back of the head, and another on the 
right temple. No one has hopes of her re- 
covery. It appears that Cooper desired to 
sell the house they lived in, but could not do 
so without the consent of his wife. Mrs. 
Cooper, having worked hard to support her- 
self and husband, he not having performed 
any work for the past ten years, refused to 
sign away her right, whereupon he became 
angry, and told her that she would be sorry 
for it, or words to that effect. Soon after 
this, he returned home and informed his 
wife that he had changed his mind in regard 
to selling the house, that they would both 
go to work and live quietly together the 
balance of their days. This occurred on 
Saturday night last, and on Sunday he 
visited church two or three times in the day 
and evening. In the evening, when he re- 
turned home, he asked for supper, then 
went to his chamber, where he sang and 
prayed, then commenced reading his Bible. 
A ehort time after this, Mrs. Cooper retired 
10 feed in the same room. Her son also 
retired about the same time to his little bed, 
which was near that of his mother. After 
lying awake some time, watching her hus- 
band reading the Bible, she fell asleep. At 
about three o'clock, Cooper put aside his 



Bible and procured a hatchet from a room 
near by, then approached his wife's bed 
and dealt her a powerful blow on the 
temple. Mrs. Cooper awoke with a scream, 
when the murderer struck her another vio- 
lent blow on the head. The little son awoke 
at this time, and, though horrified by the 
sight which met his view, caught his father's 
arm. The father turned upon him with the 
hatchet, when the boy fled to the upper 
story of the house, where lodged a Mr. 
Brizzilars and his family. This family were 
aroused, and just opened the door as Cooper 
struck at his son with the hatchet. Cooper 
immediately fled from the house, but was 
captured by Capt. Wilkinson, of the night- 
watch, about ten o'clock. The poor woman, 
although so fearfully wounded, crawled up- 
stairs to the rooms of the family above, 
where she fell insensible to the floor. It is 
clear that he intended to murder his wife, 
that he might get entire possession of the 
house. While searching for the hatchet, a 
paper of arsenic, covered with blood, was 
found in one of the rooms. It is said that 
he was not addicted to liquor, but he pos- 
sessed a most violent temper and unforgiv- 
ing disposition. Many years since, he was 
tried in this city for shooting a man, with 
intent to kill. Cooper is sixty-three, and 
his wife fifty-three, years of age. 

Horrible Mukder of a Woman who 
Eloped with a Negro. — The Fayetteville 
(N.C.) "Carolinian" states that Mrs. Abe 
Rlmilcs, wife of B. C. Rhodes, who had 
eloped a few days before with Shad Wil- 
liams, a free mulatto, and had taken with 
her about $2500, was found dead in Lum- 
ber River, with her throat cut and her head 
crushed, on this day. Her colored paramour 
was arrested on suspicion and lodged in 
Lumberton jail. 

Heavy Robbery and Attempted Suicide. 
—This day, Mr. R. E. McGinty, the sheriff 
of Jefferson county, Miss., was robbed of 
$10,000, and afterward took laudanum for the 
purpose of committing suicide. It appears 
that after arriving at the Washington Hotel, 
at Vicksburg, he inquired for a room, to take 
a nap of sleep before the cars left. He was 
accordingly assigned to a room, and fell 
asleep. On waking up, he found that his 
pocket had been cut, and the pocket-book, 
containing the money, abstracted. He then 
sent out for laudanum, and took a large 
dose. Some of his friends, having oppor- 
tunely discovered his condition, called a 
physician, who administered the proper 
remedies and saved him. 

Fatal Accident in Philadelphia. — J. 

Kleber, a German, forty years of age, fell 
from his furniture-wagon at the Girard Park, 
this day, and, the wheels passing over his 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



521 



breast, he was instantly killed. The de- 
ceased was removed to his late residence, 
Marshall Street, above Girard Avenue. 

Fatal Effects of Foul Air. — This day 
morning, three workmen were excavating 
for a sink in the rear of the First Evangeli- 
cal Church, in Baltimore, Md., when John 
Hoffman, who was in the well, became in- 
sensible from the foul air, and the other two, 
going down to his assistance, were, in turn, 
also overcome. After considerable delay, 
the bodies were drawn up, but Hoffman was 
dead, and the others, although alive, were 
not considered likely to recover. 

Accidental Death of the Wife of a 
Member of the Philadelphia Common 
Council. — This day, the death of the wife 
of Mr. Michael Blynn, of the Common 
Council, took place near Columbia, Ohio, 
from an accident. 

Murderer Convicted. — This day, a man 
named Alexander Gale, tried for murder in 
the Baltimore County Court, was convicted 
of murder in the first degree. 

Desperate Affray at Elm Park, New 
York. — The night of this day, at about half- 
past ten o'clock, as the participators in the 
German festival at Elm Park were leaving 
the ground, they were attacked by a party 
of rowdies, and several persons were severely 
beaten and otherwise injured. Louis Meyer 
and his wife were carried to their homes in- 
sensible. 

The police were soon on hand, and, after 
a desperate conflict with the outlaws, appre- 
hended eight of the gang, whom they locked 
up in the Twenty-Third Ward Station-House. 

Several other persons besides Meyer and 
his wife were badly injured, but, owing to 
the confusion, no definite particulars could 
be ascertained. 

Tried for Murder and Acquitted. — In 
New York, the afternoon of this day, the 
dial of Charles Rabert, a young German, 
charged with homicide, in causing the death 
of Thomas Greenan, by stabbing him with a 
knife, was commenced before the City Judge. 
The evidence was contradictory and unreli- 
able ; but it appeared that the occurrence 
took place on the 21st of April, at the cor- 
ner of Orchard and Canal Streets ; that de- 
ceased was in company with a man named 
Gayler, and as they passed on the sidewalk 
the deceased (Greenan) ran against the 
prisoner. Words ensued between them, 
whereupon they clinched in the street, and 
the deceased knocked the prisoner down. 
All the witnesses concurred in saying that 
the deceased first struck the prisoner. Gree- 
nan said he was stabbed, and soon fainted 
with the loss of blood. One witness testified 



that the prisoner said, " Me kill a man ;" 
but Mr. Clinton contended that the phrase 
was not the mode in which a German ex- 
pressed himself; and, besides, he argued 
that the evidence of the stabbing was very 
unreliable. The jury returned a verdict of 
"Justifiable homicide," Avhich is equivalent 
to a verdict of "Not guilty." Rabert left 
the court in company with a large circle of 
his countrymen, who congratulated him on 
his acquittal. 

Trial for Murder on the High Seas. — 
In New York, this day, George Ellis was 
tried for the wilful murder of John A. Pe- 
terson, second mate of the bark Henry 
Warren, at Havana, Cuba, in March last. 

The circumstances of the case were, that 
the prisoner, who was a seaman on board 
the bark, had an altercation with the second 
mate, which resulted in a scuffle, when the 
prisoner was knocked down by the deceased, 
and, while down, the chief mate caught him 
by the hair and struck him with a belaying- 
pin. The parties then separated. After 
the mate separated the parties, the second 
mate struck the prisoner on the head with a 
mallet and knocked him down, and, while 
down, fell upon him. The prisoner then 
drew his sheath-knife and inflicted the 
wound of which the second mate almost im- 
mediately died. The first mate was stand- 
ing by, with a belaying-pin in his hand, and 
the prisoner also stabbed him, inflicting a 
slight wound. The prisoner's counsel read 
the depositions of the Government wit- 
nesses, taken by the counsel at Havana, 
and claimed that it was a case of justifiable 
homicide. 

The court charged the jury on the law of 
murder and manslaughter, and also in- 
structed them what would constitute justifi- 
able homicide. 

The jury retired, and, after being in con- 
sultation for over an hour, returned to court 
and pronounced the defendant not guilty of 
murder, but guilty of manslaughter, and re- 
commended him to the mercy of the court. 

The prisoner, who has a large scar over 
the eye and other cuts on the head, on being 
asked what he had to say why sentence 
should not be passed upon him, told a 
simple, straightforward story. He said, 
when the matter first occurred, the second 
mate called him a damned liar; "I said 
he was another; he told me to shut up; 
he then knocked me down, struck me on 
the head with a mallet, and tried to gouge 
me; he caught me by the hair, and I 
gave him a desperate shove from me ; he 
then rushed at me, gave me several licks on 
the head and shoulders with a belaying-pin ; 
I then struck him with my knife ; I told one 
of the seamen what had happened, and that 
I did it in my own defence ; I was taken to 
the hospital at Havana ; I have been at sea 



522 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



since I was a boy, and never was in a diffi- 
culty before." 

Mr. Dwight expressed his belief in the 
statement of the pi-isoner, and did not press 
for a severe punishment. 

The judge said he was satisfied with the 
verdict of the jury. It was very probable, 
however, that the whole evidence had not 
appeared. The court would pronounce a 
very mild sentence, hoping that the prisoner 
would never again use a knife, unless in the 
actual defence of his own life. Sentenced 
to four months' imprisonment in Kings 
county jail, and to pay a fine of one dollar. 

Conviction for Mutiny on Board the 
William F. Storer. — In New York, this day, 
George Beecher and seven others of the crew 
were convicted of a mutiny on board the 
William F. Storer. One of the accused (Billon) 
was very dangerously ill in prison, and the 
Government now moved for sentence upon the 
other seven. 

Alfred Ryder and Robert Craig, the two 
principal mutineers, were then called up for 
sentence, and, on being asked what they had 
to say, replied that they were not guilty. 

The judge, in sentencing them, said that 
they had had a fair trial. The jury had 
found them guilty, and there was no doubt 
in the mind of any intelligent person, who 
had heard the evidence, that they were 
guilty of a very high crime : the steward, 
who was endeavoring to sustain the authority 
of the captain, had lost his life, doubtless, at 
their hands. 

The prisoners were then sentenced to Sing 
Sing for seven years, at hard labor, and to 
pay a fine each of one dollar, and stand com- 
mitted until the same was paid. 

George Beecher, William Smith, and George 
Croft, three of the same crew, on being asked 
what they had to say, replied that they were 
lying asleep in the forecastle at the time that 
the transaction occurred. 

The judge said that the evidence showed 
that, though they were guilty, they were not 
the ringleaders in the affair; but, unless 
sailors are made to do their duty and obey 
the orders of their superior officers, all navi- 
gation and commerce would cease. The 
comparative mildness of the sentence of the 
court, compared with that just passed, is 
simply to show that your crime is not so 
heinous as theirs. Sentenced to four years' 
imprisonment and a fine of one dollar each. 

James Brown and Joseph McBonald, two 
of the same crew, whom the jury had re- 
commended to mercy, were next called up for 
sentence. 

The court said that the evidence showed 
at least that they did not go to the aid of the 
captain ; but, _ as they had less to do with the 
affair than the others, he would sentence them 
to one year and to pay a fine of one dollar 
each. 



Indicted for Forgery. — The grand jury 
of New York, this day, brought in three 
indictments against Selden Brainard for forg- 
ing bounty-land claims, three indictments 
a gainst Joseph C. Lawrence for forging bounty- 
land warrants, and indictments against Wil- 
liam Ward and John W. Ward for passing 
counterfeit money. 

A Victim Seduced and Deserted. — The 
" New Orleans Bee" of this date says : — 

A resident of this city was walking on the 
levee last evening, when he observed a young 
woman, dressed very poorly, walking out 
toward the river at a rapid pace. As she 
nearly crossed his path, he heard her sobbing 
as if in bitter distress, and he naturally 
stopped and looked after her with some 
surprise. She had not got more than twelve 
or fifteen paces from him, when the idea 
flashed upon his mind that she intended com- 
mitting suicide by jumping into the river. 
He immediately ran after her, and, grasping 
her arm tightly in his hand, asked her what 
she was about to do. 

According to her statement, it appears that 
her parents, who live in Twenty-Fourth Street, 
in New York City, are people of good stand- 
ing and well off. One day several of the 
school-girls proposed that they should write 
an advertisement for a husband and publish 
it in the "personal" column of the " Herald." 
The second day she went in the evening to 
the sub-post-office, and found but one letter. 
As she walked out, she was reading it. It 
opened with a self-introduction by the writer, 
and closed with the words, "I am following 
you now." As she read this line, she looked 
round, and a young man who had been walk- 
ing close behind stepped to her side. As a 
matter of course, the first deviation from the 
strict line of her duty as a properly-behaved 
young lady led to many acts of indiscretion. 
She frequently met him by appointment when 
her school was out, and walked for hours in 
his company. In a couple of months this 
serpent-tongued villain had acquired such an 
influence over her that he persuaded her to 
elope with him and go to Texas, where he had 
to go on a business-tour. He told her his 
family were in Cincinnati, and they would 
go there and be married, and pretended that 
he had written about her to his mother, who 
had approved of the match. 

When they got to Cincinnati he put up at 
a hotel, and he went out to seek his family, 
as he said. In a few hours he returned and 
told the young girl that an uncle of his had 
died suddenly in Texas, leaving his father an 
immense plantation, and that his parents had 
started off the day before, leaving word for 
them to follow immediately. He even showed 
her a letter which appeared to be from his 
father to this effect. She then implored him 
to delay no longer their marriage; but he 
insisted that his parents would cut him off 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



523 



without a cent if they were not present at 
the marriage. They then came down to this 
city, and the poor deceived one soon dis- 
covered how terribly she had been wronged. 
Her pleadings for the fulfilment of his pro- 
mises perhaps weaned him from his love for 
her, and she soon had reason to suspect that 
i he was unfaithful. She has not seen him 
since Saturday ; and yesterday afternoon she 
received a letter from him, dated Saturday 
evening, in which he coldly informed her 
that her reproaches had disgusted him, and 
he had left for the North. Five ten-dollar 
bills were enclosed in the letter. 

Shortest Passage on Record. — The clip- 
per-bark Dawn, Captain Chase, arrived at 
New York, this day, at two p.m., from Buenos 
Ayres, after the extraordinary run of thirty- 
six days, bringing files of papers to May 5. 
This is the shortest passage ever made from 
Buenos Ayres to that or any other American 
port. The Dawn has averaged one hundred 
and eighty miles per day since leaving 
Buenos Ayres, the distance being sixty-five 
hundred miles. Her previous passage was 
made in thirty-nine days from the same 
port. 

Commissioning of the Sloop-of-War 
Pawnee. — This day, this vessel went into 
commission. Her officers are as follows : — 

Commander, H. I. Hartstene: Lieuten- 
ants, Samuel Marcy, T. C. Harris, George 
Brown ; Purser, George W. Clarke ; Passed 
Assistant Surgeon, F. M. Gunnell ; Master, 
Philip Porcher ; Marine-Officer, Lieutenant 
William W. Kirkland ; Midshipmen, George 
Dewey, R. Bishop; Chief Engineer, George 
Gideon ; Assistant Engineers, J. F. Lamdin, 
J. McElder, John Johnson, AV. IT. Glading, 
W. L. Phillips ; Gunner, B. Duckyer ; Boat- 
swain, Francis McCloud. 

A Water-Spout in Pensacola Harbor. 
— This day, in the harbor of Pensacola, 
a large water-spout made its appearance, 
passing very near the bark T. G. Bunker, 
lying at the west pass anchorage. Every 
loose article lying about the deck of the 
vessel was whirled into the air : even the 
oars were taken from out the boat. The 
second anchor was let go, and the ship spun 
around the compass three times in less than 
ten minutes. 

The Waterbury (Conn.) Municipal 
Election took place, this day. A. Bradley, 
Jr., the Democratic candidate, was elected 
by a large majority. 

The New London (Conn.) Municipal 
Election took place, this day. The Repub- 
lican majority for clerk, aldermen, common 
council, and sheriff was 176. Gain over last 
year, 140. 



Sale of the Lake Ontario & Hudson 
River Railroad. — This day, the Lake On- 
tario & Hudson River Railroad was sold, at 
Saratoga, on a foreclosure. Ex-State Senator 
Hubbell, of Utica, was the purchaser, for 
$5000. This purchase includes the road- 
bed from Greenfield to Sackett's Harbor, 
with the franchise charter. 

I 
The La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad 
had, this day, a receiver appointed for the] 
Eastern Division. 

The Brig Jehossee. — Mr. Cass, this day, 
wrote the following letter to the Hon. W. P. 
Miles, regarding the seizure, some months 
since, of the brig Jehossee, a suspected 
slaver: — 

Department of State, "I 
Washington, June 11, 1860. j 
The Hon, W. P. Miles, House of Repre- 
sentatives : 

Sir: — In consequence of the conversation 
with you at this Department in reference to 
the violent and illegal seizure, on the coast 
of Africa, of the American merchant-brig 
Jehossee by her Britannic Majesty's ship 
the Falcon, Commander Fitzroy, I submitted 
the matter to the President, and instructions 
were sent to the Minister of this Government 
at the Court of St. James to ask of her 
Britannic Majesty's Government such im- 
mediate consideration of the occurrence as 
its gravity seemed to demand. 

I have the honor to inform you that, by 
the reply of Mr. Dallas to these instructions, 
just received, the President has learned 
with pleasure that her Britannic Majesty's 
Government have censured the conduct of 
Commander Fitzroy, and expressed, in the 
amplest manner, its regret at the occurrence 
of these unwarranted and illegal proceed- 
ings. 

As this disavowal of her Britannic Ma- 
jesty's Government is so far satisfactory, 
I would respectfully call your attention to 
the fact that the statement made by the 
owners and officers of the Jehossee is not 
supported by affidavit, nor is it sufficiently 
precise in its details to enable this Depart- 
ment to estimate with accuracy the material 
injury which our citizens have sustained. 
Before determining whether any further 
action is proper, therefore, this Department 
will await a more complete and specific 
statement of the damage to which the owners 
of the vessel have been subjected; and any 
further communication on the subject will 
meet Avith the prompt attention of the De- 
partment. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your very 
obedient servant, Lewis Cass. 

A Wealthy Planter Found Drugged. — 
The night of this day, a Brazilian, named 



o2i 



VINCENTS SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



Joda Antonia Marques, residing at the Me- 
tropolitan Hotel, New York, was found, about 
ten o'clock, lying in Montgomery Street, 
Jersey City, in a state of insensibility. On 
being taken to the police-station, lie was 
found to have nearly one hundred and 
seventy-seven dollars in his possession, be- 
sides a valuable gold watch and chain and 
several other articles, including a gold- 
headed cane, umbrella, and several baggage- 
checks. Dr. Quidar was summoned, and 
gave it as his opinion, upon examining the 
jtranger. that he had been drugged by to- 
bacco being put in his drink, no doubt by 
some person with the intention of robbing 
him. It was subsequently ascertained that 
he had left the Metropolitan Hotel with the 
intention of going to Philadelphia. Chief 
of Police Marinus. of Jersey City, had him 
conveyed to the Philadelphia Hotel, where 
he lay in a stupid condition. 

Fire ix Memphis. — This day. a destruc- 
tive fire occurred on Jackson Street, in 
Memphis, Tenn., which destroyed buildings 
and property to tfie value of about $8 
The fire originated in the cotton-pickery of 

D. McComba & Co.. destroying the building 
and contents, and communicating with a 
row of one-story frame dwellings, the pro- 
perty of Samuel Carpenter, Esq.. and Dr. 

E. Miles Willett. The adjoining buildings 
v.-ere saved, from the fact that the cotton- 
pickery was covered with a peculiar kind of 
elastic roofing, which was wholly non- 
combustible. The fire originated in the 
cotton-pickery. and was the result of acci- 
dent. 



TUESDAY, JUNE 12. 

Recovery of Stolen Goods. — In Boston, 
this day, a large portion of the property 
stolen from Josiah Gooding, jeweller, some 
two weeks since, was recovered. A young 
man named Frank Bean is under arrest for 
the burglary. The value of the property 
stolen was about SS000. 

Extensive Lett bt the Sheriff of Al- 
bany County, N.Y. — The sheriff of Albany 
county, the morning of this day, levied on 
the securitk-s of the British Commercial 
Life Insurance Company to the amount of 
$12,000, deposited in the Insurance Depart- 
ment, in the suit of Peter Cagger against 
said company. 

Body Recovered. — In Philadelphia, this 
day. the body of the lad, John Welsh, 
drowned at Market Street wharf a few even- 
ings ago, was recovered near where it sunk. 
An inquest was held upon it, and a verdict 
of ' -Accidentally drowned'' was rendered. 

Frightened to Death. — In New York, 



this day, Coroner Schirmer held an inquest 
upon the body of William A. Woodhouse, 
who died at Brazos. Texas, from brain-fever, 
brought on by fright, which was produced 
by the Cortinas insurrection. The body was 
brought on to New York in one of the Gal- 
veston packets, and forwarded to deceased's 
native place in that State for burial. 

Child Burned to Death. — In New York, 
this day, Catharine Murray, a child about 
two years of age, whose parents reside at 
17 Cherry Street, died, in the New York 
Hospital, from burns received on the Sunday 
previous. Coroner Schirmer held an in- 
quest in the case, when it appeared that 
deceased's mother was of very intemperate 
habits. On Sunday evening the woman was 
much intoxicated, and by some means set 
tire to her own clothing, and the flames 
communicated to the clothing of the child. 
The jury rendered the usual verdict. The 
mother of deceased was seriously burned, 
and was not expected to survive. 

A Child Scalded to Death. — In New 
York, this day. Coroner Schirmer held an 
inquest at No. 307 Madison Street upon the 
body of Mary J. Latamore. a child about 
three yens old, who w;is scalded to death by 
falling into a tub of hot water. Yerdict, 
••Accidental death.'' 

Fatal Fall from a Window. — In New 
York, Isabella B. Thomas, a child about 
three years old, was instantly killed, this 
day, by falling from a fourth-story window 
at No. 1333 Broadway. Coroner Gamble 
held an inquest upon the body of deceased, 
when the jury rendered a verdict of "Acci- 
dental death. ' 

Serious Railroad-Accident near Belle- 
ville, III. — This day, about half-past seven 
o'clock in the morning, the train on the 
Belleville Railroad coming toward St. Louis 
met with a serious accident, which was at- 

; tended by grave injuries to about thirty 

; persons. The accident occurred at Gart- 
side's coal-mines, about three miles this side 
of Belleville, and was occasioned by the dis- 
placement of a switch. The engineer saw 
the danger before reaching the spot, and 
with great heroism stuck to his post, whis- 
tled down brakes, and reversed the engine. 
But the train was going too rapidly to be 
stopped. It now ran off the track at the 
displaced switch, and the locomotive, tender, 
baggage-car, and one passenger-car tumbled 
in a wreck down an embankment fifteen feet 

| high. There were about thirty persons in 
the wrecked car, the greater portion of them 
delegates to the State IJemocratic Convention 

. at Springfield. -About twenty of them were 
injured, some of them seriously. The en- 

, gineer, Ross, was terribly scalded over his 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



52-: 



legs and the lower portion of the V 
the steam that escaped from the inverted 
locomotive. It is feared that he cannot 
recover. The other persons injured were 
James Hill, badly hurt : A. W. Shook, se- 
verely cut ; Collins Tan Cleve. badly bruised ; 
W. H. Stewart, back seriously injured: 
George L. Neuhoff, injured internally : Jacob 
Mauer, head hurt ; Jacob Choebel, left arm 

badly hurt ; Pidkin, cut in the face : 

Charles Schuchman. badly bruised : R. A. 
Moore, injured in his side ; Judge Snyder, 
rib broken. Others were less severely in- 
jured. All of the injured were citizens 
of St. Clair, some of them being residents 
of Belleville. The damage to the train was 
about six thousand dollars. 

Murder at Dexter City. — This day. 
Jacob Miller, a German, was murdered, in 
the night, by Max Greedier, another German, 
both from Leavenworth. Greedier is under 
arrest. The evidence against him is posi- 
tive, and will probably lead to his con- 
viction. 

Railkoad-Accidekt. — This day, as a 
rock-train was backing down on the Mem- 
phis it Charleston Railroad, near Larkins- 
ville, Ala., it ran over some cows, and the 
whole train, with the exception of the engine 
and tender, was thrown from the track. Two 
men. named John Henry and Joe Wesley, 
were killed, and three others seriously in- 
jured: one of them had his leg broken in 
three places. The conductor, who was in 
fault, fled. 

A Mother Beatex to Death by her Sox. 
— In New York, this day. an inquest was held 
at Bellevue Hospital upon the body of a wo- 
man named Mary Cromie, who was beaten to 
death at her residence, No. 88 Willett Street, 
under the following circumstances : — 

Mary Cromie, daughter of decease'!, de- 
posed that the family resided at I 
lett Street. On Tuesday night. Edward 
Cromie came home and commenced to abuse 
his mother for scolding her | Mary i some I 
time previously. Deceased told Edward to 
" shut up,"' when he struck her three or four 
blows with his fist, knocking her down upon 
the floor. After deceased was down, her son 
stamped on her face and breasts : when de- 
ceased rose, her son again attacked her and 
attempted to strangle her. declaring that she 
had lived long enough, and that he would 
kill her. She i the witness) endeavored to 
release her mother, but was unable to do so : 
and she then sought for an officer, but was 
unable to find one. Edward then ran away. 
and has not been seen sinee. Deceased was 
removed to the Bellevue Hospital. Robert 
Cromie, husband of deceased, stated that his 
late wife was of very intemperate habits and 
of very violent temper. He knew nothing 



of the manner in which she came to her 
injuries. The post-mortem examination of 
the body showed extensive marks of violence 
upon the face, chest, breasts, and neck. The 
lower jaw was fractured in two places 
the upper jaw separated from its at 
ments. Death, in the opinion of the phy- 
sician, resulted from asphyxia by strangu- 
lation, caused by the formation of a clot of 

in the larynx. A verdict was ren 
by the jury to the effect that deceased came 
to her death by -Violence received at the 
hands of her son. Edward Cromie." De- 
ceased was forty years of age, and a native 
of Ireland. The accused. Edward Cromie, 
is about twenty-five years of age, and a 
sailor by occupation. He has been missing 
since the assault was perpetrated. 

Parricide ix Mississippi. — This day. a 
man named Jones, residing near Ricl 
Holmes county. Miss., became crazed with 
liquor, and. loading his gun, threatened to 
kill his whole family, when one of Ma 
procured a gun and shot his father, killing 
him insta:. 

Coxtictiox of Thomas Hoffxax. — In the 
Baltimore City Court, this day. Thomas 
Hoffman was tried for the murder of O'Sul- 
livan. Efforts were again made to pu: 
but the judge (Bond) overruled all the quib- 
bles of counsel, and the case went to trial, 
which ended in his conviction, the jury 
bringing in a verdict of murder in the first 
degree. This was the first case of import- 
ance tried under the new law. 

The correspondent of the "New York 
Police Gazette."' speaking of the proceed- 
ings of the same court, says: — 

During the past week sentence has been 

• - 1 upon Bink, for the murder of ; 

r last summer. He was sent up for 
twelve years. Also upon George Lowman. 
for the murder of a German, in the Second 
Ward, on last election-day. Sent up for ten 
years. Also upon that incorrigible rogue, 
George De Ford, for stealing - cket- 

book. Sent to the penitentiary for eighteen 
months. 

FrxERAL or Gexeral Jesup. — The ob- 
sequies of Brevet Major-General Thomas S. 
Jesup, Quartermaster-General of the t\ 
States Army, were performed, this day, in 
Washington. The funeral sermon was de- 
livered at the Church of the Epiphany, 
beginning shortly after two o'clock p.m. 
The assemblage at the church was composed 
of flie highest officials of the Government 
and a large circle of sorrowing friends. 
The escort embraced military from Forts 
Monroe, McHenry, &c, besides the volun- 
teer-companies of the district. The c 
was very imposing, and attracted a large 
concourse of spectators to the line of the 



526 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



route pursued to the Congressional Burying- 
Ground, where the remains were deposited. 

Re-Election of Senator Clark, of New- 
Hampshire. — This day, in Concord, N.H., 
Hon. Daniel Clark was re-elected United 
States Senator by the Legislature of the 
State, receiving 184 votes of the 294 in the 
House. The Senate afterward concurred in 
the action of the House. 

Michigan Congressman Nominated. — 
In Michigan, this day, the Republican Con- 
vention for the Second Congressional Dis- 
trict, at Cold Water, nominated Fernando 

C. Beaman, of Adrian, for Congress. 

Great Race on the Union (L.I.) Course. 
— Flora Temple Beaten by Patchen. — This 
day, the second great trot between those 
celebrated trotting-horses, Flora Temple and 
George M. Patchen, came off on the Union 
Course, L.I. The day was so delightfully 
fine, and the interest attached to the second 
meeting of those famous horses so great, 
that an immense crowd assembled. The 
betting was one hundred dollars to fifty that 
Flora would win the race ; but she was beaten 
by the stallion. The following is the sum- 
mary of the race: — 

Union Course, L.I., Tuesday, June 12. — 
Trotting-match for $500 a side, two-mile 
heats and repeat, in harness. 

D. Tallman named br. h. G. M. Patchen... 1 1 
J. McMann named Flora Temple 2 2 



TIME. 

Quarter. Half. 

First heat 36i sec. 1.12 

Second heat,. .38" 1.12 



Mile.. Heat. 

2.23 4.53^ 
2.25 4.57| 



The Japanese Embassy. — In the morn- 
ing of this day, about half-past ten, the 
principal officers of the Japanese Embassy 
visited the United States Mint in Philadel- 
phia, in company with Captains Dupont and 
Porter and one or two members of the Com- 
mittee of Councils, all other persons being 
excluded except the reporters of the press. 
This step was rendered necessary to prevent 
the crowd from excluding the Embassy from 
seeing the curiosities and machinery of the 
Mint. They were received by Col. Snowden, 
the Director of the Mint, in a neat speech. 

The Ambassadors replied in a few words of 
thanks, after which they were conducted 
through the different rooms, to see the ope- 
ration of coining money. The machinery 
was examined with much care and apparently 
with satisfaction; but, as most of the Em- 
bassy had seen the same operation at the 
California Mint, but little time was spent in 
these rooms, — the main object of the visit 
being to witness the Assay Department and 
learn the proper mode of testing the value 
of coins and metals. 

The Japanese were conducted into the 



Assay Department, all other visitors being 
excluded, for the purpose of seeing particu- 
larly by what process the fineness and value 
of coins are ascertained at the Mint, and also 
to see a test of their own coins in compari- 
son with those of the United States. One 
main object of their visit, it seems, is to 
establish a fair understanding as to the ex- 
change of moneys between the two countries. 
According to the usual routine, pieces 
were first cut from some of their coins and 
ours. These slips were rolled out and taken 
to the delicate assay balance. But at this 
preliminary stage of the process the Censor, 
or Attorney-General, interposed an objec- 
tion. He said it would give no satisfaction 
at all to their Government to test only a 
small cutting : the trial must be made upon 
a whole piece at least, and more if possible. 
In fact, they had no conception of our idea 
of an assay, or, at any rate, no sufficient 
faith in it. All the gold in a certain number 
of pieces must be taken out and weighed by 
itself, and then, in comparison with the 
original weight of the pieces, a calculation 
would show the value. Of course their idea 
is correct; but it is a much neater and sim- 
pler operation, and more exactly reliable, to 
take only a small part, usually a half-gramme, 
or about seven and three-quarter grains. 
All the apparatus at the Mint for assaying is 
adjusted to this kind of operation, and will 
not admit of taking whole pieces, or several 
pieces together, which is properly the busi- 
ness of a refiner, not an assayer. No amount 
of argument could change their views : they 
were polite, but positive. In fact, they did 
not come to learn our mode of assaying, but 
to satisfy themselves as to the relative fine- 
ness of their coin and ours, and of course to 
see whether we knew how to demonstrate 
the matter. The officers of the Mint then 
conceded to their wishes, and agreed to 
melt down several of the gold pieces together, 
and put the melt through a "parting" or 
refining operation ; but, as the morning had 
by this time nearly passed, it was found 
necessary to adjourn and make another ap- 
pointment. 

When the Embassy were about leaving 
the Miut, they expressed a desire that the 
Director, together with the officers of the in- 
stitution, with whom they had been in con- 
ference on the currency question between 
the two countries, should call upon them at 
their hotel, for the purpose of conferring 
upon several points connected with the com- 
parison of the relative fineness and value of 
the coins of Japan and the United States. 

Accordingly, at two o'clock p.m., Mr. 
Snowden, Director; J. B. Eckfeldt, Assayer; 
Professor J. C. Booth, Melter aud Refiner ; 
W. E. Dubois, Assistant Assayer, and H. R. 
Linderman, Principal Clerk, waited upon the 
Envoys. The interpreter being present, the 
conference was opened by the "Censor" of 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



the Embassy, who stated that the Envoys 
had much pleasure with their visit to the 
Mint, and had witnessed with pleasure the 
several operations of coinage, and were much 
obliged for the trouble the officers had taken. 
The Director then signified his readiness to 
hear any suggestion they might desire to 
make, whereupon the "Censor" proceeded 
to state several points of inquiry in connec- 
tion with their business at the Mint. A 
very interesting discussion then took place, 
which lasted some time. The mode of de- 
termining by analysis the amount of gold, 
silver, and copper contained in certain coins 
of the United States and the Empire of 
Japan, and their comparison respectively, 
was finally agreed upon. 

In the afternoon several of them visited 
the Girard College. 

First Passengers to Minnesota from 
Red River Settlement by Steamboat 
and Stage. — This day, in St. Cloud, Min- 
nesota, the stage down from the Red River 
of the North arrived in the evening, bringing 
passengers from Red River settlement, (Hud- 
son Bay Territory,) who came through by 
steamboat and stage in the short time of 
seven days' actual travel. This, considering 
the state of the road from the late heavy 
rains, was an unprecedented trip. The 
steamer Anson Northup made the trip up 
the Red River of the North from Fort Garry 
to Georgetown — a distance of about four 
hundred miles — in three and a half days. 
She there connected with Burbank & Co.'s 
line of semi-weekly four-horse stages, which 
runs between St. Cloud and there, via Alex- 
andria, Bi'eckinridge, and Fort Abercrombie. 
Captain Kennedy, the distinguished explorer 
and Arctic navigator, and Mr. J. C. Burbank, 
the principal proprietor of the steamboat 
and stages, were among the passengers. 

Capture of the American Clipper- 
Bark Charles and Jane by the Neapoli- 
tans. — This day, the American clipper-bark 
Charles and Jane, supposed to belong to 
Bath, Maine, whilst conveying nine hundred 
men to Palermo, Sicily, from Sardinia, was 
captured by the Neapolitans near Fulminante, 
oft' the island of Ustica. She was at the 
time being towed by the Sardinian steamer 
Utile. Upon a representation being made to 
the Neapolitan Government by Mr. Chandler, 
the American Minister, she was afterward 
released. 



WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13. 

Destructive Fire in New Orleans. — 
This day, a fire broke out in the Orleans 
Cotton Press- Yard, in New Orleans. The 
fire commenced on Front Levee Street, and 
soon enveloped the whole region, destroy- 



ing the shed, valued at $300, the machine 
therein for compressing the cotton, valued 
at $15,000, and owned by R. D. Shepherd, 
and who had but just purchased it from 
Leeds & Co., the large foundry-owners. 
Besides these losses, two thousand bale,s of 
cotton were also destroyed before the efforts 
of the firemen were available. This cotton, 
or part of it, was the property of the firm of 
Rochford & Brown, who had just closed a 
sale for one-half of it. The entire cotton 
is valued at $90,000, and the gross losses by 
this fire will not fall much short of $200,000, 
— very little, if any, of which is secured by 
insurance. 

Fire in Owego, N.Y. — In Owego, the 
night of this day, Springsteen's large ma- 
chine-shop, near the railroad-depot, was 
consumed by fire. Loss, $17,500: no in- 
surance. The insurance expired a few days 
since. The fire originated in a spark from 
an engine. 

Supposed Slaver off Texas. — The Ma- 
tagorda (Texas) "Gazette" of this date 
says that a Baltimore-built clipper, com- 
manded and manned by Spaniards or Mexi- 
cans, was seen off Paso Cavallo, the pre- 
ceding week, and appeared to be looking for 
a pilot : she finally steered for Pass Aran- 
sas. She is supposed to be a slaver which 
had been prevented by our cruisers from 
landing her cargo at Cuba, and to be now 
seeking a market at some out-of-the-way 
Gulf port. 

The Annual Regatta of the New Jersey 
Yacht-Club took place this day, in New 
York Harbor. The following table shows 
the prizes and winners : — 

Prizes. — Three silver goblets : one for 
each class. 

Time of Time of 
Winner. Sailing. Arrival. 

First Class, Daniel Lockwood, 1.09 6.10 
SecondClass, John Bradish, 1.37 4.12*1 
Third Class, Kill-Time, 1.23 4.44 

The Illinois Democratic State Conven- 
tion for the nomination of State officers and 
Presidential electors met at Springfield, 
this day. The convention was large and 
harmonious. Every county but Calhoun 
was represented. 

The following nominations were made : — 
For Governor, James C. Allen ; for Lieuten- 
ant-Governor, Lewis C. Rass; for Secre- 
tary of State, H. C. Campbell ; for Auditor, 
Bernard Artenzein ; for Treasurer, Hugh 
Maher ; for Superintendent of Public In- 
struction, Dr. Roe ; for Electors at large, 
J. L. D. Morrison and W. H. Cushman. 

Resolutions endorsing the action of the 
Illinois delegates to the Charleston Conven- 
tion, and repeating the expression of the 



528 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



unanimous wish of the Democracy of Illinois 
for the nomination of Douglas at Baltimore, 
■were adopted. 

Loss of the Steamer Wave. — The little 
American steamer Wave, which acted so 
prominent a part in the capture of the 
Marin filibuster expedition, was wrecked on 
the bar of Tuspan, this day, on the passage 
from Tampico to Vera Cruz. The Wave 
struck while coming out of Tuspan Inlet, 
and carried away her steering-gear, when 
she went ashore. The wind at the time was 
e.s.e., with a heavy ground-swell. The 
vessel is a total loss : the cargo, however, 
was saved in a damaged state. There were 
no lives lost. The AVave was owned in New 
York, and was in the employment of the 
Constitutional Government of Mexico. Cap- 
tain Germain and family arrived at New Or- 
leans from Vera Cruz in the schooner Emily 
Keith. 

Indiana Congressional Nomination. — 
This day, the Republican Convention of the 
Ninth Congressional District of Indiana no- 
minated the Hon. Schuyler Colfax, by ac- 
clamation, for re-election to Congress. The 
(•(invention was a larger one than ever be- 
fore held, in that district, and was very en- 
thusiastic. 

The Ohio Republican State Conven- 
tion assembled at Columbus, this day, and 
nominated Jacob Brinkerhoff, for Supreme 
Judge ; Levi Sargent, for member of the 
Board of Public Works ; and Gen. James 
Murray, for Attorney-General. 

For Presidential electors at large, the 
following were chosen: — Frederick Hassen- 
rack, of Hamilton, and J. M. Root, of Erie. 

The Massachusetts Legislature (which 
had been holding a special session) ad- 
journed the morning of this day. Two bills 
were adopted relative to the cattle-disease, 
— increasing the State Commission to five 
members, providing for a scientific investi- 
gation, giving power to town authorities to 
kill or isolate cattle and make other regu- 
lations for the treatment and extirpation of 
the disease, and appropriating $10,000 for 
the purpose. 

Resolutions endorsing Mr. Sumner's re- 
cent speech were adopted, after a warm 
debate,— 86 to 44. 

Difficult Surgical Operation Wit- 
nessed by One of the Japanese Physi- 
cians. — The difficult operation of amputa- 
ting the leg at the hip-joint was successfully 
performed at the Pennsylvania Hospital, 
Philadelphia, this day, by Dr. Pancoast, 
upon Mr. Morris Heston, of New Jersey. 
The operation was witnessed by a number 
of medical men, including one of the physi- 



cians of the Japanese Embassy. A tumor 
upon the leg rendered amputation necessary, 
and the patient, having consented to it, has 
been at the hospital for a week or two, pre- 
paring for it. It was the first operation of 
the kind ever performed at the Pennsylvania 
Hospital. The Japanese doctor was not ac- 
companied by an interpreter, and could not 
be communicated with freely. He watched 
the operation very attentively, and ex- 
pressed his satisfaction by signs, at the 
close. 

Supposed Robbery and Probable Mur- 
der at Jersey City. — The morning of this 
day, a black canvas travelling-bag was 
found on the Paterson dock, Jersey City, 
cut open, and with blood-stains on the arti- 
cles it contained, and on the bag itself. The 
supposition then was that it had been stolen 
from the railroad-cars, and that the blood 
was from a cut probably on the hand of the 
thief, received in the haste to get at the con- 
tents of the bag. From papers found in the 
bag it was judged to belong to a Mr. W. S. 
Burns, who, it would seem, was transacting 
business for or with a Mr. Northup and Mar- 
tin, Newark. The bag was fully identified 
as Mr. Burns's, by Mr. Martin, one of the 
firm in Newark, above mentioned. 

Mr. Burns was a married man, of some 
thirty-five years, with a family residing in 
Rathboneville, a small village in Steuben 
county, N.Y., on the line of the Erie Rail- 
road, at. which place he had in operation a 
small flouring-mill. He left home on Mon- 
day morning last, to go to Newark, since 
which time nothing has been heard of him. 
He had in his possession between $1500 
and $1600, with which to pay a note in 
Newark, and one at the American Exchange 
Bank, New York, which was due. The mo- 
ney which Mr. Burns had in his possession 
was on the Sussex County Bank, of Newton, 
New Jersey. Mayor Van Vorst directed 
Coroner Gafney to institute a careful search 
in the vicinity where the bag was found. 
Coroner Gafney, with a party of men, 
dragged the slip near the dock where the 
bag was found, but nothing was discovered. 
The missing man is five feet five inches 
high, thick-set, and is well known on the 
Erie Railroad, on which he has travelled a 
great deal for the purpose of selling flour. 

Suicide on the Hudson River Railroad. 
— About one o'clock this afternoon, as the 
up-express was between Tarrytown and Ir- 
vington, on the Hudson River Railroad, the 
engineer observed a man walking upon the 
track, but, as he was upon the opposite one 
to that upon which the train was running, 
no signal of danger was necessary. Just as 
the train arrived nearly opposite him, he 
deliberately stepped in front of the engine, 
which threw him from the track. The train 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



529 



was at once stopped, and backed to where he 
lay, when it was found that he was quite 
dead, his neck having been broken. The 
body was taken on a hand-car to Irvington, 
and the coroner notified. The deceased 
was about forty-five years of age, arid no 
doubt walked in front of the engine with the 
intention of committing suicide. 

Drowned. — Messrs. Edward F. Gage and 
H. H. Kimball, of Memphis, Tenn., were 
drowned while bathing, on this day, in the 
river near that city. 

Found Drowned. — In Philadelphia, an 
inquest was held, this day, upon the body 
of an unknown man, found drowned in the 
Delaware, at House's ship-yard wharf, 
Richmond. He was about thirty-five years 
of age, had on a check shirt and blue drill- 
ing jacket and pants, no shoes or stockings. 
Tied to the body was a rope some thirty 
feet in length, leading to the supposition 
that the body had been made fast to some 
place. The body appeared to have been in 
tiie water five or six days. A verdict of 
"Found drowned" was rendered. 

Hot Weather and its Effects in New 
Orleans. — This day was the hottest day 
of the season in New Orleans. Thomas 
Hughes, a native of Wilmington, Delaware, 
aged thirty-eight years, fell dead on the 
side-walk in Thalia Street. Lewis Koenig, 
a German, aged forty years, was found dead 
at the Lesseps plantation, in the Third Dis- 
trict. An unknown man was picked up on 
Washington Street, whore he had fallen 
senseless from the effects of sun-stroke. 

Squeezed to Death. — Barney Clark, of 
Long Branch, N.J., who had been peddling 
fish through Monmouth county, was found 
dead, this morning, near Eatontown. His 
wagon had been upset, and his body was 
found lying beneath that of his horse. 

Ax Heroic Girt-. — The night of this day, 
Miss Moore, the daughter of the keeper of 
the light-house on Fairweather Island, 
just below Bridgeport, Conn., heard cries 
tor help at a distance from the shore, and 
determined that an effort should be made to 
rescue whomever it might be. It was too 
(Li rk to tell the direction or the distance, 
but. summoning two young men to her aid, 
she launched the boat belonging to the 
light-house, and ordered them to pull out in 
the direction of the cries, she herself hold- 
ing the tiller. About two miles out in the 
Sound they found a sail-boat capsized, and 
clinging to it two men, who were nearly ex- 
hausted. One of them was entirely helpless ; 
but both were finally rescued from death by 
the coivrage of this brave girl, and brought 
safely to shore. Mr. Moore, the keeper of 



34 



the light, has been for some years afflicted 
with ill health, and, when he is unable to see 
to the details of his office, this daughter as- 
sumes the entire management, trimming the 
beacon witli her own fair hands. 

Killed by a Falling Bank. — In New' 
York, this day, Robert Duffy, a laborer, was 
instantly killed by a bank of earth falling 
upon him, while he was engaged at work, 
corner of Nineteenth Street and First 
Avenue. 

Accident on the New Jersey Railroad. 
— Two Children Killed at East Newark. 
— As the seven o'clock train from Rahway 
this morning reached East Newark, two 
little girls, named Gallagher and Dillon, 
aged about seven or eight years, were dis- 
covered by the engineer walking hand in 
hand across the track, a short distance in 
advance of the approaching cars. He 
sounded the whistle for breaking up, and 
the utmost efforts were made to stop the 
train. The children had just come up an 
embankment, and attempted to cross the 
track diagonally just as the locomotive 
reached them, and, notwithstanding the 
warning given by the engineer, they kept 
on, and were both struck by the cow- 
catcher. 

One of them was thrown beneath the loco- 
motive and train, which passed over her, 
doing, however, no apparent injury, al- 
though when picked up she was in almost a 
lifeless condition. The other was thrown 
with great force down the embankment, and 
was injured in the face from the right 
temple downwards, and was instantly killed. 
The two bodies were placed side by side on 
the grass. The parents of the children, at- 
tracted by the stopping of the train and the 
outpouring of the passengers, approached 
the ground slowly and in entire ignorance 
of what had happened ; but when they were 
apprized of the facts in the case, they gave 
vent to their feelings by the wildest excla- 
mations and sobs. The mother of one of 
the little ones could hardly be restrained, 
from doing violence to herself. 

The passengers were unanimous in the 
opinion that the engineer could not have 
prevented the sad catastrophe. 

Breaking up a Band of Thieves on the 
Colorado and Gila Rivers. — This day, the 
agents of the California Overland Mail Com- 
pany succeeded in breaking up a formidable 
band of robbers and thieves on the Colorado 
and Gila Rivers. The Tucson " Democrat" 
says : — 

This section has been a place of refuge 
for fugitive villains for a long time, and 
their numbers have heretofore given them 
impunity from arrest. Many robberiea 
have been perpetrated upon individuals, and 



630 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



also upon the company. On a recent occa- 
sion, one hundred sacks of barley, worth at 
that point twelve cents per pound, were 
carried off; animals also were stolen. The 
intentions of the band, however, were grow- 
ing too sanguine for all of them. A plan 
was laid to rob the mail and passengers, and 
also the agent of the road. Before it was 
accomplished, one of the band revealed 
the plot to Mr. Stevens, agent at the Colo- 
rado, and he, with Messrs. Jacobs and 
Iaeger, took immediate steps to break up 
the gang. 

Three men were arrested and choked by 
a hangman's noose from the lower branch 
of a mesquit until they confessed crimes, 
names, and numbers, with necks black from 
the compression of the rope. They were 
ironed, and sent under escort to San Diego 
for trial. They were men for whom rewards 
were still advertised as escaped fugitives 
from the courts of that county. 

The next day, two others, having a lurk- 
ing-place down the river, were arrested, 
and, after confession, were ordered to leave 
the country at an hour's notice, which they 
were only too glad to do. 

The revelations located members of the 
band all along the road as far as Tucson, 
where the leader, a bold man escaped from 
justice in Los Angeles, remained. Messrs. 
Stearns and Jacobs came up to Tucson, ar- 
rested Jenkins and Phelps, and took them 
back in irons to the Colorado. At the Pimo 
villages, Jenkins managed to escape into the 
thicket that borders the river ; but the In- 
dians, five hundred in number, turned out, 
with sticks, surrounded the thicket, and, 
drawing a circle, soon caught him, and he 
was sent on for trial. 

Two other bad men were arrested at the 
ferry, — Reub. Leroy and Charley Rathburn, 
— making ten in all, eight of whom were 
sent to San Diego for trial. There was 
great excitement among all the bad charac- 
ters there; but the promptness of Stearns 
and Jacobs so astonished them that they 
made no attempt to rescue their associates. 



THURSDAY, JUNE 14. 

Fatal Fall from a Bridge. — In New 
York, this day, James Cregan died at the 
New 1 ork Hospital from the effects of injuries 
sustained by falling from a bridge, at Port 
Jervis, Orange county, New York. The 
bridge had been partially planked with loose 
boards, and as deceased was passing along 
he missed his footing and fell between the 
timbers to the ground below. 

Embankment-Casualty. — In New York, 
this day, Conrad Hier, a German, died at 
Bellevue Hospital from the effects of injuries 
accidentally received by the caving in of 



an embankment in Forty-First Street, near 
Fifth Avenue. Deceased was in the employ- 
ment of a contractor named Ilamrill, and was 
engaged in excavating for a foundation when 
the accident occurred. 

An Unknown Man Found Drowned. — In 
New York, this da3 r , Coroner Jackman held 
an inquest at Pier 11, East River, upon the 
body of an unknown man, about thirty-five 
years of age, and five feet six inches high, 
who was found floating in the water. From 
the manner in which deceased was dressed, 
he is supposed to have been a 'longshoreman. 
He had gray eyes, light hair, no whiskers, 
and had one tooth missing from the upper 
jaw. The body appeared to have been in the 
water about three or four days. Verdict, 
"Found drowned." 

Found Drowned. — In Wilmington, Del., 
this day, Mr. Levi Weldin, while walking 
round the bank of the Christiana Creek, saw 
a human body floating in the water, which 
upon a nearer inspection proved to be that of 
a negro man apparently about twenty -fiv 3 
years of age. From appearances it was 
conjectured that he had lain in the water for 
several weeks, as it was much disfigured by 
the fish and crabs that had preyed upon it. 
Owing to the condition in which the body 
was when found, it was impossible to identify 
it or discover whether there were any marrks 
of violence upon it. 

A Fatal Pleasure-Excursion. — This day, 
a lad named Henry W. Smith, aged sixteen 
years, of No. 196 West Thirtieth Street, New 
York, went on a Sunday-school pleasure-ex- 
cursion and picnic with a number of children 
belonging to the same school. The party 
took a steamboat, and proceeded up the river 
to Dudley's Grove, where they spent a pleasant 
afternoon. When nearly opposite Fort Lee, 
on their return, a companion of Smith's drew 
a small row-boat that was towing astern, up 
to the steamboat, and Smith got into it. As 
soon as he was seated in the boat, the other 
lad let go the chain, and the boat dropped 
suddenly astern again. When the chain was 
out its full length, the sudden jerk threw 
Smith overboard. He called loudly for as- 
sistance, and struggled in the water a long 
time, but finally sank, and was seen no more. 
The steamer was stopped as soon as possible, 
but too late either to save the lad or recover 
the body, and, after a long time spent in 
fruitless search, the now saddened pleasure- 
party returned to the city. 

Desperate Encounter with a Burglar. 
— This day morning, about four o'clock, a 
man named Constant Rupps, residing in East 
Newark, N.J., was awakened by a noise in 
the house, and, upon getting up to ascertain 
the cause, he detected a burglar ransacking 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



531 



the premises. Rupps at once closed with the 
burglar, when the hitter drew a dirk and 
stabbed him in the wrist, and with a slashing 
cut severed the cords of the other wrist. 
The burglar was secured, and on his person 
was found a valuable gold chain, the property 
of Thomas Craig, of the Davis House, which 
had also been burglariously entered. The 
prisoner, William R. Irving, alias Kelly 
Irving, was taken to the Hudson County Jail 
by Constable Shephard, to await the action 
of the grand jury. 

New Town. — Advices from Denver City of 
this date state that a town has just been laid 
out in a beautiful valley at the mouth of the 
California Gulch, called Jeahoe, which is 
rapidly filling with trading-houses, cabins, 
&c, for supplying provisions, tools, and other 
necessary articles for the mines. 

Inhuman Outrage. — In New York, this 
day, Peter Rogan, an old man, was placed at 
the bar charged with committing a rape upon 
a child six years old. The particulars of 
this case, if it were prudent to detail them, 
would show one of the grossest and most 
horrible deeds of crime on record. The 
Recorder, in passing sentence, observed that 
had Rogan been tried and convicted he would 
have sent him to the State prison for the 
term of his natural life ; but, as the prisoner 
offered to plead guilty to an attempt, the 
prosecution, in order to avoid the liability of 
a disagreement of the jury, (as the only wit- 
ness in the case was the little girl,) consented 
to accept the plea. The court sentenced him 
to imprisonment in the State prison for five 
years. 

Affray between Two New York Alder- 
men. — This day, an affray occurred in the 
Summers Hotel, New York, between two 
aldermen of that city, named Barry and 
Bagley. It commenced by Alderman Bagley 
telling Alderman Barry that he lied, — where- 
upon the latter struck him in the eye with 
his fist. Mr. Barry rushed in and closed 
with his adversary, and a rough-and-tumble 
fight commenced between them, in which 
both were somewhat bruised and hurt. 
Sergeant Van Brunt, of the Nineteenth Pre- 
cinct, was called, and separated the parties, 
both showing in their clothes and persons the 
effects of the conflict. 

Gardner Furniss Charged with Steal- 
ing a Wagon and Harness. — In New York, 
this day, Gardner Furniss, who figured in an 
intrigue with the wife of Dr. Woodman, of 
New Orleans, at the New York Hotel, some 
time ago, was arrested by Officer Lee, of the 
harbor-police, on a charge of stealing a 
wagon valued at $100 from John Harnian, 
of No. 45 Greenwich Street, under the fol- 
lowing circumstances: — 



The accused, it is alleged, went to the 
complainant's livery-stable on the 6th inst., 
in the absence of the proprietor, and in an 
authoritative manner directed one of the 
employees to attach the wagon in question to 
a horse which he had in attendance. The 
hostler was a little suspicious at first, but, on 
Furniss assuring him that the "boss" had 
given him directions to "hitch up," he became 
satisfied, and allowed the vehicle to depart. 
Furniss promised to return the wagon the 
following evening, but failed to do so. Mr. 
Harman, who had not given the accused per- 
mission to take away the wagon, began to 
feel uneasy, and forthwith proceeded in search 
of his property. Upon inquiry he found that 
Furniss had visited the race-course on Long 
Island, and that on his return he exchanged 
the wagon with a Brooklynite, but the exact 
whereabouts of the vehicle could not be 
ascertained. He accordingly made a com- 
plaint against the accused before Justice 
Welch. Officer Lee found the prisoner at 
No. 372 Pearl Street, where he is engaged in 
the wine-business, and immediately brought 
him into court. The magistrate decided to 
hold Furniss to bail in the sum of $1000 to 
answer the charge. 

Loss of the Brig South. — This day, 
the brig South, from Nassau, was totally 
wrecked on Sheep Key Shoals, Bahamas 
Bank. Most of the cargo has been saved 
and brought to Nassau, — about 1800 barrels 
in bulk, in a fit state to send forward. She 
had a large quantity of iron on board, nearly 
all of which was saved, and one hundred 
and fifty tons of brick, not much worth 
saving. The South was built at Mystic, Conn., 
in 1855, two hundred and ninety-seven tons 
register, rated A 1J, and was owned by D. 
Golden Murray. 

Capsizing of the Schooner Pioneer. — 
Drowning of Two of the Crew. — This day, 
the schooner Pioneer, while going up to 
Mobile, from ship AVindsor Forest, with a 
load of railroad-iron, was struck by a squall 
on Dog River Bar and capsized. Of her 
crew of six men four were picked up. The 
others were supposed to be drowned. The 
Pioneer was owned in Mobile, and had been 
engaged in the lighterage business for 
several years. 

Mutiny on Board the Bark Helicon. — 
It was this day announced that a mutiny 
had broken out on the bark Helicon, Captain 
Gregory, near Gun Keys, and that one of 
the crew had stabbed the first officer. 

Jail Destroyed by Fire. — Negro Burned 
to Death. — This day, a fire broke out in the 
jail at Carlinville, 111., in a cell occupied by 
a negro. All efforts to get into the cell, at 
the time the fire was first discovered, were 



532 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June 



unavailing, the smoke pouring out in such 
suffocating volumes as to render entrance 
impossible. In the mean time the agony of 
the negro "was manifested in terrible groans 
and cries for relief. There being no fire- 
engine in the town, and no hose in the jail, 
and the resort to buckets proving unavail- 
ing, the poor fellow was left to his fate. 
The jail was completely destroyed, involving 
a loss to the county of Macoupin of about 
$4000. 

Fike near Cincinnati. — The night of 
this day, the steam saw-mill of Cameron, 
Story & Malone, situated in Storrs town- 
ship, was destroyed by fire. Loss, §25,000. 
Insurance, $4000. 

Destructive Fire in West Forty-Second 
Street, N.Y. — Six Houses Destroyed. — 
Thirteen Horses Burned to Death. — In 
New York, the night of this day. a fire broke 
out in the large frame stable, No. 181 West 
Forty-Second Street, owned and occupied 
by John Fitzpatrick ; and before the alarm 
could be given the entire building was in a 
blaze. The flames spread with great ra- 
pidity on either side, communicating first to 
the two-story frame dwelling, No. 179, 
owned and occupied in part by Wm. Con- 
nolly. The lower part was occupied by 
Timothy Buckley as a grocery-store. 

A two-story frame building in the rear, 
also owned by Mr. Connolly, next took fire, 
and thence the flames communicated to the 
three-story frame house owned by Alder- 
man Seagrist, who occupied the upper part 
as a dwelling, — Herman Zielg occupying the 
lower part as a rectifying establishment and 
store for the sale of liquors. 

The intense heat set fire to a three-story 
tenement-house in the rear of No.l 77, owned 
by Alderman Seagrist, and occupied by six 
or seven poor families. On the other side 
of the stable, the fire extended to the three- 
story brick house No. 183, owned and occu- 
pied by Wm. Dealing. The firemen of the 
district were early on the ground and labored 
with a will, and it was only through their 
united exertions that a general conflagration 
in this quarter was prevented. 

Nearly all the buildings in this neighbor- 
hood were frame, and many of them were 
prevented from taking fire from the sparks 
that were carried in every direction by the 
wind, by the occupants, who kept them 
covered with wet blankets and pieces of 
carpets. 

Thirteen horses perished in the flames, all 
attempts on the part of the firemen and 
stable-men to save them proving unavailing. 
A new carriage, valued at $750, which had 
only been received yesterday by Mr. Fitz- 
patrick, was burned. 

The losses and insurances are as follows, 
as near as we could ascertain : — 



Loss of Mr. Fitzpatrick on stable and 
horses, $3000. No insurance. 

Loss of Mr. Connolly, $2000. Insured for 
$600 on front building in the Greenwich In- 
surance Company, and $400 on rear build- 
ing in the People*s Insurance Company. 

Loss of Mr. Buckley. $400. No insu- 
rance. 

Loss of Alderman Seagrist on front build- 
ing, $700. Insured in the Hamilton In- 
surance Company. 

Mrs. Bolton, who resided in the alder- 
man's house, sustained $200 loss. Insured 
for $300 in the Hamilton Insurance Com- 
pany. 

Loss on rear building, owned by the al- 
derman, $1000. Insured for $1500 in the 
Stuyvesant and Hamilton Insurance Com- 
panies. 

Loss of Mr. Zielg. $200 on stock. In- 
sured for $800 in the Rutgers Insurance 
Company. , 

Mr. Genin, a tenant, was insured for 
$200 in the Eamilton Insurance Company. 
The other tenants are uninsured; and all 
lost their household furniture and clothing-, 
the flames spreading so rapidly as to pre- 
clude the possibility of saving even articles 
of trifling value. Several barely escaped 
injury, and were driven out in their night - 
clothes. 

Loss on the house and furniture of Mr. 
Dealing, $50(1. Insured $2000 in the Green- 
wich, on the house, and $1500 on furniture, 
in the People's. 

The fire was occasioned by the careless- 
ness of a stable-man in the employ of Mr. 
Fitzpatrick. The fellow attempted to nil .-! 
fluid lamp while it was lighted ; but gas ig- 
nited, and the burning material was scat- 
tered in every direction. The man narrowly 
escaped with life. 

Suicide at Haddonfield, N.J. — This day 
mottling, Mr. Griffith Hopkins went to the 
residence of his brother, Mr. John Hopkins, 
in Haddonfield, N.J., and asked for break- 
fast, which was furnished him. He then 
went up-stairs to a bedroom, and soon 
after, Mrs. Hopkins heard a heavy fall. 
when she ran up and found the unfortunate 
man weltering in his blood, having cut the 
veins of both arms. She endeavored to 
staunch the hemorrhage; but he soon bled to 
death. The deceased was formerly wealthy 
and respectable, but had for some time been 
a confirmed slave to intemperate habits. 

Suicide. — Orines Van Houton, residino- 
near Hohokus, in Franklin township, N.Y., 
committed suicide this day by hanging him- 
self in one of his out-buildings. 

Suicide in San Francisco. — This day, a 
jeweller of that, city, named J. P. Vander- 
looy. a native of Belgium, aged thirty-five 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



533 



years, committed suicide by taking mor- 
phine. 

Suicide in New York. — In New York, 
the morning of this day, James Davis, re- 
siding on the corner of Schenck Street and 
De Kalb Avenue, was found hanging by the 
neck, and dead, in his garret. He made use 
of a clothes-line to commit the deed. The 
deceased was a mason by trade, but, having 
had no employment for a long time, grew 
desponding, and finally put an end to his 
existence while laboring under mental de- 
rangement. He was forty-eight years of 
age, and leaves a wife and three children. 

Boiler-Explosion at Scranton, Pa. — 
The night of this clay, near Scranton, Pa., 
one of the boilers of Strong, Robertson & 
Co.'s tannery, at Dunnings, exploded, se- 
riously injuring two persons and consider- 
ably damaging the building. 

Sad Accident in Sandusky, Ohio. — In 
Sandusky, Ohio, the balcony of West's Hotel, 
which was crowded with people witnessing 
the tournament of the firemen, fell at about 
ten o'clock on the morning of this day. The 
following persons were injured : — 

Mr. Wales, of Clyde, O., leg broken. His 
wife was also badly bruised. 

Mr. Arms and sister, of Tiffin, 0., badly 
bruised about the head and chest. 

Mr. Taylor, of Tiffin, 0., arm broken. 

Mr. Rice, of Findlay, 0., arm broken. 

Miss Minnie, of Tiffin, 0., chest crushed. 

Mr. Black, of Vermilion, 0., arm crushed. 

Mr. Coston, of Bellefontaine. ribs broken. 

John Ross, of Sandusky, terribly dis- 
figured. 

Aud several others less seriously. 

Dreadful Accident. — Five Men Pre- 
cipitated from a Scaffold. — Four of them 
Severely and One Fatally Injured. — In 
New York, about six o'clock on the after- 
noon of this day, a scaffold in front of a row 
of buildings on the corner of North Sixth 
and Fourth Streets, Eastern District, sud- 
denly gave way, precipitating five men to 
the ground a distance of about twenty feet. 
Their names were Owen Conner, Patrick 
Hanley, John Towney, John McNamara, and 
Mr. Page. They were all insensible when 
taken up, and found to be severely injured. 
It was thought that Patrick Hanley was 
beyond the hope of recovery. He was taken 
to the residence of Mrs. McMannin, No. 220 
Soutli Fourth Street, and Dr. Olcott called 
to attend him. The other men were taken 
to their homes by the contractors of the 
buildings, Messrs. P. & C. D. Weeks. 

Wicked Attempt by a Father to Force 
his Daughter to Prostitution. — In New 
York, this day, a policeman entered the 



Jefferson Market Police Court, having in 
charge a brutal-looking Irishman. The 
man's appearace was rough and filthy, as if 
he had been drunk for weeks. His hair 
hung in matted locks about his forehead and 
eyes, his face was bloody and still bleeding 
from several little cuts received in some 
drunken brawl. Accompanying the officer 
and the prisoner was a pretty-looking girl, 
about nineteen years of age. She was plainly 
but neatly dressed, her whole appearance 
was prepossessing, while honesty and truth 
were stamped in every line of her features. 
The prisoner was placed in the box, to await 
his regular turn for examination, and the 
young girl took her seat among the crowd 
of men and women who were in attendance 
as witnesses and spectators. The magistrate 
soon noticed the young woman, and, being 
struck by her look of distress, and her ap- 
parent uneasiness at the situation in which 
she was placed, he at once called her to him 
and inquired the nature of her business. 
She told him her story, while the tears stole 
down her cheeks aud her sobs nearly choked 
her utterance. Her name was Margaret 
Rooney, and the brutal-looking prisoner was 
her father. She was born in New York, and 
had lived with her parents until about a year 
ago, when she left them and went out to 
service. Previous to leaving her home her 
father had become very intemperate, and 
often abused his wife and children. Finally 
her mother took to drink also, and at last 
both the parents became so depraved that 
they kept drunk nearly all the time. When 
they would become partially sober, it was 
i only to quarrel and fight, and abuse the 
children, of whom there were four, — Mar- 
garet being the oldest. The parents had 
owned a little property, — a few hundred dol- 
lars' worth, — but this was soon exchanged 
for drink. When that was all gone, the 
household goods, clothing, and every article 
of comfort possessed by the family, were 
sent a piece at a time to the pawn-shop, 
and its equivalent in whiskey obtained. 
In this way they went on, — drinking, quar- 
relling, fighting, and abusing their children, 
— till every thing of value had passed down 
their throats in the shape of rum. Then 
the father and mother, in their drunken de- 
pravity, called upon Margaret to find them 
money, more money, and more rum. They 
said the way was clear enough: — less at- 
tractive girls than she were walking the 
streets in gay attire, had plenty of money, 
and lived in luxurious ease. Why should 
not she '! Why not sell her body and soul to 
give them drink ? Up to this time, Margaret 
had borne with every abuse and indignity 
that had beeu heaped upon her, for the sake 
of the two little brothers and a sister, whom 
she felt bound to protect ; but this proposi- 
tion, coming as it did from those who should 
have guarded her innocence from all evil, 



534 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



and being insisted upon by them •with threats 
and curses, determined her to run away. So 
one day, -when her father and mother had 
drunk and fought themselves into a state of 
insensibility, after having beaten her for 
persisting in refusing to accede to their wishes, 
she stole out of the house and left her home 
forever. It was not long before she obtained 
a good situation with a lady who treated her 
kindly and gave her every encouragement 
to do well. After having worked there a 
short time, she took up her wages and went 
to her old home to do something for her 
brothers and sister. She tried to leave them 
the few articles she had brought for them 
without seeing her parents; but just as she 
was leaving the house she encountered her 
father. It was impossible to avoid him, and 
an angry scene ensued: he attempted to 
detain her, but she finally eluded him and 
ran away as fast as she could. He followed 
her at a distance until he saw her enter the 
house where she lived. That night, about 
midnight, he returned to the house with 
several equally depraved companions, for the 
purpose of abducting her. Ascending the 
steps, he rang the bell, and Margaret shortly 
appeared at the door in answer to the sum- 
mons. He seized her rudely, and violently 
dragged her to the sidewalk, where she was 
surrounded by the other ruffians. They at- 
tempted to hurry her away; but her Bcreams 
brought to her assistance a policeman who 
was in the vicinity. At sight of him the 
father and his friends ran off, while Margaret 
re-entered the house. Two days alter, in 
the early morning, Margaret was sweeping 
the walk, when her father again rushed 
upon her and attempted to carry her off. 
Again the same policeman came to her aid, 
and this time succeeded in arresting the un- 
natural father, altera severe struggle. .Mar- 
garet did not like to have him locked up, and 
so entreated the officer to let him go ; but, as 
the drunken brute persisted in threatening 
and cursing her, the officer refused to release 
his prisoner, and finally induced Margaret to 
accompany him to court. And now she 
begged the magistrate to protect her and do 
something for her brothers and sister. She 
said that since she left home the little boys 
had been driven into the street by their 
father, who forced them to steal whatever 
they could. When they brought any article 
home, he would take it to a pawn-shop, get 
what he could for it, and buy rum for him- 
self and wife. In this way he was forcing 
the little boys to become thieves; and she 
begged they might be taken care of. The 
brutal father, who was thus striving to live 
upon the crimes and prostitution of his chil- 
dren, was immediately committed to prison, 
while the officer was despatched in search of 
the other children. He soon returned with 
all three, — two bright-looking boys, the 
eldest about twelve years old, and a little 



girl of five years. They were sent to the 
.Juvenile Asylum, whence they will soon be 
sent to the Far West, to be reared in habits 
of honesty and industry. Margaret, still 
weeping, took an affectionate leave of her 
brothers and sister, and, after thanking 
the magistrate lor his kindness and good 
advice, returned to her situation, happy in 
the thought that she had escaped the perse- 
cution of her father and the prospect of a 
life of shame. 

A Felonious Assault Caused by Jeal- 
ousy. — In New York, this day, Win. Fowler, 
who appeared to be a respectable man, was 
put ou trial, having been indicted lor an at- 
tempt to commit a felonious assault upon 
Mis. Mary Hue. The complainant testified 
that, on the morning of the 22d of April, the 
accused, in company with his brother and 
two friends, went to her residence, at 89 
Bedford Street, broke in the back-room door, 
then forcibly entered another door, ham- 
mered with a sledge-hammer on the bed, and 
presented a pistol to the breast of Mrs. Hue, 
threatening to shoot her if she did not tell 
him -where his wile was, remarking, " I am 
not quite through with you yet, but will 
finish another time." Mrs. Rue stated on 
her cross-examination that her daughter was 
married to Mr. Fowler, but she had been 
separated from him for the past three years. 

Rufus line, a lad, son of the complainant, 
corroborated her testimony. On hearing 
his mother call for assistance, he went to her 
rescue, meeting the defendant, (Fowler,) who 
said if he made a noise he would kill him. 
Each of the men who accompanied the 
accused had pistols. These were the only 
witnesses for the prosecution. Counsel for 
Mr. Fowler, in opening the case, informed 
the jury that the errand which brought the 
defendant to the house of Mrs. Rue. was far 
from being criminal. He would endeavor to 
show that tin- defendant heard that his wife, 
from whom he had boon separated, was not 
conducting herself with that propriety which 
the mother of his children ought to exhibit 
in society. He called 1'aniel Lohtler, and 
desired to show by him the animus with 
which the defendant went to Mrs. Rue's 
house ; but the judge ruled out the evidence, 
as it had nothing to do with the charge of 
assault and battery and did not justify the 
acts of the accused. This witness said he 
heard cries of "watch" and "murder" on 
the morning in question, which proceeded 
from the house of Mrs. Rue. 

John Fowler, brother of the prisoner, was 
the next witness, who swore that he was not 
in Mrs. Rue's house on the morning of the 
22d of April, and that he never carried a 
pistol in his life. 

In reply to a question of the Assistant 
District-Attorney, he said that he did not 
know he was under indictment for an assault 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



535 



upon Mrs. Rue; whereupon the prosecuting 
officer moved for a bench-warrant, which 
was granted, and the witness was removed 
from the stand and placed in the custody 
of an officer of the court. This summary 
arrest was altogether unexpected by Mr. 
Fowler, who immediately endeavored to pro- 
cure bail, and before the court adjourned he 
* gave bonds to answer the charge. 

The City Judge, in a lucid charge to the 
jury, recapitulated the facts proven by the 
several witnesses, quoting a comparatively 
recent statute, which provides for the pun- 
ishment of any person who shall attempt to 
shoot with firearms. His Honor replied to 
the statement of law made by the counsel, 
that his client could not be convicted of the 
offence charged if it was not shown that the 
pistol was loaded, by saying that the jury 
were to infer from the previous threats of 
Fowler that he intended to kill Mrs. Rue. 
The evidence of William Hughes, a witness 
for the defence, was also commented upon 
by the court, and the jury were informed that 
he stood in the position of an interested party, 
having on one occasion appeared at the Spe- 
cial .Sessions to prosecute a complaint against 
Mrs. Rue, which was dismissed. 

The jury retired to their room at half-past 
five; and half an hour afterward they came 
into court, and one of the jurors stated that 
the foreman, who was a German, did not un- 
derstand the English language. The judge 
discharged the jury from the further con- 
sideration of the case, stating that the fore- 
man should have said he did not understand 
the evidence, and thus have saved the time 
of the court. 

The prosecuting officer moved to increase 
the bail from $1000 to $20.00, which motion 
was granted by the court, his bondsman 
heretofore being John Fowler, now under in- 
dictment for a simple assault upon Mrs. 
Rue. The defendant sent to procure bail ; 
but the judge, having been on the bench 
since morning, could not keep the court open 
till Mr. Fowler's surety arrived; so that he 
was taken into custody by the sheriff and 
conveyed to the city prison. 

Mrs. Fowler, who has been trying to get a 
divorce from her husband, occupied a seat 
beside the District- Attorney during the trial. 
She was fashionably dressed, and has a 
dashy appearance, and of course was closely 
scrutinized by the spectators. 

Explosion of Fireworks. — Suspected 
Arson, and Arrest of the Alleged In- 
cendiaries. — In Williamsburg, N.Y., this 
day, a large brick building, situated in Green 
Street, near Union Avenue, Green Point, was 
blown into fragments by the explosion of a 
quantity of fireworks which had been placed 
there for storage. The building and con- 
tents belonged to the firm of Boch & Puchta, 
of No. 50 Liberty Street, New York, and 



whose factory is at Green Point. This build- 
ing is used exclusively for stowing the manu- 
factured goods, and contained at the time of 
the explosion at least four thousand dollars' 
worth of fireworks ready for delivery. The 
roof of the house was thrown upward of 
forty feet in the air ; rockets, Roman candles, 
and squibs of different descriptions were 
scattered in different directions for hundreds 
of yards round. The noise of the explosion, it 
is said, was heard nt a distance of two miles. 
The exploded building was detached, and at 
least two hundred yards from any other 
house : consequently the damage done was 
confiued entirely to the premises of Messrs. 
Boch & Puchta, who estimate their loss at 
about $5000 on building and stock. It was 
believed that the place was set on fire; and 
two men, named Uriah Hoare and Henry 
Wendt, were arrested on suspicion. 

Sentence of Eugene Pepe, alias Adams, 
to Death. — In New Orleans, this day, the 
Criminal Court was crowded to hear sentence 
of death passed by Judge Hunt upon Eugene 
Pepe, alias Adams, for the murder of Michael 
Dedinger, in his coffee-house, at the corner 
of St. Andrew and Laurel Streets, on the 
night of the 9th of April, 1859. The prisoner, 
when called to the bar, walked forward as 
briskly and unconcernedly as though it were 
to receive sentence but of a week's imprison- 
ment, and remained, during the judge's 
impressive address, unmoved, though atten- 
tive. In reply to the question of the clerk 
as to whether he had any thing to say why 
the sentence of the law should not be passed, 
he said he had nothing at all to say. Judge 
Hunt then proceeded to speak as follows: — 

Eugene Adams: — You are here to-day to 
receive the sentence of the law under a con- 
viction for the murder of Michael Dedinger. 
It is proper on this solemn occasion to declare 
that you had an impartial trial by a jury of 
your countrymen ; that you enjoyed and ex- 
ercised all the rights accorded by law to an 
accused, and that your defence was conducted 
with great ability by learned, experienced, 
and eloquent counsel. But your conviction 
was inevitable : it was the result of the 
clearest, fullest, and most conclusive evidence 
of guilt; it was in the course of public jus- 
tice and in the order of Providence. The 
evidence in the case has been reported in the 
newspapers faithfully and in detail ; but the 
court, for the more easy and ready apprecia- 
tion of the sentence of the law, will make a 
brief statement of the prominent facts. . . . 
Michael Dedinger was murdered ; he was in 
his own house, and in the midst of his family; 
he had given you no cause of provocation, 
and had only maintained toward yon his 
right to his property and to the orderly and 
peaceable management of his coffee-house. 
His wife and daughter and son, and an old 
man named Gray, were the wretched wit- 



536 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



nesses of this savage action. When Dedin- 
ger fell dead, as if transformed into a wild 
beast in figure as well as in spirit, you ran 
away on your all-fours, — on your hands and 
feet. 

An attempt was made on your part to 
prove that there had been a contest between 
you and the deceased, and that when he put 
you out of the house he threw you down 
with great violence ; but it was a complete 
failure, — the testimony introduced by you 
not commanding the respect and belief of 
the jury. 

Upon the evidence above stated, the jury 
concluded that you had been instigated to 
the homicide by a wicked and depraved 
spirit, and that the facts attending the kill- 
ing showed a heart regardless of social duty, 
and fatally bent upon the destruction of the 
life of a fellow-creature; and they accord- 
ingly returned a verdict against you. 

Eugene Adams, the act which has 
brought you to your present deplorable 
condition was committed while you were 
laboring under the pernicious excitement of 
liquor. A creature of mere impulse, of a 
wild and reckless temper, unchastened by 
the restraints of moral discipline and of 
religious education, you were transported, 
without any reasonable cause, into a frenzy 
of rage, a demoniacal fury, and took away 
the life of an unoffending citizen. For this 
atrocious wrong your life has been declared 
forfeited by the laws of your country. 

Unhappy young man ! May your melan- 
choly fate serve to teach others the neces- 
sity of restraining their evil passions, and 
abstaining from an excessive indulgence in 
the use of spirituous liquors, the most fruit- 
ful source of crime ! And may it especially 
impress on parents and other guardians the 
duty of inculcating on the minds of youth 
the great precepts of Christian love, and of 
guiding them in the paths of law and right- 
eousness. 

Eugene Adams, the life of man is na- 
turally short, but yours has been contracted 
by crime to a still briefer period. In a few 
days your mortal existence will terminate, 
and you will stand in judgment, for the deeds 
done in the body, before a just and offended 
God. Use the precious moments that re- 
main to you to obtain religious instruction, 
and endeavor, through faith and penitence, 
to secure the pardon of Heaven. He who 
is all-powerful is also all-merciful, and he 
has declared to those who, however griev- 
ously they have erred, yet sincerely believe 
and repent, that, "though their sixis be as 
searlet, they shall be white as snow." 
Humble yourself, then, before God. 

On your return to prison, send for some 
holy minister of the gospel, and seek, with 
his pious aid, to become wise unto salvation. 
Do not delude yourself with the false hope 
of a pardon from the Governor, nor sur- 



render up yourself to the consideration 
of things of this world, but devote yourself 
entirely to a preparation for the immortal 
change of estate which awaits you. And 
may God Almighty enlighten your under- 
standing and purify your heart, and, through 
the merits of Him who died to save sinners, 
receive you into his blessed favor. 

As the organ of the law, the court will 
now proceed to pass its sentence upon you. 
In consideration of the verdict of the jury 
finding you guilty of the crime of murder, 
and of the last section of an act of the Le- 
gislature of this State, entitled '-An act 
relative to crimes and offences," approved 
March 14, 1855, affixing the punishment of 
death to said crimes, you, Eugene Pepe, 
alias Adams, are hereby sentenced to suffer 
death; and it is ordered that this punish- 
ment be inflicted upon you by hanging you 
by the neck until you be dead ; and that the 
sentence be executed by the sheriff of the 
parish of Orleans, within the walls of the 
parish prison, on said day and at such hour 
as the Governor of the State of Louisi- 
ana in his warrant shall direct ; and it is 
further ordered that you be remanded to 
prison, whence you came, there to be kept 
in safe custody. And may God Almighty, 
of his infinite goodness, have mercy upon 
your soul ! 



FRIDAY, JUNE 15. 

Independent Candidate for Governor 
of Missouri. — This day, Judge Simple Orr, 
of Springfield, Mo., addressed the people of 
that place, and announced himself as an in- 
dependent candidate for Governor. 

Loss of the Schooner Token. —This 
day, Capt. Raymond, of the brig Judith 
Somes, from Ponce, P.R., in lat. 37° 52', 
Ion. 74°, saw a schooner with colors union 
down, and ran down to her. She proved to 
be the Token, of St. George, Capt. Wall, from 
Virginia for Thomaston, loaded with ship- 
timber. The captain requested to be taken 
off, his schooner having sprung a leak a few 
hours previous to sighting the brig, and had 
then four and a half feet water in her, and 
gaining rapidly. He succeeded in taking 
them off, five in number, and brought them 
to New York. As it was blowing a gale from 
the northeast at the time, and a heavy sea 
running, they did not save any thing but 
what they stood in. 

Execution of a Police-Officer, in New 
Orleans, for Murder. — Ex-Police-Officer 
Matthew Hughes, who shot Henry Hyams 
on the evening of the 8th of November last, 
at the doorstep of Hyams's boarding-house, 
on Rampart Street, near Girod Street, was 
executed this day, about eleven o'clock, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



537 



within the walls of the parish prison. 
Hughes at the time was laboring under the 
double excitement of a late election and of 
liquor, and, in company with a young man 
named George Wolff, sought a difficulty with 
Hyams and his friends, because they, or one 
of them, had hurrahed for Tom Parker. 
Wolff struck one of the party, and drew 
his pistol upon him: none of the party 
quarrelled back or resented the affronts 
offered, and as Hyams turned to run into 
his house he was shot in the back by 
Hughes, and fell dead. 

Hughes, though an officer, was not on 
duty that night. The chief of police had 
previously met him, and, seeing that he was 
intoxicated, advised him to go home. This 
he promised to do, but, falling in with others, 
and drinking more liquor on the way home, 
he was led to the commission of the act 
which cost him his life. He was a medium- 
sized man, of light complexion, and rather 
handsome features,— a native of the city, 
twenty-seven years of age. He was well 
known, and by many as an excellent fife- 
player, he having at one time followed 
public fife-playing for his living. He was 
generally liked for his mild and kind dis- 
position, but was known to be desperate and 
insanely reckless when in liquor. 

From the time of his sentence to death, 
Hughes prepared himself for his fate, and 
soon became reconciled to it, willingly re- 
ceiving and profiting by the pious ministra- 
tions of the Rev. Father Dufau. He long 
ago declared his intention of dying like a 
man and a Christian. His fife, the pet 
companion of his happier days, was per- 
mitted to him in prison, and he played upon 
it frequently and merrily for the entertain*. 
ment of himself and his few companions in 
the condemned cells. 

The following letter, written by the pri- 
soner for publication, will serve to show the 
state of the unfortunate man's feelings: — 

Parish Prison, N.O., June 14, 1860. 

The privilege of a man in my position to 
speak a few parting words from the scaffold 
I have waived for a brief address, which, 
through some friends of mine, will be given 
to the public after I shall have suffered the 
last penalty of the law. 

Unfettered by the empty formalities of 
the world, now fast receding. I address my- 
self, as I trust, in a Christian spirit suited 
for the occasion, first to you, my fellow-men 
and citizens, among whom I have been born 
and raised, and to ask your pardon for the 
humiliation and disgrace brought upon your 
city by one of its sons, who as man and boy 
looked with pride upon his native place, but 
who, deluded by its attractions, led by its 
diversions, forfeited his inheritance to its 
lawful enjoyments, and who by his fall 
detracted and lowered its fair fame. This 



pardon I feel assured you will grant me, 
when I am about to atone with my life for 
the crime which has been committed in your 
midst, while I offer my last prayers for the 
future prosperity and welfare of your beauti- 
ful city. The particulars of my crime are 
too generally known to require a repetition 
of the circumstances. It is sufficient to say 
that I committed a murder while under an 
extraordinary excitement of the worst pas- - 
sions, at the momentary impulse of a frenzied 
brain. Into this disgraceful state I had 
wrought myself by my own free will : I 
therefore acknowledge the justice of my 
punishment, and do not desire to shift the 
responsibility upon others who might have 
incited the deed, as they encouraged the 
reckless course followed by me of late. On 
the contrary, I freely forgive, as I hope to 
be forgiven before a higher tribunal, all 
those through whose advice and example I 
have been drawn into those dissolute habits 
which would have become the bane of my 
life, as it has been the cause of the crime 
for which I now have to suffer. A great 
consolation it would be in my last hour that 
this sacrifice of my life should prove a sale- 
guard to the young and the thoughtless, a 
warning to put a stop to their heedless 
career, and a lesson that the laws of our 
country may not be invaded and trampled 
upon with impunity, but that surely a day 
of retribution will come. Could I take with 
me into the next world the assurance that I 
had caused the retreat of but one soul from 
the road leading to endless misery, I should 
not consider my sinful life utterly spent in 
vain, but receive an additional promise in 
the mercy of my Creator. In addressing 
the parents, relatives, and friends of ray 
unfortunate victim, what language can ex- 
press the deep humiliation and penitence 
which have been the growth of constant and 
bitter remorse from the hour of the fatal 
deed ! Humbly I beg their pardon for the 
affliction this sudden bereavement of a be- 
loved member of their family must have 
occasioned; and I fervently hope that, with 
a Christian resignation in the loss they have 
sustained, they will nobly and generously 
forgive, upon my departure, the ruthless 
hand which has carried death and desolation 
into their very midst. Another severe task 
remains : to give words to those keen re- 
proaches for having crushed and broken the 
heart of my poor Avife, who affectionately 
has clung to me through all the vicissitudes 
of my misspent life, and who is doomed to 
drain the cup of affliction to the very dregs! 
Her prayers have sustained, her consola- 
tions have supported me to the very last : 
therefore my gratitude for her invariable 
kindness falls short of expression. May 
God strengthen and solace her, while from 
the bottom of my heart I ask her forgive- 
ness for the misery I have caused, the un- 



538 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



happy fate I have linked her to. I recom- 
mend her, in this my last hour, to those 
noble friends who have protected her during 
our separation, who will kindly continue to 
guide and guard, and keep her reputation 
unsullied of a crime which her husband is 
about to expiate with his life. Those few 
friends who have not deserted me in the 
hour of need I beg to forgive the trouble 
and anxiety I have caused, thanking them 
for their kind offices during my long im- 
prisonment. Among these, permit me to 
particularize the officers of the parish prison, 
who, under the superintendence of Captain 
Fremaux, so well known for his gentlemanly 
deportment and generous disposition, merit 
my grateful acknowledgment for their kind 
attention. Messrs. Louis Woolfero and Ga- 
briel Douvillier, with whom, through their 
daily attendance, I became more intimately 
acquainted, will pardon the liberty I take 
with their names, as the only mode to testify 
my deep sense of gratitude for their nume- 
rous acts of kindness and devotion displayed 
toward me, blending their stern duties with 
a sympathy and delicacy rarely met with in 
positions like theirs. May Heaven bless ami 
prosper them, and all those who have kindly 
lent their aid by instructions ami prayers 
to make my peace with God and to recon- 
cile me to my inevitable doom. I also 
tender my most sincere thanks to all those 
persons who have kindly visited me during 
my sojourn in prison since the time of my 
sentence: and I return thanks particularly 
to the two really benevolent and charitable 

ladies, Madames F— s and B e, for their 

great kindness to me, and the vast amount 
of spiritual consolation they have afforded 
me by their advice and instructions; and I 
beg that they will still continue to pray for 
my soul after I am dead, and I promise to 
do the same for them in that other and better 
world, in which, through the merits of Jesus 
Christ, 1 hope to live forever. To Him, be- 
fore whose judgment-seat I shall have soon 
to appear, I now direct my last thoughts 
and prayers, and implore of the Father's 
unbounded mercy that forgiveness which 
his Son has promised to repentant man. In 
this faith I die, commending my spirit into 
the hands of my God. Amen! 

Matthew Hughes. 

In the morning, one of the doomed cells 
being fitted up into a sort of rude chapel, 
with an altar decorated with flowers and 
candles, Hughes spent some time at his last 
devotions with Father Dufau. At about ten 
o'clock he appeared on the gallery, (which is 
in the third story, and enclosed with an iron 
grating,) smoking a cigar, and looking down 
at the assembling crowd in the yard, plea- 
santly exchanging recognitions with all he 
knew. Some two hundred persons were ad- 
mitted to the yard, while, as usual, a great 



and miscellaneous crowd of people collected 
in front of the prison, scorching and sweat- 
ing in the hot sunshine, without a hope of 
gaining admission or seeing any thing con- 
nected with the execution. 

At about eleven o'clock, the doomed man, 
attended by his confessor and the officers, 
his hands pinioned behind, and dressed 
neatly in white, the white death-cap on his 
head and a crucifix suspended to his neck, 
walked down to the second-story gallery and 
out upon the fatal trap. He was as firm and 
cool as it was possible for any man to be, 
his movements being firm and his face calm 
and placid, if not pleasant-looking. The 
death-warrant was read by a deputy sheriff; 
the rope was put over his head and drawn 
around his neck by the masked executioner, 
who, however, bungled, and did not get the 
noose properly placed until Hughes had given 
him repeated instructions, which he did in 
a manner and voice of perfect unconcern. 
Then the unhappy man made a brief address 
to the spectators. He acknowledged his 
guilt; expressed his readiness for death; 
claimed that he had a kind heart, and did 
not murder Hyams intentionally ; stated that 
he had prayed many times for the soul of 
Hyams, and hoped that those present would 
forgive him his sins, and pray for him when 
he was gone. His voice was firm and clear; 
and only once was there any sign of emotion 
in his face. 

Father Dufau prayed for him, blessed him, 
and held up the cross for him to kiss: after 
that, with his eyes raised to the blue sky and 
the bright sunshine above, he fervently re- 
cited the Lord's Prayer, and bowed his head 
in token of conclusion. The grim ogre be- 
hind drew the cap over his face and retired, 
taking the stepping-board off the trap. He 
disappeared in the cell behind; a moment 
of breathless suspense followed; a sharp 
chop was heard, and the convict dangled in 
the air. It was fifteen minutes before the 
physicians pronounced life extinct and gave 
the order to lower the body into the coffin 
beneath. 

All the prisoners were, as is the custom on 
such days, confined in their cells during the 
execution and deprived of the view of it. 
Eugene Pepe. Antonio Cambre. and the sailor 
Powell, the three remaining occupants of the 
doomed cells, obtained a partial view of the 
execution, by means of a small mirror, which 
they thrust, out between the bars and held in 
such a position as to see the awful spectacle 
in the glass. 

Hughes's wife visited him on Thursday, 
and their final and most touching separation 
took place. This day, about an hour before 
the execution, she again visited the prison, 
and weepingly begged the favor of seeing her 
husband once more before his death. The 
request was kindly but firmly denied, as 
being made too late. The unhappy woman 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



539 



remained in an inner room until after the 
execution. The fact of his wife's visit was 
withheld from Hughes; but about half an 
hour before his death he said that he knew 
his wife was there in prison, and he wished 
to see her once more before dying. Father 
Dufau, by the advice of the officers in au- 
thority, represented the request as being 
made too late, and that such an interview 
was calculated to unnerve him and unfit him 
for the solemn scene so soon to take place. 
Hughes represented that it would not un- 
nerve him, and begged to see his wife once 
more. The favor being denied with all t lie 
kindness compatible with the case, he re- 
signed himself, and went to his last prayers 
in the cell. 

After the execution, the body was neatly 
adjusted in the coffin, and all the marks of 
hanging removed or concealed as far as pos- 
sible, the face being left bare: and then the 
coma was laid in the lower hall of the prison. 
After the crowd had been turned out. the 
widow was escorted in by the chief of police. 
She bent over the coffin ; all others retired ; 
and for a long time her moans of agony 
echoed through the corridors. The body was 
given to her. 

Suicide is San Francisco. — This day. 
Arthur Matthews committed suicide by shoot- 
ing himself on board the steamer Milton S. 
Latham, off South Beach. Deceased for some 
time past has been engaged as watchman on 
the boat, but was in very ill health and suf- 
fering from chronic rheumatism. In 1852 
he was considered independent, but he had 
met with repeated reverses and was reduced 
to poverty. It is supposed that the commis- 
sion of the sad act was induced by a humili- 
ating sense of inability to support his wife 
and children, who are living at Iowa Hill, and 
by intense physical agony. The following 
note was found beside his body: — 

Oh! the Lord forgive me for the rash act, 
but my pain is unendurable. I am tired of 
life. Good-bye, Mr. Donahue. 

rthur Matthews. 

Billet in a Max's Heart for Eighteen 
Years. — On this day, Drs. Orville Terry and 
G. B. Balch made a post-mortem examina- 
tion upon the body of Mr. John Kelly, who 
resided at the time of his death in the town 
of Black Brook, N.T. In their report of 
the case they say: — 

In June. 1842, he was accidentally shot at 
Chatham Four Corners, a place on the West- 
ern Railroad, about twenty-five miles east 
of Albany. The bullet, passing through 
three boards before striking him, entered his 
right shoulder, passed toward the heart, and 
lodged under the collar-bone near where it 
is united to the breast-bone. This is sub- 
stantiated by the amount of disease found at 
this place, and the further fact that the sur- 



' geon passed his probe in about four or five 
inches before reaching the ball. We found 
one of the veins closed and the artery ossi- 

I fled at this place. 

We then examined the heart, and found it 
to resemble a stomach as much as a heart. 
The right side especially was very much 
changed, and seemed to be undergoing fatty 

\ degeneration. While examining the heart, 
we found a hard lump in the lower part of 
it. We introduced our finger into the right 
cavity of the heart, and found the lump to 
be in the substance of that organ: we then 
cut from the outside down on to the lump, 
and found it to be a leaden bullet. 

Our theory is that this ball remained in 
the vein where it was lodged until fourteen 
years ago, when it passed into a larger vein 
and thence into the heart, and there, irritating 
that delicate organ by its unnatural presence, 
caused the difficulty then for the first time 
observed. Ten days before his death he took 
a severe cold, resulting in an inflammation 
of the lungs and an aggravation of all the 
symptoms of disease of the heart, which 
continued unabated until the messenger of 
death relieved him of his earthly sufferings. 

Suicide in New York. — In New York. 
Coroner O'Keefe held an inquest, at 337J 
Water Street, upon the body of John Gilvain, 
a native of Ireland, aged thirty-one years, 
who committed suicide under the following 
circumstances: — 

On this day morning, deceased, who had 
been in low spirits in consequence of ill luck 
in business, procured a pistol, and. after load- 
ing the same with powder and ball, discharged 
the contents of the weapon into his left side. 
The unfortunate man was conveyed to the 
New York Hospital on a litter, and promptly 
attended by one of the surgeons; but, not- 
withstanding the ball was extracted and 
every attention was paid him, he gradually 
sank, and expired in less than twenty-four 
hours after his admittance. Deceased had 
often expressed a desire to die. and had more 
than once threatened to commit self-destruc- 
tion. Verdict, "Death by a pistol-shot- 
wound at his own hands, for the purpose of 
committing suicide." 

Murder in Missouri. — This day, in the 
evening, Mr. Edward Carroll, a respectable 
farmer living about three miles from the town 
of Franklin, was sitting before his house, 
when a man named Decker, one of his neigh- 
bors, went up to him with a shot-gun, and, 
after a few words, uttered in a high state of 
excitement, levelled it at him and fii-ed. 
The gun was loaded with "turkey-shot," 
which lodged in his armpit and chest. A 
great deal of hemorrhage followed, and gan- 
grene set in. In that condition he was 
brought to the city and placed in one of the 
hospitals, where, seeing the condition of the 



540 



VINCENTS SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



limb, Dr. Gregory performed an amputation 
of the arm near the shoulder. Mortification, 
however, continued to progress until the 
chest was involved, and the unfortunate man 
was relieved of his sufferings on Wednesday. 
He leaves a wife and children. Decker is at 
large. The cause of the quarrel was a cow, 
for the winter keeping of which Carroll had 
claimed damages. 

Two New Yorkers Fight a Duel in 
Maryland. — The afternoon of this day, a 
duel was fought at Marshy Point, in the 
neighborhood of Baltimore, Md., between 
Mr. Thomas Bryan and Mr. Samuel Neale, 
well-known gentlemen of New York City. 
The weapons used were pistols, and upon the 
first fire Mr. Neale was hit in the left shoulder, 
receiving a painful but not dangerous wound, 
the ball penetrating only the fleshy part of 
the arm. Mr. Bryan was attended on the 
ground by Mr. Meredith, of Philadelphia, 
and Mr. Neale by Mr. George Bowdon, of 
New York. The cause of the quarrel, which 
is said to have taken place at the Union Club 
in New York, grew out of a heated discus- 
sion between the parties respecting the na- 
tionality of the Italian patriot Garibaldi. 
A difference of opinion on this point led to 
words, and then to a blow from Mr. Neale 
and a subsequent challenge from Mr. Bryan. 

Mr. Bryan is about sixty, of small size. 
high toned, and highly cultivated, one of the 
best connoisseurs of art in America, polite 
but quick, and, when excited in discussion, 
gesticulates like an Italian. Mr. Neale is of 
the same age, six feet high, and athletic in 
proportion. He gets easily offended; and 
thus he took offence at some gesticulations 
habitual to Mr. Bryan, and struck him. 
Mr. Neale was shot in the same arm which 
he used in such a violent manner. 

Fatal Exflosion. — This day, the large 
boiler in Loomis's pottery, at Atwater Sta- 
tion, Ohio, exploded with terrific violence, 
shattering the building to pieces, and tearing 
off the head of the engineer, Richard Alex- 
ander, throwing it several feet from the body. 
No other person was injured, though several 
were in the building at the time of the ex- 
plosion. 

Accidental Drowning. — In New York, 
Patrick Morrison, a deck-hand on board the 
steamboat Isaac Newton, while washing him- 
self in the wheel-house on this night, missed 
his footing, and, falling into the water, was 
drowned before any assistance could be ren- 
dered him. The body was recovered by 
dragging, and taken to the station-house, 
where Coroner Schirmer held an inquest. 
Deceased was a native of Ireland, and was 
thirty-five years of age. 

Death of John Galbraith. — This day, 



the Hon. John Galbraith, an ex-member of 
Congress and Presiding Judge of the Sixth 
Judicial District of Pennsylvania, died sud- 
denly at his residence in that State. 

Arrest of a Condemned Fugitive Mur- 
derer. — In New York, this day, Captain 
Seaman, of the Fourth Ward, arrested an 
Italian, named Francisco Dominick Mayo, 
who is alleged to be a fugitive murderer from 
New Orleans. The story goes that, in the 
fall of 1857, Mayo became enamored of and 
finally married a housekeeper who was in the 
service of a Catholic priest. The priest, 
being desirous to see his housekeeper fairly 
settled in life, lent Mayo a sum of money 
to go into business. The time for payment 
came around, but Mayo was not ready with 
the money. The priest became anxious for 
his money, and pressed the matter rather 
closely, to the great annoyance of Mayo. 
Finally the community were startled one 
morning by the discovery that the priest had 
been murdered in his bed. Great excitement 
followed, and the police were active in their 
endeavors to arrest the perpetrators of the 
deed. They finally arrested thirteen men, 
Mayo being one of them, on suspicion of being 
implicated in the murder, and they were all 
put on trial. The evidence showed conclu- 
sively that Mayo was the main instigator of 
the bloody deed; but the prisoners were all 
found guilty, and sentenced to be executed at 
different times, three at a time. Three of 
them were executed, but on the second day of 
execution, when three more were to have been 
hung, the entire ten broke jail and escaped. 
Mayo was traced to Galveston, Texas, but ma- 
naged to elude the officers. The others have 
not since been heard of. Information was re- 
ceived in New York a few days ago that Mayo 
was in that city, and Capt. Seaman instituted 
the search which led to his arrest. He 
was about sailing for a foreign port, as one 
of the ship's crew. The prisoner denies his 
identity; but two persons who know him de- 
clared that he was the man. He was sent 
to New Orleans immediately for identifica- 
tion. 



SATURDAY, JUNE 16. 

Death of John Binns. — Mr. John Binns, 
a venerable citizen of Philadelphia, died in 
that city on this day. He was born on the 
22d day of December, 1772, in the city of 
Dublin, Ireland, and, sympathizing warmly 
with the Liberal party of his native country 
and of England, he became connected with 
revolutionary movements, which led to his 
arrest at Birmingham on the charge of high 
treason. For nearly two years he was con- 
fined in prison for his alleged political of- 
fences. In 1801, soon after his release, he 
embarked at Liverpool for Baltimore, and 
proceeded at once to Northumberland, Pa , 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



541 



where, in 1802, he commenced the publication 
of "The Republican Argus," which soon ac- 
quired an extensive circulation, and secured 
for its author great influence with the Demo- 
cratic party of that section of the State. In 
1807, he commenced the publication, in Phi- 
ladelphia, of "The Democratic Press,'' which 
speedily became the leading Democratic 
paper of the State, and continued to occupy 
that position until 1824, when Mr. Binns 
earnestly opposed the election of General 
Jackson to the Presidency, and supported 
John Quincy Adams. The popularity of the 
Hero of New Orleans was so great that many 
of the readers of "The Democratic Press" 
withdrew their patronage in consequence of 
the position of the editor, and his political 
influence and the prosperity of his journal 
rapidly dwindled away. In November, 1829, 
after the election of General Jackson, lie 
abandoned his editorial career. In 1854, he 
published an autobiography, in which the 
main incidents of his life are sketched, en- 
titled, "Recollections of the Life of John 
Binns : Twenty-Nine Years in Europe, and 
Fifty-Three in the United States." 

Mr. Binns was also the author of the 
'•old coffin handbill," a celebrated and bitter 
document against General Jackson. Subse- 
quently he obtained a commission as an al- 
derman, which he held a long while, and 
in which capacity he was known as one of 
the ablest and purest of public magistrates. 
" Binns's Justice" is a standard book of in- 
struction to the other aldermen. Mr. Binns 
was a ready and forcible writer, and a man 
of warm feelings and excellent principles. 

The Japanese Embassy this day left Phi- 
ladelphia for New York. 

Release of Mr. Hyatt. — The United 
States Senate this day voluntarily released 
Mr. Hyatt, as the committee had concluded 
its investigation in the Harper's Ferry busi- 
ness, for refusing to answer questions in re- 
lation to which he was committed to jail. 

Heavy Damages against the New York 
Central Railroad Company. — In Oneida 
County (N.Y.) Court, this day, Jared D. 
Matteson and wife obtained a verdict of 
$7150 against the New York Central Rail- 
road, for injuries the wife received from an 
accident on that road. 

Forfeiture of the Slaver Wanderer. 
— In Boston, this day. Judge Sprague, of the 
United States District Court, gave a lengthy 
decision, condemning the schooner Wanderer 
as forfeited for being engaged in the slave- 
trade. 

Fire at Lowell, Mass. — The saw box 
and planing mills of Otis Allen, at Lowell, 
were burned this afternoon. Loss estimated 



! at $10,000. The policy of insurance expired 
j on that, day, and the agent of the insurance- 
I company was on the premises when the fire 
| broke out, for the purpose of renewing it. 



Factory Burned. — The woollen-factory 
of Solon Perry, at Cambridgeport, Vt., was 
set on fire and totally destroyed, on the night 
of this day. The loss on factory, machinery, 
and stock is about §35,000, on which there 
is insurance amounting to $20,000. A large 
number of people were thrown out of em- 
ployment in consequence. 

Suicide of a Woman Eighty-Two Years 

I Old. — In Detroit, Mich., this day, an old 
woman eighty-two years old committed sui- 

j cide. The Detroit "Tribune," in giving an 
account of the affair, says: — 

On the corner of Adams Avenue and John 

1 R Street lives a lady by the name of Mrs. 
Boden, who for a month past had an old lady 
named Mrs. Martha Shinn, and her daughter, 
aged about thirty years, as boarders. .Mrs. 
and Miss Shinn had lived in the city for about 
nineteen years, and, being in destitute cir- 

| cumstances, and the daughter being very 
ill, the ladies in the vicinity had for a month 
back supported them at Mrs. Bodsn's. 

The daughter had been bedridden for s >me 
time, and had required a large amount of at- 
tention from her aged parent. Last evening 
the mother went out of the back door of the 
house about ten o'clock, and, an hour having 
elapsed, and the daughter needing attention, 
the latter called out. and was answered by 
Mrs. Boden, who, not finding Mrs. Shinn 
in the house, went to the door with a lighted 
candle in her hand, to look after her, when, 
on opening the door, what was her astonish- 
ment to see the person for whom she was in 
search, hanging from the limb of an apple- 
tree near the building and within the yard- 
enclosure ! 

Mrs. Boden immediately gave the alarm, 
and Mr. Win. A. Warren, who resides in the 
lions g adjoining, came to the spot as soon as 
possible, and discovered that the old lady 
had ceased to breathe. He immediately cut 
her body down, and, with the assistance of 
his wife, made every effort to bring back the 
vital spark : but all in vain. The deceased 
was an Englishwoman, and had, besides the 
daughter, two sons in California. She had 
often been heard to say that "she hoped to 
God she might die before her daughter;" am', 
it is believed that the suicide had been pre- 
meditated for some time. Just at dusk she 
dressed herself very neatly. — probably with 
a view to her death. Standing by the step 
of the door at which she went out was a 
bench, ami near it. an apple-tree. 

The indications were that when she went 
out she walked from the step along the bench 
to the apple-tree, and then, putting her head 
through the loop of a handkerchief tied to 



542 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



the limb of the tree, kicked the bench away. 
When found, the handkerchief was under 
her chin and pressing against her neck, her 
tongue was hanging out of her mouth, and 
her lower limbs were almost at right angles 
with her body. Her neck was not broken, 
but death was caused by strangulation. The 
probable cause of this self-murder of a wo- 
man who, in a short space of time, must 
have died from old age, was her destitution 
and the care it was necessary to bestow upon 
her child. 

Suicide by Drowning. — In Philadelphia, 
the afternoon of this day, an unknown 
white man, apparently thirty-five years old, 
leaped into the Delaware, at Pine Street 
wharf, and was drowned, though every eifort 
Avas made by the bystanders to save him. 
A rope was thrown to him, and a boat-hook 
held within reach, but he would not take 
hold of either. The body was soon after re- 
covered, and an inquest, was held on it by 
the coroner. A verdict of "Suicide by 
drowning'' was rendered. Deceased was 
dressed in a suit of black, and was of very 
genteel appearance. There was not any 
thing about him to indicate his name or resi- 
dence. 

Suicide by Shooting. — In New York, 
Matthew Walsh, a native of Ireland, aged 
thirty-six years, died at the New York Hos- 
pital, from the effect of a pistol-shot-wound 
in the head, inflicted by himself for the 
purpose of committing suicide. Deceased, 
it appeared, was a man of intemperate habits, 
and on the 5th instant, while laboring under 
the effects of delirium tremens, he procured 
a pistol and some powder and shot, and com- 
menced firing at a mark. He then reloaded 
the weapon, and, telling his friends that he 
was about to kill himself, he deliberately 
placed the muzzle of the pistol to his head 
and discharged the contents of the weapon 
into his brain. Deceased was brought to the 
New York Hospital, where he lingered in 
great agony until this day, when death put 
an end to his sufferings. Coroner O'Keefe 
held an inquest upon the body of deceased. 
Verdict in accordance with the above facts. 

An Unknown Man Found Dead. — In New 
York, the body of an unknown man, pro- 
bably a Scotchman, was found dead in the 
cut, corner of Eighty-Third Street and Ele- 
venth Avenue, on the night of this day. 
Death is supposed to have been caused by 
intemperance. 

Dreadful Accident in California. — 
This day, John Stanly, aged twenty-eight 
years, employed at F. Dunbar & Co.'s saw- 
mill, situated about thirteen miles from 
Murphy's, met with his death in a most 
shocking manner. While attending to his 



duties, his foot slipped, and he fell on the 
large circular saw while it was running at 
full speed, the terrible instrument severing 
his head from his body and cutting off one 
of his arms and both legs. 

Cold-Blooded Murder. — On the night of 
this day, some Germans who had just re- 
turned from an entertainment given by Mr, 
A. W. Bolenius, in Lancaster, Pa., were 
standing at the residence of Mr. Myers, in 
that city, when two men who were passing 
made some insulting remark, and one of 
them, drawing a revolver, fired into the 
crowd, instantly killing Adam Rees, the 
keeper of a lager-beer saloon. The coroner's 
jury found a verdict against Alvin Kendrick, 
who was accordingly arrested and committed 
for trial. 

Destructive Tornado at Albany, N.Y. 
— On the afternoon of this day, a terrific 
gust of rain and wind passed over Albany, 
N.Y., and its vicinity, uprooting trees, pros- 
trating houses and fences, and doing con- 
siderable damage to persons and property. 
Nearly all the gardens were destroyed by the 
hail, and the grape-vines suffered severely. 
The gust was quite limited in its extent, but 
the amount of damage done by it will reach 
$50,000. 

A Hard Blow. — The recent tornado, ex- 
tending up the Holston River, in Tennessee, 
was very violent. A letter from Freedom, 
Tenn., of this date, says that the ploughed 
earth was carried into the air by cartfuls. It 
adds : — 

At Hall's there was a quantity of bar-iron : 
it was picked up and carried a quarter of a 
mile, and some bars twisted around stumps of 
trees, so that they had to be pried off with 
hand-spikes. Mr. Dayvalt had over two hun- 
dred bushels of wheat in his barn, which was 
carried off and has not been heard of as yet. 
Bacon, flour, — in short, every thing within 
range, — were carried up in the air. Sheep 
and stock were seen away up in the air. 

Monument to Thomas H. Benton. — It 
was this day announced in St. Louis that the 
committee nppointed to raise funds for a 
marble statue of the Hon. Thomas H. Ben- 
ton have obtained the desired amount, 
$10,000, and awarded the work to Miss 
Harriet Hosmer. 



SUNDAY, JUNE 17. 

A Wife Kills Herself because her 
Husband Chews Tobacco. — Mrs. Rebecca 
Neshing, a native of Germany, thirty-nine 
years of age, residing in Tenth Street, near 
Avenue D, N.Y., was walking with her hus- 
band and some acquaintances, on the even- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



543 



ing of this day, on Harlem bridge, when, 
reaching the centre of that structure, she 
suddenly stopped, and, without giving any 
intimation of her intention, jumped into 
the water. When the body was taken 
from the water, life was extinct. The de- 
ceased was married nine years since, but 
during the greater part of the time her re- 
lation with her husband had been unpleasant, 
and she had refused to live with him, and 
had visited Europe and California in the 
capacity of nurse to invalid tourists. Re- 
turning from the latter place some three 
months since, a reconciliation between her- 
self and husband was effected, which was not 
disturbed until a few minutes previous to 
her death, when a dispute arose, during the 
progress of their walk, on the subject of 
tobacco-chewing, to which practice Mr. 
Neshing was addicted, and which was a 
source of great offence to his wife. Neither 
he nor the others who heard the argument 
believed for a moment that a difference upon 
what some look upon as a trivial matter 
would have sufficed as a motive for suicide. 

Burned to Death. — In New York, Mary 
Murray, a native of Ireland, aged forty-five 
years, set fire to her clothes a day or two 
ago, at her residence in Cherry Street, and 
was so severely burned that she died this 
day, at the New York Hospital. 

Found Drowned. — In Philadelphia, an 
unknown man was found drowned, the morn- 
ing of this day, at Market Street wharf. He 
was middle-aged, about five feet eight inches 
high, and was dressed in a gray cassimere 
coat and pants. An inquest was held on 
the body, and a verdict of " Found drowned" 
was rendered. 

IIaii.road-Casualtt. — In New York, this 
clay, Coroner O'Keefe held an inquest, at the 
New York Hospital, upon the body of Peter 
Rooney, a native of Ireland, aged thirty-one 
years, who died from the effects of injuries 
accidentally received on the Erie Railroad, 
near Port Jervis. Deceased was employed 
as a switchman, and while in the act of 
switching off a train of cars his foot became 
entangled in the switch, and he was run 
over by the locomotive before he could be 
extricated. Verdict, " Accidental death." 

Drowning-Case. — Near Philadelphia, Jo- 
seph McCafferty, aged twenty-five years, 
and residing at No. 17 New Church Street, 
Federal Hill, was drowned, this day, from off 
a boat in Bear Creek, while engaged, with 
others, in crabbing. 

Three Children Rescued from Drown- 
ing. — The afternoon of this day, three little 
girls, two of them daughters of G. Nelson 
Smith, Esq., of the "Johnstown (Pa.) Echo," 



and the other a niece of Mr. Peter Mastron, 
of the same place, were rescued from death 
by drowning, by two noble young men 
named John Meloy and Nicholas Prestly. 
The children, in attempting to walk the foot- 
way placed across the Conemaugh leading to 
the picnic-grounds in Mary's Grove, became 
dizzy, and fell into the stream, and were 
being carried off by its impetuous torrent 
to inevitable death, when the young men 
jumped in and rescued them. 

Death of Commander Timothy G. Ben- 
ham. — Commander Timothy G. Benham died 
on Staten Island, this day, aged sixty-four 
years. Commander Benham entered the 
navy of the United States in 1814, and his 
present commission dates from February 15, 
1848. His total term of sea-service was 
fifteen years, embracing in that time import- 
ant and responsible duties. He was de- 
voted to his profession, and in experience 
and skill as a navigator and sailor he had 
not his superior in the service. 

He was actively employed in the Gulf 
during all of the Mexican War, and returned 
with honors which elicited from the county 
in which he lived (Richmond) the public 
presentation of a testimonial, and the high 
commendation of his townsmen, which, from 
his known worth as a citizen and officer, he 
so justly merited. About this time, from 
long and arduous duties and exposure, his 
health became impaired ; but, after a lapse of 
time to recruit, he became so much restored 
that he was again ordered on duty as com- 
mander of the Navy Rendezvous, New York, 
which duty he was in performance of in 
1855, when he was left off by the Board of 
Fifteen, who probably deemed his health not 
sufficient for active service. Since that time 
he lived in retirement. 

Death of Benjamin Bangs. — This day, 
Benjamin Bangs, one of the oldest merchants 
of Boston, died in that city. He was largely 
interested in the trade between Boston and 
the Pacific coast of South America, and 
was probably, at one time, one of the heaviest 
ship-owners in New England. 

Fatal Catastrophe. — This day, thirteen 
miners, most of whom were intoxicated, 
attempted to cross Portage Lake, Lake Su- 
perior, from Hancock to Houghton, in a 
skiff, but when about half-way across the 
boat swamped, and seven of the party were 
drowned 

Fatal Result. — John Major was burned 
by the explosion of a fluid lamp, this day, 
at Germantown Railroad and Columbia 
Avenue, Philadelphia, and injured to such an 
extent that he died. 

Found Drowned. — The body of an un- 



544 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



known man was found floating in the water 
at Pier 8, North River, N.Y., this day. De- 
ceased was about forty-five years of age, 
had brown hair and whiskers, and was 
dressed in a black coat, gray vest and pants. 
The body appeared to have been in the 
water about six weeks. 

Sailor Lost Overboard. — This day, 
Martin Tensin, a sailor, was lost overboard 
from the ship Daniel Webster, on her pass- 
age from London to New York. 



MONDAY, JUNE 18. 

The National Democratic Convention 
this day reassembled, according to adjourn- 
ment, at Baltimore, and held their sessions in 
the Front Street Theatre. The following States 
were fully represented : — Maine, New Hamp- 
shire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, 
New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, 
North Carolina, Missouri, Ohio, Indiana. 
Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minne- 
sota, California, and Oregon. Connecticut was 
represented in part, there being some mis- 
understanding as to the hour of meeting. 
Two delegates were present from Delaware. 

When South Carolina was called, the chair 
directed that only those States be called 
which were present at the adjournment of 
the convention at Charleston. Consequently 
South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, 
Louisiana, Mississippi. Arkansas, and Texas 
were not called, 

Mr. Howard, of Tennessee, offered the fol- 
lowing: — 

Resolved, That the President of this con- 
vention direct the sergeant-at-arms to issue 
tickets of admission to the delegates of the 
convention as originally constituted and 
organized at Charleston. 

Mr. Cavanaugh, of Minnesota, moved to 
lay the resolution on the table, but with- 
drew the motion to permit Mr. San ford E. 
Church, of N.Y., to offer the following, which, 
being read, created much excitement : — 

Resolved, That the credentials of all per- 
sons claiming seats in this convention made 
vacant by the secession of delegates at 
Charleston be referred to the Committee on 
Credentials, and said committee is hereby 
instructed, as soon as practicable, to ex- 
amine the same and report the names of 
persons entitled to such seats, with the dis- 
tinct understanding, however, that every 
person accepting a seat in this convention 
is bound in honor and good faith to abide by 
the action of this convention and support 
its nominations. 

Mr. Church moved his resolution as an 
amendment to that offered by Mr. Howard, 
and upon that called for the previous question. 

The question being taken by States upon 
seconding the demand for the previous ques- 



tion, it was not agreed to, — Yeas, 108J-, Nays, 
140*. 

The convention then took a recess till 
five p.m. Upon reassembling, several reso- 
lutions were offered in reference to the ad- 
mission of delegates, but the convention did 
not act upon them. A number of delegates 
participated in a spirited debate, among 
whom were Messrs. Randall, of Pa., Richard- 
son, of 111., Cochrane, of N.Y., Montgomery, 
of Pa., Merrick, of 111., King, of Mo., and 
West, of Conn., against Mr. Gilmore's amend- 
ment, and Messrs. Russell, of Va., Ewing, 
of Tenn., Loring, of Mass., Hunter, of Mo., 
Avery, of N.C., and Atkins, of Tenn., in 
favor. At last Mr. Atkins moved the pre- 
vious question, which was sustained. — 283 to 
18£, — and the convention adjourned till Tues- 
day morning. 

Reception of the Japanese by the 
Mayor of New York. — At a few minutes 
before two o'clock in the afternoon of this 
day, the first and third Ambassadors, with 
the five officers next in rank, visited theCity 
Ilall, and were received by Mayor Wood in 
the Governor's Room. The Japanese were 
escorted by the Seventh Regiment, and ac- 
companied by members of the New York, 
Philadelphia, and Baltimore Councils. The 
arrangements for the preservation of order 
within the Park were thoroughly complete. 
The crowd of spectators, however, was not 
excessively large, excepting immediately 
about the entrance to the Hall. On entering 
the Governor's Room, the Japanese were 
met by the Mayor, Governor Morgan ami 
staff, and the staff of General Sandford, of 
the First Division. After salutations of 
hand-shaking, performed across the writing- 
table of General Washington, the Mayor de- 
livered the following address of welcome, 
which was translated to the Ambassadors in 
the usual manner: — 

Your Excellencies : It gives me pleasure 
to receive you. You are welcome to New 
York. Though not so populous as your own 
great city of Yeddo, it is nevertheless the 
largest in America. We shall cheerfully 
show you every thing of interest, and en- 
deavor to render your sojourn among us 
agreeable and advantageous. Knowing the 
fatigue attending the numerous ceremonies 
through which you have passed since your 
arrival in this country, we shall not press 
any public attentions not altogether con- 
sistent with your own wishes. 

The first duty of hospitality is to render 
our guests happy : that you may be so while 
here is our earnest desire. You will not, 
therefore, be required to forego your own 
preferences in any way. It will only be 
necessary to intimate that which will be 
most agreeable to yourselves, and we shall 
readily comply. 

Your Excellencies are aware that in this 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER, 



545 



city lived and died Commodore Terry, a very 
distinguished American officer, who visited 
Japan in a similar capacity to that in which 
you now visit us, as the envoy of peace and 
good will. 

New York is also the home of the Hon. 
Townsend Harris, another eminent citizen, 
who is known to you as the Representative 
of the United States to your Government. 

We recollect with grateful feelings the 
consideration with which the Imperial Go- 
vernment of Japan received and entertained 
these citizens of New York; and we now 
gladly avail ourselves of the present oppor- 
tunity to offer in return our own more feeble 
demonstrations of hospitality. 

It is by such kindly offices toward each 
other that the friendship of the two countries 
will be secured and maintained. This city 
has a peculiar object in the promotion of 
such relations. We hope that a trade, alike 
reciprocal and mutually advantageous, will 
be the result, tending still stronger to bind 
the countries together in bonds of amity and 
brotherhood. 

Thus, the great East and the great West 
will be cemented by a communion of inte- 
rests, while Europe, notwithstanding her 
boasted superiority over both of us, will 
learn by our example that trade can be 
extended without war, and that liberal prin- 
ciples can be disseminated without coercion. 

Instead of compelling commercial inter- 
course, as some of the enlightened nations 
of Europe are now purposing to do with 
the East, we have obtained this privilege 
through the influence of the olive-branch 
alone. 

May the people of all the nations come 
together in like spirit, on like principles, so 
that the arts, civilization, liberty, self- 
government, and universal good will shall 
be established among men now and forever. 

I again welcome you to New York as the 
honored guest of the city authorities. 

The first Ambassador answered to the 
following effect : — 

Y\ r e are extremely obliged to you for your 
good wishes and the kind welcome you have 
offered us. The ratifications of our treaty 
have already been exchanged at Washington ; 
and we trust that the result will be perpetual 
peace and friendship between our countries. 

Mr. Portman, the interpreter, said he was 
requested to state that the' illness of the 
second Ambassador had prevented his ap- 
pearance. Governor Morgan was afterward 
introduced, and offered a few words of greet- 
ing. The Ambassadors were then shown the 
various pictures which cover the walls of the 
room, and listened to elucidations and in- 
structive remarks by the Mayor. The por- 
trait of Columbus was spoken of as that of 
the discoverer of this continent ; but the 
fact, more interesting to the Japanese, that 
his expected destination on his great voyage 



was no other than Japan, was not alluded 
to. The Ambassadors next accepted the 
congratulations of Mr. Benjamin Wood, the 
Mayor's brother, and other guests of the 
occasion. Previous to departing, they 
stepped out upon the balcony to view a 
portion of a dress-parade by the Seventh 
Regiment, They withdrew just before three 
o'clock, remaining altogether about one hour. 

Loss of the Ship Frederick Gerhard. 
— This day, the ship Frederick Gebhard, 
Captain Godfrey, from Liverpool for Mel- 
bourne, was wrecked near Parahiba, Brazil. 
Part of her cargo was saved. The Frederick 
Gebhard was built in New York, in 1856, 
eleven hundred and twenty-four tons burden, 
rated A 1, and was owned by F. Gebhard and 
others, of New York. 



:>ss oflyn 
nicrht of 



The night of this day, the schooner Mary 
Francis, of Baltimore, from Alexandria to 
Philadelphia, with coal, collided near Turkey 
Point, sinking immediately in three fathoms 
Avater. Crew saved. 

Trial-Trip of the Pawnee. — This day, 
the United States steam-sloop Pawnee, built 
at the Philadelphia Navy-Yard, under the 
superintendence of Mr. Griffith, the con- 
tractor, started on a week's trial-trip. She 
carries four eleven-inch Dahlgren guns ; each 
gun requires for a single discharge fifteen 
pounds of powder, and the shell propelled 
weighs one hundred and thirty pounds. 
Her crew consists of twenty-one officers. 
Petty officers, twenty-six; seamen, twenty; 
old seamen, twenty-five ; landsmen, twenty ; 
firemen, sixteen ; coal-heavers, fourteen ; 
marines, twenty-four. Total, 145. Whole 
number, 166. 

Suicide in Prison. — In New York, An- 
drew Schensky, a German, aged about 
thirty-three years, was committed to the 
Essex Market Prison, on Sunday morning, 
as a vagrant, by Justice Brennan. This day 
afternoon, about three o'clock, he obtained 
a razor in some manner unknown and cut 
his throat. The windpipe was almost en- 
tirely severed. He was immediately at- 
tended by the surgeon of the prison, and 
the wound was sewed up ; but, in his efforts 
to breathe, the injured man continually tore 
it open again. The wound proved fatal. 

Suicides in Philadelphia. — The morning 
of this day, James Goodwin, for thirteen 
years an inmate of the U.S. Naval Asylum, 
committed suicide, by jumping from the 
third story of the main building. The de- 
ceased was seventy-nine years of age. On 
Sunday he was outside the walls of the insti- 
tute, and had partaken freely of liquor ; 
and, on his return, he was admitted into the- 



35 



510 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



sick-ward. During the absence of the nurse, 
he jumped from the window. An inquest 
was held, and a verdict in accordance with 
the above facts rendered by the jury. 

Charles Roberts, aged forty-one years, 
committed suicide, this day, by hanging 
himself with a piece of rope to the baluster, 
at his residence in Lawrence Street, below 
Poplar. Deceased had been for a long time 
subject to fits of melancholy. He leaves a 
wife and six children. 

Suicide. — This day, a free negro, named 
James McGuffie, committed suicide, in 
Charleston, S.C. About two years since, 
McGuffie lost his wife by death, and, though 
very sober and regular up to that event, he 
lamented his loss so much that his reason 
was shaken. His insanity culminated in his 
self-destruction. 

Murder by Indians. — This day, a band 
of twenty-five Comanches attacked the 
station at the "Head of Concho," one hun- 
dred miles east of the "Pecos Crossing," 
killed the keeper, Mr. J. W. Sheppard, 
scalped him, and ran off all the stock, — 
eleven mules. The stage was delayed seven 
hours for the other animals to be brought 
in. Mr. Sheppard killed one Indian, the 
chief of the party, before he fell. He was 
a native of New Hampshire, but was recently 
from Kansas, where he has a wife and three 
children now residing, near Lecompton. 

.Horrible Mueder in Kansas. — This day, 
a most horrible murder was committed in 
the neighborhood of Kansas City, near Wy- 
andotte Bridge. A Mr. McClatchy and his 
little son were ploughing on the land owned 
by Mr. Armstrong, when, just as they were 
about to turn a furrow, a man, concealed 
about forty yards distant behind a fence, 
raised himself and fired at the father. The 
ball took effect in Mr. McClatchy's side, com- 
pletely tearing the liver to pieces and flat- 
tening against the ribs. He ran a few steps 
and then fell dead. The murderer coolly 
waited to see the effect of the shot, and then 
escaped through the brush. The little boy, 
confused by the smoke and shocked at the 
death of his father, foiled to recognise the 
features or appearance of the murderer. As 
yet, no clew has been discovered to the 
author of the outrage, or. the reasons which 
prompted it. It is supposed that it is the 
result of family differences. 

Shot by the Sheriff. — A man named 
Taylor Gok was shot, this day, in Galveston. 
He resisted the sheriff, who attempted to 
make am arrest, and was shot by him ; but 
the wound was not mortal. 

Sudden Death. — This day, in Newark, 
N.J., in Andrews's carriage-factory, corner 



of Third Avenue and 125th Street, a work- 
man, named McKinstry, fell dead while en- 
gaged at business. 

Fatal Railroad-Accident. — This day, a 
melancholy and fatal accident occurred to 
Mr. B. G. Bentley, a gentleman residing at 
Claverack, Columbia county, N.Y., who was 
struck on the head while passing a bridge 
on the Hudson & Boston Railroad. The 
particulars are as follows : — 

Mr. Bentley, with two or three friends, 
were on their way from Hudson to Claverack, 
when Mr. Bentley took a fancy to climb one 
of the freight-cars, to obtain a better view 
of the country, when, as the train was pass- 
ing under Ludlow's bridge, the unfortunate 
gentleman's head was nearly severed from 
his body by coming in contact with it. He 
lived only a few moments. Mr. Bentley was 
steward of the Hudson River Institute, and 
was highly respected. 

Fatal Accident. — This day, William Ash- 
ton was thrown from his wagon, on the Ridge 
Avenue, near the nine-mile stone, in the 
neighborhood of Philadelphia, and killed. 

A Mill in Cincinnati Set on Fire by 
Lightning and Destroyed. — In the night 
of this day, Cincinnati was visited by a 
heavy thunder-shower, during which light- 
ning struck the lumber-mill of Cameron, 
Story & Malone, on the river-road. Almost 
instantly the building was wrapped in a 
sheet of flame, and the mill, together with 
a large amount of lumber, were completely 
destroyed. The loss cannot be estimated 
with any degree of certainty, — -though it will 
most likely reach the sum of $25,000. Messrs. 
Cameron, Story & Malone put up the mill at 
a cost of fifteen thousand dollars, but since 
its completion they have added a large 
amount of expensive machinery. They had 
two mills, one besides the above. They 
stood about one hundred feet apart. The 
latter escaped uninjured, — a fact which is 
probably owing to the great quantity of rain 
that fell during the early progress of the lire. 
On the two mills there was an insurance of 
six thousand dollars in the Queen City 
office. 



Fire at East Boston. — Loss, $8000 or 
$9000. — This day, the planing aud sawing 
establishment of Manson & Peterson, on 
Border Street, East Boston, was destroyed 
by fire, with all the machinery and a large 
lot of stock. The loss of Manson, Peterson 
& Co. was about $5000, and they had an 
insurance for $4000. The establishment 
was owned by Mr. J. P. Woodbury, who 
formerly carried on the business there. His 
loss is estimated at $3000 or $4000. 

Explosion of a Boiler at Newburybort, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



547 



Mass.— The boiler of the Globe Mills, at 
Newburyport, exploded on the morning of 
this day, neai-ly demolishing the boiler- 
house. No person was killed. 

A Fiendish Outrage. — Two rough-look- 
ing men called at the house of Mr. Capron, 
of Palmyra, N.Y., on this day, at eleven 
o'clock a.m., and asked for something to 
eat. The only person in the house was a 
servant-girl ; and she declined giving them 
any thing while her mistress was out. They 
immediately seized her, and one of them 
held his hand over her mouth, to prevent 
her screams being heard, while the other 
tore off her apron and made a kind of cord 
of it. They then conveyed their victim to 
the cellar, and, without further ill treatment, 
tied the apron tightly about her neck, and 
then hung her up on a large nail iu a beam 
overhead. Having done this, the ruffians 
left. After hanging a short time, the nail 
broke, and the girl fell to the floor, where 
she was shortly afterward found in an in- 
sensible state by Mr. and Mrs. Capron, who 
had returned. They of course were at a 
loss to account for the strange state of 
things, and it was not until some time in the 
afternoon that the girl recovered sufficiently 
to be able to render an account of what had 
occurred. Both the scamps have been ar- 
rested and confined in jail. 

Singular Birth. — Children Born to- 
gether like the Siamese Twins. — This 
day, the following extraordinary birth took 
place in Birmingham, a suburb of Pittsburg, 
Pa. In relating it, the "Pittsburg Dispatch" 
says : — 

An extraordinary accouchement took 
place in Birmingham on the night of Mon- 
day, June 18, a woman having given birth 
to twin male children, of full size, weighing 
twenty-five pounds, and joined together by 
fleshy ligatures, being face to face when 
born. The twin fetus presents a perfect 
development of the heads, arms, legs, and 
feet, and of the bodies, except where joined 
at the sternum. The dissection presented 
these facts. There is but one vena cava, 
while there are two hearts in one pericar- 
dium, common to both. The ribs of both 
join the one breast-bone. The lungs are 
imperfectly developed, — the outer lobes in 
each being full-sized and regular, and the 
others in each false or imperfect. Both of 
(what we believe the physicians call) the 
trunki anonymi and arcus aorta are regular, 
the aorta and its branches being normal and 
regular to the head and arms. The vena 
cava superior is natural, or of the usual size 
or form ; but the vena cava inferior form 
both hearts into one trunk, running down 
to the abdomen. As to the bronchial organs, 
the physicians could not determine definitely, 
they having been partially, if not entirely, 



destroyed in the accouchement with instru- 
ments; but it was their opinion that their 
condition must have been abnormal, as the 
lungs were seated too far down for them to 
have been otherwise. There is but one dia- 
phragm, and that common to both. Between, 
the two bodies is an enlarged double liver, 
four inches long, which fills nearly three- 
fifths of the abdominal cavity; while in the 
hypochondria of each fetus is found an 
imperfect liver, — one about one-eighth and 
the other about one-fourth the size of the 
enlarged liver, — while between these and 
the enlarged liver are the stomachs. In 
one hypochondrium the spleen is double the 
usual size ; in the other, the normal size. 
Below the umbilicum the intestina are per- 
fect in each fetus, while, to cap the climax, 
there is but one umbilical cord. It was the 
opinion of both physicians, after an ex- 
amination of the intestina and blood-vessels, 
that this compound humanity could have 
lived only a fetal life, or otherwise could 
not have lived after birth, had it been pos- 
sible that it could have passed parturition 
alive. At last accounts the mother was 
convalescent, and will soon be about. 

Elopement from Cincinnati, Ohio. — 
This day, Samuel Alexander Smith eloped 
from Cincinnati with Mary Jordan, of New 
York, of which his Avife makes the following 
announcement : — 

ELorEMENT. — On Monday last, 18th of 
June, Samuel Alexander Smith, my hus- 
band, eloped with Mary Jordan, recently of 
Syracuse, N.Y. The said Mary Jordan has 
light hair, and top of head bald; cross-eyed, 
and wears gold-framed spectacles ; weighs 
about one hundred and fifty pounds ; ami, 
when last heard from, were stopping at the 
Beckel House, Dayton, Ohio, curing corns. 
Catharine Smith, 

Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Opening of the Raritan & Delaware 
Bay Railroad. — The opening of the Raritan 
& Delaware Bay Railroad, at present to 
communicate between New York and Long 
Branch via Port Monmouth, and a connect- 
ing-link of a chain of railroad along the At- 
lantic shore to the Gulf of Mexico, in con- 
junction with roads now in operation, was 
formally opened, this day, by a grand civic 
and military excursion. 

Withdrawal of the Hon. Andrew John- 
son as a Candidate for the Presidency. — 
This day, the Hon. Andrew Johnson sent 
the following letter, declining to be a candi- 
date for the Presidency : — 

Washington City, June 18, 1860. 
General Samuel Milligan : 

Dear Sir : — Whilst deeply thankful to you 
and your associate delegates in the National 



54S 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



Convention for your support of my name as 
a candidate for the Presidency, endorsing 
and reflecting therein the honor done me by 
the State Convention of the Democracy of 
Tennessee, an honor and distinction given 
my name by the people whom I have served, 
and whose confidence is worthy of the best 
efforts and highest ambition of any man, yet 
in the hour of peril to the harmony and in- 
tegrity of the Democratic party — in this hour 
of serious apprehension for the future wel- 
fare and perpetuity of our Government — I 
cannot and will not suffer my name to add 
to the difficulties and embarrassments of my 
friends. I feel that it is incumbent upon 
you, upon me, that every thing that can 
honorably and consistently be done should 
be done by us to secure unity and harmony 
of action, to the end that correct pi'inciples 
may be maintained, the preservation of the 
only national organization remaining con- 
tinued, and, above all, the Union, with 
the blessings, guarantees, and protection of 
its Constitution, perpetuated forever. That 
the Tennessee delegation may so act, and 
that in no contingency they may find them- 
selves embarrassed by the action of our State 
in regard to myself, I desire through you to 
request that they will not present my name 
to the convention at Baltimore, and to each 
of them tender my regards. 

Andrew Johnson. 

California Failures. — It was formally 
announced, this day, that Scott, Vantine & 
Co. and William Hawley & Co., of Marys- 
ville, and R. E. Brewster, of San Francisco, 
had failed. The "San Francisco Bulletin" 
says : — 

The news was received in the city of the 
failure of William Hawley & Co. and Scott, 
Vantine & Co., in Marysville. We have 
been unable to ascertain the amount of their 
liabilities, but, judging from the extent of 
their business, heavy losses must be in- 
curred by San Francisco merchants. They 
were jointly indebted to R. E. Brewster & 
Co., of this city, upward of $14,000, and 
have involved the latter house in their fall. 
This firm have confessed judgment for 
$30,000 upon endorsements, and for other 
debts to the amount of $100,000 in all. 
Their liabilities are stated to exceed $300,- 
000, with sufficient assets, if managed with- 
out restraint, to leave a handsome surplus. 
The various members of the house have the 
warmest sympathy of their fellow business- 
men. They have been known for years as 
upright and honorable men, fair in their 
dealings, liberal to a fault, with few enemies 
and many friends. There are few firms in 
this city who have done more extensive 
business or who have better deserved a suc- 
cess that has been defeated by an accumu- 
lation of misfortunes, precipitated by a 
coming danger that required to be averted. 



Rumors are rife about other firms, and the 
next week will be one of great anxiety, 
during which none can expect to escape sus- 
picion. 

The Bunker Hill Regatta came off, at 
Boston Harbor, the afternoon of this day. 
The first prize for six and four oared boats 
was won by the Haidee, in fourteen minutes 
and thirty-nine seconds, — two miles. The 
Haidee was rowed by the Sophomore crew, 
and the Thetis, which came in second, by 
the Harvard crew. The first prize for shell 
wherries was won by M. S. Smith: time, fif- 
teen minutes and forty-two seconds. 

The Burch Divorce Case. — The Circuit 
Court of Cook county, this day, ordered the 
venue in this case changed to Du Page 
county, and the trial will take place at Na- 
perville, the court commencing its session on 
the second Monday in November. 

Indictment of Isaac V. Fowler. — The 
afternoon of this day, the grand jury pre- 
sented an indictment against Isaac V. Fowler, 
the defaulting Postmaster of New York. The 
indictment is very brief, and simply charges 
the accused with defaulting the United States 
Government. 

EscArE of Four Prisoners. — This day, 
Jefferson Hamilton, George Elfright, Har- 
rison Eckle, and Edward Stewart (colored) 
broke out of Altoona (Pa) jail, by boring 
through the wall. 

Death of Edwin S. Gardner. — This 
day, Edwin S. Gardner, a prominent Nash- 
ville (Tenn.) merchant, died. 



TUESDAY, JUNE 19. 

Loss of the Schooner President. — The 
schooner President, from St. Augustine, Fla., 
loaded with copper, hides, and tallow, was 
wrecked in lat. 32° IT N., in a storm. Ves- 
sel and cargo entirely lost. Crew picked up 
by the Jane C. Patterson, of Philadelphia, 
at midnight of this day. Cargo valued at 
$6000. 

Loss of the Ship Aldus. — This day, 
Capt. Julius Nelson and eight of the crew 
of the American ship Albus, bound from 
Sunderland for Rio Janeiro, were picked up 
by the Western Chief, Capt, Wording. The 
remainder, in their own boat, had parted 
company before. 

The following are the particulars of the 
loss, taken from the protest of Capt. Julius 
Nelson, made before Robert Dayman, Esq., 
U.S. Consul at Madeira: — 

That they sailed from Sunderland, Eng., 
on the 22d May, 1860, with a cargo of coal 



i860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



549 



and coke, bound to Rio Janeiro, the vessel 
being tight, staunch, strong, and seaworthy, 
well manned and equipped, and in every 
respect well found for their intended voyage ; 
that nothing worthy of note occurred until 
the 8th of June, when, there being a heavy 
sea, a leak was discovered, and the next day, 
after keeping both pumps going all the time 
for twenty-four hours, four feet water was 
found in the hold. A steamer being in sight, 
the men came aft and said they could work 
no longer ; but, as there was a fair wind for 
Fayal, they determined to keep on. At nine 
p.m. on the 9th of June, there was five feet 
water in the hold ; at twelve o'clock, sis feet ; 
on the 10th, at four o'clock, there was eight 
feet ; at ten, there was eleven feet, when three 
boats were lowered ; the captain and five men 
got into one, the first mate and four men into 
another, the second and three in the last, — 
the captain and mate remaining on board till 
twelve o'clock, when there was thirteen feet 
of water in the hold and the vessel got 
logged, the sea breaking clear over, fore and 
aft; they then got into the boats and hung 
by till daylight, when the vessel went down. 
On the 12th June, one of the boats sunk; 
two of the men got into the captain's boat, 
and the first mate and two men into the 
second mate's boat; that during the night 
they parted company; that on the 19th June, 
at sunset, in lat. 40° 46' N., long. 12° 55' 
W., they were picked up by the American 
ship Western Chief, of Belfast, Me., Capt. 
Wording, from Liverpool, bound to Mel- 
bourne, and landed at Funchal, Madeira, on 
the 27th of June, 1860. Signed, Julius 
Nelson, master ; William Edwards, Robert 
Long, mariners. 

The Albus was built at Frankfort, Me., in 
1849, was six hundred and eighty-seven tons, 
rated A 2, and was owned in New York. 

The Democratic Convention reassembled 
this day, when Mr. Church obtained unani- 
mous consent to make a proposition, which, 
he thought, would produce harmony. This 
proposition, he said, was simply this : — " The 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gilmore) 
consents to withdraw his amendment to my 
amendment, and then I am to withdraw the 
latter part of my resolution, leaving only a 
simple resolution of reference to the Com- 
mittee on Credentials." This proposition was 
accepted, and the resolution as thus amended 
was adopted, without a division ; whereupon 
the convention adjourned. 

Heavy Defalcation of Edwin Robinson. 
— It was, this day, announced that Mr. Ed- 
win Robinson, of Richmond, President of 
the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac 
Railroad, was a defaulter to the amount of 
S175.O0O. The defalcation was made known 
by Mr. Robinson himself, who appeared be- 
fore the Board of Directors of the company, 



informed them of the deficiency, and fur- 
nished them a list of the liabilities of the 
company, in the form of various notes which, 
he had given to parties during his financial 
operations. He then offered his resignation, 
and surrendered most of his property, which 
is said to be worth nearly $100,000, to the 
company. Afterward, five of the Directors 
being present, one of them offered a reso- 
lution to prosecute Robinson for felony, 
when two were for and two against the 
prosecution. The chairman then voted in 
the negative, and there the matter of the 
contemplated prosecution dropped. 

The Board of Directors elected Peter V. 
Daniels President of the company, who was 
directed to make a thorough examination of 
their affairs. 

A writer, speaking of the affair, says : — 
It appears that Mr. Robinson is a large 
stockholder in the village of Ashland, a 
place of summer resort, some fifteen or 
twenty miles from this city ; and for im- 
provements on this property, and a race- 
track at the same place, he has expended 
this enormous amount of funds belonging to 
the company of which he was President. It 
is said that he commenced using the money 
of the company in 1857, and has continued 
his operations until the recent developments. 
It further appears that the Treasurer of the 
company knew of the operations of the Pre- 
sident, to a considerable extent. 

The Delaware Bridge Case. — The Chan- 
cellor of New Jersey, this day, at a session 
of his court in Trenton, gave an opinion in 
the Delaware Bridge case, affecting in some 
degree the exclusive grants. The Trenton 
Delaware Bridge Company claimed the ex- 
clusive right to bridge the Delaware three 
miles above and below their bridge. The 
grant was alone granted by New Jersey. 
This question came up on an application to 
grant a perpetual injunction to restrain the 
Trenton City Bridge Company from erecting 
a bridge across the Delaware. The Chan- 
cellor denied the injunction. The grant by 
the Legislature of New Jersey of the exclu- 
sive franchise, he decided, was invalid and 
inoperative, for want of the concurrent ju- 
risdiction provided for in the agreement 
between the two States of Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey made in 1783. New Jersey 
had no right to give any such franchise, or 
to covenant to refuse the right to build a 
bridge, without the consent of Pennsylvania. 

Scientific Expedition to Cumberland 
House, on the Saskatchewan. — From St. 
Paul's, Minn., this day, Messrs. Wm. Terrell 
and Simon Newcomb left, by Burbank's Bed 
River line of stages, upon a journey of one 
thousand miles northwest of St. Paul's, for 
the purpose of observing, with astronomical 
instruments, the eclipse of the sun on the 



550 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



18th of July, at Cumberland House, in the 
interior of British America. 

They proceed by appointment from the 
Nautical Almanac Office, established by the 
Navy Department of the United States, at 
Cambridge, Mass., under the charge of Com- 
mander Charles H. Davis, United States 
Army. 

The eclipse will be total to a belt of the 
continent, whose southern limit is from the 
mouth of the Columbia River northwest to 
the entrance of Hudson's Bay. And, while 
observations will be made on the Pacific and 
Atlantic coasts, it has been thought highly 
advisable to have a report from Central 
British America. 

The gentlemen named took warm letters 
from Sir George Simpson, Governor McTa- 
vish, of Fort Garry, and other officers of the 
Hudson Bay Company. Their route will be 
by stage to Georgetown, by steamboat to 
Fort Garry, by an oar and sail-boat through 
Lake Winnipeg, and up the Saskatchewan to 
Cumberland House, which is in lat. 54°, 
long. 102° 20'. They hope to accomplish 
the journey to Fort Garry in ten days, and 
from Selkirk to Cumberland House in fifteen 
days. 

Race at Louisville. — In the race, this 
day, on the Woodland course, between colts, 
best three in five, stakes $4000, Silverheels 
distanced Meinbrino Chief in the first heat. 
Time, 2.55J. 

Receiver. Appointed for the Cleveland 
& Pittsburg Railroad. — J. N. M'Cul- 
lough was, this day, appointed Receiver of 
the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad. 

Crossing Niagara Falls on a Tight-Rope. 
— This day, a Frenchman, named Blondin, 
crossed the cataract of Niagara for the 
second time, having crossed on a previous 
day, on a rope stretched across the falls. 
In the middle of his way across, he stood 
upon his head, and in this position was pho- 
tographed by a female operator on the 
Canadian side of the stream. The ex- 
pression of his feet is said to be accurately 
preserved. After this contribution to high 
art, Mr. Blondin put on a sack, tied tightly 
a bandage over his eyes, and, thus ham- 
pered, traversed his cord, again standing on 
his head when half-way over. 

Trial of an Ex-Policeman for Robbery. 
— In Boston, this day, Win. H. Hicks was 
placed at the bar to be tried for breaking and 
entering the store of George P. Schenkle and 
George S. Hardwicke, on the night of the 5th 
of June, 1859, and stealing therefrom one 
double-barrelled gun, three revolvers, and 
one rifle. Hicks pleaded not guilty. Micah 
Dyer appeared for the defence, and District- 



Attorney Coolly for the Government. The 
facts in the case were these. On the night men- 
tioned in the indictment, Hicks, Hutchins, 
and McCrillis were policemen. The former 
was placed on the corner of the street where 
the job was to be done. One of the other 
two would unlock and enter the store and 
close the door, while the other would stand 
in the doorway, to make sure that no one 
should see his accomplice coming out. At 
the trial, the chief of police (Mr. Coburn) 
and his deputy testified they knew Hicks 
and his confederates were thieves. Mr. 
Coburn also said that, after knowing Hicks 
to be a thief by his own confession, he 
signed a petition for his appointment as an 
officer in the State prison. 

Affrays between Democratic Dele- 
gates at Baltimore. — This day, whilst the 
Committee on Credentials of the Democratic 
Convention at Baltimore were in session, 
Mr. William G. Whit el ey, a member from 
Delaware, (also a member of Congress from 
that State,) who seceded from the Charleston 
Convention, demanded admission. His right 
to the seat was contested by Mr. Samuel 
Townsend, a Douglas delegate. Upon open- 
ing his case, Whiteley said that when his 
statements were denied by gentlemen he 
knew what course to pursue, but when they 
were controverted by men (peculiar empha- 
sis on "men") he preferred the documents. 
This roused the ire of his opponent, who 
inquired if he referred to him, — when Mr. 
Whiteley struck him over the head with his 
cane. Mr. Townsend thereupon immedi- 
ately struck Mr. Whiteley a blow on the face 
with his fist. The New York " Times" cor- 
respondent, who was present, then gives the 
following account of the affair : — 

The committee interfered and endeavored 
to separate them. "Let me alone," said 
No. 2 : " I'm no lawyer, only a plain farmer ; 
but I can clean him out in less time than he 
can wink." Finding it an utter impossi- 
bility to keep order, the police were called 
in. Whiteley is a very large and powerful 
man, and for a long time kept them at bay, 
until, with a desperate plunge, all six police- 
men seized him and lugged him off to the 
station-house. 

That case being disposed of, the contested 
seat in the Arkansas delegation was taken 
up. The claimants are Hindman and John- 
son. Hindman made a statement which 
Johnson declared to be false, — whereupon 
Hindman slapped his face and drew a pistol, 
which he held at the head of his adversary. 
Johnson was pale with anger, but prudently 
said nothing to Hindman. Turning to the 
member from Tennessee, he asked him to 
lend him his pistol. Finding he could not 
get one, he coolly shrugged his shoulders 
and sat down. In the mean time the pistol 
had been taken from Hindman, and his 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



551 



friends had caused him to sit down. Order 
being restored, Hindman apologized to the 
committee for his action, and left his op- 
ponent to take it up at another time and 
in the manner recognised by the gentlemen 
of the South. 

Narrow Escapes from Death by Light- 
ning. — -In Philadelphia, during the storm, 
this day, William Shavin and Noah Galer 
took shelter under a cedar-tree, near the 
Spring Gardens, when the tree was struck 
by lightning, and the fluid descended the 
tree several feet and passed into the ground. 
Roth gentlemen escaped unharmed, with the 
exception of a slight shock which they ex- 
perienced. 

James H. Elack, the engineer of the 
steamer Raltimore, whilst standing under 
an awning at the corner of Fayette and 
Front Streets, was prostrated by a flash of 
lightning about the same time as the above, 
and it was several hours before he recovered. 
He was confined to his house, No. 124 Rond 
Street, from paralysis, consequent upon the 
shock to his system, for several days after- 
ward. 

Rev. N. K. George Killed by Licht- 
NING. — This day, the Rev. N. K. George 
was instantly killed by lightning while 
riding near the iron-works at Franconia, 
N.II. ; also the animal upon which he was 
mounted. The reverend gentleman had but 
recently returned to New Hampshire from 
Maine, where he had been preaching for 
about two years. He was generally known 
as a zealous disciple of Christ, and was much 
beloved. 

Capsizing of a Sail-Roat. — Gentleman 
Deowxed. — This day, a sad accident oc- 
curred near Glen Cove, Long Island Sound, 
by which Mr. Charles R. Cromwell, son of 
Mr. Charles T. Cromwell, owner of the 
well-known yacht Manursing, lost his life. 

It appears that, on the latter portion of 
the forenoon of the same day, Mr. Crom- 
well, accompanied by a friend, Mr. Henry 
Mali, of South Amboy, N.J., put out from 
Glen Cove, in a sail-boat, to spend the day 
in a trip about the Sound. The time passed 
very pleasantly until between four and five 
o'clock in the afternoon, when a sudden 
squall struck the boat and capsized her at 
a point of the Sound opposite Glen Cove and 
near Manursing Island. Roth the young 
men were instantly precipitated into the 
water ; but Mr. Mali had the good fortune, 
on rising to the surface, to grasp the boat 
and seat himself upon her side. His com- 
panion, however, was carried off by the 
strong tide which was running at the time. 
He attempted to take off" his coat in the 
water, to aid in keeping himself afloat ; but 
the effort was unsuccessful, as were also his 



endeavors to buffet the high-rolling waves. 
Mr. Mali, from his seat on the boat's side, 
threw ropes to him, but he was too far off 
to catch them, and in a few minutes after- 
ward disappeared. 

Mr. Mali remained floating about on the 
wreck for nearly two hours. A steamboat 
and schooner passed, to both of which he 
made signals ; but they passed on, evidently 
not having seen him. Finally he was dis- 
covered by Mr. Willet Weeks, of Glen Cove, 
who was out on the Sound fishing. He was 
immediately rescued from his dangerous po- 
sition and conveyed ashore, whence he de- 
parted for home. Such was the effect of the 
day's excitement that upon arriving home 
he immediately fell into a feverish sick- 
ness. 

Mr. Cromwell, his less fortunate com- 
panion, was about twenty-six years of age 
and unmarried. His loss is deeply felt by 
his friends and relatives, by all of whom he 
was highly esteemed. 

Death from Eating Arsenic. — In Phila- 
delphia, this day, a son of Mr. Louis 
Sch wart zwalder, aged two years, died at 
his father's residence, Third Street, near 
Noble, from the effects of eating arsenic, 
which he picked up in the street. The 
coroner investigated the circumstances. Dr. 
Schoenig, chemist, was examined, and tes- 
tified that the father of the child brought 
him a white substance that he said the child 
had eaten of, and that, upon analyzing it, he 
found it to be a preparation of arsenic, such 
as is used both fur medicinal and manu- 
facturing purposes. He further told him 
that the child found it in a cellar, a person 
employed in a neighboring store having 
thrown it into the street. 

Dreadful Tragedy in Eoston. — In Ros- 
ton, this day, a woman named Mary Ma- 
guire beat a woman named Honora Barry 
to death. The circumstances of the case, 
as related in the Boston "Bee," are as fol- 
low : — 

Utica Street, on the South Cove District, 
is among the worst localities in the city, 
abounding as it does in criminals of various 
kinds and grades, — drunkards, demi-civil- 
ized people, and the lower specimens of man- 
kind in general. It is a locality requiring 
the constant vigilance of the police, and is 
the scene of ever-recurring fights and broils 
and disturbances of innumerable kinds. 

Yesterday afternoon, an old woman, about 
seventy-six years of age, named Honora 
Barry, got into an affray with a woman named 
Mary Maguire, about thirty years old, at No. 
128. The encounter was preceded by bad 
temper and high words, as is usual in such. 
cases. After the exchange of a few blows, 
the woman Barry was thrown to the floor* 
where she was beaten with passionate i'ury 



652 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



by her maddened antagonist, which resulted 
in her death. 

The woman Maguire is a muscular, power- 
ful woman, and readily despatched her 
victim, — though it is not probable she in- 
tended to kill her. Both had not only been 
drinking, but to excess, and the vilest of 
liquors. Both were intemperate, the de- 
ceased peculiarly so, the police having often 
had occasion to quell her noisy and rebel- 
lious demonstrations. 

The murder excited great commotion, 
hundreds of Irish — the population in that 
neighborhood is all Milesian, and very bad 
at that— assembling about the house, which 
contains, as a matter of course, one or more 
very bad rum-rooms. The versions of the 
affair were very mixed, miscellaneous, and 
contradictory, some putting the blame on 
one side, and others on the other. The 
plain truth of the matter is as above stated : 
they got very groggy, went to lighting, and 
the young woman killed the old one. 

Officers Drew and Dickson, of Station 4, 
arrested the woman Maguire and took her 
to the station. She has a new-born infant, 
and denies knowing any thing about the 
murder. 

Dr. David Thayer was called as coroner, 
who summoned a jury, which proceeded to 
the house where the tragedy occurred. After 
viewing the body, the inquest adjourned, to 
allow an autopsy. The body was removed 
to the dead-house, greatly to the chagrin 
of the relatives and others, who had assem- 
bled to indulge in a wake. The candles had 
been lit and the liquor provided ; but the 
coroner very properly insisted on the re- 
moval of the body 

Murder and Suicide. — In Lowell, Mass., 
this day, Bryant Moore, a shoemaker, shot 
and killed his wife, and afterward shot and 
killed himself. He was about forty-five 
years of age. The cause of the act was 
jealousy. 

Fatal Termination of a Quarrel. — In 
New York, this day, a fight occurred be- 
tween two men, named James Farrell and 
Neil Cannon, in Columbia Street, near Ham- 
ilton Avenue. They fought for half an hour, 
and, both being nearly exhausted, were 
finally taken apart by the neighbors. Far- 
rell went into his house, near by, and, lying 
down, was discovered about two hours after- 
ward dead. Cannon was arrested by the 
Third Precinct police. 

Sailor Drowned. — In New York, this 
day, two sailors attempted to escape from 
the receiving-ship North Carolina, lying off 
the Navy-Yard, by swimming to the beach 
outside of the Navy-Yard wall. One of the 
sailors was seized with the cramps and 
drowned, and the other was retaken. 



WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20. 

Death of Archbishop Blanc— -In New 
Orleans, this day, died Archbishop Blanc, of 
the Catholic church in New Orleans. The 
"New Orleans Crescent," speaking of him, 
says : — 

Personally the late archbishop was a man 
calculated to win the esteem and affection of- 
all who made his acquaintance. Remarkably 
gentle and mild in his manners, affable with 
all, nothing of the hauteur so common to 
high position and commanding sway could be 
detected in his conduct. Of course large 
sums of money must have constantly passed 
under his control ; but no ostentation or luxury 
ever betokened even a liberal application 
thereof to his personal uses. An antiquated, 
sombre-looking residence, an apparel slightly 
removed from shabbiness, and pedestrian 
habits which eschewed any thing like an equi- 
page, — eveiy thing about him,— character- 
ized the faithful administration of the goods 
of the poor. 

Death of Hon. John Schwartz. — In Wash- 
ington, the night of this day, the Hon. John 
Schwartz, member of Congress from Berks 
county, Pennsylvania, died, at ten minutes to 
eleven o'clock. Major Schwartz was about 
the age of the President, and was the imme- 
diate successor of Glancy Jones. He won 
many friends in the House by his devotion to 
his principles and constituents. His determi- 
nation to stand to his post in the House and 
adhere to his duties undoubtedly caused his 
death. 

Suicide of a Condemned Murderer. — 
Eugene Pepe, alias Adams, lying under sen- 
tence of death in the parish prison, New 
Orleans, La., for murder, committed suicide 
on the night of this day, by taking poison. 
When discovered, he was beyond human aid. 
Previous to his death, Pepe was very violent 
in his denunciation of the American party 
and certain of its leaders, in whose interest, 
it is alleged, he had acted for a long time. 
In his confession, says the "True Delta," he 
states that there were in the American party 
hundreds of murderers worse than he was. 
His denunciation of the American party in 
general, and in this connection of Bob John- 
son, alias McNeil, in particular, was about as 
bitter as it could be. 

The same paper says that the opinion of 
the community is tolerably equally divided 
on three points: first, that Pepe committed 
suicide; second, that the poison, if such there 
was, was unknown to Pepe, and was admi- 
nistered to him from interested motives, as 
it was currently rumored that he intended, 
before being hanged, making disclosures in 
relation to the assassination of Abe Phillips 
and other deeds of blood and violence, that 
would compromise many parties in this city, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



553 



who at present carry rather a high head ; 
and, third, that Eugene Pepe is not dead, but 
alive and kicking, the inquest a farce, — the 
hurried manner of carrying off his supposed 
remains giving color to the latter phase of 
public opinion. 

Suicide by Jumping Overboard. — In New 
York, a man, whose name is supposed to have 
been C. L. Robbins, committed suicide on the 
morning of this day, by jumping overboard 
from one of the Catharine Street ferry-boats. 
His body was not recovered. A memorandum- 
book found on the wharf, and which was 
supposed to have been left there by deceased, 
contained a paper with the following, written 
in lead-pencil: — " I have lived long enough. 
Good-bye all. My brother lives corner of 
First Place and Court Street. C. L. Robbins." 

Serious Accidents on the Hudson River 
Railroad. — Three Men Killed while 
Fighting on the Track. — As the up express- 
train cf this day, which leaves Chambers 
Street at eleven a.m., on the Hudson River 
Railroad, was within a quarter of a mile of the 
Peekskill depot, it ran over and killed three 
men, two of whom were fighting upon the 
track. The men, named George Eawcliffe, 
Henry W. Hall, and Thomas Granger, were 
walking on the track near Peekskill, about 
one o'clock in the afternoon, when Hall and 
Granger got into a quarrel, clinched, and fell 
upon the track. This occurred just as the 
train appeared in sight; but it was impossible 
for the engineer to observe them at that dis- 
tance. As the train approached, he gave the 
usual signal of danger,and continued to blow 
the whistle up to the time of the accident. 
The warning was, however, unnoticed by the 
two men fighting; but the other, George 
Rawcliffe, went to them as soon as he observed 
the train and attempted to separate them, 
when Hall seized him by the arm and held 
him on the track. The engineer, now seeing 
that it was almost impossible to prevent 
running over them, reversed the engine and 
applied the patent brake, but too late, as 
before the train could be stopped it had 
passed over them, instantly killing two and 
fatally injuring the third. Rawcliffe, the 
young man who attempted to separate the 
others, was struck upon the head by the 
cowcatcher and thrown over on the other 
track. He struggled hard to free himself 
from the grasp of Hall; but the latter held 
him so that the head of the unfortunate 
young man projected over on the track upon 
which the train was. He was instantly 
killed. Thomas Granger was underneath 
Hall, and was mangled in a horrible manner. 
He was also instantly killed. The other, 
Henry \V. Hall, was struck upon the head by 
the cowcatcher and thrown to the side of the 
track. He lived nearly half an hour, but 
was speechless and insensible. On examina- 



tion it was found that his skull and side were 
broken. The accident was seen by several 
persons. The men were recognised by Mr. 
David Tate, who keeps a brick-yard near 
Peekskill. The bodies were taken up and 
placed on a hand-car, as well as the box 
which contained the remains of Granger, 
when it was run into the engine-house. Two 
five-cent pieces and three or four pennies 
were picked up along the track. They had 
no doubt belonged to Granger. No blame 
could be attached to either the engineer or 
fireman. Hall was an American, and was for 
several years a member of Engine No. 40, of 
New York. He was about thirty-five years 
of age, and lived at Oyster Bay, L.I. Gran- 
ger was also an American, and twenty-eight 
years old. Rawcliffe was an Englishman. 
Some three or four days since he received a 
letter from his mother in England, and yes- 
terday morning bought some paper and enve- 
lopes for the purpose of answering his mo- 
ther's letter. They were all single men. 

Another accident also occurred on this 
road, this day. About eleven o'clock in the 
morning, when the express which leaves 
Albany at nine minutes past ten had just 
left Barrytown, on the Hudson River Rail- 
road, the body of a man was seen lying along- 
side the track. He was taken up, but life 
was extinct. On examination it was found 
that his neck was broken. He had no doubt 
either fallen or jumped off the train as it was 
passing Barrytown, and was thrown upon his 
head, thus breaking his neck and killing him 
instantly. He appeared to be about forty- 
five years of age, and was apparently a 
foreigner. 

Killed by Falling Out of a AVindow. — 
In New York, this day, a child named Arthur 
Mazurkiewez, residing with his parents at 
No. 843 East Tenth Street, was instantly 
killed by falling from a fourth-story window. 
Deceased was playing with his sister at the 
window, when he lost his balance and fell to 
the pavement, a distance of nearly fifty feet. 
Coroner Sehirmer held an iuquest upon the 
body of deceased. Verdict, "Accidental 
death." 

Death from an Accidental Shot. — This 
day, Edward T. Rodney, who was shot by 
the accidental discharge of his gun, on the 
12th inst., while on Fenwick's Island, Del., 
died, at the residence of his father, John D. 
Rodney, at Georgetown, in that State. 

Camphene-Casualty. — In New York, Ellen 
McDonald, the girl who was so severely burned 
by the explosion of a camphene lamp at the 
grocery-store No. 8 Franklin Street, on Tues- 
day evening, died on the night of this day, 
at the New York Hospital, from the effects of 
her injuries. Deceased, it appears, was in 
the store, making some purchases, when the 



554 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



ceiling, and along ■with it a lighted camphene 
lamp, fell upon her head. Coroner Schirmer 
held an inquest upon the body. Verdict, 
"Accidental death." 

Accidental Drowning. — In New York, 
this day, Coroner Gamble held an inquest, at 
the foot of East Forty-Fourth Street, upon 
the body of a man named William Kirwin, 
"who was found drowned. Deceased had been 
missed since Wednesday week, and when last 
seen alive he was laboring under delirium 
tremens brought on by intoxication. Ver- 
dict, "Accidental drowning." Kirwin was a 
native of Ireland, and was thirty-five years 
of age. He was a quarryman by occupation, 
and lived in a shanty near the spot where he 
was found drowned. 

Drowning of the Assistant Weighmaster 
at Utica, N. Y. — James McDonough, Assistant 
Weighmaster at Utica, was drowned in the 
weigh-lock about ten o'clock this night. A 
boat had been weighed, and he had just 
opened the gate at the east end of the lock 
for the purpose of refilling it, when, by some 
mischance, he fell into the water outside the 
lock. 

A Frenchman Drowned. — The Vergennes 
(Vt.) "Citizen" states that a Frenchman, 
named Guindon, was drowned in trying to 
swim across Otter Creek, this day. He was 
alone at the time. Eighty dollars were found 
in the pockets of his clothes. 

Sad Case of Drowning. — This day, Mr. 
Benjamin G. Fletcher, who had just returned 
from an Eastern voyage, left his vessel at 
Kittery Point, Me., and took a boat to go to 
his own residence, but fell overboard when 
near the shore, and was drowned, in full view 
of his wife, who had come to the beach to 
meet him. 

Fire in Fifth Street, New York. — 
Seven Horses Burned to Death. — Between 
twelve and one o'clock on this morning, a 
fire broke out in a row of frame stables, 
No. 119 Fifth Street, New York. The flames 
spread rapidly, and, before the fire was ex- 
tinguished, five horses were burned to 
death, and two others so severely injured 
that they were afterward killed. The build- 
ing facing the street is of brick, two stories 
high. The first floor was occupied by Sam- 
uel Lauderbeck, as a stable for four horses. 
Three were saved and one burned to death ; 
one of those saved is badly injured. These 
horses were insured in the Pacific Insurance 
Company. The upper part of the building 
was occupied by Frank Rolzhauser as a 
dwelling. His loss on furniture will amount 
to about $150: no insurance. Strauss & Co. 
lost one horse, worth $200 ; Mr. Daneman 
lost two horses, worth $3000 ; H. Lazarus & 



Co. lost two horses, worth $200 ; and Mr. 
Slaver lost one horse, worth about $200. 
There is no insurance on these horses. The 
st allies were owned by Frank Rolzhauser. 
Loss, about $500 : no insurance. 

The building adjoining, (No. 117,) owned 
by F. S. E. Goodman, is damaged about 
$25 : no insurance. 

Elopement of a White Woman with a 
Slave. — This day, a white woman, named 
A. E. Moore, eloped from Savannah, Ga., 
with a slave mulatto boy named William, 
the property of Mrs. N. Rahn. The Charles- 
ton "Courier" gives the following account 
of the affair : — 

Lieut. Simons, of the Upper Ward Police, 
and Detective Officer Schouboe, on Friday, 
arrested a white woman, calling herself 
Mrs. A. E. Moore, hailing from Savannah 
and accompanied by a mulatto named Wil- 
liam. The conductor, on the arrival of the 
train, communicated to the policeman on 
duty there his suspicions that there was 
something wrong in the movements of this 
couple. They took up their quarters in 
Queen Street. Captain Bass, hearing of the 
circumstances, ordered the arrest of the 
parties, and telegraphed to Savannah for 
more information. He was answered with 
a request to hold the j>arties. 

On Sunday evening, Mr. A. Rahn ar- 
rived from Savannah, and identified the boy 
William as the property of his mother, Mrs. 
N. Rahn. Both the white woman and slave 
will be placed under his charge and taken 
back to Savannah this day. The marks on 
the baggage of the prisoners show that they 
were either on their way to Texas, or, as it is 
thought, were attempting to hoodwink the 
authorities here. The woman gave several 
aliases to her name, calling herself Ann E. 
Moore, Sarah Moore, Mrs. Robert Moore, 
&c. When first arrested on suspicion, she 
was sent to the House of Correction, but, 
upon the chief's being satisfied that she was 
an old criminal, he had her transferred 
again to the cell in the guard-house. 

Affray between Messrs. Whitelet and 
Townsend, Democratic Delegates from 
Delaware. — The morning of this day, an 
affray occurred at the Malt by House, Balti- 
more, between the Hon. William G. Whiteley, 
member of Congress and Administration 
delegate from Delaware, and Mr. Samuel 
Townsend, Douglas delegate from Dela- 
ware, who contested his seat : of which the 
correspondent of the New York " Herald" 
gives the following account: — 

This morning, Mr. Whiteley, of Delaware, 
and Mr. Townsend, the contestant for his 
seat in the convention, met and had a des- 
perate rough-and-tumble fight, in which 
they pummelled and punished each other 
well. Last night, Mr. Whiteley got his eye 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



555 



blackened by his antagonist, whilst he was 
held by his friends. He said he was re- 
solved to have satisfaction, but promised 
not to attack his opponent at night. He 
said he would assail him in the morning ; 
and so punctilious was he on the point of 
honor, that he remained up all night, and, 
meeting him at five o'clock this morning, he 
commenced the attack, when both parties 
bruised each other until they were sepa- 
rated, and one of them was taken to the 
station-house, from which he was afterward 
released by local influence. Of the affair, 
the following are the facts, obtained from 
several eye-witnesses, all agreeing: — 

At five o'clock this morning, Mr. Whiteley 
entered the Maltby House, where Mr. Town- 
send is stopping, and took a seat by the pass- 
age-way leading to the washing-room. 

About a quarter-past five o'clock, Mr. 
Townsend came down-stairs into the office, 
laid his cane on the counter, and was walk- 
ing into the washing-room, having to pass 
Mr. Whiteley on the way. 

Mr. Whiteley rose, and as Mr. Townsend 
passed he struck him a violent blow on the 
side of the head. Mr. Townsend was stag- 
gered by the blow, but recovered immedi- 
ately, and, springing on Mr. Whiteley, seized 
him by the front of his shirt and neck-tie 
and ran him across the office. 

Both are very powerful men, and they 
kept striking rapidly at each other until Mr. 
Whiteley fell, Mr. Townsend also falling 
over him. Mr. Townsend then shook Mr. 
Whiteley somewhat, and said, "Sir, I want 
no difficulty with you ; and, if you will pro- 
mise to behave yourself and leave me alone, 
I will let you up." Mr. Whiteley replied 
harshly to this, refusing to make any pro- 
mise, and still keeping up the struggle. The 
landlord of the hotel, who alone witnessed 
the encounter, called for assistance, and the 
police entered and separated the parties. 

When Mr. Whiteley rose, he immediately 
thrust his hand into his breast-pocket, as 
though feeling for something, — when Mr. 
Townsend said, "Be careful: he may be 
armed." 

Mr. Whiteley, after feeling in his pocket, 
looked around him on the floor, when Mr. 
Townsend saw Mr. Whiteley's pistol lying 
near Ins feet. He instantly secured it. and 
placed it in his own pocket, saying, " I will 
take care of this for the present." Mr. 
Wbiteley was then taken out of the house, 
and the affair for the present has termi- 
nated. 

Fight in the Superior Court of New 
York. — In New York, the morniug of this 
day, during the trial of a case in the Supe- 
rior Court, before Judge Robertson, the 
counsel engaged therein, Messrs. Hoxie and 
Laroque, became personal and unduly ex- 
cited. Mr. Hoxie struck Mi-. Laroque in 



the face with his fist ; Mr. Laroque instantly 
struck back, and a rough-and-tumble fight 
ensued between them. They were at once 
separated by the by-standers. The judge 
fined them ten dollars each. 

| 
Desperate Assault upon a Young Lady. 
— In New York, this day, a young lady, 
named Lina Norwald, brought suit against 
Levi Aarons and David Caballa, for $10,000 
damages, for an alleged assault committed 
by them upon her, at No. 21 Oliver Street,] 
New York, on the morning of July 5, 1858.1 
The plaintiff, who is a seamstress, previous 
to the morning in question boarded with 
the defendants, and on going to get her 
trunk, she alleges, the defendant's wife 
seized her by the hair of her head, throwing 
her down, and beat her while lying on the 
floor. The defendant, she alleges, jumped 
upon her breasts with his knee, and beat 
her about her face and body. She was then 
taken from the room by a young man named 
Emile Praeger, and carried down-stairs. 
Shortly afterward, as she was going up- 
stairs to her room, she alleges, she was 
again assaulted by defendant's wife, and a 
young man named David Caballa, who (Ca- 
balla) beat her and thrust an iron rod 
through her eye, and broke one of the 
bones of her face. From this time she was 
insensible, and was taken to her room. 
Subsequently she was twice arrested at the 
instance of the defendant, and after ex- 
amination she was discharged. After a 
brief charge from the judge, the jury 
brought in a verdict of $2000 in favor of 
the plaintiff. 

Quashing of an Indictment for an At- 
tempt to Bribe Aldermen. — In New York, 
this day, Recorder Barnard, in the Court of 
General Sessions, quashed the indictments 
against Wm. N. Mclntyre and J. C. Tucker, 
charged with an attempt to bribe Alderman 
Brady to vote in the board for the appoint- 
ment of Mr. Gideon J. Tucker to the Presi- 
dency of the Croton Aqueduct Board. His 
honor ruled that the offence, if committed, 
was a misdemeanor, and not a felony, as 
charged in the indictments. In any case, a 
defendant, having committed a misdemeanor, 
should not be indicted for a felony, subject- 
ing him, as it would, to penalties which the 
law did not contemplate. The District-At- 
torney had no option but to indict for 
felony in all cases, irrespective of the nature 
of the offence. 

Escape of Prisoners from the Califor- 
nia State Prison. — This day, ten State- 
prison convicts escaped from one of the 
small schooners attached to that institution. 
The vessel belongs to the lessee of the pri- 
son, and is sent about the bay on various 
errands, with convicts, under charge of a 



656 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



couple of guards. She was returning from 
Petaluma, with a load of wood. She had 
fourteen convicts and two guards aboard. 
When the vessel was near the island known 
as the Sisters, the convicts suddenly seized 
the guard, put them down in the hold, fast- 
ened the hatches over them, sailed for the 
nearest land on the eastern side of the bay, 
and there landed. Four of the convicts re- 
fused to escape, but liberated the guard and 
returned with them to the prison. 

Church Struck by Lightning. — Men In- 
jured. — This day, a church in Bloomfield, 
N.J., was struck by lightning, of which the 
Newark "Advertiser" gives the following 
account : — 

During the storm, the lightning struck the 
northwest corner of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, at Bloomficld, and ran down 
the gutter. The ladies of the church were 
holding an ice-cream and strawberry festi- 
val in tents, on a vacant space adjoining the 
church ; and one of them was erected imme- 
diately adjacent to the building. As the 
water from the gutter ran against the tent, 
Constable Joseph Osborn took hold of the 
gutter to alter its direction, just at the 
moment the electric fluid struck it. The 
lightning went into the top of his shoulder, 
passed down his left arm ami leg and out of 
his foot to the ground. The skin was torn 
off, and a round hole, about the size of a 
small bullet, was left in the bottom of the 
foot. His leg was completely blackened. 
His clothing was nearly all torn off, and he 
was, of course, rendered nearly insensible. 
Mr. Osborn was taken home, and this morn- 
ing is better, and will probably recover. 
His escape from death is remarkable. Mr. 
Samuel Carl, who was about assisting Mr. 
Osborn in fixing the gutter, but had not 
touched it, was burned on the arm and 
stunned. Most of the persons present were 
stunned, and some of them knocked down, 
but only Mr. Osborn received serious in- 
jury- 

Judge Bates, of Missouri, Writes a 
Letter in Favor of Mr. Lincoln. — The 
St. Louis "Democrat" of this date con- 
tains a letter from Judge Bates in support 
of the Chicago nominees. He disclaims all 
dissatisfaction at not being nominated him- 
self. The approaching contest must be be- 
tween the Republican and Democratic par- 
ties, and he prefers the former party, as the 
latter is wholly sectional, and has merged 
its existence in one idea, — that of negro- 
slavery. 

Capsizing of the Schooner Rob Roy. — 
The evening of this day, the schooner Rob 
Roy, Colby, of and from Wiscassett for Bos- 
ton, with lumber, was capsized, between 
seven and eight o'clock, at the entrance of 



Marblehead Harbor. The life and surf- 
boats from that place were immediately sent 
to her assistance, manned by T. and J. Le- 
craw, J. Clothy, M. Sweet, A. Leavitt, J. 
Courtis, J. Adams, and A. Allen, Jr., wLo 
succeeded in rescuing the crew from their 
perilous situation. The schooner went 
ashore on Marblehead Neck. 

Railroad- President Elected. — This 
day, John Broadhead, the President of the 
Camden & Atlantic Railroad, was elected 
President of the Cape May & Atlantic 
Railroad. 

Abandoned Schooner Found. — This day, 
the schooner Laura Gertrude, Campbell, 
bound for Charleston, at eight a.m., lat. o7° 
25', in sixteen tat bonis water, passed a 
three-masted schooner lying on port side, 
painted green, the foremast and foretop- 
mast standing square, stern painted white, 
arch yellow and black, with letters N. C. on 
her stern. 

Struck by Lightning and Set on Fire. 
— In Chesapeake Bay, this day, the schooner 
Sea-GuH, Capt. Miles, was struck by light- 
ning off Annapolis. The mainmast was 
shivered, the schooner set on fire, and part 
of the cargo destroyed before the flames 
were subdued. No one was injured. The 
cargo, mostly merchandise, was consigned 
to sundry parties in Northampton and Ac- 
comac. 

Long Passage. — Ship Southern Rights, 
Harward, which sailed from Liverpool, 
March 30, for Philadelphia, with a valuable 
cargo, arrived at that port this day. She 
was not reported as seen or spoken since 
her day of sailing, and the morning previous 
to her arrival it was reported that seventy- 
five per cent, had been offered by consignees 
of the cargo and refused by the insurance- 
offices in Philadelphia. 

Suspected of being a Slaver. — In New 
York, this day, the brig Marquita, was 
detained on suspicion of fitting out for the 
slave-trade. 

Burning of the Propeller Spaulding. 
— In Port Sarnia, Canada West, early in the 
morning of this day, the propeller W. B. 
Spaulding, of Buffalo, while loading with 
lumber, on the lake-shore, was burned; also 
one hundred thousand feet of lumber on 
deck. The captain and crew had a nar- 
row escape, being asleep. The fire was sup- 
posed to have been the work of an incen- 
diary. 

Bold Plundering- Expedition of the 
Indians. — This day, a party of Indians 
made a descent upon the Frio and Leona, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



557 



and took all the horses belonging to the 
rancho of Mr. Askins ; also one hundred 
head of fine American horses, belonging to 
Mr. Goens ; also from N. Walker, William 
Walker, Joel Walker, and Benjamin Slaugh- 
ter, a number more, — making 'in all some 
three hundred head. 

A Mexican living on the rancho of Mr. 
Joel Walker received seven arrows in his 
body during the attack which the Indians 
made upon the rancho. It is not known 
how strong the Indians were; but it is be- 
lieved they were in large force. 

These places are only a short distance 
from San Antonio, in Texas. 



THURSDAY, JUNE 21. 

The National Democratic Convention 
again met this day, according to adjourn- 
ment on the 20th, (at which session no 
busines-s was transacted, in consequence of 
the Committee on Credentials not being 
ready to report.) 

The Committee on Credentials presented 
their reports. There were three. Mr. Krum, 
of Missouri, presented the majority-report, 
which was as follows : — 

1. Resolved, That George II. Gordon, E. 
Barksdalc, W. F. Barry, H. C. Chambers, 
Jos. R. Davis, Beverly Matthew, Charles 
Clark, W. L. Featherston, P. F. Slidcll, C. 
G. Armistead, W. F. Avaunt, and T. J. Huc- 
Bton, are entitled to seats in this convention 
as delegates from the State of Mississippi. 

2. Resolved, That Pierre Soule, F. Cotte- 
man, R. C. Wickliffe, Michael Ryan, Mun- 
sell White, Charles Bienvenala, Gustav Leu- 
roy, J. C. Morse, A. S. Heron, N. D. Colburn, 
J. N. T. Richardson, and J. L. Walker, are 
entitled to seats in this convention as dele- 
gates from the State of Louisiana. 

3. Resolved, That R. W. Johnson, T. C. 
Hiudman, J. P. Johnson, Henry Carroll, J. 
Gould, and John A. Jordon, be entitled to 
seats as delegates from the State of Arkan- 
sas, with power to cast tivo votes, and that 
Thomas H. Bradley, M. Hooper, and D. C. 
Cross, be also admitted to seats as delegates 
from the same State, with power to casl one 
vote ; and in case either portion of said dele- 
gates shall refuse or neglect to take their 
said seats and to cast their said votes, the 
other portion of said delegates taking seats 
in this convention shall be entitled to cast 
the entire three votes of said State. 

4. Resolved, That J. M. Bryan, F. R. Lub- 
boen, F. C. Stookdale, E. Green, H. R. Run- 
nell, W. B. Ochiltree, M. W. Cary, Wm. H. 
Parrows, R. Ward, J. F. Crosly, B. Burrows, 
and V. H. Maiming, are entitled to seats 
from Texas. 

5. Resolved, That James A. Bayard and 
Wm. G. Whiteley are entitled to seats from 
the county <jf New Castle, Delaware. 



6. Resolved, That R. L. Chaffee, who was 
duly admitted at Charleston as delegate from 
the Fifth Congressional District of Massa- 
chusetts, is still entitled to said seat in this 
convention, and that B. F. Hallett, who has 
assumed said seat, is not entitled thereto. 

7. Resolved, That John 0. Fallon, who was 
duly admitted at Charleston as a delegate 
from the Eighth Electoral District, Mo., is 
still entitled to said seat in this convention, 
and that Johnson B. Gardy, who has assumed 
said seat, is not entitled thereto. 

8. Resolved, That R. A. Baker, D. C. Hum- 
phry, John Forsyth, Wm. Jewett, 1. 1. Seibles, 
S. C. Pasey, L. E. Parsons, Joseph C. Brad- 
ley, Thomas B. Cooper, James Williams, C. H. 
Brynan, Dan. W. Wearley, L. M. B. Martyr, 
.In:). W. Howard, W. R. R. Wyatt, B. Hanson, 
Thos. M. Matthews, and Norbert M. Lord, 
are entitled to seats in this convention as 
delegates from Alabama. 

9. Resolved, That the delegations from the 
State of Georgia of which EL L. Benning 
is chairman be admitted to seats in this 
convention, with power to cast one-half of 
the vote of said State, and that the delega- 
tion from said State of which Col. Gardner 
is chairman be also admitted to the con- 
vention, with power to cast one-half of the 
vote of said State; and if either of said 
delegations refuse or neglect to cast the vote 
as above indicated, that in said case the 
delegates present in the convention be au- 
thorized to cast the full vote of said State. 

Mr. Stevens, of Oregon, presented the 
following 

Minority-Report. 

1. Resolved, That B. F. Hallett is entitled 
to a seat in this convention as a delegate 
from the Fifth Congressional District of the 
State of Massachusetts. 

2. Resolved, That Johnson B. Gardy is 
entitled to a seat in this convention as a 
delegate from the Eighth Congressional Dis- 
trict of the State of Missouri. 

3. Resolved, That James A. Bayard and 
W. G. Whiteley are entitled to seats in this 
convention as delegates from the State of 
Delaware. 

4. Resolved, That the delegation headed 
by R. W. Johnson are entitled to seats in 
this convention as delegates from the State 
of Arkansas. 

5. Resolved, That the delegation of which 
George W. Bryan is chairman are entitled to 
seats in this convention from the State of 
Texas. 

G. Resolved, That the delegation of which 
John Tarleton is chairman are entitled to 
seats in this convention as delegates from 
the State of Louisiana. 

7. Resolved, That the delegation of which 
L. P. Walker is chairman are entitled to 
seats in this convention as delegates from 
the State of Alabama. 



558 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



8. Resolved, That the delegation of -which 
Henry L. Benning is chairman are entitled 
to seats in this convention as delegates from 
the State of Georgia. 

9. Resolved, That the delegation from the 
State of Florida accredited to the Charleston 
Convention are invited to take seats in this 
convention and cast the vote of the State 
of Florida. 

The report of the committee was signed by 
I. I. Stevens, of Oregon ; A. R. Speer, N.J. ; 
H. M. North, Penn. ; John H. Bewley, Del. ; 
E. W. Hubbard, Va. ; R. R. Bridgers, N.C. ; 
W. H. Carroll, Tenn. ; Geo. H. Morrow, Ky. ; 
D. S. Gregory, Cal. 

In the points of difference between the 
majority and minority reports of the Com- 
mittee on Credentials, I concur in the con- 
clusions of the minority-report in the cases 
of Georgia, Alabama, Missouri, and Massa- 
chusetts. Aaron V. Hughes, N.H. 

Mr. Giddings, of Maryland, presented still 
another report, concluding with the follow- 
ing resolutions : — 

Resolved, That so much of the majority- 
report of the Committee on Credentials as 
relates to Massachusetts, Missouri, Dela- 
ware, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, and 
Texas, be adopted. 

Resolved, That the delegation of which L. 
P. AA'alker is chairman be, and they are 
hereby, declared the only regularly author- 
ized representatives of the State of Ala- 
bama, and as such are entitled to seats in 
the National Democratic Convention. 

Mr. Stevens demanded the previous ques- 
tion, which was sustained by the convention, 
and the main question was ordered, but, 
without taking the vote, the convention ad- 
journed. 

Loss op the tT. S. Steamer Walker and 
Twenty of Her Crew. — This day, the U. S. 
steamer AValker, under the command of 
Lieut. John Guthrie, which had been on the 
Coast Survey, and was on her way back to 
New York, having got as far as the Absecom 
light-house, the look-out sighted a vessel right 
ahead, coming toward the steamer. The ves- 
sel seen proved to be a fore-and-aft schooner 
of about three hundred tons burden ; her 
name was not discovered. Scarcely ten 
minutes elapsed from the time the schooner 
was first sighted until she struck the steam- 
er. Mr. Sewell, the deck-officer, seeing 
the approach of the schooner, and believing 
a collision inevitable unless both vessels al- 
tered their course, at once ordered the man 
at the wheel to port his helm. This order 
was immediately obeyed, and some three or 
four minutes before the collision the steamer 
had sheared off from the course of the 
schooner. 

He ordered the schooner to port her helm 
also. Instead, however, of porting her helm, 
she appeared to have put it hard astarboard. 



It was too late to shift round. The schooner 
being before the wind, with a northeast half 
gale blowing, and the sea running very 
high, she struck the Walker on the port side, 
about two feet forward of the paddle-box, 
and cutting the second cutter in two. She 
hung on to the steamer for several minutes, 
then her bow rolled right up on top of her ; 
she then slid off, and the two vessels dragged 
side by side for about three minutes more. 
During this time no voice answered from the 
schooner, nor was any one seen on board. 
AA'hile the vessels were dragging together, 
the fourth cutter was smashed so completely 
as to be rendered utterly useless. The 
schooner then dropped astern, and in ten 
minutes afterward was out of sight. 

The gale continued to blow with unabated 
vigor, and the sea ran high, making it ex- 
ceedingly perilous to put out either of the 
two remaining cutters which were on board 
the steamer. Vessels last seen had been 
close-reefed. No time was lost, however, 
and the pumps were sounded immediately. 
It was ascertained that the vessel was mak- 
ing water very fast. Some of the men were 
sent down into the coal-bunker, where they 
found the water rushing in. They tried to 
stop the leak with beds and blankets, but 
found it impossible, as the hole was so large 
that they no sooner put a bed into it than it 
was carried through. In this way, one bed 
after another was lost in the effort. 

Finding their endeavors all in vain in that 
direction, and the vessel fast sinking, they 
were ordered to clear the boats and to have 
them ready for lowering. At the same mo- 
ment an order was given to run the vessel 
for shoal water. This order was promptly 
obeyed, and she was heading finely for the 
shore, when, owing to the influx of water in 
the boiler-room, the fires were drowned and 
the engine stopped. To prevent explosion, 
the engineer at once ordered the steam to be 
blown off, which was done forthwith. An 
order was also given to cut away the main- 
mast, for the purpose of making a raft, but, 
before it could be disentangled from the rig- 
ging, it went down with the vessel. 

The order to lower away the first and third 
cutters was next given and obeyed. Mr. 
Sewell's wife was then placed in the first 
boat, which was dropped astern in tow, 
while the crew was endeavoring to sail the 
vessel. Finding this impossible, the boats 
were ordered to be manned. In four minutes 
after this order was given, the steamer went 
down by the head, the captain standing aft 
mi the poop-deck until she was two-thirds hid 
in the water. He then jumped overboard, 
and was picked up by the third cutter. 
AVhen the steamer went down, Mr. Sewell 
was standing on the poop-deck and went 
down with her. He was subsequently picked 
up by one of the boats. Owing to the con- 
tinued roughness of the sea, it was impossi- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



559 



ble to crowd the boats. So long as there was 
any hope of saving the vessel, every man on 
board the steamer worked with a will. Every 
order was obeyed with alacrity and prompti- 
tude. The men were cool and self-possessed. 
As the steamer went down, the screams and 
shrieks of the perishing echoed terribly 
through the boisterous elements. 

After the steamer went down, the boats 
pulled to the leeward of the wreck, among 
the drift, and picked up as many as they 
could of those who were yet floating about. 
Finding it too dangerous to go close to the 
wreck, and seeing a sail in the distance, it 
was thought best to pull out athwart the 
bow of the approaching vessel. As soon as 
she came within hailing-distance, she hove 
to. She proved to be the schooner R. G. 
Porter, Captain Hudson, bound to Phila- 
delphia. All who "were in the boats, with 
the exception of a sufficient number of men 
to work them, were taken on board the 
schooner. The boats then proceeded on a 
search for the remainder of the crew. Both 
boats pulled away for the wreck, and suc- 
ceeded in saving about a dozen more, who 
were drifting about, some clinging to chairs, 
some to chicken-coops, some to planks, and 
some to ladders. Finding it impossible to 
pull the boats to the windward of the wreck, 
they pulled back to the schooner and got 
the captain to beat to the windward, and 
at about ten o'clock they fell in with Mr. 
Sewell, in a greatly-exhausted state, and 
four others of the crew, clinging to the 
poop-deck, which had been separated from 
the steamer by the force of the sea. 

Mr. Sewell had got his leg entangled 
in the ridge-rope, which was fastened to 
the stanchions. This kept him in water 
nearly up to the neck, the sea at times 
breaking over him and smothering him. At 
length, however, by the continuous efforts 
of the men who were on the poop-deck with 
him, the stanchion which yet remained was 
unshipped, and he was released at once and 
taken on board the schooner, as were also 
the others. One of the four just mentioned, 
— a young man nanled William Logan, — in 
diving to get at the rope and cut it, got 
away from the place, but was picked up ami 
put on board the schooner also, — not, how- 
ever, until he was almost drowned. The 
schooner then stood to the windward again, 
in search of more men, but saw no one until 
about half-past eleven o'clock, when they 
fell in with a man, who appeared to be 
naked, swimming toward them. 

They hove to and manned a boat, the sea 
at this time running very high, but before 
they could get to him they lost sight of him. 
They pulled backward and forward for three- 
quarters of an hour in the trough of the sea, 
expecting to be swamped every moment, but 
they could see nothing of the man. They 
"went ou board again and beat up to the 



windward toward the wreck, so that they 
could examine the topgallant foremast, the 
top of which was still above water. Five 
men, who had taken to the mast, had been 
seen clinging to it when the stanchion was 
unshipped and the poop-deck floated away. 

The reason of their taking to the mast was 
an impression which they had that they were 
in shallow water, and that the rigging would 
be a safe resort. But the masthead was ex- 
amined in vain : no one was there. They 
bore away for Cape May, where they arrived 
on Thursday afternoon. The people, seeing 
their destitute condition, treated them very 
kindly, giving them such food as could be 
found. 

Most of those saved took passage on board 
the steamer Kennebeck, for New York. 
Some, however, took passage in the steamer 
Delaware, for Philadelphia. 

The men spoke in praiseworthy terms of 
the officers. Not one of them got into either 
of the boats, the doctor, of course, ex- 
cepted. 

At the time of the collision, an old man, 
named Essex Cochrane, one of the crew, 
who had been very sick for some time, was 
brought on deck, passed into one of the cut- 
ters, and put on board the schooner R. G. 
Porter. 

Lieut. Guthrie, the officer in command, 
speaks very highly of the good order main- 
tained by the men. 

The utmost order prevailed during the 
whole time of the catastrophe, until the 
vessel sank and they were left to the mercy 
of the waves. The sea was very rough. 
When the vessel went under, part of the 
deck got loose and floated on the water, for- 
tunately for the men, as it afforded a means 
of support without which a great number of 
those rescued must have been swallowed by 
the waves. 

After the fate of the vessel had become 
certain, Lieut. Guthrie ordered the cannon 
to be fired ; but the powder was wet, and the 
next moment each man was forced to strug- 
gle for dear life. The schooner that ran 
into the Walker disappeared, notwithstand- 
ing their urgent need of assistance. There 
were other vessels about, however. The II. 
G. Porter, a Jersey schooner, Capt. S. S. 
Hudson, came timely to their aid. The 
energetic efforts and good offices of Capt. 
Hudson were beyond all praise. He and his 
mate, Mr. E. Smith, made almost super- 
human efforts for the rescue of Lieut. 
Guthrie's men, and are remembered by 
them with the warmest gratitude. 

At Cape May, Capt. Cannon, of the Dela- 
ware, and the captain of the steamer Ken- 
nebeck, whose name is not ascertained, be- 
took themselves earnestly to supplying the 
wants of the wrecked. 

Mr. John C. Little, of "Our House," took 
in some of them, and furnished carriages to 



5G0 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



convey the others to Congress Hall, at the 
request of Capt. West, of that place, and to 
other houses in that vicinity. Messrs. T. 
M. Quicksal and G. M. Burton, of Phila- 
delphia, freely furnished them all the money 
they needed, and, besides, went around 
among the people to collect stray boots and 
jackets, (for the seamen had cast theirs off,) 
and food, which they, by this time, felt the 
■want of, laboring most generously until all 
had been made comfortable. 

The saved unite in returning thanks to the 
"whole community, in short ; for everybody 
seemed to busy himself or herself in their 
behalf. 

The following is the narrative of Charles 
Clifford, quartermaster : — 

At the time of the collision, Lieut. J. A. 
Sewell, the executive officer, was on the 
watch. It was about quarter-past two in 
the morning. We saw the schooner ahead, 
coming before the wind, and put the helm 
hard aport to clear her. The schooner was 
close aboard of us. The lights of both ves- 
sels were burning clear. The atmosphere 
was cloudy, and the wind blowing fresh 
from the northeast. 

The schooner thereupon put her helm hard 
astarboard, which made a collision inevitable. 
She struck the steamer forward of the port 
guard and wheel-house, cutting her down to 
the water's edge, and carried away her 
own head-booms. The schooner hung for a 
moment, then swung alongside, and carried 
away the forward and quarter-boats of the 
steamer. Getting clear of the schooner, we 
worked ahead, but found the Walker was 
sinking ; cut away her mainmast, booms, 
and got every thing movable on deck, to 
make a raft for the man. Everybody cool, 
and the officers behaving with great presence 
of mind. Lowered both starboard boats and 
dropped them astern for use when the vessel 
went down. 

By this time every soul was on deck, 
except those who may have been killed or 
injured by the collision, and a sick man on 
board, nearly seventy years of age, almost 
helpless, had been carefully lifted out and 
put in one of the boats. AH was orderly. 
The men stayed by the steamer until she 
was sinking, and then, without confusion, 
such of them as could took to the boats. 
Many of the crew went down with the 
steamer, however, clinging to the spars and 
portions of the wreck, and expecting to be 
saved in that way. The captain stayed on 
board until the steamer went clown, and 
just before she disappeared from sight jumped 
into the water and was picked up by one of 
the boats. 

Lieutenant Sewell was drawn down in the 
vortex, and, after remaining for a consider- 
able time floating on a portion of the wreck, 
was also rescued by one of the boats. A 
heavy sea was running, and many of the 



men were doubtless washed off the spars 
and drowned from mere exhaustion of hold- 
ing on, while others were killed or stunned 
on rising to the surface by concussion with 
spars and other parts of the wreck. 

The steamer had entirely sunk from sight 
in thirty minutes after the collision. Many 
of the crew were rescued by the boats, in 
which were about forty-four persons, and 
they were in turn picked up by the schooner 
R. G. Porter, Captain S. S. Hudson. He 
did nobly, keeping his vessel about the spot 
where the wreck went down until two o'clock 
in the day, and using every endeavor to 
render us comfortable and afford the desired 
assistance. Finding that it was useless to 
remain longer searching for the missing, 
Captain Hudson stood into Cape May, where 
he arrived about four o'clock on Thursday 
afternoon. 

The following are the 

Names of the Saved. — John J. Guthrie, 
Lieut. Com., J. A. Sewell (and lady), second 
officer, B. W. Guthrie, fourth officer, Jame3 
Helium, surgeon, Charles Marriott, assistant 
surgeon, R. B. Swift, engineer, Henry Dick„ 
JohnC. Thompson, John Burton, John Walsh, 
John McCaffrey, Charles Clifford, John Pi- 
Hall, John Brown, John Taylor, William H. 
Mapes, James Harrison, John McMillan, 
Edward Lynch, Daniel Evans, James Wilson, 
Jefferson Cravens, Andrew Young, William 
F. Jones, Robert Bell, Jos. Clark, John 
Bryan, George Henn, John Cazmer, Jos. 
Morg, John Smith, Jos. A. Golding, William 
Logan, John Rowe, Jos. Peter, James De 
Courcey, William Boyes, Bernard Carrah, 
Thomas Riley, John A. Minor, Alonzo Hood, 
James Clark, Peter Decker, Michael Boyle, 
Patrick Doherty, Michael Lyons, Henry 
Hotten. 

Names of (he 3Iissing. — Henry Reed, Timo- 
thy Connor, Jeremiah Coffey, John M. 
Brown, Michael M. Lee, Marquis Bonevents, 
.las. Patterson, Michael Allman, John Dris- 
coll, Robert Wilson, Cornelius Crow, Charles 
Miller, Geo. W. Johnston, Samuel Sizer, 
Daniel Smith, John Farren, Joseph Bate, 
James FaiTen, George Price. 

The crew of the R. G. Porter all behaved 
gallantly, and it was owing to their noble 
exertions that many lives were saved. Their 
names were S. J. Hudson, E. Smith, John En- 
glison, and William Taylor. 

The vessel which came into collision with 
the Walker, and caused so much loss of life, 
proved to be the schooner Fanny, Capt. 
Mahew, bound from Philadelphia for Boston. 
She immediately after the accident put into the 
Cape, and went up the river to Philadelphia. 
She was a vessel of about two hundred and 
fifty tons, long and narrow, built upon the 
model of a canal-boat, and loaded with two 
hundred and forty tons of coal, her bow 
being exceedingly strong, as was evidenced 
by the effects of the collision by which the 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



5(31 



steamer was sunk, her bow being but slightly 
injured, and no damage done to the vessel ex- 
cept the carrying away of her bowsprit and 
a portion of her railing. She did not leak a 
bit after the accident. The captain of the 
Fanny says that his vessel was headed for 
Cape May, and running before the wind, her 
course having been changed in consequence 
of the high wind and heavy sea. The lights 
of the steamer were seen for some distance, 
but her hull was not discovered until the 
vessels were within two hundred yards of 
each other. The captain of the Fanny then 
eased his vessel off a little, he says, to avoid 
a collision, and at the same time the steamer, 
it is alleged, changed her course, bringing 
her directly toward the Fanny, and in a 
moment the two came together. The first 
contact was near the bow of the steamer; 
and, as the bowsprit of the Fanny did not 
break at this time, it is thought the anchor 
over the bow knocked a hole in the iron side 
of the Walker. The schooner got clear for a 
moment, but again struck the steamer, aft the 
wheel-house, breaking her bowsprit, railing, 
&e. The captain of the Fanny then ex- 
amined his vessel and tried the pumps, and, 
no leak being found, he continued on his 
course, not thinking, he says, "that, there 
was any probability of the steamer sinking, 
his fears being altogether for his own 
vessel." He also states that his vessel, after 
the loss of her jib, was entirely unmanage- 
able, and that he could not have gone about 
to render any assistance. 

Wrecked Vessel Found. — This day, the 
schooner Wide World, Burns, bound for 
Charleston, lat. 37° 50', long. 75°, fell in 
with the vrreck of a sunken vessel, supposed 
to be a schooner, with about twenty-five feet 
of her masts out of water. 

A Pauper Kills Himself. — In New York, 
this day. Coroner Schirmer was called to 
Bellevue Hospital, to hold an inquest on the 
body of Andrew Schensky, a Polander, 
who, two or three days since, cut his throat, 
in Essex Market Prison, where he had been 
committed preparatory to being taken to 
Blackwell's Island. The deceased, who had 
seen better days, being out of money, and 
having no friends to assist him, could see 
nothing in the future worth living for, and 
consequently resolved to die by his own 
hands. Accordingly, during the temporary 
absence of the keeper the desperate man 
drew a razor across his throat and severed 
the windpipe, as also several of the arteries. 
From these injuries death ensued. A verdict 
of "Death by suicide - ' was rendered by the 
jury. 

Dreadful Wickedness. — A Husband 
Throws Vitriol over his Wife. — In New 
York, this day, an actor, named Wm, G. 



06 



Easton, was brought before Justice Kelly, at 
the Lower Police Court, charged, on the com- 
plaint of Joseph Carlisle and others, with 
having thrown the contents of a bot;,le of 
vitriol over the face and neck of his wife, 
Maria G. Easton, with felonious intent, burn- 
ing her in a most shocking manner. 

The New York "Herald,'' describing the 
affair, says : — 

The facts of the case, as elicited before 
the magistrate, are briefly as follows. Easton 
and his wife have, for several months, been 
living separate, in consequence of alleged 
ill treatment on the part of the husband, 
who is somewhat of a jealous disposition. 
About two months ago Mrs. Easton left New 
York in company with a band of strolling 
players, and, after giving a series of theatri- 
cal performances throughout the country, 
returned to the metropolis and put up at 
No. 115 Leonard Street. During her absence 
Mr. Easton, while crossing the Hoboken 
ferry one day, was unfortunate enough to 
break his leg. He was conveyed to the New 
York Hospital, where he remained under 
medical treatment for nearly two months. 
Some three or four days ago Easton met his 
wife in the street, and entreated her to 
come and live with him as usual ; but she 
refused to listen to the proposal, in conse- 
quence of the previous bad treatment she 
had received at his hands. A bitter quarrel 
then ensued, Easton threatening to kill his 
wife if she did not accede to his request. 
Mrs. Easton was determined, however, that 
she would not be imposed upon or frightened 
into submission, and, going before Justice 
Kelly, made a complaint against her hus- 
band, and prayed that he might be held to 
bail to keep the peace. A warrant was 
thereupon issued for the apprehension of 
the accused; but it was not executed in 
season to prevent Easton's making a most 
cowardly and savage assault upon his wife. 
The affair occurred at the corner of Leonard 
and Centre Streets. At the conclusion of an 
excited conversation between the jealous 
husband and his wife, the former drew a vial 
of vitriol from his pocket and deliberately 
poured the entire contents over the head, 
face, and neck of his victim. The screams 
of the injured woman brought citizens Car- 
lisle and Armstrong to the spot, who rushed 
upon the assailant and quickly took him into 
custody. Mrs. Easton was found to be in a 
terrible state of suffering, and totally blind 
from the effects of the powerful acid. She 
was carried into the _ court-room, where 
she remained for a few minutes, in order to 
subscribe to a short affidavit, and was then 
conveyed to the New York Hospital, where 
she now lies in a very precarious state. The 
physicians in attendance are afraid that she 
will never recover the use of her eyes, and 
say she will be disfigured for life. Upon 
searching the prisoner a large dirk-knife was 



5C2 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



found in his possession, "with which it. is sup- 
posed he intended to kill his wife had he 
failed in maiming her with vitriol. Justice 
Kelly, after hearing the statements of Mrs. 
Easton, Messrs. Carlisle, Armstrong, ' and 
others, decided to commit the accused to the 
Tombs. Mrs. Easton is rather good-looking, 
about eighteen years of age, and says she is 
a unlive of Tennessee. The prisoner is a 
man about thirty-three years of age, and 
claims to be a native of Philadelphia. He 
id to have another wife living in Pitts- 
burg, Pa., from whom he has been separated 
for several years. Mrs. Easton describes 
her husband as a man of very jealous dispo- 
sing, quick tempered, and not unfrequently 
harsh and cruel in his manner. .She says 
she is determined never to have any thing 
further to do with him, and hopes that she 
will soon be placed in a situation where she 
will not be subjected to any further threats 
or violence. 

Refusal to Pardon Harden. — The even- 
ing of this day, the Court of Pardons of the 
State of New Jersey convened, at half-past 
seven o'clock, in the State-House, in Trenton, 
the following gentlemen being present : — The 
Governor and Chancellor, and Judges Risley, 
Swain, Wood, Corneilson, Macombs, and 
Kennedy. The first case which came up for 
consideration was that of Jacob S. Harden, 
who wa« sentenced by Judge Whelpley to be 
executed on the 28th of the present month, 
for the murder of his wife on the 7th of 
March, 1859, in Anderson, Warren count}', 
N.J. The father of the condemned and 
several friends were present, and an inter- 
view of an hour took place. Several papers 
were presented in behalf of the condemned, 
&c. The court, after consulting until half- 
past nine o'clock, adjourned over until this 
afternoon at three o'clock. 

The Court of Pardons sat with closed doors 
from three to six o'clock, considering the 
applications for pardon, the principal one 
being that of Harden. After due delibera- 
tion of the whole question, the court came 
to the unanimous conclusion to reject the 
application for a commutation of his sen- 
tence. 

A Mystery C leared Ep. — As some la- 
borers, this day, were laying the foundation 
of a new store in Pittsburg, Pa., on the site 
of one of the buildings destroyed in the big 
fire in 184"), they found some human bones, 
and a few pieces of silver money. A pedlar, 
named John Johnston, has been missing 
since that time, and no certain clew had ever 
been obtained to his fate, until the find- 
ing of these bones, which it is thought are 
his. 

Attempt to Poison a Family. — In St. 
Louis, this day, Mr. James Medam, his wife 



and daughter, residing at No. 82-1 Franklin 
Avenue, after drinking tea at breakfast, im- 
mediately began to be taken with violent 
symptoms of poisoning. Dr. Barnes was 
sent for, and, suspecting the true state of the 
case, administered an emetic. 

The remainder of the tea was examined 
bv Dr. Stieren, a practical chemist, and, by 
.Vieans of Marsh's analytic process, arsenic 
was discovered in quantities sufficient to have 
killed at least fifty persons. The great quan- 
tity swallowed by the family was the means 
of saving them, as it produced vomiting. 
Dr. Stieren, however, administered the usual 
antidotes, and the family were pronounced 
out of danger. 

Mr. Medam is at a loss to account for the 
presence of the poison. A person is sus- 
pected, and the matter will be thoroughly 
investigated. 

OfTRAOE OF TIIE SlOUX ON THE PAWNEES. 

— This day, a band of Sioux came dashing 
in between the Pawnee village and the In- 
dian Agency, (only about rifle-shot distant,) 
killing and scalping two sejiiaws and taking 
a few ponies. The Pawnees with difficulty 
rallied sufficient brave men to follow them, 
half an hour afterward, but without effect. 
The Sioux are aware of Pawnee cowardice, 
and act accordingly. In this last little foray 
Judge Gillis, the Indian Agent, endeavored 
to rally them to surround the little band of 
Sioux ; but it was useless. Although com- 
fortably fixed upon their reservation, and 
under charge of an excellent agent, they 
live in constant dread of the Sioux. 

Affray between Robert E. Randall 
and Mr. Montgomery, of Pennsylvania. — 
Mr. Montgomery Challenged by the Hon. 
l Randall to a Duel. — This day, 
the following scene occurred in the National 
Democratic Convention at Baltimore, which 
afterward caused a street-collision between 
Mr. Montgomery and Robert E. Randall, and 
the sending of a challenge by the Hon. Sa- 
muel Randall to Mr. Montgomery to fight 
a duel. 

afternoon session. 

The convention was called to order at five 
o'clock, having waited half an hour for New 
York. 

Mr. Ludlow, on behalf of that delegation, 
asked further time for consideration. They 
were now in session, and begged the indul- 
gence of the convention. 

Mr. Bradford, of Pennsylvania, moved a 
recess till eight o'clock. 

Loud cries of "No, no." 

Mr. Randall, of Pennsylvania, moved to 
adjourn. 

Much confusion and applause, and cries 
of "No." 

Mr. Johnson, of Maryland, suggested that 
time would be saved by taking a vote of all 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



603 



the other States raid recording New York 
■when she was ready. 

Cries of "No, no." "Put the motion to 
adjourn," and much confusion. 

Mr. Montgomery, of Pennsylvania, on a 
question of privilege, desired to know where 
the delegates here were to get tickets of ad- 
mission. He desired that the present mode 
be changed. Tickets were given to others 
than delegates, and he could not obtain his 
through a third party when it was known 
that he did not choose to hold any communi- 
cation personally with the chairman of the 
delegation. He asked that half of the tickets 
might be given to Mr. Cassidy, of Pennsyl- 
vania, for distribution, and half to the chair- 
man of the delegation. 

While Mr. Montgomery spoke, Mr. Randall, 
of Pennsylvania, approached as near him as 
possible, exclaiming, inanexcitedvoice, '-It's 
false! — it's a base falsehood!" 

Mr. Montgomery (pointing to Mr. Randall) 
said: — "That old man" 

Loud cries of "Order;" confusion, and 
much excitement. 

Mr. Montgomery, keeping the floor, ex- 
claimed, "Am I to be protected against these 
insults ?" 

Fifty delegates rose to their feet and 
crowded forward. 

One of Mr. Randall's sons gesticulated 
violently in dumb show, and struggled to 
approach Mr. Montgomery, who remained 
standing on the bench. 

After several attempts to restore order, Mr. 
Dawson rose and said: — 

Mr. President: If you will give me the 
floor I will get order. [Laughter.] 

The noise then partially ceased, when Mr. 
Dawson said he had used every personal 
effort to distribute tickets to members. Mr. 
Montgomery's ticket had been applied for 
by a boy, and he had not chosen to give it to 
any but a delegate himself. [A voice: 
'•'flint's right."] He therefore pronounced 
the insinuation of Mr. Montgomery as un- 
called for and untrue in every particular. 
[Applause and confusion.] 

Mr. Montgomery rose in an excited man- 
ner, but his voice was drowned by uproarious 
cries of "order," and several persons en- 
deavoring to address the chair. All the Penn- 
sylvania delegation, and half the convention, 
were on their feet, endeavoring to crowd 
around Mr. Montgomery, who exclaimed, in 
a loud voice, "He lies ! it is a base lie! and 
the man who utters it is a lying scoundrel." 

Intense excitement ensued, and continued 
for some time, until at last order was restored, 
and a vote taken by States on a motion to 
adjourn, which was carried, and the conven- 
tion adjourned till to-morrow at ten. 

During this confusion, and before the con- 
vention adjourned, after Mr. Montgomery's 
remark to Mr. Randall, George McHenry, of 
Pennsylvania, at the request of Robert E. 



Randall, went over to Mr. Montgomery's 
seat and said. "I have a message for you. 
Mr. Randall, Jr., desires to know if the re- 
marks just made are intended to apply to his 
father or Mr. Dawson." 

Mr. Montgomery replied, "Tell Mr. Ran- 
dall to go to hell." 

Mr. McHenry said, "I conveyed the mes- 
sage, presuming you were a gentleman, but 
now discover that you are not. I denounce 
you as a low, vulgar fellow, not worthy of 
notice. If I had known you were a black- 
guard, I should not have conveyed the mes- 
sage." 

Mr. Montgomery made no reply. 

As soon as the adjournment, took place, 
Mr. Dawson left the hall in company with his 
friends, Mr. Montgomery remaining behind. 
Mr. Randall also left the hall, accompanied 
by his son Robert. They proceeded clown 
Gay Street to the corner of Fayette, and 
were talking there when Mr. Montgomery 
approached, accompanied by a friend. Im- 
mediately Mr. Robert Randall saw him, he 
left his father and, confronting Mr. Mont- 
gomery, struck him a powerful blow between 
the eyes, staggering him back, and covering 
his face with blood from the nose. Mr. 
Montgomery recovered himself and struck 
Mr. Robert Randall a dreadful blow under 
the ear, knocking him down, and was about 
to kick him, when a crowd surrounded and 
separated them. 

Young Randall was not hurt, and pro- 
ceeded up the street with his father, who 
displayed much excitement. Montgomery 
went into a house to wash the blood from his 
face. Montgomery is a large, heavy man, 
and Randall is small and light built. Some 
persons insist that Montgomery drew a pis- 
tol, but this is not confirmed by any eye- 
witness, and comes from Montgomery's op- 
ponents. The collision caused much excite- 
ment in the streets, which were at the time 
crowded. 

Mr. Bryan, of Texas, came up immediately 
after the blows had been struck, and, draw- 
ing a revolver from his pocket, ottered it to 
young Randall. The parties, however, did 
not get together again. 

Mr. Montgomery has recently been de- 
feated in a struggle for renoruination to 
Congress. 

Sad Degradation of a Ruined Girl 
once Respectable. — This day, a young girl 
named Emma Cady was arrested, brought 
before the Recorder of St. Louis, and fined 
five dollars for being drunk. Speaking of 
this affair, the St. Louis " R-epublican" 
says :— 

The name of Emma Cady graced the docket 
of the Recorder's Court for the third time. 
There is nothing extraordinary in this, but 
a few passages of her life may be interesting. 

Emma is seventeen years of age, and very 



564 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



handsome. She was born on Spring Creek, 
near Springfield, 111., and her parents are 
said to be very wealthy and respectable. 
About a year ago she formed the acquaint- 
ance of a young man named George Cady, 
who was a worthless fellow, and had no 
means of earning a livelihood. Emma's 
family saw the two together a good deal, 
warned the girl to shun Cady's company, and 
forbid Cady from visiting the house. But 
the youthful couple, in spite of these parental 
cautions, managed to have secret meetings, 
and finally determined on an elopement. 
They came to St. Louis, where they lived as 
man and wife for about three months, when 
Cady, surfeited with his illicit love, deserted 
its object and left her destitute. 

The girl did not know what to do. She 
endeavored to get work, but failed, and was 
ashamed to return to her friends whose ad- 
vice she had scorned and whose good name 
she had compromised. At last she accepted 
a place as waiting-maid in one of the abo- 
minable underground resorts which have 
become so great a pest to the community. 
Here, as might have been expected, she con- 
tracted a fondness for drink, and gave her- 
self up to many excesses. Sinking lower, 
she went into the notorious Rip Van Winkle 
Saloon, on Third Street, where, one Sunday 
night, under the influence of liquor, she got 
into a light with another waiting girl, and 
was arrested and fined ten dollars by the 
Recorder, to cancel which she was sent to 
the workhouse. Her father, seeing the fact 
mentioned in a newspaper, came to tit. Louis, 
paid the fine, and took her home, but she 
ran off and returned to the city. This was 
about two months ago, ever since which time 
she has been an inmate of a house of pros- 
titution. 

A week or so ago Emma was arrested by 
the police in a dance-house and tried on a 
charge of vagrancy, but was discharged from 
the fact of her not being well enough known. 
Yesterday she was tried for being drunk on 
the street, and a fine was assessed of five 
dollars and costs. 

Visit op the Prince of Wales. — Let- 
ters of Mr. Dallas and Lord John Rus- 
sell. — The following letters have been re- 
ceived by the Mayor of New York, in reply 
to his invitation to the Prince of Wales to 
visit that city, in pursuance of a resolution 
of the Common Council: — 

Legation of the United States, 
London, 22d June, 1860. 
Sir: — My letter of the 8th inst. will have 
informed you of the step taken by me to 
apprize the Prince of Wales of the desire ex- 
pressed by the Common Council of New York 
that he should visit your great city at the 
close of his public duties in Canada. 
I have now the honor to transmit a note 



addressed to me, in answer to my communi- 
cation, by her Majesty's principal Secretary 
of State for Foreign Affairs, conveying tha 
gratifying assurance that his Royal High- 
ness, with the high sanction of his illustrious 
mother and her Government, will meet the 
wishes of your community. With the high- 
est respect, sir, your most obedient servant, 

G. M. Dallas. 
To his Excellency Fernando Wood, Mayor 
of New York. 

The undersigned, her Majesty's Principal 
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, ha* 
the honor to acknowledge a communication 
addressed to him by Mr. Dallas, Envoy Ex- 
traordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of 
the United States, containing a resolution 
expressive of the wish of the Municipality 
of New York, and of its important and 
wealthy community, to receive a visit from 
his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, on 
the occasion of his Royal Highness's pre- 
sence in the colonial possessions of her Ma- 
jesty. The undersigned, having laid these 
documents before her Majesty and the Prince 
of Wales, is commanded by them to express 
to Mr. Dallas the high sense which they en- 
tertain of the importance of strengthening 
by every means the relations of friendship 
and regard which bind this country to the 
United States of America. 

When, therefore, the. public duties for the 
performance of which the Prince undertakes 
the voyage across the Atlantic to her Ma- 
jesty's North American colonies shall be con- 
cluded, both the consideration above referred 
to, and the natural desire on the part of the 
Prince to visit some of the institutions and 
some of the most prominent objects of inte- 
rest in the United States, will prompt his 
Royal Highness, on his return from the Upper 
Province of Canada, to direct his route 
through a portion of that great country: 
and that route will include a visit to the im- 
portant city of New York. The time allowed 
for this journey will, however, under all cir- 
cumstances, be necessarily very limited, and 
it will be consequently out of the power of 
his Royal Highness to make a prolonged 
stay. 

His Royal nighness will, leaving the British 
soil, lay aside all royal state, and exchange 
his title, as he has done on former journeys 
to foreign countries, for that of Lord Ren- 
frew. While thus dispensing with any cere- 
mony which might be inconvenient to the 
communities which he hopes to visit, he 
trusts to be enabled as a private gentleman 
to employ the small amount of time at his 
disposal in the study of the most interesting 
objects in the United States, and of the ordi- 
nary life of the American people. 

The undersigned is directed to request 
that Mr. Dallas will communicate to his Ex ■■ 
cellency Fernando Wood the expression of 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



5C5 



the satisfaction felt by the Prince of Wales 
upon receiving the resolution of the Munici- 
pality of New York, and of his hope that 
toward the latter end of September he may 
be enabled to pay a visit to the city they re- 
present, and to the mercantile community 
who have given to him so welcome a testi- 
mony of their friendly regard. 

The undersigned requests Mr. Dallas to 
accept the assurance of his highest consider- 
ation. J. Russell. 

Foreign Office, June 21, 1S60. 

G. M. Dallas, Esq. 

Arrested for Stealing. — This day, a 
sporting man named Charles Clark was ar- 
rested in Syracuse, N.Y., charged with steal- 
ing the clothes of the wife of Mr. Sturges, 
of Weedsport. Mrs. Sturges was in the 
clothes when stolen. 

TnE New Hampshire Legislature, it was 
this day announced, had passed a bill in- 
creasing the time of residence from three to 
six months to entitle to a vote. 

Sale of a Railroad. — The franchise of 
the York & Cumberland Railroad Company, 
and the right in equity to redeem the same, 
were sold at auction on this day, on an exe- 
cution obtained against the company by John 
B. Carroll, Esq. Charles Q. Clapp, Esq., was 
the purchaser, he having bid the amount of 
the execution, $7076.89. 

The Bank-Officeks of Pennsylvania, 
New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, 
this day, held a convention at the clearing- 
house in the Farmers and Mechanics' Bank in 
Philadelphia, agreeably to a resolution passed 
at a similar meeting May 21, to form au as- 
sociation for the prevention of counterfeit- 
ing and the detection of counterfeiters of 
bank-bills, coins, checks, or drafts. 

The association was formed, and rules 
were adopted, among which were that each 
bank was to be represented by one officer, to 
be appointed by the Board of Directors, that 
an annual assessment be made upon each 
bank represented in the association, in pro- 
portion to the amount of its capital, that 
they hold an annual meeting in May, to re- 
ceive a detailed report of their proceedings 
and the acts and doings of their agents, &c. 

Race in Louisville. — In Louisville, this 
day, the horse Reindeer won the trotting 
race, two-mile heats, to harness, winning 
both heats. The time was 4:58 and 5:09, 
beating Billy Lewis and Abbey Woods. 

Large Live-Stock Train. — On this day, 
one hundred and six long cars, containing 
over five thousand head of cattle, sheep, and 
hogs, were sent from Pittsburg, Pa., and 
passed through Harrisburg, bojnd to the 



eastward. The Harrisburg "Patriot" thinks 
this is the largest stock train ever sent over 
any road. 

Settlement of the Mullanphy Will 
Case. — The celebrated Mullanphy will case 
was decided in the Supreme Court this day 
in favor of St. Louis, which will receive over 
$700,000 thereby. In relation to this case, 
the St. Louis "News" says: — 

It will be recollected that Judge Bryan 
Mullanphy, at his death, some years ago, be- 
queathed one-third of his estate to the city 
of St. Louis, to be used, if we remember 
rightly, for the benefit of sick or distress .d 
emigrants arriving in our city. Some of the 
heirs contested the will; and hence the suit, 
finally decided as above. The entire estate 
was valued in 1851 at over fifteen hundred 
thousand dollars. The judgment carries also 
one-third of the rents and profits since that 
date, and, as the real estate has increased 
immensely in value, it is fair to assume that 
the city will, by this decision, come into pos- 
session of fully $750,000 of property. 



FRIDAY, JUNE 22. 

When the National Democratic Convention 
assembled this day, Mr. Gittings withdrew 
his report, which brought the minority- 
report proper — that of Mr. Stevens, of 
Oregon — first in order; and the question 
being put on the substitution of the whole 
minority-report for the report of the ma- 
jority, the motion was lost, 100£ to 150, as 
follows : — 

Yeas. — Maine, 2} ; New Hampshire, i ; 
Vermont, Ik; Massachusetts, 8; Connecticut, 
2jj : New Jersey, 4; Pennsylvania, 17 ; Dela- 
ware, 2; Maryland, 5J; Virginia, 14; North 
Carolina, 9 ; Arkansas, i- ; Missouri, 6 ; Ten- 
nessee, 10: Kentuck}-, 10; Minnesota, 1*; 
California,' 4 ; Oregon, 3.— 100*. 

Nays. — Maine, 5£; New Hampshire, 4.}; 
Vermont, 3i; Massachusetts, 5; Rhode 
Island, 4 ; Connecticut, 3* ; New York, 35 ; 
New Jersey, 3 ; Pennsylvania, 10 ; Mary- 
land, 2 ; Virginia, 1 ;, North Carolina, 1 ; 
Arkansas, £ ; Missouri, 4; Tennessee, 1; 
Kentucky, 2; Ohio, 23; Indiana, 13; Illi- 
nois, 11 ; Michigan, 6 ; Wisconsin, 5 ; Iowa, 
4; Minnesota, 2*. — 150. 

Maryland, £ vote not voted. Tennessee, 
1 vote not cast. 

The question then recurred on adopting 
the majority-report. A division being 
called for, the vote was taken on the first 
resolution, admitting the original delegates 
from Mississippi, which was adopted almost 
unanimously, 250 to 2}. 

The vote was then taken on the second 
resolution, admitting the Soule (Douglas) 
delegates from Louisiana, which resulted, 
yeas 153, nays 98, as follows : — 



66G 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



Teas. — Maine, 5}; New Hampshire, 4J; 
Vermont, 4J; Massachusetts, 5; Rhode 
Island, 4: Connecticut, 8A-; New York. 35; 
New Jersey, 2}; Pennsylvania, 10; Mary- 
land, 2\ ; Virginia, 1 ; North Carolina, 2 ; 
Arkansas, h ; Missouri, 4 ; Tennessee, 2 ; 
Kentucky, 2; Ohio, 23; Indiana, 13; Illi- 
nois, 11; Michigan, 6; Wisconsin, 5; Iowa, 
4 ; Minnesota, 2£.— 153. 

Nays. — Maine, 2J; New Hampshire, J; 
Vermont, £ ; Massachusetts, 8 ; Connecticut, 
2 J; New Jersey, 4J; Pennsylvania, 17; 
Delaware, 2 ; Maryland. 5} ; Virginia, 13 ; 
North Carolina, 8; Arkansas, £; Missouri, 
5 ; Tennessee, 10 ; Kentucky, 10 ; Minne- 
sota, 1£; California, 4; Oregon, 3.-98. 

So the second resolution was adopted. 

The question was then taken on the third 
resolution, admitting Col. Hindman and his 
colleagues, (the original delegates.) with 
power to cast two votes, and Mr. Hooper and 
his colleagues, (the contestants,) with power 
to cast one vote ; and providing that, if either 
set of delegates refuse to take their seats, 
the other shall be entitled to cast the whole 
vote of the State, (Arkansas.) 

The resolution was divided, and the ques- 
tion was taken on the three several propo- 
sitions: — 1st, The admission of the Hind- 
man delegates, which was adopted, 182 to 
09. 2d. The admission of the Hooper dele- 
gates, which was adopted, 150 to 100J. 3d. 
On the giving of power to one set to cast the 
whole vote if the other set withdrew, which 
was adopted without a divison. 

A vote was then taken on the fourth reso- 
lution of the majority-report, admitting the 
original delegates from the State of Texas, 
which was adopted almost unanimously. 

The fifth resolution, admitting Messrs. 
Bayard and Whiteley, from Delaware, was 
adopted without division. 

The sixth resolution, giving R. L. Chaffee 
the seat in the Massachusetts delegation, 
contested by Mr. Hallett, was then adopted, 
yeas 188, nays 111 J. 

The seventh resolution, declaring J. O. 
Fallon entitled to the seat in the Missouri 
delegation, claimed by Jno. B. Gardy, was 
then adopted, yeas 138J, nays 112. 

The eighth resolution, admitting the con- 
testing delegates from Alabama, was next 
adopted, yeas 148.1, nays 101J. 

The contesting delegates from Georgia 
here withdrew their claim, and the original 
(seceding) delegation, headed by H. L. Ben- 
ning, was admitted. 

The question now recurring upon the mo- 
tion to reconsider the vote rejecting the 
minority-resolutions, Mr. Cessna, of Penn- 
sylvania, moved the previous qitestion, 
which being sustained, the motion to re- 
consider was rejected, 103 to 149, as fol- 
lows : — 

Yeas. — Maine, 2J ; New Hampshire, 2 ; 
Vermont, 1 ; Massachusetts, 8 ; Connecticut, 



2J; New Jersey, 4J ; Pennsylvania, 17; 
Delaware, 2: Maryland, G; Virginia, 15; 
North Carolina, 9; Arkansas. |; Missouri, 
4.]: Tennessee, 10; Kentucky, 10; Minne- 
sota, L 1 , ; California, 4; Oregon, 3. — 103. 

Xoiis.— Maine, 5£ ; New Hampshire, 3 ; 
Vermont, 4; Massachusetts, 5; Rhode 
Island, 4; Connecticut, 8J ; New York. So ; 
New Jersey, 2\ ; Pennsylvania, 10 ; Mary- 
land, 2; North Carolina, 1; Arkansas, J; 
Missouri, 4.V : Tennessee, 2 ; Kentucky, 2 ; 
Ohio, 23; Indiana, 13; Illinois, 11; Michi- 
gan, 6 ; Wisconsin, 5 ; Iowa, 4 ; Minnesota, 
2J.— 149. 

The several motions to lay on the table the 
question of reconsidering the votes by which 
each of the resolutions of the majority had 
been adopted, were then put and carried in 
the affirmative, and the delegates who had 
been voted in were admitted to seats. 

At this stage of the proceedings, Mr. Pur- 
pell announced that a portion of the delega- 
tion from Virginia, aggrieved at the action 
of the convention upon the various questions 
arising out of the report of the Committee 
on Credentials, had decided to now termi- 
nate their connection with the convention. 

This was followed by the withdrawal of a 
large portion of the North Carolina delega- 
tion. Twenty of the twenty-four delegates 
from Tennessee also withdrew, followed by 
a portion of those from Maryland, all of 
those from California, and two from Dela- 
ware. 

The convention now decided to go into 
nomination for President and Vice-Presi- 
dent, and then adjourned. 

ExPLosibx or a Locomotive. — At Hudson, 
a town on the Cleveland & Cincinnati Rail- 
road, a locomotive exploded its boiler, this 
day, of which the "Cleveland Herald" gives 
the following account: — 

The locomotive "Vulcan," belonging to 
the Cleveland, Zanesville & Cincinnati Rail- 
road Company, exploded at Hudson, this 
morning, about ten o'clock. Fragments of 
the boiler were thrown from fifty to one 
hundred rods : one piece was thrown over 
the store of Mr. Buss. The engineer, Isaac 
Dolson, and the fireman had just stepped 
off the engine, and thus escaped. Dolson 
says there was plenty of w T ater in the boiler, 
the engine having just come out of its 
house, and was standing waiting for the 
train from Cleveland. There was every 
appearance of plenty of water, and the ex- 
plosion is unaccountable. A young man 
was passing along, and was directly oppo- 
site the engine. — perhaps thirty feet distant, 
— when the boiler exploded. He was thrown 
at least forty feet, raised from the ground, 
and carried over a coal-pen, which is three 
feet above the ground. He was not injured 
in the least. The engine is badly damaged; 
and a loaded freight-car, standing near, was 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



567 



completely demolished and the freight scat- 
tered generally. The engineer is a faithful, 
experienced man. The report made by the 
explosion was like that of an immense can- 
non ; and, although there were people all 
around, — among them our informant, who 
was within seventy-five feet, — no one was 
. injured. One of the domes was thrown off 
entire, and landed two hundred feet distant, 
passing right over the Cleveland & Pitts- 
burg track ; but, fortunately, the train from 
Cleveland had not arrived, else, probably, 
there would have been serious results. 

Queen Victoria Accepts the Invitation 
for the Prince of Wales to Visit the 
President of the United States. — This 
day. Queen Victoria sent the following letter 
to President Buchanan, in answer to one by 
him inviting the Prince to visit the United 
States: — - 

Buckingham Palace, June 22, 18G0. 

My Good Friend : — I have been much 
gratified at the feelings which prompted you 
to write to me, inviting the Prince of Wales 
to visit Washington. He intends to return 
from Canada through the United States, and 
it will give him great pleasure to have an 
opportunity of testifying to you in person 
that those feelings are fully reciprocated by 
him. He will thus be able at the same time 
to mark the respect which he entertains for 
the Chief Magistrate of a great and friendly 
State and kindred nation. 

The Prince of Wales will drop all royal 
state on leaving my dominions, and travel 
under the name of Lord Renfrew, as he has 
done when travelling on the continent of 
Europe. 

The Prince Consort wishes to be kindly 
remembered to you. 

I remain ever your good friend, 

Victokia R. 

Attempt to Destroy a Lightning Ex- 
press-Train on the New York Central 
Railroad. — The evening of this day. a most 
diabolical attempt was made to destroy life 
on the New York Central Railroad, by lay- 
ing obstructions on the road, at Pembroke, 
near Buffalo. The "Buffalo Express," giving 
an account of it, says : — 

About half-past nine o'clock last evening, 
when the lightning express-train on the 
Central Railroad, in charge of Conductor 
Gibson, due at Buffalo at half-past ten 
o'clock, was about a mile and a half east of 
Pembroke, the engineer, Mr. Burr Stone, 
discovered an obstruction on the track about 
twenty rods ahead of the train, the reflector 
rendering objects visible in the night only 
at about that distance. With instantaneous 
presence of mind and firmness of nerve, he 
reversed the engine, applied the brakes, and 
at the same moment whistled a warning to 



the brakemen to increase the tension upon 
the wheels; but, before the latter could 
spring to their posts, the train had struck 
the obstacle, its momentum, however, so 
nearly checked by the powerful action of the 
brakes that the collision produced but a 
slight shock and occasioned no damage, even 
to the cow-catcher. 

Upon examination, it was found that a 
large pile of ties had been placed across the 
track by some fiend or fiends, with the 
horrid design of overwhelming the train and 
all its living freight with instantaneous de- 
struction. When those on board discovered 
how miraculously they" had escaped the most 
terrible fate of which any conception can be 
formed, they trembled as if in the presence 
of the danger itself; and even the brave en- 
gineer lost the nerve that had sustained him 
in the fearful trial of his courage, and which, 
under the blessing of Providence, had saved 
a hundred lives, blanching and shuddering 
with the thought of what "might have 
been." 

Bills Passed Congress. — This day, the 
House passed a bill to enable the United 
States to' borrow twenty millions of dollars. 
The Senate passed the bill within ten 
minutes after it left the House. It was also 
announced that Congress had changed the 
title of Purser to that of Paymaster in the 
Navy. The British Navy adopted this title 
some years ago. 

Brewery Burned. — The night of this day, 
the lager-beer brewery of Goodman & Co., 
near Richmond, Va., was destroyed by fire. 
Loss, $70,000: partially insured. 

Murderer Sentenced. — Thomas Hoff- 
mann, convicted in the Baltimore (Md.) 
Criminal Court of the murder of Hugh D. 
O'Sullivan, was, this day, sentenced to fif- 
teen years' imprisonment in the Maryland 
Penitentiary. 

Murder of a Colored Man near Balti- 
more. — In the Circuit Court of Baltimore 
county, this day, Mullanick Fisher, charged 
with the murder of William Scott, colored, 
by cutting him on the left leg with a scythe, 
and which the State's attorney, after hearing 
the statements of the witnesses, pronounced 
manslaughter, was held to bail in the sum 
of one thousand dollars for his appearance 
at the August term. 

Death of a Prominent Politician of Il- 
linois from Wounds Received in a Con- 
flict. — Smith Frye, a leading Democratic 
politician and a prominent citizen of Peoria, 
111., died, this day, from wounds received in 
a quarrel, on Wednesday last, with James 
Carroll. Five leaves a wife and eleven 
children. 



5G8 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Jt 



Suicide from Domestic Difficulties. — 
In New York, this day, Coroner Schirmer 
held an inquest, at No. 21 Clark Street, 
upon the body of Sarah Rice, a married 
woman, about twenty-two years of age, who 
committed suicide by taking laudanum. De- 
ceased, it appeared, had lived unhappily 
with her husband, and on more than one 
occasion had threatened to destroy herself. 
On Thursday, she had a quarrel with her 
husband relative to some money-ma iters, 
and, acting on the impulse of the moment, 
she went straightway to her bedroom and 
partook of a quantity of laudanum, from the 
effects of which she died in about two hours 
afterward. Drs. Bouton and Weltje made a 
post-mortem examination of the body, and 
gave it as their opinion that death was 
caused by the administration of some nar- 
cotic poison. The jury rendered a verdict 
in accordance with the above facts. De- 
ceased was a native of New York, and had 
been married about two years. 

Suicide of an Unknown Max. — In IIo- 
boken, N.J., the morning of this day, about 
five o'clock, the body of a middle-aged man, 
apparently a German, was found lying on a 
bridge, on the road leading from Hoboken to 
"West Hoboken. When found, the right hand 
grasped a pistol, the contents of which had 
been discharged into the mouth of the de- 
ceased, horribly disfiguring the fa/sc and 
scattering the brains in every direction-. 
The deceased was a large, thick-set man, 
about fifty years of age, and lias black hair 
intermixed with gray. He had on a black 
alpaca frock-coat, black and white checked 
pants, calf-skin boots, with gray woollen 
stockings with white tops, and wore a straw 
hat. The only thing found in the pockets 
of the deceased which may lead to the identi- 
fication of the body is a card, upon which is 
an advertisement of Kauffman's Hotel, No. 
182 West .Street, New York. 

Found Drowned. — This day, the body of 
an unknown man. about thirty-five years of 
age, was found floating in the water at the 
foot of Vesey Street, New York. There was 
no covering on the body, with the exception 
of a linen shirt. 

Indiana Concressmax Nominated. — This 
day, William Mitchell was nominated for 
Congress in the Tenth District. 

Sentence of Maroney for Robbing 
Adams's Expeess. — In Montgomery, Ala., 
this day, Maroney, the former agent of 
Adams's Express, pleaded guilty of the rob- 
bery of fifty thousand dollars, and was sen- 
tenced by Judge Shorter to ten years' im- 
prisonment in the penitentiary. The money 
was recovered last August, by Pinkorton's 
Detective Agency of Chicag}, being found 



buried in an obscure place near Phila- 
delphia. 

In speaking of this affair, a Montgomery 
paper says :— 

One Nathan Maroney has been convicted 
at Montgomery, Ala., of robberies commit- 
ted upon Adams's Express-Company, of 
which he was agent, to the amount of fifty 
thousand dollars. He planned his rogueries 
m adroitly, and secured his spoil so success- 
fully, that, although suspect oil and dis- 
charged, it took ten months of constant sur- 
veillance by a, skilful detective, and a most 
ingeniously-contrived series of plots, to get 
proof against him and to recover the money. 
The exposure was so perfect that he finally 
pleaded guilty, andi received the sentence 
of ten years' imprisonment in the Alabama 
Penitentiary. 

The police-agent to whom the affair was 
intrusted was one Allen Pinkerton. a de- 
tective-policeman of celebrity in Chicago. 
He was sent for to Montgomery, and had 
the full confidence of the company, who, 
having paid the money, were extremely 
anxious to punish the faithless agent, and, 
if possible, to recover the fifty thousand 
dollars, which they felt convinced had not 
been parted with. 

The detective accomplished this with a 
skill and perseverance, a fertility of re- 
sources, facility of disguise, and immovable 
tenacity of purpose which excite wonder as 
we read. The rogue and his accomplice 
were hunted backward and forward, through 
a circuit of thousands of miles of travel; 
every movement, from day to day, and every 
night, watched and noted. Spies were set 
about them in their most confidential hours; 
their intimates were pressed into the service 
against, them : and, finally, a detective 
brought into contact with the rogue, under 
such circumstances as to gain his confidence, 
be accepted as a counsellor, and obtain 
actual possession of the money in trust. If 
we had read such a story in the Memoirs of 
Vidocq, Ave should have thought it a ro- 
mantic exaggeration. It is, however, a 
reality, and exhibits the degree of acuteness 
to which the intellect may be sharpened by 
incessant devotion to one pursuit. The 
Chicago policeman has so thoroughly mas- 
tered the theory and practice of roguedorn, 
that it must be a blessing to the community 
that he never turned rogue himself. He who 
knows so well all the weak points where the 
rascals open themselves to detection, would 
be the most dangerous of men, if nature had 
not made him honest. As it is, this story 
will make him famous and a special terror 
to thieves. 

Maroney stole the money from the private 
pouch of the express-company, — ten thou- 
sand dollars at one time, forty thousand at 
another, and, we believe, three thousand at 
another. The ten thousand dollars were 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER 



5G0 



employed in the purchase of cotton in South 
Carolina. The forty-thousand-dollar pack- 
age was put in a box and sent by express to 
Galveston, Texas, under a fictitious name. 
It remained there till April, when it was 
ordered to Natchez. lie wont to Natchez 
for it, recovered it, and secreted it in Mont- 
gomery. 

Maroney had a wife, — or rather lived with 
a ■woman whom he made his wife during 
these affairs, — who was his confederate. 
She went North, and took up her residence 
in Jenkintown, Pa., with a brother-in-law. 
She came South, got the money, and had it 
buried in her brother-in-law's cellar. All 
her movements, day by day, from Mont- 
gomery to New York, to Jenkintown, and 
while there, and back again to Montgomery, 
and to New York, were supervised hour by 
hour. Women with whom she became ac- 
quainted were engaged to watch and to 
direct her movements as the police-agent 
desired. 

When the evidence was strong enough, 
Maroney was arrested and put in the El- 
dridge Street jail. A fictitious arrest was 
mad.', and one of Pinkerton's agents was 
placed in prison with him; and a long his- 
tory is made of the processes by which Ma- 
roney was made to confide in this Mr. , 

confessing the robbery, and where the money 
was, and engaged his aid to get up a defence 
ami to dispose of the money. The various 
artifices by which Maroney was led to these 
disclosures, the disguises and tricks by 
which the wife was induced to deliver up the 
money to the police-agent, the contrivances 
by which, for several months alter and until 
the trial of Mr. .Maroney, the Mr. Blank 
continued to be the conlidant of the de- 
ceived rogue, form a long chapter in the 
history. Maroney was made to believe that 
the money was safely put away for him. 
Every thing he did was under the advice of 
his prison-friend, until on the arrival at 
Montgomery, whither he was sent under an 
executive requisition, to be tried on the 
indictment, he was confronted in court by 
his bosom counsellor as a police-detective. 
He immediately caved in and pleaded guilty. 

It is one of the most remarkable cases in 
the history of the American detective police. 

The "Mail'' states that, the number of 
persons employed by Mr. Pinkerton ave- 
raged about eight for ten months, and that 
the distance travelled by them during that 
time was not less than fifty thousand miles. 

A Comet Seen.-— Captain Watson, of the 
Charleston steamer Potomac, on the night 
of this day, when about twenty miles north 
of Cape Henlopen, saw a large comet about 
twelve degrees above the horizon. It was 
very distinct, and is supposed to be the 
expected Charles V. cornet. 

A correspondent of "The Sun," writing 



from Georgetown Cross Roads, Kent county, 
Md., states that between eight and nine 
o'clock on the evening of this day he ob- 
served what he supposed to be a comet. 
The nucleus appeared to be about north- 
west, at an angle of twenty-five degrees 
above the horizon, with a tail of about six 
feet. 



SATURDAY, JUNE 23. 

The National Democratic Coxvextton 
again met this day, when Mr. Caldwell, of Ken- 
tucky, announced that ten of the delegation 
from thatState would now withdraw; thiswas 
followed by two cf the delegates from Mis- 
souri, and a portion of those from Massa- 
chusetts, leaving the convention. Those re- 
maining of the la'tter, however, were em- 
powered to cast the whole vote of the State. 

Mr. Cushing here resigned Iris position as 
presiding officer, and Gov. Todd, of Ohio, 
one of the Vice-Presidents, immediately as- 
sumed the chair, and the convention pro- 
ceeded to ballot for a candidate for Presi- 
dent, with the following result : — 

1st Ballot. 2d Ballot. 

Douglas 173J 181 £ 

Breckinridge 5 7J- 

Guthrie 10 5| 

On the first ballot, Henry A. Wise, of Vir- 
ginia, received a half-vote, Bocock, of Vir- 
ginia, received one vote, Daniel S. Dick- 
inson a half-vote, and Horatio Seymour, 
one vote. 

The convention then passed a resolution 
declaring the nomination of Stephen A. 
Douglas unanimous. 

Benjamin Fitzpatrick, of Alabama, was 
then nominated for Vice-President, receiving 
one hundred and ninety-eight and a half 
votes, and William C. Alexander, of New 
Jersey, one vote. Mr. Fitzpatrick declined 
the nomination two days afterward, and the 
National Committee supplied the vacancy by 
the nomination of Herschel V. Johnson, of 
Georgia. 

Governor Wickliffe, of Louisiana, offered 
the following resolution as an addition to 
the platform adopted at Charleston: — 

Resolved, That it is in accordance with the 
interpretation of the Cincinnati platform, 
that during the existence of the Territorial 
Governments the measure of restriction, 
whatever it may be, imposed by the Federal 
Constitution on the power of the Territorial 
Legislature over the subject of the domestic 
relations, as the same has been, or shall 
hereafter be, finally determined by the 
Supreme Court of the United States, should 
be respected by all good citizeus, and en- 
forced with promptness and fidelity by every 
branch of the Federal Government. 

This resolution was adopted with but two 



570 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



dissenting votes, and the convention ad- 
journed sine die. 

Biographical Description of Stephen 
A. Douglas, of Illinois, the National 
Democratic Candidate for President. — 
Stephen A. Douglas was born in the town 
of Brandon, in the State of Vermont, on the 
23d of April, 1813, and is now in the forty- 
eighth year of Lis age. His father, whose 
name he bears, was a native of Rensselaer 
county, New York, where he was a prac- 
tising physician. He died leaving two chil- 
dren, one of them the subject of this notice, 
who was but two months old at that time. 
Stephen A. Douglas, at the age of fourteen 
years, apprenticed himself to learn the trade 
of a cabinet-maker, at Milbury. At this trade 
he wrought for two years, and, getting wearied 
of it, he sought the means of procuring an 
education, lie was admitted as a pupil in 
the Canandaigua Academy, and entered upon 
a course of classical studies, and at the same 
time studied law with an attorney of that 
village, and while there evinced a fondness 
for politics. In 1833, he moved to Illinois, 
and lor some time taught school in the village 
of Winchester, in that State. While enga 
in teaching school, he still continued his legal 
Studies, and was admitted to the bar in 1834. 
In the following year, at the age of twenty- 
two years, lie was appointed State Attorney 
by the Legislature, which office he resigned 
in 1886 to take his seat in the Legislature. 
He was the youngest member of the House, 
but soon was remarked for his industry in 
legislative matters. The first position of im- 
portance which he took in legislation was in 
opposing the extension of the "wild cat" 
banking-system; but the majority was op- 
posed to his views, and the extension measure 
was carried. He was in favor of a measure 
putting the railroads completely in the power 
of the State. He subsequently held for a 
short time the post of Receiver of the Land- 
Office at Springfield, Illinois. By this time 
he had become a prominent politician, and ran 
for Congress in 1838, but was beaten by five 
votes. He stumped his State for Van Buren 
for the Presidency in 1840. In December, 
1840, he was elected Secretary of State, and 
in the following February was elected by the 
Legislature a Judge of the Supreme Court, 
lie was subsequently twice ek it id as a mem- 
ber of Congress, but only served one term, 
when he was elected to the United States 
Senate, in 1847. While a member of the 
lower House he took strong ground on the 
question of our Oregon boundary, and be- 
longed at that time to the 54 40 party. He 
has always been an advocate of internal im- 
provements ; favored the Mexican War; 
voted for the Independent Treasury Bill, and 
has always repudiated the power of Congress 
on the question of citizenship in the States; 
opposed the Wilinot Proviso, and expressed 



himself in favor of the extension of the Mis- 
souri line to the Pacific ; has always been 
a friend to the Homestead measures bill. 
During Mr. Pierce's Administration the 
Kansas-Nebraska Bill came up. Mr. Douglas 
was Chairman of the Senate Committee under 
which the bill came, and finally engineered 
the passage of that measure. This bill re- 
pealed the Missouri Compromise, and left 
the citizens of the Territory to decide as to 
the question of slavery. He supported the 
Administration until the Lccoinpton Con- 
stitution was brought before Congress, when 
he became at. issue with it, insisting on the 
whole bill being submitted to the people for 
their acceptance or rejection, instead of only 
the clause allowing them to reject slavery 
but requiring them to accept that instru- 
ment, with or without slavery, for the future 
form of government. This act placed him 
and the Administration at issue. Conse- 
quently the Administration Democrats formed 
a separate ticket opposed to him at the next 
election in Illinois. He finally succeeded 
over both the Administration and Republi- 
cans, and was elected for another Senatorial 
term, which has not yet expired. 

Mr. Douglas is a close reasoner. His 
mind takes with a peculiarly powerful grasp 
the great questions of the day. He has great 
energy and talent, and has probably more 
personal influence and weight of character 
than any other living American statesman. 

Sketch of the Hon. Hersciiel V. JonN 
son, Democratic Candidate for Vice- 
President. — Hcrschel V. Johnson was bori. 
in Burke county, Georgia, September 18 
1812, and is therefore in the forty-eightl 
year of his age. 

After graduating with honors at the Geor- 
gia University in 1834, he adopted the pro- 
fession of law, and by his energy and talents 
achieved considerable success in his pro- 
fession. 

He took an active part in the politics of his 
State, and in 1844 served on the Georgia 
Electoral ticket. In 1848, he was appointed 
to fill a vacancy in the United States Senate, 
which position he continued to occupy until 
the close of the term with eminent ability. 

AYhile in the Senate he was the representa- 
tive of rather extreme Southern views. En- 
joying the friendship and confidence of John 
('. Calhoun, he sympathized and acted with 
that statesman on all great questions of the 
day. Subsequently he has acted with the 
more conservative portion of his party. 

In 1849, he was elected a Judge of the 
Superior Court of his native State, and sub- 
sequently was elected, by the Democratic 
party, Governor of the State. These posi- 
tions he filled with marked ability, and up to 
the period of his recent nomination has 
taken an active and prominent position on 
all public matters. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



571 



Upon Mr. Fitzpatrick declining the De- 
mocratic nomination for the Vice-Presidency, 
the position was offered to Mr. Johnson by 
the National Democratic Committee, and 
"was at once accepted by him. His views on 
the question of popular sovereignty are in 
harmony with those promulgated by Mr. 
Douglas. 

As a public speaker, Mr. Johnson is bold, 
energetic, and commanding. In person he 
is well formed and tall. 

Tins day, the convention composed of the 
delegates who had withdrawn from the De- 
mocratic National Convention, together with 
the delegations from Louisiana and Alabama 
who were refused admission to that con- 
vention, met at the Maryland Institute, Bal- 
timore. Twenty-one States were represented, 
either by full or partial delegations. The 
States not represented at all were Connecticut, 
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, 
New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode 
Island, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. 

Caleb Cushing, of Massachusetts, was 
chosen to preside. 

The convention adopted a rule requiring 
a vote of two-thirds of all the delegates 
present to nominate candidates for Presi- 
dent and Vice-President; also that each 
delegate cast the vote to which he is entitled, 
and that each State cast only the number 
of votes to which it is entitled by its actual 
representation in the convention. 

The delegates from South Carolina and 
Florida accredited to the Richmond Con- 
vention were invited to take seats in this. 

The convention resolved that the next 
Democratic National Convention be held at 
Philadelphia. 

Mr. Avery, of North Carolina, Chairman 
of Committee on Resolutions, reported the 
platform presented by the majority of the 
Platform Committee at Charleston, and re- 
jected by the convention, (see page 341,) 
which was unanimously adopted. 

The convention then proceeded to ballot 
for a candidate for President, and John C. 
Breckinridge, of Kentucky, received the 
unanimous vote of the delegates present. 

For Vice-President, Gen. Joseph Lane, of 
Oregon, received the unanimous vote of the 
convention. 

The convention then adjourned sine die. 

Biographical Sketch of John C. Breck- 
inridge, of Ky., the Candidate of the Se- 
ceding Democrats. — Mr. Breckinridge was 
born near Lexington, Ky.. January 16, 1821, 
was educated at Centre College, Ky., spent 
a few months at Princeton, studied law at 
the Transylvania Institute, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar at Lexington, where he 
practised his profession with success. 
During the war with Mexico, he served in 
one of the Kentucky regiments as major, 



and whilst in that country made many warm 
friends among the officers of the army, and 
established an honorable reputation as a 
soldier and a gentleman. His campaigning 
over, he returned to the practice of law in 
Kentucky. In 1841, he was elected to the 
State Legislature. In this new sphere he 
established for himself a distinguished posi- 
tion as an orator. His style is compact, 
severe, and logical, whilst, his views on pub- 
lic questions are marked by solidity and 
breadth. These qualifications induced the 
party to select him as their candidate in 
18-31. — a Congressional nomination in oppo- 
sition to General Leslie Coombs, a strong 
man ; and the result was the election of the 
Democratic nominee. In 1853, he was re- 
elected, after one of the hottest canvasses 
ever known in the State. His opponent was 
General R. P. Letcher. 

During his administration, President 
Pierce tendered to him the mission to Spain ; 
but domestic affairs forbade its acceptance. 
Ever ready, however, to do battle for his 
party, lie did not hesitate to accept the 
nomination for Vice-President on the ticket 
with James Buchanan. He was elected, and 
entered upon the duties of his office in 
March. 1S-37. By virtue of his office he is 
the President of the United States Senate. 
As a presiding officer he takes a high rank. 
He has just been elected to the United States 
Senate for six years from the 4th of March, 
1861, to take the place of Mr. Crittenden, 
whoso term then expires. Mr. Breckinridge 
is about thirty-nine years old, and is pos- 
sessed of a moderate fortune, accumulated 
by his own efforts. 

Biographical Sketch of Joseph H. Lane, 
of Oregon, the Democratic (Seceders) 
Candidate for Vice-President. — Genei'al 
Joe Lane was born in North Carolina, De- 
cember 14, 1801. In his fifteenth year, he 
became a clerk in a mercantile house in In- 
diana. In 1821, he married and settled on 
the banks of the Ohio, in Indiana, where 
his family continue to reside. In 1822, he 
was chosen a member of the Legislature, 
serving in that capacity, with occasional in- 
tervals, until 184G. He supported General 
Jackson in 1824, '28, and '32, Van Buren in 
1836 and '40, and Polk in 1844. His course 
while in the State Legislature was marked 
by a devoted patriotism and a singleness of 
purpose to advance the prosperity of In- 
diana. He was most active in the arrange- 
ment by which the State was saved from 
bankruptcy and her honor from the stain of 
repudiation. None but those who were resi- 
dents of the State in that trying time can 
sufficiently estimate his invaluable services 
on this important question. In the year 
1846, he Was a member of the State Senate, 
but resigned his seat when a call was made 
on Indiana to furnish volunteers to the 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



Mexican War. He entered the army as a 
private, and in a few months afterward was 
appointed brigadier -general. He served 
with distinction during the war and covered 
himself with honor. About August 1. 1848, 
he reached Indiana, where a succession of 
public receptions were tendered him, but to 
which he had no time to respond ; for on the 
18th of August he was commissioned Go- 
vernor of Oregon, without his solicitation, and 
organized the government. He was elected 
delegate to Congress in 1851, and is now one 
of the United States Senators from the State 
of Oregon. 

General Lane is a man of considerable 
native talent. His retentive memory and 
quick, active intellect enable him to turn to 
immediate and effective use the more import- 
ant facts and incidents connected with our 
institutions. He is more a man of action 
than words, — more practical than theo- 
retical, — and presents himself with a mind 
formed rather by a study of things than of 
their mere names. 

Battles between the Arapahoe and 
Apache Indians. — A correspondent of the 
New York "Tribune," who dates his letter 
from Denver, gives the following account 
of a battle between these Indians: — 

The five hundred Arapahoe and Apache 
Indians who started a few days since to 
at rick the "Utes" have verified the old 
Spanish proverb. "Went for wool, and came 
back shorn." They first surprised a village 
of the Utes and killed a number of squaws 
and pappooses ; but their enemies soon 
rallied and drove them away. They had 
journeyed several hours on their return, 
and were quietly smoking their pipes in 
camp, when the Utes suddenly fell upon 
them, killing six of their warriors and 
wounding upward of thirty. The Arapahoes 
and their allies fled in hot haste to this city, 
and succeeded in arriving here with sixty 
stolen horses and several prisoners in the 
shape of women and children. On the way 
hither, they grossly insulted several parties 
of immigrants, compelling thein to furnish 
them with provisions, and in one instance 
drawing their cocked revolvers and rifles 
upon a defenceless white woman who was 
alone in a cabin thirty miles south of 
Denver. 

Suicide or Charles M. Waterman, Ex- 
Mayor of New Orleans. — A correspondent 
of the New York "Police Gazette" of this 
date gives the following account of the sui- 
cide of this gentleman : — 

The many friends of Charles M. Water- 
man, ex-Mayor of the city, were startled at 
hearing of his having committed suicide by 
throwing himself into the Mississippi River 
opposite Jackson Square. He was missed 
from his residence in St. Peter Street, but 



did not go to his place of business, and for 
some time all trace of him was lost; but 
finally his hat was found on the deck of the 
ferry-boat, and the conclusion was at once 
plain that the unfortunate young man had 
thrown himself into the river to put an end 
to his misery. Four years ago, Charles M. 
Waterman was second to no man in Louisiana 
in popularity. He was the candidate for 
Mayor on the Know-Nothing ticket and suc- 
cessfully elected. Up to this time he was 
without an enemy, I do believe, and could as 
easily have been elected Governor as Mayor. 
A nobler and more generous heart never 
beat within the bosom of any man than his. 
He was always ready to assist the poor and 
needy, — had a genial smile and open hand 
for all. But his generous qualities were the 
cause of his downfall : his noble heart 
yielded too readily to the flattery and de- 
signs of others, and he was led from one 
excess to another by those that he trusted 
were his friends, until he found himself 
bankrupt in every thing useful and good. 
He was ever worshipping at the shrine of 
those twin insidious sisters ami destroyers 
of man's happiness, — wine and women. 
From the time that Waterman took the oath 
of office for Mayor his popularity began to 
wane, and he lost caste to the day of his 
death. He was at the head of an old- 
established hardware-concern that has done 
an immense business for thirty years : but 
when he accepted office his business fell off 
by degrees, until the house failed a few 'lays 
since; and that, with sickness, &c, it is 
supposed, caused him to commit the rash act. 
Two years ago he gave the city into the hands 
of a Vigilance Committee, much against the 
earnest wish of his political friends. That act 
was committed with the best of motives, — to 
prevent bloodshed, — although his friends 
would not forgive him. . . . With all of 
Charley Waterman's faults, he was a generous 
fellow, with a heart overrunning with the 
milk of human kindness. Therefore let us 
hope that his numerous good and charitable 
deeds outweighed his short-comings suf- 
ficiently to secure his forgiveness from his 
Maker. 

Acquittal of Campbell for Killing 
Peter Roach. — A correspondent of the New 
York "Police Gazette" of this date says that 
Campbell, who killed Roach in New Orleans, 
was acquitted. The jury were only out five 
minutes. 

Murderer Sentenced. — Timothy Rior- 
dan, convicted, in Pittsburg, Pa., of murder 
in the second degree for killing Pat tick 
Curing, was sentenced, this day, to six 
years' imprisonment in the penitentiary. 

Bloody Affray among Editors in Lynch- 
burg, Va. — One Editor Killed, Another 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



573 



Mortally Wounded. — This day, a bloody 
affray occurred in Lynchburg, Va., between 
George. W. Hardwicke and W. H. Hardwicke 
on one side, and Joseph Button, Robert But- 
ton, Charles W. Button, and George Button 
on the other, which, after the exchange of 
over twentjr shots, resulted in the death of 
Joseph Button and the mortal ■wounding of 
Robert Button. A correspondent of the 
Baltimore " Sun" gives the following ac- 
count of the affair : — 

About two o'clock in the afternoon, our 
community was thrown into a state of in- 
tense excitement, occasioned by a rencontre 
between G. W. Hardwicke and W. H. Hard- 
wicke, of the " Republican" newspaper, and 
C. W. Button, Joseph Button, Robert Button, 
and George Button, of the " Virginian." The 
proprietors of those two papers have not 
been on very good terms for a long time ; 
and the present difficulty (which resulted in 
the death of Joseph Button, who died about 
seven o'clock p.m. yesterday, and it is 
feared the mortal wounding of Robert But- 
ton, as no hopes of his recovery are enter- 
tained this morning) grew out of an article 
which appeared in the editorial columns of 
the "Virginian" on Wednesday last, de- 
rogatory to and charging R. H. Glass, 
political editor of the "Republican" and 
postmaster in this city, with dereliction of 
duty, — Mr. G. at the time being absent at 
the Baltimore Convention. On Thursday 
morning a paragraph appeared in the "Re- 
publican" denouncing C. W. Button, pro- 
prietor of the " Virginian," as a coward, 
<kc. This brought "a card" from Joseph 
Button, local editor of the "Virginian," 
charging G. W. Hardwicke with cowardice, 
and reflecting on him as being the son of a 
vagrant, whose father, now dead, was sold 
in the streets of Lynchburg for fifty 
cents. 

The next morning another card appeared 
in the " Virginian," in which Joseph Button 
expressed regret for having invaded the 
sanctuary of the dead, but reiterating, or 
rather affirming, that he had no retraction 
to make in relation to what he had stated 
about G. W. Hardwicke. The parties met, 
and some fifteen or twenty shots were ex- 
changed, with the result as given. The 
Hardwickes escaped uninjured. Joseph 
Button was shot in the abdominal region, 
the ball passing entirely through his body. 
Robert Button was shot in the side, the ball 
lodging in the spinal region. 

Five-shooters were the weapons used, the 
parties at the time of the encounter being 
about twenty paces apart. The Hardwickes 
have been committed, after a partial exami- 
nation, which was continued to await the 
result of the injury. The unfortunate affair 
is the occasion of sincere regret. 

The offices of both newspapers have been 
closed for the present. 



Burning to Death of the Rev. Patrick 
McMenony. — In New York, this day, the 
Rev. Patrick McMenony was burned to 
death at his resilience, No. 26-1 Tenth Street, 
under the following circumstances. At the 
inquest, 

R. W. Stires, being duly sworn, deposed 
as follows: — I live at No. 264 Tenth Street. 
Deceased occupied the room next to me. 
This morning, about twenty minutes before 
three o'clock, I was awakened by the cry of 
"fire" and a dense smoke in the room. I 
got up and found that the room occupied by 
deceased was on fire. The alarm was given. 
When the firemen arrived and forced open 
the door, they found the back part of the 
room on fire, but extinguished it with little 
difficulty. Deceased was found lying on the 
bedroom floor. He was immediately removed 
to a front room, where he remained until he 
died, at four o'clock this morning. Dr. 
Wiener, who lives in the house, attended 
deceased and did all that could be clone for 
him. He was insensible when he was found, 
but he subsequently revived. He did not 
state how the fire originated. The gas was 
turned off at eleven o'clock last night, as 
usual. Deceased was in the habit of using 
a caudle and sitting up very late at night 
reading and writing. He was subject to 
fits ; and from the manner in which he was 
burned, together with the position of the 
body when found, I suppose that he was 
attacked with fits, upset the candle, and 
thus set fire to the place. I heard no cries 
for help, my attention being first called to 
deceased by the fire and smoke. 

D. R. Thomason and others corroborated 
the testimony of the previous witness. The 
case was then given to the jury, who, after 
due deliberation, rendered the following ver- 
dict: — "Death by burns accidentally re- 
ceived June 24, 18G0." Deceased was a 
native of Ireland, and was forty-four years 
of age. Deceased was formerly a Roman 
Catholic priest, but, renouncing the faith, 
became a Protestant and one of the most 
bitter enemies of the Church of Rome. 

Murder for Monet in Indianapolis, Ind. 
— In Indianapolis, this day, a young mar- 
ried man, named Weatherman, was mur- 
dered by five young men, who have been 
arrested and have confessed the deed. They 
committed the crime for Weatherman's mo- 
ney, being about $100. Weatherman leaves 
a wife and child. 

Terrirle Poisoning-Case in Oneonta, 
Otsego County, N. Y. —A Step-Mother Poi- 
sons her Daughter. — This day, a coroner's 
jury, who had held several sessions on the 
body of a young lady named Huldah Ann 
McCraney, brought in the following verdict: 
— " That Huldah Ann McCraney came to 
her death by arsenical poison, and that such 



574 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



poison was "wilfully and feloniously ad- 
ministered by the hand of Elizabeth P. 
McCraney." 

Elizabeth P. McCraney, so unpleasantly 
brought to the notice of the public, was the 
step-mother of the deceased. She is about 
fifty years of age, a woman of unusually 
brilliant, not to say dashing, appearance, 
showing that she once possessed rather a 
remarkable degree of beauty, the remains 
of which still exist. Her features are clearly 
cut, and the expression of her mouth indi- 
cates great decision of character and un- 
common executive ability. Her eye is sharp 
and penetrating. By many, a distinct and 
remarkable resemblance is seen between 
Mrs. McCraney and Mrs. Cunningham. 

She was married to Mr. McCraney early 
in 1800, taking to his house her own daugh- 
ter, Lucia Baker. Mr. McCraney was her 
third husband, her second, Mr. Baker, 
having died under rather peculiar circum- 
stances. Of her previous history very little 
is now known. Her father is a Methodist 
preacher, residing in Wisconsin, at Prairie 
du Chien. On her mother's side she is said 
to be related to Aaron Burr. 

She was one of the witnesses at the in- 
quest, and her testimony was given in a 
very calm and collected manner, — though 
from some appearances the spectators were 
led to believe that, her self-possession was 
assumed and maintained by a severe effort. 
Her second husband, Mr. Baker, whose 
death wns just now alluded to, was a resi- 
dent of that county; and the fact adds to 
the excitement prevailing in the community. 
Mrs. McCraney has already stated that 
Huldah McCraney is the seventh person she 
has been accused of poisoning. She was 
conveyed to jail, where she will remain till 
the time of her trial, which will take place 
in December next. A correspondent of the 
" Tribune" says : — 

Evidence has not yet been made public 
which points with much clearness to the 
motive for this last deed ; but the skein will 
probably be unravelled before long. In the 
minds of those who know the accused and 
who saw her at the inquest, there seemsnotto 
be a shadow of doubt that she is guilty, and 
guilty of unnatural cruelty; for the testi- 
mony before the coroner appeared to show 
that she had daily administered poison 
while pretending to nurse the daughter she 
was murdering. 

Beating a Wife to Death. — In Troy, 
N.Y., this day, the trial of Francis Priest 
for the murder of his wife, by beating her 
in a shocking manner, terminated in a ver- 
dict of manslaughter in the second degree. 
A fair charge was rendered by the judge : 
nevertheless it left no doubt that the prisoner 
was guilty of some grade in the statutory 
rendition of "Thou shalt not kill." The 



jury were out all night, till five o'clock 
a.m., and at the opening of the court came 
in with a verdict, of manslaughter in the 
second degree. The prisoner was sentenced 
to Clinton prison for seven years. 

A Colored Man Shot Dead by his Sis- 
ter-in-Law. — Near Point of Rocks, Md., 
the night of this day, a negro named Cesar 
Green was shot and killed by his sister-in- 
law, under the following circumstances. 
It appears that they had been quarrelling, 
and the woman threw a stone at him, and 
lie threatened to brush her if she did it 
again. She then went into the house and 
got a gun and took aim and fired. The load 
took effect in the left side of the man, kill- 
ing him instantly. It was found that the 
charge went clear through him. The wo- 
man has been arrested and taken to jail. 

Distressing Accident. — Dr. II. H. Dunan, 
of Georgetown, Northumberland county, 
Pa., lost his life, this day, under the follow- 
ing circumstances. In the morning he 
traded horses and hitched the new one in a 
sulky and drove off. About twelve o'clock 
he was found dead, having a leg and arm 
broken and his skull horribly fractured. It 
is believed that the horse became frightened 
and ran off, and that the sulky was upset 
and the rider thrown out. From the ap- 
pearance of the ground, it is supposed that 
his leg caught in the wheel of the sulky, 
and that he was dragged about three hun- 
dred yards. 

Killed bv Falling from a Load of Hat. 
— Christian Heisinger, an old and prominent 
citizen of Clearspring, Washington county, 
Md., lost his life, near that town, on this 
day, by falling backward to the ground 
from the top of a load of hay which he was 
at the time engaged in hauling home. When 
found, his neck was dislocated: his death, 
therefore, must have been immediate. 

Accidental Killing of a Partner. — In 
Maysville, Ky., this day, R. E. Hinton, of 
the firm of R. E. Hinton & Co., cignr-manu- 
facturers of that city, was killed by a sad 
casualty. His partner, Mr. Schaefer, wa9 
carrying a loaded gun up-stairs, when, the 
lock accidentally striking against the stair- 
case, it went off, and the contents lodged in 
the head of Mr. Hinton, who happened to 
be standing behind, killing him instantly. 

Drowned. — This day night, a young man 
named J. Buck Fenton, residing on Eastern 
Avenue, Baltimore, fell overboard from a sail- 
boat near Fort McHenry, and was drowned, 
all efforts by his companions being insuffi- 
cient to save him. It was said he was en- 
gaged in managing the boat, and the boom 
knocked him over. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



575 



Drowned while Intoxicated. — The 
coroner of Philadelphia held an inquest 
on Kerr's wharf, on the body of Joseph H. 
Wimsey, aged twenty-nine years, drowned 
from the pungy Fairfield, on this day night, 
off the Lazaretto. Thomas Williams, one 
of the party on board at the time, testified 
that Wimsey was intoxicated, and that he 
walked overboard while in that state. At 
first it was supposed he had committed 
suicide : but from this evidence the jury 
rendered a verdict of ' 'Accidental drowning. ' ' 
Deceased resided at No. 13 Spring Row, 
near Lombard Street, and was unmarried. 

An Important Judicial Decision in Fa- 
vor of the City of Boston. — In Massachu- 
setts, this day, the Supreme Judicial Court, 
sitting in equity, announced a decision in 
the long-pending cases between James 
Cunningham, Isaac Woodman, and Thomas 
Tremlett, against the city of Boston. These, 
cases involved the constitutionality of "head- 
money" on alien passengers paid the city 
before May 1, 1848, when the law was altered 
requiring the payment to be made to the 
Commonwealth. The three actions were 
commenced to recover back the tax of two 
dollars per head paid by the plaintiffs to 
the defendants for each alien passenger 
landed at this port up to 1818. About this 
time the Supreme Court of the United States 
decided, in the case of Norris against the 
city of Boston, that the law of the Common- 
wealth imposing this tax was unconstitutional 
and void. After this decision was promul- 
gated, these actions, under the advice of 
Daniel Webster, were commenced against 
the city to recover back the money so paid, 
amounting, principal and interest, to some 
$75,000 or $80,000. The actions have been 
pending some ten years. In the summer 
of 1858, Henry W. Paine was agreed upon 
as a commissioner to find and report the 
facts, and in March, 1859, the cases were 
argued before the full court, on his report, 
by the late Rufus Choate, Seth J. Thomas, 
and Elias Merwin, for the plaintiffs, and 
Ex-Judge Abbott for the city of Boston. 
The judgment of the court is now just 
rendered in favor of the city of Boston, on 
the ground that the payments were volun- 
tary, and so could not be recovered back. 

Lightning and Hoop-Skirts. — A corre- 
spondent of the Boston "Journal" writes 
that in the town of Pittsfield, Vt., east of 
and near the Green Mountains, a singing- 
school was in progress this day evening in 
a school-house. A thunder-shower arose 
and passed over the house. A discharge 
of electricity came down the chimney and 
passed through the hand of a young man 
who was sitting near the chimney, with his 
arm stretched out toward it on the back of 
a seat. The ladies' hoops were all struck 



by the fluid, stripped of all their windings, 
clasps broken, the hoops bent into all sorts 
of shapes, dresses scorched and some set 
on fire, and, Avouderful to relate, no one waa 
killed, and none injured but the young man. 
• 

Loss of the Ship Squantum. — Advices 
from Bombay, of this date, give an account 
of the loss of the American ship Squantum, 
Capt. Miller, near Alibaugh. She struck on 
a rock near Coorla Boula. The sea at the 
time was very rough, and the wind blowing 
strongly. Three lives were lost, — the car- 
penter, the cook, and a seaman. 

About twenty minutes after the anchors 
were let go, the vessel struck in five fathoms 
of water. Heavy seas were now sweeping 
over the decks, with a perfect calm prevail- 
ing. After the first shock, she parted her 
port anchor and went on shore, and, by al- 
most a miracle, on a sandy point jutting out 
between jagged rocks, on either of which 
points had the ship struck, every soul must 
have perished. The masts were then cut 
away, to ease her as much as possible, as she 
was now lying stern to the sea, which was 
making complete breaches over her, — the 
captain, his wife, and the crew betaking 
themselves to the topgallant-forecastle for 
safely, fearing that the ship would go to 
pieces before daylight. As soon as daylight 
appeared, an English lifeboat, of the most 
improved construction, which was yet un- 
harmed, was got ready and launched at about 
eight a.m. The mate and two men then got 
into her ; but she had barely cleared the 
ship's side when a heavy sea struck the life- 
boat, splitting the bow open and rolling the 
boat over, turning out the officer and his two 
men, who were, however, fortunate enough 
to again grasp it, when the}- were safely 
landed by the line being slackened away 
from the ship. This means of communi- 
cation with the shore was, however, lost to 
those on board the wreck, having got foul 
of the broken spars in the heavy surf. An 
attempt was made to renew this communi- 
cation by letting over water-casks with lines 
attached, which safely reached the shore, but 
of Avhich the natives would take no notice. 
Light rafts were then constructed of spars ; 
but Capt. Miller could not persuade any of 
the men to venture upon them, after the ac- 
cident attending the launching of the life- 
boat. His aim was to see every man clear 
of the ship before the departure of himself 
and wife, — to accomplish which, only one 
course seemed left him to pursue. He 
knocked out the panel of a door lying on 
the deck, and asked his son if he would go, 
to which the latter cheerfully replied, "Yes." 
This lad was then bound to the panel by 
his father, his arms and legs being left free, 
and launched into the surf. Being a good 
swimmer, he succeeded nobly in braving the 
seas, which now and then washed over him, 



57G 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



and, when half-way to the beach, turned, 
and, throwing himself almost wholly from 
the water, saluted his mother and father, 
who were anxiously watching the result of 
this venture from the ship, now rapidly 
going to pieces. The noble lad's success en- 
couraged the men to action, who then went 
off in twos and threes on light rafts con- 
structed of spars. The cook got foul of the 
rigging before leaving the ship's side, and, 
becoming exhausted, went down within a 
cable's length of the wreck. After the last 
man of the crew had gone, Capt. Miller 
fastened his wife to a plank, and, with rat- 
tlings to bear them up and a life-line passed 
around her body, pushed off from the wreck. 
The heavy surf rolled them over and over; 
but, with almost superhuman strength, they 
were enabled to keep their heads above 
water, until, when about half-way to the 
shore. Capt. Miller succeeded in getting the 
light, plank head on, and then went safely 
and more comfortably to the beach. When 
ashore, it was discovered that the carpenter 
and a - -.i . . ■ ■ i were missing, of whom none of 
those saved knew any thing. The captain, 
his wife and son, and the crew safely ar- 
rived here on Tuesday morning last, from 
Alibaugh, whence a boat was sent for them 
by the American agents. 

Capt. Miller gives his officers and crew the 
greatest credit for obedience to orders in 
pumping the vessel, &c, during the whole 
time after the vessel first struck. We are 
sorry to learn that Mrs. Miller is very ill, 
dysentery having supervened to the over- 
exertion to which she was subjected. Three 
of the crew have been sent to the General 
tal, and the others to the Sailors' 
Home, by the American consul, Mr. Hat- 
field. The first and second officers have also 
been furnished with boarding and lodging at 
a private boarding-house. 

Loss of the Ship Jane Henderson. — 
This day, the ship Jane Henderson, Capt. 
H. Gault, of Baltimore, from Liverpool, 
bound to Baltimore, with an assorted cargo, 
went ashore during a gale off Wash Woods, 
between Cape Henry and Currituck Leach, 
about twenty-five miles south of Cape Henry. 
Capt. Gault found it necessary to cut away 
all the masts, notwithstanding which, the 
ship broke in two. The crew, together with 
the passengers, took refuge on the highest 
parts of the vessel, but were in danger of 
being lost. Eight of the crew first succeeded 
in reaching the shore, but the officers and 
passengers remained on board the vessel, in 
extreme danger, the wind being from the 
northeast, and blowing strong, so that, with 
the high surf, it was impossible for any 
boats to approach near enough to render as- 
sistance. The gale, however, moderating, 
the passengers were got on shore, and the 
vessel soon afberwari went to pieces. 



The Jane Henderson was reckoned as a 
No. 2 vessel, of six hundred and seventy 
tons burden, was built by Mr. William J. 
Gardiner, ship-builder of Baltimore, in 
1848, and was owned by Messrs. John 
Henderson & Sons. 

The Pawnee. — The U.S. sloop-of-war 
Pawnee, which left Philadelphia on Monday 
last on a week's trial-trip, returned this day, 
after going as far as the Gulf Stream. No 
trial of speed took place, in consequence of 
the heating of the brasses on the "journals ;" 
ami, as this could not be avoided, it was 
thought best to return with the vessel before 
the expiration of the week, for the purpose 
of having the machinery fixed. With this 
exception, the machinery gave great satis- 
faction. The ship also behaved well, steer- 
ing and tacking well in bad weather, some 
of which she encountered in the Gulf. 

Partial Destiuction by Fire of the 
Holy Trinity (Philadelphia) Catholic 
Church. — In Philadelphia, the afternoon 
of this day, a fire broke out on the roof of 
the Holy Trinity Church, (Roman Catholic,) 
at the corner of Sixth and Spruce Streets, 
which spread rapidly, owing to the dryness 
of the shingles: and the progress of the 
flames could not be arrested until the roof 
and most of the altar were destroj ed. 

At the time of the discovery of the fire, 
the Lev. P. M. Cardon was officiating in the 
confessional, and there were twelve or fifteen 
of the congregation present. The clergyman 
could not be made to believe that the build- 
ing was on fire, until the lamp, suspended 
from the ceiling, fell with a crash to tho 
floor. Assistance was soon at hand, and 
most of the furniture and decorations of the 
church were removed, including a large and 
valuable painting of the Crucifixion, which 
was hack of the altar, and which was cut 
from the frame. A fine organ, in the gal- 
lery, was destroyed, not by the fire, but by 
being broken and carried out to save it from 
the flames. This was put up in 1831, at an 
expense of $3700. The interior of the 
church had been handsomely decorated, the 
walls and ceiling elegantly frescoed, the lat- 
ter containing a painting of the Trinity in 
the centre; and the altar was one of the 
most beautiful in the city. 

With the burning of the roof and the fall 
of many of the timbers, though the principal 
rafters are still standing, the ceiling came 
down, with the exception of a small portion 
of it. In the eastern end of the edifice 
were four richly-stained windows, which 
were imported from Europe at a cost of 
$400 each. They were all destroyed, chiefly 
by the water played through the pipes. The 
lire did not reach the only gallery in the 
building, extending along the western end, 
nor was the body of the church damaged, 



1860.1 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



except by the falling timbers. All the win- 
dow-frames escaped, and the damage to the 
edifice is much less than was at first repre- 
sented. The insurance upon it of $10,000 
in the Pennsylvania Insurance Company 
will no doubt fully cover the loss. There 
was no insurance upon the furniture, the 
damasre to which, including the organ, will 
be $4000 or S-3000. The Holy Trinity is 
among the oldest churches in Philadelphia. 
It was erected in 1788, by a congregation of 
German Catholics, and it has been used un- 
interruptedly since, except for a period be- 
tween 1851 and 1854, when it was closed in 
consequence of a dispute about the trustee- 
ship, which was amicably settled, after being 
in the court tor a year or two. 

I: is believed that the fire originated from 
a piece of fireworks lodging upon the roof. 
A number of pieces hail been discharged in 
the neighborhood, which had created appre- 
1k nsion in the minds of some of the resi- 
dents in that section. 

President Buchanan Vetoes the Home- 
stead-Bill. — This day, Mr. Buchanan ve- 
toed the Homestead-Bill. In giving his rea- 
sons, he maintains that tills bill does not 
make an absolute donation to actual settlers, 
but that, the price is so small that it can 
scarcely be called a sale. He quotes largely 
from his veto-message on the Agricultural 
Bill in February, 1859, and reiterates the 
opinion then expressed against the power 
of Congress to make donations of money 
already in the treasury, raised by taxes on 
the people, either to States or individuals. 
The effect of this bill, he says, on the public 
revenue must be apparent to all. The Secre- 
tary of the Interior estimates the revenue 
from public lands for the next fiscal year 
at $1,000,000, on the presumption that the 
present system would remain unchanged. 
.Should this bill become a law, he does not 
believe that one million will be derived 
from this source. He closes by saying 
that "the people of the United States have 
advanced with steady but rapid strides to 
their present condition of power and pros- 
perity. They have been guided in their 
progress by the fixed principle of protecting 
the equal rights of all, whether they be rich 
or poor. No agrarian sentiment has ever 
prevailed among them. The honest poor 
man, by frugality and industry, can, in any 
part of our country, acquire a competence 
for himself and his family ; and in doing 
this he feels that he eats the bread of inde- 
pendence. He desires no charity, cither 
from the Government or from his neighbors. 
This bill, which proposes to give him land, 
at an almost nominal price, out of the pro- 
perty of the Government, will go far to de- 
moralize the people and repress this noble 
spirit of independence. It may introduce 
among us those pernicious social theories 



37 



which have proved so disastrous in other 
countries." 

Fight between the Indians and the 
Landers Wagon-Road Party. — This day, 
Col. Landers's wagon-road party fought a 
battle with the Pi Utes Indians, five days' 
march eastward from Honey Lake Valley. 

Landers's party was attacked by Indians 
in ambush, and a young man, named 
I'aii. tor. mortally wounded at the first fire. 
He died next morning. The Indians were 
pursued into the mountains, but returned 
next day, to the number of three hundred, 
and renewed the attack, which was con- 
tinued for about five hours, when the In- 
dians were routed and pursued, — several 
being killed and one made prisoner. Among 
the killed was a chief, called Big Jim. The 
Indians continued to retreat during the 
night, and were followed two days by ban- 
ders, without, coming to an engagement. 
His provisions now began to grow short, 
and he was obliged to return to Honey 
Lake. After recruiting a few days, his 
party will commence operations on the 
wagon-road, which they expect to complete 
in sixty days. Landers had seventy-three 
men with him in the fight, chiefly armed 
with Sharpe's rifles and revolvers. 

Damages against the New Haven Rail- 
road Company. — In the Supreme Court of 
New York, this day, the suit of Septimus 
Higgius against the New Haven Railroad 
Company was brought to a conclusion. The 
plaintiff alleged that in the fall of 1856 he 
was a passenger on a train of the Ha 
Railroad Company, which came into col- 
. at Fifty-Eighth Street, with a train 
of the defendants, which had been neg- 
ligently left standing on the track, and by 
the collision broke his leg and sustained 
several other injuries. The defendants set 
up that the train was compelled to remain 
on the track in consequence of an accident 
to the freight-train of the Harlem Railroad, 
and that the plaintiff had received his in- 
juries in consequence of his own negligence, 
by standing on the platform of the cars. 
The jury, however, rendered a verdict for 
the plaintiff in the sum of $2500. 

Divorce-Cases in Boston. — It. was, this 
day, announced that the courts of Boston 
had decided the following divorce-cases: — 

John E. Coates from Anna Maria Coatea, 
for adultery. Mary Jane Raymond from 
William V>. Raymond, for desertion. Eliza- 
beth S. Davis from George W. Davis, for de- 
sertion. William N. Bell was granted leave 
to marry, his wife having obtained a divorce. 
Lucy Ann Sherman from Hezekiah T. Sher- 
man, for desertion. Sarah V. Whittam from 
Ebenezer Whittam, for desertion. Francis 
O. Wyman vs. Lucy M. Wyman; a former 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[JUXE, 



husband of the respondent had obtained a 
divorce from her on the ground of adultery. 
Libellant married her, not knowing it, as he 
says, and, as soon as he discovered the 
fact, left her, and now himself sues for 
divorce. 

A Negro Seducing a Young Lady and 
Threatening her Mother. — In New Or- 
leans, the night of this day, Thomas J. 
Martin, a free man of color, who, says the 
"Bulletin," has grown up to forty years or 
thereabouts in rascality, was arrested, by 
Officers Carr and Kearney, of the First 
District police, on the charge of intimi- 
dating a lady in the Third District and 
threatening to burn down her house. This 
Martin, it appears, is a music-teacher, and 
has used the opportunities his occupation 
gave him most villanously in regard to the 
young daughter of the person who makes 
the complaint against him. In a word, he 
has seduced her and drawn Iter away from 
the house of her mother. Learning that she 
was about to institute legal proceedings 
against him, he endeavored to terrify her; 
and he would have done so had she not 
some friends to urge her to bring this 
scoundrel to some kind of justice. 

Abortionist Sentenced. — Dr. David R. 
Brown, convicted, at Boston, Massachusetts, 
of causing the death of a young woman 
by procuring an abortion, was sentenced, 
this day, to the State prison for fourteen 
years. 



SUNDAY, JUNE 24. 

A Brave Boy. — On this day, four boys, 
the eldest only fourteen years old, were out 
boat-sailing on the river at Davenport, Iowa, 
when the boat was upset by a flaw of 
wind. The oldest boy placed the other three 
on the bottom of the boat; and thus they 
drifted down the river until picked up by a 
boat from the shore. 

A Wife Murders her Husband. — In 
West Springfield, Mass., this day, Justin 
Terry and wife got into an altercation, when 
the latter struck him on the head with a 
hatchet, and finished by drowning him in the 
Connecticut River. Jealousy on the part of 
the husband was the cause of the difficulty. 
Both were intoxicated at the time. The 
woman is under arrest. 

Killed while Attempting to get on a 
Train. — In Bowling Green, Ky., this day, 
Mr. Tim Donohue, attempting to get upon the 
eleven o'clock train after the cars had gotten 
under headway, missed his footing and fell 
on the track, and the wheels passed over 
both legs above the knee, crushing each, and 



almost severing one entirely. Amputation 
was performed on each. All possible atten- 
tion was given him, but of no avail. He 
died in a few hours thereafter, leaving a 
wife and child, who arrived, but too late to 
see his suffering. 

Death of Enoch Baldwin. — This day, 
Enoch Baldwin, President of the Shoe and 
Leather Dealers' Bank, died, at his residence 
in Dorchester, Mass. 

Fire at Ligonier, (Ind.) — The morning 
of this day, a fire at Ligonier, Indiana, 
destroyed property to the value of $12,000: 
insured for $4000. During the fire, A. C. 
Fisher and Theodore Lane were badly 
injured by falling from a ladder. 

Fire in Cincinnati. — In Cincinnati, the 
night of this day, a fire broke out in Towers 
& Co.'s hat-store, No. 149 Main Street. 
Loss, $11,000. The adjoining buildings were 
slightly damaged also. 



MONDAY, JUNE 25. 

Explosion a'xd Burning of the Steamer 
Bex Lewis, axd Loss of Forty Lives. — 
About one o'clock the morning of this day, 
the steamer Ben Lewis, a Memphis & , v t. 
Louis packet, exploded her boilers, and 
caught fire and burned, on the Mississippi 
near Cairo, losing, it is supposed, nearly forty 
of her passengers and crew. 

The circumstances were as follows. The 
boat had just left Cairo, and was proceeding to 
St. Louis, when it is supposed she listed at 
the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi 
Rivers to such an extent as to empty one 
boiler for possibly one minute. The Ohio 
River was very low, and the Mississippi 
quite high. This emptying of the boiler, it 
is supposed, caused the explosion. Imme- 
diately after this, she caught fire, and in a 
few minutes was enveloped in flames. As- 
sistance immediately put off from the shore. 
The Storm coal-boat got up steam, but 
grounded before getting near. The Lake 
Erie and Sunny Side also got up steam, and 
proceeded out to the assistance of the un- 
fortunate steamer, with the hope of saving 
her passengers. 

Yawl-boats also put out from the shore to 
the rescue of the drowning and burning 
people ; but, horrible to relate, Capt. Andrew 
Miller, of the steamer Bay City, stern-wheeler, 
notwithstanding he saw the lurid light of 
the flames, and knew that numbers were 
perishing by fire and water, whom it was in 
his power to save, absolutely refused to 
render any assistance, although again and 
again importuned by a father whose wife 
and children were oil board the burning boat, 
and although guaranteed against any loss 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER, 



570 



1 1 i.-it mighl possibly ensue. No sooner had the 
boiler exploded and the boat caught tire, than 
the officers, who appear to have acted nobly, 
set about preparing means for the safety of t he 
passengers. The captain, J. Mason Holmes, 
appeared to have been killed or blown over- 
board by the explosion; and the whole duty 
of saving the passengers then devolved on 
the two mates, Mr. Coffin and Mr. Samuel 
11. Reed, who, assisted by a Mr. Thompson, 
a Mr. Phillips, and others whose name-; are 
not known, commenced throwing overboard 
buckets, planks, stage-boards, and other 
matters that would float, and placing the 
ladies on them so that they could support 
themselves until picked up by the skiffs. 
Mr. Reed, the second mate, acted with especial 
gallantry, having saved no less than ten 
lives, but, notwithstanding the exertions 
made, it is supposed not less than forty lives 
were lost. 

The following are those known to have 
perished. Captain Mason Holmes, Mrs. 
S. 11. Williams, Charles Williams, (who acted 
like a hero in trying to save his mother and 
sister, ) and Nannie and Jimmy Williams, wife 
and children of Mr. Geo. W. Williams, of 
Memphis, (Tenn.,) Mr. Dubre, (known as 
Barnum's India-Rubber Man.) Mr. Henry 
Mason, and Mr. Samuel Martin, Mr. Timothy 
Flanighan, of Dubuque. Also Mr. Harris, 
second clerk; Frank Devlin, first steward; 

, second steward ; Arthur Sherer, 

second engineer; Charles Sheppard, second 

keeper ; Wm. Deeny, mail-agent ; , 

cabin-boy. 

Five firemen, one of the chambermaids, 
eight roust-about s, and one deck-hand, also 
a man and two children, a deck-sweeper, a 
child six or eight weeks old, and a river- 
pilot, passenger on the boat, who was in the 
pilot-house at, the time, were lost, The pilot 
on watch, Mr. Penny, of Louisville, was 
saved. 

Several others afterward died from their 
injuries. Among those injured were Mrs. 
MacFarland. George MacFarland, her hus- 
band, was badly injured in the spine. G. 
W. Harrison, of Rock Island, two ribs 
broken; John Butler, of Lexington, Minn., 
head and side badly hurt; and John Ilarver, 
of England, badly bruised. 

The body of Mrs. S. H. Williams was re- 
covered. It was found by two boj's in a 
skiff, floating in the current, clinging to an 
oar, about two miles below Cairo, and, when 
taken into the skiff, yet warm and almost 
throbbing with the lingering sparks of life. 
The body was taken on board the steamer J. 
H. Doane, and conveyed to Cairo, where it 
was received by the almost frantic husband. 
It was there discovered that the body had 
been robbed of a considerable amount of 
jewelry, and one of the fingers had been 
much lacerated by the fruitless efforts of the 
murderous pirates to get off a plain gold 



ring which fitted very closely. Had proper 
means been taken to recover her when first 
taken from the water, she would undoubtedly 
have come to life, lint the wretches con- 
signed her to the river again, leaving her to 
drown. 

■ The following statements of Mr. George 
W. Williams, the bereaved husband and 
father, ami three of the escaped passengers, 
give a graphic description of the dreadful 
event. In writing to a friend, he says: — 

Cairo, June 25, 1S60. 
Dear Sir : — As you have already heard, 
the steamer Ben Lewis burst her boilers this 
morning at one o'clock, just round the point 
above Cairo in the Mississippi River, imme- 
diately after leaving, and burned to the water's 
edge. From sixty to seventy-five passengers 
are among the dead, wounded, and missing. 
I had taken passage on her with my family 
for St. Louis, consisting of my wife, three 
daughters, and two sons, accompanying them 
myself as far as Cairo, intending to return 
South, as I informed you before leaving 
Memphis. I had a letter to write to St. 
Louis; and the vibration of the boat was so 
great while under way, I could not do so 
until the boat commenced coaling. I had 
just finished my letter and landed with my 
baggage on the wharf-boat, and had bid all 
the dear ones good-bye, they remaining with 
me until the last, except the little ones, who 
were in bed in the cabin, as the boat rounded 
out under full headway. As the stern- 
wheeler Bay City, Captain Andrew Miller, 
came in, my attention was taken up in ascer- 
taining if the boat was bound down, when I 
hoard a loud explosion, similar to blowing 
off steam through the mud-valve. In a few 
moments I was informed that the boat had 
blown up. I looked toward the point, (the 
boat at that time was not in sight from where 
I stood,) with the exclamation, "My God! 
all in the world that is dear to me is on that 
boat." I rushed on board of the Bay City,' 
in company with one of the citizens, to 
induce the captain to put off to the boat. 
He refused to do so. By that time, the boat 
had drifted around the point, amid the 
screams for help of the drowning, the 
wounded, and dying. Not a particle of fire 
up to that time was seen on her. I went to 
the captain again and asked him for God's 
sake to put out with the boat and save them; 
but he refused again, and said he would be 
"d — d if he did." I then ran to the inside 
of the wharf-boat, where noble hearts and 
willing hands were embarking off in every 
thing that would float, to the wreck. At 
that moment, I saw a light as large as the 
usual steamboat torch, but, from its location, 
I knew too painfully the fact that the boat 
was in flames. I ran back to the cabin of 
the boat in pursuit of Captain Miller, and 
found him rushing toward the ladies' cabin. 



650 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June. 



I again said to him, "Put out with your boat 
and save those poor creatures." His reply 
■was, "I'll be G — d d — d if I do : I am not 
going to endanger my boat and the lives of 
my passengers." I replied that he would 
not endanger either ; that he could drop 
down below her and save every one of them, 
adding, that if money would induce him to 
do so, he should be paid; but he utterly re- 
fused. The mayor of the city told him to 
put out and he would insure him against 
any loss, but he declined; and then his 
pilot asked him to cut the barge loose and 
back her down to her, but the wretch was 
incorrigible. Up to that time, the burning 
had progressed slowly. The Storm, tow 
i ial-boat, got up steam and put out, but 
grounded before getting near; the boat still 
burning and drifting out, until she struck the 
1 ar beyond the mouth of the Mississippi 
and Ohio, striking the rock and listing over 
on the starboard side, with her head down 
stream. In a few moments she was enveloped 
in flames, and the only chance of escape 
was to jump overboard among the burning 
drift of the wreck. Skiffs were out in every 
direction. 

The Lake Erie now got up steam and put 
out as soon as possible. The Sunny Side 
also came down and approached the burn- 
ing wreck, receiving those on board that 
were picked up in the skiffs. All that 
humanity could dictate was done by those 
connected with the boat, and also by the 
noble-hearted passengers on board. I had 
got on the Storm before she went out, and 
remained aboard until she grounded, when 
1 was informed that three ladies had been 
put on the Sunny Side. I was transferred. 
lii agony not to be described, I rushed to 
the ladies' cabin, and there, amid the charred, 
disfigured countenances on the mattresses, 
with kind hands administering to their neces- 
sities, I carefully scanned each countenance 
to find some dear one ; but, oh, my God ! none 
were there. I gained no tidings even of the 
lost ones. By that time the other boats had 
gone to the wharf-boat, and, remaining some 
time out, we slowly returned to shore. By 
this time the wreck had burned down to the 
v. ter's edge. Imagine, if you can. my feel- 
ings as I approached the shore. Who were 
safe ? who lost ? my little ones, my dear 
wife, my darling daughters or my noble 
son? So great was the excitement and feel- 
ing against Capt. Miller, of the Bay City, he 
was obliged to cut loose and put off to save 
his person from severe but just retribution. 
I am certain that all those who were lost, 
that did not perish by the explosion, could 
have been saved, without a particle of risk to 
his boat, had he obeyed the common dictates 
of humanity and gone to their assistance, 
and that I and others need not have been 
called to mourn the desolation of family 
circles and happy homes.^ Immediately after 



landing, I was informed that one of my 
darling daughters was safe and unhurt at 
the St. Charles Hotel ; which one of them 
none could tell. None knew any thing of 
my wife, or the other members of my family ; 
nothing had been seen or heard of them, be- 
yond the fact that Charles, my eldest son, 
was standing on the guard opposite the bar 
when the explosion took place ; the rest of 
the family had retired to their rooms in the 
ladies' cabin. All was a wreck beyond the 
wheel-houses forward. Those in the cabin 
aft were not hurt or scalded. 

I went to the St. Charles, and there, in 
the hands of kind and sympathetic female 
friends, with every immediate want supplied, 
1 found one of my darling daughters. The 
whereabouts of the others was the painful 
inquiry of both of us ; but neither could 
give the other any consolation. Leaving 
niy daughter with kind friends, I went again 
to the dark and rapid river. A skiff was 
approaching with two ladies. Thank God, 
Georgiana, another daughter, was soon in 
my arm-, safe and unhurt. After taking 
her to the St. Charles, where she was kindly 
provided for by the same kind friends, I 
went in search of my dear wife, Charlie, 
little Nannie, and Jimmy. After becoming 
somewhat calm, my daughter Georgiana 
gave me the. following painful account : — 

•• Mother and Sallie had just prepared to 
retire. I had not yet put oft' my clothing, 
when the explosion took place. Suddenly 
all was dark for a moment, then a rush over- 
head and down on the back guards from the 
texas. The mate and engineer first appeared 
with life-preservers for all. They buckled 
one upon mother and told her to jump over- 
board; she refused to go without Jimmy, 
and would not leave us. Charlie rushed in, 
the blood streaming from him, his face 
burned and disfigured, with his clothes torn 
from him: he embraced us all, told us to 
stick together and he would save us. We 
each had a trunk upon the guards ; he threw 
them over first ; the boat was then a mass 
of flame : he helped mother down on the 
guard: the second mate took Nannie and 
put her on a scuttle, and, with a little boy, 
started for the shore. Sallie jumped out of 
the back window on the lower guardt; Charlie 
got me in the water on the rudder and gave 
me Jimmy to hold there; by that time the 
drift had floated a rod or two from the boat ; 
he jumped overboard and got a piece of 
plank and brought it to Sallie, placing her 
in the water with her arm on the board, 
bidding her not to give up, that some one 
would pick her up ; she then floated oil'. 
Charlie then swam back to the drift, and got 
a piece of the upper deck or ceiling, and 
brought it to his mother, placing her upon 
it. He then came to me and took Jimmy, 
and put him on it with mother, and then 
swam off with them, pushing it before him. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



•581 



That was the last I saw of them!" Oh 
God, what a recital! Nothing certain has 
been heard of him or the little boy since. 
The second mate, while swimming for the 
shore, with ihe two children on the raft, saw 
a woman in the last struggle for life. He 
gave up his charge to another man to swim 
to shore with, and, thinking they were safe, 
saved the woman from drowning and brought 
her to the shove, since which time the chil- 
dren have not been heard from. Georgiana's 
life-preserver was snatched from her by 
some one in the form of a man, but with the 
feelings of a ruffian. She continued to hold 
on to the rudder until her shoulders were 
burning, and even the rope was burning, 
when she was taken off by the noble second 
mate, to whom she is indebted for her life. 
He saved no less than eleven persons. His 
name is Samuel Reed, of St. Louis. 

The James Raymond's yawl put out, with 
Tom Watson, the clown, D. Antonio, and 
Moses Kurker in it, and brought many safe 
to shore. A man on the end of a ladder, 
upon which were six others, saw that my 
daughter Sallie was ready to let go, ex- 
hausted. He caught her end of the board 
and pulled her to the ladder; and, although 
cursed by the others and told to let her go, 
he placed his arm around her and supported 
her until she was taken off by Mr. Tom 
Watson, of Spalding & Rogers's circus. 

At two o'clock this morning, the body of 
my dear wife was found, supported by an oar 
under her arms ; and, had it been possible to 
have applied the proper means, she could 
have been resuscitated. The body was 
brought ilia by the steamer J. H. Doane. The 
corpse had been rifled of the rings on her 
fingers, even the gold shirt -stud in the 
chemisette taken out, and the life-preserver 
torn from her body, when found. The 
trunks floating were all rifled of their con- 
tents, and cut open and left on the shore. 
The mail-hags were found cut open, with 
the letters opened and robbed of their con- 
tents. One man to-day sent me word that 
he had found a trunk belonging to one of 
the girls. I found it robbed of its most 
valuable contents. He charged me four 
dollars for what remained, which I paid the 
piratical wretch. He has since been ar- 
rested, and is now in jail in this place on 
suspicion of robbing and pillaging the dead. 
The corpse of my wife will be taken to St. 
Louis this morning by Adams's Express. My 
daughters and I will remain here until the 
departure of the afternoon train, hoping to 
hear something of the lost members of our 
family: we will then repair to St. Louis, to 
pay the last sad offices to her who has ever 
been first in our hearts' best affections. 

I know, my dear friend, that you, with 
many others in Memphis, will deeply sym- 
pathize with us in this great affliction, this 
heart-rending occurrence, which has broken 



so many ties and destroyed so many happy 
homes. But God alone can comfort us. To 
him we look for strength to bear this mys- 
terious dispensation. I know that you ad- 
mire all that is noble in man, tender in 
woman, and kind in friendship. What can 
we say of our kind friends in Cairo ' God 
forever bless them! All that sympathy, 
kindness, and noble generosity could do, 
from the greatest to the least, has been done. 
My daughters have been comfortably pro- 
vided with every necessity through the kind- 
ness of the ladies in this city. To the Mayor 
of the city, and officers generally, and to the 
citizens, one and all, we are ever and last- 
ingly indebted. It is difficult to discrimi- 
nate where all have been so kind, but to Mr. 
George H. Graham and family, and the pro- 
prietor and his family of the St. Charles 
Hotel, we are under many peculiar obliga- 
tions. God bless them all ! is all that we can 
say ; but deep in our hearts will sink forever 
the kindness and sympathy extended in the 
midst of our great affliction. 

1 remain ever yours, 

George W. Williams. 

A rASSENGEB's STATEMENT. 

Mr. H. H. Harrison, of Lexington, Mo., 
took passage on the Ben Lewis, at Memphis, 
for St. Louis. He says : — 

About one o'clock on Monday morning, 
shortly after backing out from Cairo and 
sailing around a sand-bar, I had stepped out 
on the boiler-deck, and had gone upon the 
steps leading to the lower deck, when sud- 
denly I was brought to a pause by a loud 
report, as if a cannon had been fired off nigh 
and under me, the dead silence and the 
darkness of the surrounding scene making 
the thing far more startling. But I had 
no time to think nor ability to act; for I 
found myself whirled helplessly up into the 
air. and then I knew that the boat had ex- 
ploded her boiler or her boilers. I fell near 
to where I had been standing, and I saw 
that all the boat seemed to be a broken and 
tumbling mass, for a part of the wood-work 
of the cabin, the chimneys, and the heavy 
bell came in a confused mass, falling right 
over me ; but, luckily, some beams or sticks 
lay right athwart me, keeping me from being 
killed. However, as it was, I got so pressed 
that I could hardly draw a breath. After a 
little while I worked myself out, and heard 
continued cries of "0 God!" "0 God!" 
uttered in such an agonizing tone that I 
could not help being affected by the invo- 
cations. I thought that these cries were 
from the firemen. When I got out and could 
look about, what was once the cabin seemed 
to be now down to the level of the boilers. 
In a few moments a body of flame rolled 
over the larboard side, extended and en- 
wrapped the wheel-house, and then fell in. 
Some deck-hands then came and helped me 



582 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



to thrust three stage-planks over the side, 
and we tied the ends of them to the guard 
of the boat. I saw nobody but the first 
clerk of the boat, Mr. Marshall, coming out 
of the cabin : he was scalded and in a bad 
plight. He jumped overboard to escape the 
neat, got hold of one of the stages, and held 
on until taken off by a skiff. The skiff 
played around cautiously for some time, and 
then came up and took off Marshall, myself, 
and several deck-hands. I was told, but 
don't know how true it is, that this gentle- 
man had two daughters on board, who were 
lost. My partner told me he saw them 
standing on the boat frantically screaming, 
join hands, and jump overboard. My part- 
ner's name is Martin, and he was saved. 
He jumped overboard, and would have been 
drowned but for a rope which he caught 
when nearly exhausted and helpless. 

a boy's statement. 
Frank Neville, a boy of fifteen years: I 
live in Napoleon, Ark., and took passage on 
the Ben Lewis at Memphis, as 1 wanted to 
go up to my friends in Iowa. I was in 
state-room 22, near the wheel, and was 
asleep. When I awoke, I heard the roof 
splitting and falling, and there was a strange 
din all around. I got up pretty fast and 
looked out to the end of the cabin, and saw 
that things appeared very odd. I tried to 
get out, but couldn't, as the planks were in 
the way. I ran back to the wheel and into 
my room, and awoke the man in the upper 
berth; he got up, and I did not see him 
again. I went back then to the ladies' cabin, 
saw a flight of stairs, jumped down, and 
landed on the lower deck. 1 saw there some 
men cutting a. yawl loose; I jumped into 
the yawl, seven or eight others did the same, 
and by this means we were saved. I looked 
back and saw about twenty ladies and gentle- 
men jumping overboard. Four men took 
the skiff back to the boat, which now was 
burning, and saved some people. The tow- 
boat Lake Erie and the steamer Sunny Side 
came along and saved some, and perhaps all 
who had jumped into the river. The first 
mate heaved over a great number of life- 
preservers to the people in the water. A 
boy jumped overboard, and the mate saved 
him by taking him on his back. The boy's 
mother saved herself by putting on a life- 
preserver and jumping into the water. 

The "St. Louis Republican" thus relates 
what a passenger told them in relation to 
the affair:— 

When the explosion occurred, he was 
asleep in the tcxas of the boat. He did not 
hear the explosion ; and the first recollection 
he had was the fact that lie had landed on 
the hurricane-roof, and the impression was 
that the boat had struck a snag. He then 
discovered that he had come in contact with 



the heat of the boilers, and arrived at the con- 
clusion that an explosion had occurred. He 
then climbed up on the hurricane-roof with 
three or four others, and all called for as- 
sistance. They afterward went clown on the 
after or holies' guards, and found a number 
of the ladies there in great excitement, while 
others were still in their rooms. Our in- 
formant then told the ladies not to be 
alarmed, for that every effort would be made 
to save their lives, as there were means at 
hand to effect that purpose. 

Our informant and other gentlemen then 
went into the ladies' cabin aud knocked the 
doors from the state-rooms, thus making a 
free access to the guards from all the rooms. 
After this our informant went upon the hur- 
ricane-roof and discovered that tire had 
broken out on the forward part of the boat, 
aft of the boilers. He went back to the 
ladies' cabin and told the terrified occupants 
tli.it they would all have to make the best 
effort they could to save their lives, as the 
lioat was already on fire. He then took a 
chair from the ladies' cabin, ami with it. 
broke a window out of the nursery, which 
communicated with a flight of stairs leading 
to the main deck. The main deck was 
gained in this manner by a jump of about 
tAvo feet and a half. All the ladies and chil- 
dren passed down to the main deck by this 
avenue of escape. 

The second mate, Samuel Feed, and Mr. 
Thompson, commenced throwing overboard 
bucket-planks and stage-boards, and placed 
them in a position for the ladies to get upon 
them. The ladies seemed timid of going 
into the water on such frail rafts; and our 
informant went into the ladies' cabin again, 
and, witli the assistance of Mr. Coffin, mate, 
and Mr. Phillips, got out mattresses, life- 
preservers, and chairs, and assisted the 
ladies in putting on the life-preservers. 
They then all jumped into the river, — eight 
or nine in number, — with the exception of 
one old lady, with a little boy eight or nine 
years old. She was the last one to go over- 
board. The ladies all floated off, and were 
eventually picked up by skill's which came 
to their rescue and taken to the steamboats 
Lake Erie, No. 2, Storm, and Sunny Side. 

The ladies having reached a place of 
safety, our informant swam to the boat and 
was taken on board. 

Mr. Alexander Houston, connected with 
the house of Mitchell & Allen, New York, and 
Mr. M. B. Robinson, of the house of Jules 
Hauel & Co., Philadelphia, reported among 
the lost, arrived at Nashville, and furnished 
the "Union" newspaper with the follow- 
ing : — 

On the 23d of June, we made our exit 
from Memphis, Tenn., and took passage on 
board of the Ben Lewis, — quickest of the 
Mississippi boats, and carried the horns,— 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



Captain Hanson being but recently ap- 
pointed to command her. At the time of 
our departure we had sixty-five cabin and 
twenty deck passengers. A short period 
only elapsed when I went below ; and what 
was my astonishment to find all in the 
greatest confusion, from the escape of steam, 
caused by an over-pressure forcing its way 
through the weak portion of machinery : 
this, after great difficulty, was mastered. 
The night of Saturday she ran on her usual 
time with caution, but, as soon as daylight 
shone on us, sped through the water at a 
dangerous speed. One hundred miles below 
Cairo, we took on board two planters, with 
slaves. They soon became alarmed, and 
asked the cause of such high pressure and 
speed of the boat, when the clerk replied it 
was her trial-trip, and that she had to this 
point made one hour over her usual time. 
At every landing the slaves were taken to 
the stern of the steamer, as they would not 
slacken at such time. Between this point 
and Hickman, the gauge-cocks of the four 
boilers marked a great variance, when they 
should always be kept equal. At Hickman, 
I had an opportunity of counting the deck- 
hands, being thirty-six in number, marching 
from the store-house with boxes of apples. 
At this point a bet was made between the 
pilot and the engineer to make the landing 
at Columbus in one hour and three minutes, 
a distance of twenty miles, against the strong 
current of the Mississippi : it was lost by one 
half-minute, — the quickest run on record at 
that particular stage of the river. As soon 
as we touched at Columbus, the engineer of 
the Cheney, in the vicinity of the Ben Lewis, 
became alarmed at the state of the boat, said 
she was under a dangerous head of steam, 
and advised all to leave immediately, for she 
would blow up: he watched her with agony 
until she disappeared. From this point to 
Cairo she was likely to explode at any mo- 
ment, as she trembled like an aspen-leaf 
shaken by the wind. We were so cognizant 
of her danger that we took our position on 
the extreme end of the boat, and left her 
immediately on touching at Cairo. A few 
minutes only elapsed after her leaving when 
she collapsed, with a report that was dis- 
tinguishable five miles distant. Mr. Wil- 
liams, who had only taken a parting fare- 
well of his family, consisting of his wife, a 
son aged twenty-two, two beautiful young 
ladies, and equally as intelligent and accom- 
plished, the admiration of all the passengers 
from their affable manners, and one little 
girl and a boy about seven years of age. 
When he beheld their fate, no language 
could depict his feelings. 

The indignation against Captain Miller, of 
the Bay State, was most intense. Attempting 
to land at Louisville, Ky., he was received 
with a shower of boulders. At Jefferson- 
ville, la., he was compelled to hide. Indeed, 



for a while it was currently reported and 
believed that the people had risen en masse 
at Cape Girardeau and hung him. At »St. 
Louis, the termination of his voyage, he had 
to fly for his life. The "News" of that city, 
speaking of his arrival, says: — 

The Bay City made this port about dusk 
last evening. She came in under the com- 
mand and especial auspices of Harbor- 
Master Cheever and a delegation of police- 
officers, who had boarded her at quarantine. 
Captain Miller, being told by them that the 
probabilities were that his health would not 
fee in the least improved by a journey farther 
on the boat, concluded that the air of Pitts- 
burg would be more congenial, and imme- 
diately took the overland route for that 
plaee. The boat first landed with her barges 
below the Illinois Landing, and was imme- 
diately surrounded by an excited multitude ; 
but, upon learning that Miller was non est, 
they made no demonstrations. The boat 
was, to-day, being discharged at the foot of 
Vine Street. 

What is to be done with the boat after her 
freight is out, we do not know. There will 
certainly be no use for her after the last 
pound of freight is discharged. No one 
here has the least idea of taking passage or 
shipping any freight upon her. Agents 
refuse to work for her, and the community 
generally are disgusted with the sight of the 
craft, lying, as she does, at the foot of the 
Memphis packet wharf-boat, beside the berth 
only recently occupied by the gallant Ben 
Lewis, to which her inhuman owner refused 
his aid in the hour of peril. She certainly 
t,i ices up too much valuable room to be al- 
lowed to remain here a great while. 

The following were the proceedings of the 
inquest held on Mrs. Williams: — 

At an inquest held at the St. Charles 
Hotel, in Cairo, Illinois, on Monday. June 
25, 1800, on the body of Mrs. Williams, 
the following gentlemen were empanelled on 
a jury of inquest: — E. Willett, G. W. Gra- 
ham, Isaac Adler, L. Hayworth, J. S. Court- 
nay, E. F. Davis, William T. Snyder, G. F. 
Basor, John Trover, S. R. Hall, D. Kurd, 
J. B. Humphreys, John N. Patton. 

After visiting the body and hearing the 
evidence of G. W. Williams, Samuel H. 
B-eed, James W. McGinniss, M. W. Carson, 
S. S. Taylor, G. W. Graham, and John N. 
Patton, the jury rendered the following 
verdict : — 

We, the jury, find that deceased came to 
her death by being drowned after the ex- 
plosion and burning of the steamer Ben 
Lewis, this morning, near one o'clock, in 
the Mississippi River, within sight of Cairo : 
that we find no cause to censure the officers 
of the Ben Lewis ; that we believe that the 
steamer Bay City, which was lying at our 
landing with steam up, might have 
nearly or quite all the lives that were lost, 



581 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



including the life of deceased, if her captain 
had started her out; and that we have no 
words sufficiently strong to express our con- 
tempt and abhorrence of Captain Miller, 
of the Bay City, who exhibited a degree 
of inhumanity which we hare never seen 
equalled. 

AVe further take advantage of this occasion 
to return our thanks, in the name of the 
citizens of Cairo, to the officers and crews 
of the Lake Erie, No. 2, Storm, and Sunny 
Side, who went promptly to the assistance 
of the sufferers; also to S. S. Taylor, Mayor 
of Cairo, and the proprietors of the St. 
Charles Hotel, "who rendered all the s 
ance in their power, and to Captain Bird, 
of the ferry-boat Manches I 

The citizens of Cairn also met and p 
the following resolutions: — 

WhereAs, The steamer Ben Lewis, having 
exploded her boilers on the Mississippi 
River, in sight of Cairo, on Monday morn- 
ing, the 25tl inst., causing an immens 
of life and human suffering and distn 
well as great destruction of property; and 
iig just landed his boat, the 
Bay City, at the Cairo wharf, aboul tl 
of the explosion, and bavin fore, at 

his immediate coi ms to rescue 

the lives of all who v, ■■. iard t lie i 11— 

and not immediately de- 
■; by the explosion, as well as the 
power to alle\ 

from loss, which means and power he insult- 
md inhivmanly refused to employ, al- 
though repeatedly requested to do so: there- 
fore, 

'.■■■/, That we. the citizens of Cairo, 
can find no lang mg to 

expre; si of contempt and - 

rence we feel for Captain Xi i> : ^ un- 

feeling and brutal conduct in refusing t<> li nd 
aid to the vii ision of the 

Ben Li - ■ cries and dying shrieks 

for help he could not but have heard, and did 
hear. 

'. That it i our firm belief that if 
lie had promptly repaired with his boat to the 
scene of the disaster, he might have rescued 
all who were not killed by the explosion, 
and thus have robbed the occurrence of its 
most fatal and appalling features. 

The following resolution was offered, and 
accepted by the committee, in addition to the 
hit ions: — 

Resolvi d, That the conduct of Capt. Miller, 
of the Bay City, in putting off from his boat, 
on the Missouri shore, three of the survivor's 
from the explosion of the Ben Lewis, who 
took pas-age on his boat without • lot! es or 
money, is, if possible, more detestable and 
atrocious than his conduct in refusing to go 
to the assistance of the sufferers, and thai 
his language in asking them "Why in hell 
they came on board without money,' - cannot 
be sufficiently condemned. 



A meeting of the Passenger Agents' As- 
sociation was also held at St. Louis, in Avhich 
the conduct of Capt. Miller was strongly de- 
nounced. 

Suicide. — I#New Orleans, Etienne < 
an old Frenchman about sixty-six years of 
age, who was employed in the grocery-store 
at the corner of Cust om-House and Bur 
Streets, committed suicide this day morning 
by shooting himself in the head with apis 1 
in the out-house of the establishment. Xo 
motive for the act could be ascertained. 

Supposed Fatal Affray. — In Harrods- 

bnrg. Ky., this day. in a fracas at the I 
House, a young man named .Miller was 
through the body by" the clerk of the hotel, 
named Brown. Miller will probably die. 

Several shots were fired )>y other parlies, 
but without effect. 

Killed i:t \ Son whilst Fighting with 

a Father. — This day. Zaehariah Roberts was 
killed in Grayson county, Va.. by James 
Isom, with whose father he was fighting. 

Found Guilty of Murder. — In New 
Orleans, George Osborne, a man about forty 
of age, a 'longshoreman, was this day 
'it up in the < Iriminal Court, on a charge 
of murder, in beating his wife to death at 
their house in the Third District, on the i 
of the 21st of May last. 

The evidence of the physician showed that 
death was caused by the cutting of the tem- 
poral artery, and that the bodj was b] I 
all over, especially about the arms. The 
chief testimony for the prosecution gv\ ■ 

teighbor was that about half-past 
five o'clock he heard a noise in Osborne's 
place. Upon looking through a crack in the 
tenee. he saw the prisi ing his wife 

and kicking her. He then took up a ch 

er a\ iih it. li" continued 
beating her for a considerable tin 
at intervals. He must have given her fifty 
blows in all. Two or three other witne -• 3 
gave testimony wholly or partly corrobora- 
tive of this. 

Two witnesses were introduced for the de- 
fence, one of whom testified that Osborne 
peaceable, sober man. and his wife a 
drunkard. His employer also gave him a 
good character. The case was given to the 
jury without argument, and, after a brief de- 
liberation, a verdict of guilty was brought 
in. The prisoner was remanded to await 
sentence of death. 

Surrendered. — In New Orleans, this day, 
William Deno, who was indicted with Lock- 
wood and others for the murder of William 
Gill, surrendered himself. He says, hearing 
up the river that the case of Lockwood was 
fixed, he started down to stand his trial, but 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



585 



arrived too late. He was sent to prison by 
the sheriff. 

Death of Solomon B. Davies. — Solomon 
B. Davies, Esq., of the firm of Davies & War- 
field, a citizen well known and respected, and 
a merchant of standing, died, this day, at his 
residence in St. Paul Street, Baltimore, after 
a protracted illness, in the thirty-third year 
of his age. Mr. Davies was the only son of 
the late Col. Jacob Or. Davies, ex-Mayor of 
that city, and a son-in-law of the Hon. James 
Monroe, of New York. 

Death of Enoch Bartlett. — This day, 
Vr. Enoch Bartlett, the noted horticulturist 
of r.A. ^saehusetts, from whom a celebrated 

variety of pears was named, died, at ins resi- 
dence in Eoxbury, at the age of eighty-one 
years. 

Melancholy Accident. — Heroic Con- 
duct. — A son of .Mr. William Leggett, about 

six years of age, while attending the anni- 
versary festival of the Sunday-school at- 
tached to the Forty-Third Street Baptist 
Church of New York, this day afternoon, was 
drowned in the Hay, in the vicinity of Qua- 
rantine. The members of the school, with 
their parents and friends, were on their way 
to Biddle's < ; i ove, a nd had chartered a steam- 
boat and barge to convey them thither. At 
the urgent request of many on board, the 
captain of the steamboat made a trip around 
the island; but when near Quarantine it 
became necessary, in consequence of a heavy 
sea, to drop the barge astern. Young Leg- 
gett was standing near the hawser on the 
steambi a it parted, and he was 

thrown headlong into the water. Another 
boy, who was talking to him at the time, 
narrowly escaped a similar fate. The alarm 
was instantly raised for help, and a daring 
youth leaped into the angry waters and 
struck out boldly toward the poor lad, but 
his strength failed, and he was obliged to 
look out for his own safety. At this crisis, 
Mr. George White, of No. 665 Eighth Avenue, 
New York, al o -sprang overboard, and; aft< r 
swimming a long distance, gained the sink- 
ing boy, and held him out of the water. A 
small boat was lowered and despatched to the 
rescue, but before it. could reach them Mr. 
White was obliged to loose his hold of the 
boy in order to save his own life. The crew 
in the boat picked him up; but the exertion 
that he had undergone overcame him. and 
several hours elapsed before he ful^y reco- 
vered. He stated that his boots, which had 
very high tops, became tilled with water, 
and. though he endeavored to relieve himself 
of them, so that he might a little longer sus- 
tain the boy, he was unable to do so. Before 
the return of the company, a handsome purse 
was made up and presented to Mr. White for 
his humane efforts. The deceased had a 



younger brother on board, with whom the 
pastor of the church returned to the city by 
railroad, at the earliest moment, and com- 
municated the sad news to the family. 

The New York "Courier and Enquirer" 
gives the following account of the affair. It 
says: — 

As the steamboat Satellite was proceeding 
down the bay, with a Sunday-school excur- 
sion on board, Homer Leggett, a boy of eight 
years, fell overboard. Mr. George White, a 
passenger, instantly jumped after him, 
caught and succeeded in sustaining the child 
above water for over a half-hour, when, being 
thoroughly exhausted, he had to let go his 
hold on the boy, who was drowned. The 
steamer, meanwhile, made no attempt to 
launch a, boat, nor even to check her head- 
way, until, when over two miles from the 
drowning child, they lowered a yawl, which 
irely in time to save Mr. White. 

Drowned Man Identified. — In New 
York, the body of a drowned man was picked 
up at the foot of Degraw Street, on this day 
night, which, from the dress and a pawn- 
ticket found in the pockets of his clothes, 
was identified as that of C. L. Roberts, who 
committed suicide some days since by jump- 
ing off one of the Catharine Street ferry- 
boats. An inquest was held by Coroner Hor- 
ton, and a verdict of "Found drowned" wa.-j 
rendered by the jury. 

A Boy Drowned. — In New York, this day, 
Coroner Schirmer held an inquest, at the foot 

of Sixteenth Street, upon the body of a negro 
boy named Thomas II. Jones, who was found 
drowned in the North River. Deceased had 
be a missing from his home for over a week, 
and when he left his parents' house he ex- 
1 a determination never to return, be- 
cause "f a chastisemenfhe had received at the 
bands of his father. The usual verdict of 
" Found drowned'' was rendered by the j ury. 

Killed by Lightning. — Mrs. Martin, of 
Monroe, Green county, (Wis.,) was killed by 
lightning this day. The bolt entered 
through the window, breaking several panes 
oi' glass, and killing her instantly. 

Unknown Man Found Drowned. — In 
Brooklyn, Coroner Horton held an inquest, 
this day, upon the body of a man found 
drowned in Atlantic Dock Basin. Deceased 
was about forty years of age, with dark hair 
and grayish beard. Hail on a brown cloth 
satinet frock-coat and blue cotton pantaloons, 
no shoes. In his pocket was a morocco 
purse, containing buttons, beeswax, and a 
pair of spectacles. A verdict of "Found 
drowned - ' was rendered. 

Drowned. — In Philadelphia, John McLun- 
nan, aged eight years, was drowned in the 



5S0 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



Schuylkill, below the Market Street bridge, 
on this day afternoon. The body was re- 
covered in about fifteen minutes by Edward 
McManus, eleven years old, who dived down, 
bringing it up at the second attempt. The 
coroner held an inquest on the body, and a 
Verdict of "Accidentally drowned" was ren- 
dered. 

Vessel in Distress. — Seaman Killed. 
—The bark Morning Star sailed from New 
Haven, Conn., for Porto Pico. W.I., and on 
tliis day, when in hit. 39° 32' :■:.. Ion. 71° 11 / 
AW. the head of the foremast was carried 
away, sweeping with it the main and mizzen 
: ists and all the upper spars. While 

clearing the wreck. Enoch Hall, seaman, of 
Yarmouth, N.S., was killed by a falling spar. 

Picked up ox the Railroad. — A man 
named Thomas Holloway was found on the 
track of the Long island Railroad, this day, 
by the conductor of a down train, about a 
mile west of Past New York. He was 
brought to that city and placed in the Long 
Island Hospital. IPs skull was found to be 
fractured; but it is unknown how the injury 
was sustained. The family of the injure' I 
man reside on the corner of Franklin and 
Park Avenues. 

Sudden Death. — In Philadelphia, this 
day. Charlotte Dougherty, aged fifty-eight 
years, fell dead at the corner of Nineteenth 
and t'^iies Streets, — supposed to lie from 
apoplexy. Deceased resided at Nineteenth 
and Thompson Streets. 

Wonderful Escape from Instant Death. 

— On the morning of this day, James Dunn, 
an employee in a. tool-factory in Rochester, 
N.Y., fell into the mill-race, and was in- 
stantly swept away over a precipice, fifty or 
sixi \ feet high, upon the rocks below, whence 
the current carried him among some drift- 
wood. Strange to say, he was able to crawl 
over the wood to t lie river-bank: no bones 
were broken, and he will probably recover. 

Fire in Leavenworth, Kansas. — In 
Leavenworth, this day, a block of wooden 
buildings, on the corner of Main and Dela- 
ware Streets, was destroyed by fire, at eight 
o'clock in the morning. The following were 
the principal losers : — S. Morton, loss on 
building, $1000: no insurance. J. M. Dick- 
son, loss on building, $3000: fully insured 
in St. Louis. J. L. Easson, loss on building, 
$2000: insured, $500. Mr. Parley, loss on 
jewelry, $700: no insurance. Simon & See- 
man, loss $6000: fully insured. Building 
corner Alain and Delaware Streets, owned 1>< 
J. M. Parmer, loss $22,000: insured $1000. 
Seman & Hooman, loss $8000: insured in 
the Metropolitan Company, New York. 

Mclntyre's building, occupied by a gas- 



fitting establishment, loss $1000: no insu- 
rance. P. E. Allen's stock mostly saved, 
fully insured : building partly insured. Some 
smaller losses were also reported. Fifteen 
buildings in all were destroyed. 

Fire tx New Orleans. — In New Orleans, 
the night of this day, between twelve and one 
o'clock, a fire broke out in the house of Mr. 
Philpot, owned by Mr. Cannon, on Apollo 
Street, between Jackson and Philip Streets, 
Fourth District. The absence of water, and 
a fresh wind blowing at the time, had the 
effect of producing quite a conflagration. 
The flames communicated to a one-story 
frame house on the lower side, a soda-water 
and cake shop, and then to Mr. J. S. Whita- 
ker's handsome one-story and attic residence. 
Above, the fire spread to theresidence of Mr. 
Carpenter, the property of Mr. Le Groes, a 
very noticeable house, built in the Eliza- 
bethan style ; and then to two frame cottages 
belonging to Mr. Jennings, one of which he 
occupied himself. Mr. Whitakerwas insured 
for $6000;— about the extent of his loss. 
There was $5000 insurance on Mr. Le Groes's 
bouse. Mr. Jennings was insured, for $2000: 
one of the cottages was destroyed, the 
other only damaged. He had also $800 on 
his furniture: loss, about $400. Mr. Phil- 
pot's residence was valued at $1000. 

Fire ix Philadelphia. — Two Hundbed 
Canary-Birds Destroyed. — In Philadel- 
phia, about eight o'clock in the morning of 
this day, a fire broke out in a house on Nau- 
treet. in the vicinity of Nineteenth and 
Pine, and the flames were not subdued until 
the roofs of five tenements — all two-story 
brick buildings — were destroyed. One of 
the buildings was occupied by Thomas Ben- 
nett, a bird-fancier, who lost about two hun- 
dred canary-birds in the flames. Some of 
the songsters were of the best German 
breed, excellent singers, and valuable. He 
had no insurance on them whatever. The 
other houses were occupied by poor families. 
Must of their household goods were saved. 
It is said that the fire originated by a little 
boy playing with friction matches. The loss, 
exclusive of the canary-birds, will probably 
reach $500. The buildings were insured. 

Destructive Fire in New York. — In 
New York, the morning of this day, about 
one o'clock, a fire broke out in the third floor 
of the five-story building No. 42 Ann Street, 
in the printing-establishment of Air. White- 
horne. The flames spread rapidly and soon 
enveloped the entire building. The firemen 
were promptly on the premises, and prevented 
the fire from extending to the adjoiningbuild- 
ings. The first floor and basement extended 
through to No. 119 Fulton Street, which 
floors, together with the fourth and fifth 
floors of No. 42 Ann Street, were occupied by 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



587 



Lewis & Co., clothiers. A large portion of 
their stock was taken out on the Fulton Street 
side. Their loss by fire and water will 
amount to about $30,000. Insured for 
§36,000 in the following companies, viz. : — 

Artisans', New York $2500 

WallStreet, do 2500 

Kings County, of Brooklyn 2500 

Firemen's Trust, do 3000 

Insurance Company of North America, 

Philadelphia 2500 

Northern Assurance Company, Phila.. 3000 
Equitable* Mutual, do... 2000 
Commonwealth, do... 5500 
American, do... 3000 
Reliance Mutual, do... 4000 
Insurance Company State of Pennsyl- 
vania, do... 3000 
Northwestern, New York 2500 



Total $36,000 

Mr. AVhitehorne's loss is about $3000 : 
fully insured. 

The second floor and upper part of 119 
Full on Street are occupied by Courvoisier & 
Mathey, watch-case manufacturers and jew- 
ellers. Loss about $700. Insured for $3800 
in the Bowery Insurance Company. 

The building is owned by Mr. Many. It 
is insured for $5000, and is damaged about 
$300. 

Building No. 42 Ann Street is also owned 
by Mr. Many. It is totally destroyed: loss 
about $5000: insured in the Brevoort and 
New Amsterdam Insurance Companies for 

$1001). 

No -14 Ann Street is occupied in the base- 
ment by Stoekwell & Emmerson, dealers in 
t -took: damage by water about $200. 

Insured for $300 in the Exchange Insurance 
Company. The first floor is a restaurant, 
kept by John Henry: damage $150. Insured 
for $1000 in the St. Mark's Insurance Com- 
pany. The second floor and upper part of 
the building is occupied by Anson Herrick 
as the "Atlas" publication office: loss about 
$5oo. Insured for $1500 in Astor Insurance 
Company. M. T. Tyler occupied part of the 
third floor as a printing-office: loss S:JOO0. 
Insured for S1200 in St. Nicholas and Mer- 
chants' Insurance Companies. The building 
is owned by Brown Brothers. It is damaged 
about $800. Insured. 

The stock of T. Strong's book-store, No. 
98 Nassau Street, was damaged to the extent 
of §400 by a falling wall. Insured for 
$38,400 in city companies. 

The stock of pictures and books of Michael 
Nunan, No. 100 Nassau Street, was damaged 
to the extent of $200. Insured for $3750 
in the Franklin, of Philadelphia, North Ame- 
rican and East River Insurance Companies. 

The buildings Nos. 102, 100, and 98 Nassau 
Street, owned by Mr. Ayres, are damaged to 
the extent of $250. Fully insured. 

The fire, it is said, originated from a caloric- 



engine ; but the actual cause of the fire is un- 
known at present. It will lie investigated 
by the Fire-Marshal. A policeman of the 
Second Precinct, named James McCabe, was 
very badly injured by some bricks falling 
through the skylight of an adjoining build- 
ing when the walls fell down. He was pro- 
perly cared for. 

Withdhaaval of Ma. Fitzpatrtck. — This 
day, Mr. Fitzpatrick. the Douglas Democratic 
nominee for the Vice-Presidency, withdrew 
his name. The following is his letter of with- 
drawal. 

Washington, June 25, 1860. 

Gentlemen: — Your letter of to-day, in- 
forming me that I "have been unanimously 
nominated by the National Convention of the 
Democratic party, which met at Charleston 
on the 23d day of April last, and adjourned 
to meet at Baltimore on the 18th day of June, 
as their candidate for the office of Vice-Pre- 
sident," was duly received. 

Acknowledging with the liveliest sensi- 
bility this distinguished mark of your confi- 
dence and regard, it is with no ordinary feel- 
in.:- of regret that considerations, the recital 
of which I will not impose upon you, con- 
strain me to decline the nomination so flat- 
teringly tendered. My designation as a 
candidate for this high position would have 
been more gratifying to me if it had pro- 
ceeded from a united Democracy, — united 
both as to principles and to men. 

The distracting differences at present ex- 
isting in the ranks of the Democratic party 
were strikingly exemplified both at Charles- 
ton and Baltimore, and, in my humble opi- 
nion, distinctly admonish me that I should in 
no way contribute to these unfortunate di- 
visions. 

The Black Republicans have harmoniously 
(at least in convention) presented their can- 
didates for the Presidency and Vice-Presi- 
dency. So have the Constitutional Union 
party, (as it is termed.) Each party is al- 
ready engaged in the contest. In the pre- 
sence of such organizations we still unfor- 
tunately exhibit a divided camp. What a 
melancholy spectacle ! It is calculated to 
cause every Democratic citizen wdro cherishes 
the Constitution of his country to despond, if 
not to despair, of the durability of the Union. 

Desirous, as far as I am capable of exer- 
cising any influence, to remove every obstacle 
which may prevent a restoration of the peace, 
harmony, ami perfect concord of that glorious 
old party to which I have been inflexibly de- 
voted from early manhood, — a party which, in 
my deliberate opinion, is the only real and 
reliable ligament which binds the South, the 
North, the East, and the West, together upon 
constitutional principles, — no alternative was 
left to me but that which I have herein most 
respectfully communicated to you. 

For the agreeable manner in which you 



588 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June-, 



have convoyed to me the action of the con- 
vention, accept my sincere thanks. 

Very truly, your friend and obedient ser- 
vant, 

B. FlTZPATRICK. 

To Wm. H. Ludlow, New York, and others. 

Nomination of the Hon. Herschel V. 
Johnson as Vice-President. — Governor 
Fitzpatrick having declined the nomination 
of Vice-President, the National Committee 
this day substituted Herschel V. Johnson, of 
Georgia, as the Douglas Democratic candi- 
date for Vice-President of the United States. 

Norfolk (Va.) Municipal Election. — 
In Norfolk, this day, Lamb, Democrat, was 
elected Mayor, by a majority of 130 over Fer- 
guson, Opposition. 

Iowa Congressional Nomination. — This 
day. S. E. Curtis was renominated for Con- 
gress by the Republicans of the First District 
of Iowa. 

Scene in the New York Council. — This 
day, the following scene occurred in the New 
York City Council. The description is copied 
from the New York "Herald." It says: — 

At the hour appointed for the meeting of 
the Joint Committee, which was one o'clock in 
the afternoon, Alderman Piatt, the chairman, 
and a quorum of the committee were present. 
At this juncture, and as the business of the 
meeting was about to proceed, Councilman 
Hogan, the Chairman of the Councilmen's 
committee, entered the room without his coat, 
with a tremulous lip and other symptoms of in- 
ternal agitation. He stood by the side of the 
table around which the committee were seated, 
opposite to the chairman, and while in this 
posture was asked by Alderman Smith why 
lie had his coat off, to which he replied that 
he did not want his coat then. Immediately 
afterward Alderman Piatt called the com- 
mittee to order, whereupon Councilman Ho- 
gan moved round close to where the chair- 
man was seated, and, taking a paper from the 
clerk, laid it on the table with violence, and 
demanded the following: — 

Councilman Hogan. — I want to know 
whether I am a man or a louse. Look at 
that, and tell me if I am a man or a louse, I 
say. [Here Mr. Hogan presented the paper 
he held in his hand to Alderman Piatt, from 
whom, however, he received no reply of any 
kind.] "Well," continued the worthy coun- 
cilman, "well, you are a loafer." Still no 
reply was vouchsafed, and the councilman 
now stepped a few paces from the chairman 
and repea t ed, in a loud voice, which betokened 
much anger, " Well, you are a loafer, and a 
damned loafer." 

Alderman Piatt now returned, sharply, 
though in a subdued voice, "I take that from 
whence it comes." 



The greatest sensation and silence now 
prevailed in the room for a moment or two, 
every one present being in the evident ex- 
pectation that a fight would be the immediate 
consequence of these repeated compliments. 
This state of things was soon interrupted by 
Councilman Hogan, who showed a determi- 
nation, both by gesture as well as words, not 
to abandon the position of hostility which he 
had so gallantly assumed. He therefore 
broke out again, as follows: — 

Councilman Hogan. — You are a damned 
loafer; and if you were not, you would come 
out here and show it. 

Alderman Piatt. — I do not want to make 
myself a loafer like you. 

Councilman Hogan (with much warmth). 
■ — -You are no man, damn you, but a loafer; 
and if you were a man, you would prove it 
now. 

Here the silence of the room again followed, 
like the lull in the storm, till the squall came 
on again. 

Councilman Hogan. — I will not meet with 
any such damned loafer as von are, damn you. 
I am a man wherever I am. but you are a 
loafer. 

Still no reply was made by Alderman Piatt, 
who shook either with fear or emotion. < < n- 
cilman Hogan now put on the coat of which 
lie had divested himself, and repeated to him- 
self, in a kind of audible Monologue, "Meet 
with such a damned loafer as that!" Then, 
advancing to the table a second time, he flung 
a paper down upon it. and walked toward 
the door with a face well calculated to por- 
tray rage tinged slightly with disappoint- 
ment. 

Alderman Piatt now directed the clerk of 
the committee to read the communications, 
if any had been received: but, before the 
order had time to be obeyed, 

Councilman Hogan returned to the charge, 
and said, loudly, "You loafer you! if I was 
well the other day I would have thri I 

you anyhow." 

Alderman Piatt (emphatically). — I don't 
know about that: it may be matter of opi- 
nion. And then, turning to the clerk, he 
continued, "Go on with the communica- 
tions." The clerk proceeded to read, but 
before the first line was announced he was 
again interrupted by Councilman Hogan 
calling out his respectful farewell, from the 
door, in the following terms: — 

Councilman Hogan. — You are a loafer, 
damn you. I am not going to meet with a 
damned loafer like you. I am a man wher- 
ever I am, either here or anywhere else. 

This was the finale of a scene which lasted 
for about five minutes and caused one con- 
tinuous sensation during that time. The 
rest of the members of the Common Council 
were remarkably quiet — like every one else 
present — while the scene lasted, leaving the 
field entirely in the possession of the two 



18G0. 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



539 



combatants who had seized upon it, and 
evidently deporting themselves upon the 
very sensible principle taught by the adage 
which says, "Prudence is the better part of 
valor." 

This row was caused by Alderman Piatt 
(either inadvertently or otherwise) neglect- 
ing to put Mr. Hogan's name- on one of the 
sub-committees, and thereby cutting him 
effectually off from all chance of spoils. 
The paper which he laid upon the table, it 
may be well to add, was a list of the names 
appointed on the sub-committees. 

Fraudulent Marriage Set Aside. — The 
Supreme Court of New York, this day, con- 
firmed the judgment of the referee in the 
case of Agnes Kidder vs. Walter Kidder, an- 
nulling the marriage of the parties upon the 
ground of fraud on the part of the defendant. 
It appeared that the parties were married in 
the month of July last, the girl being then 
just turned fourteen, and the defendant being 
about twenty-one. She was the daughter 
of a wealthy ship-owner, and the defendant 
a waiter in a dining saloon. The parties 
became acquainted at a boarding-house 
where she was temporarily staying with her 
mother and sister during the absence of her 
father. On the day of the marriage, a girl 
named Emma, residing in the house, induced 
plaintiff, with the consent of her mother, to 
visit New York, promising to return the 
same evening. Shortly after going out, they 
were met by Kidder, who took the parties to 
a store in Cherry Street, at which place he 
poured something, which she thought was 
cologne, on plaintiff's handkerchief, but it 
turned out to be a narcotic. The parties 
then went to a clergyman, who had been 
visited the day before by Kidder and in- 
duced by his statements to agree to perform 
the marriage-ceremony. The next day 
plaintiff acquainted her mother with the 
marriage, at the same time imploring for- 
giveness, as she did not know what she was 
about at the time. Defendant had tried to 
obtain a consent to the ratification of the 
marriage since, but plaintiff wholly refused 
to consent thereto, and instituted the pro- 
ceedings which have resulted in restoring 
her to freedom from the claims of the shrewd 
but unscrupulous waiter. 

Decision of $1,000,000 in Favor of the 
City of San Francisco. — The claim to 
land> in the neighborhood of San Francisco 
uader the Peter Smith title has been de- 
molished by the State Supreme Court. A 
letter from San Francisco of this date, writ- 
ten by a correspondent of the New York 
"Tribune," gives the following account of 
this claim : — 

In 1850, Dr. Peter Smith was physician 
of the City Hospital, and became the creditor 
of the city to the amount of about $30,000. 



She did not pay him punctually : so he sued 
her, got judgment, and levied on a large 
amount of land supposed to belong to her. 
The city's title to this land was sold by the 
sheriff under this execution to various pur- 
chasers at a very low price. Little atten- 
tion was paid to the matter at the time, but 
after the sale the persons previously in pos- 
session began to get scared, and they in- 
duced the sheriff to refuse to make a title 
under the sale. The purchasers brought 
suit, and that case was decided about six 
years ago in favor of the purchasers, to the 
effect that the Peter Smith judgments, exe- 
cution, and sale were valid, and that the 
purchasers were entitled to a deed conveying 
all the city's interest in the land. The pur- 
chasers, or " Peter Smith men," as they 
were called, were not in possession, and the 
squatters would not leave without being 
ejected by process of law. The Peter 
Smith men supposed that they were certain 
of final judgment in their favor, and post- 
poned their ejectment-suits in, the hope of 
making some compromise with the squatters ; 
but, finding that their offers were rejected, 
they brought the suit which has just been 
decided. The opinion in the first case covers 
two hundred and five pages of manuscript, 
and concludes by affirming the following pro- 
positions : — 

1. That San Francisco was at the date of 
the conquest and cession of California, and 
long prior to that time, a Pueblo, entitled to 
and possessing all the rights which the laws 
conferred upon such municipal organiza- 
tions. 

2. That such Pueblo had a certain right or 
title to the lands within its general limits, 
and that the portions of such lands which 
had not been set apart or dedicated to com- 
mon use or to special purposes could be 
granted in lots by its municipal officers to 
private persons in full ownership. 

8. That the authority to grant such lands 
was vested in the Ayuntamiento and in the 
Alcaldes, or other officers, who at the time 
represented it, or who had succeeded to its 
powers and obligations. 

4. That the powers of such officers which 
had been confirmed by proper authority to 
make such grants were not suspended or 
changed by the war or by the conquest. 

5. That the official acts of such officers in 
the course of their ordinary and accustomed 
duties, and within the general scope of their 
powers as here defined and explained, will 
be presumed to have been done by lawful 
authority. 

6. That these municipal lands to which 
the city of San Francisco succeeded were 
held in trust for the public use of that city, 
and were not, under the old Government or 
the new, the subject of seizure or sale under 
execution. 

7. That this property aud these trusts were 



590 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



public and municipal in their nature, and 
were within the control and supervision of 
the State Sovereignty ; and that the Federal 
Government had no such control or super- 
vision. 

The City Council of Portland, Maine, 
this evening, voted to extend an invitation to 

the Prince of Wales to visit that city. 

Recognition op our Shit-Building Ca- 
pacities by the Czar of Russia. — The 
following gratifying communications wore 
made by the Russian Minister at Washing- 
ton to Mr. W. H. Webb, the New York ship- 
builder, and Captain Comstock, now in com- 
mand of the Adriatic, in connection with the 
splendid ship General Admiral, built here by 
the former lor the Russian Government, and 
taken by the latter to Cronstadt and there 
delivered to the emperor: — 

Baron Stoeckl to W. II. W t ebb, Esq. 
Washington, June 25, 1860. 

Sir: — During your last visit to Russia, 
his imperial Majesty and the Grand Duke 
Constant ine expressed to you their high 
satisfaction for the skill and intelligence that 
you have displayed in the construction of 
the General Admiral. The emperor, wishing 
to offer you a token of his appreciation of 
your merits as a naval architect and of the 
perfect manner in which you have accom- 
plished your task, has directed me to present 
to you the accompanying case, containing a 
gold snuff-box enriched with diamonds. 1 
avail myself of this opportunity to oiler you 
my sincere congratulations and the renewed 
assurance of my distinguished consideration. 

Stoeckl. 

To W. II. Webb, Esq. 

Baron Stoeckl to Capt. Comstock. 
Washington, June 25, 18G0. 

Sir: — The emperor, my august master, 
desirous of offering you a token of acknow- 
ledgment, for the services you have rendered 
the Imperial Government in navigating the 
General Admiral from New York to Cron- 
Stadt with the ability and success that so 
eminently distinguish you in your profession, 
has directed me to transmit to you the ac- 
companying case, containing a diamond 
ring. I regret that it is not in my power to 
deliver this present to you in person, and to 
offer you at the same time my sincere con- 
gratulations. Accept, sir, the assurance of 
my distinguished consideration. 

Stoeckl. 

To Captain Comstock. 

Large Haul of Sharks. — Forty-three 
sharks ■were caught at one haul in the net of 
the Field Brothers, off Neck Beach, at Madi- 
son, Conn., this day. The largest measured 
nine feet in length, four and a half feet in cir- 



cumference, and weighed over three hundred 
pounds. 

Decision of the United States District 
Court, at New Orleans, that the Mexican 
Steamers Miramon and Marques he la 
Habana are not Lawful Prizes. — In New 
Orleans, this day, Judge McCaleb, of the 
U. S. District Court, decided that the Mexi- 
can steamers Miramon and Marques de la 
Habana, captured by the American squa- 
dron oil' Vera Cruz and libelled as prizes, 
should be released. In his opinion lie reca- 
pitulates with great minuteness and clear- 
ness the nature of the claim and the evi- 
dence by which it was sustained. 

The tacts in evidence make some material 
changes in the aspect of the case from what 
has been popularly received. The conclu- 
sion of the judge from the testimony is that 
the Marques de la Habana fired no shots 
whatever at the United States expedition, 
which was approaching the position she 
occupied at Anton Lizardo, and that in fact 
her guns were dismounted and unfit for use, 
The Miramon, by the same evidence, is 
shown to have resisted capture under die 
belief that the two steamers were attacked 
by vessels sent against them by the Juarez 
Government from Vera Cruz. It is also 
shown that the Miramon did show S}>anish 
colors during the attack, and that the at- 
tacking force did not hoist any. The .Mira- 
mon was designed for the service of the 
Miramon Government, but was not deliver- 
able until the terms of purchase were com- 
plied with. This had not been done, and 
she had not been delivered, and was, conse- 
quently, private Spanish property, for the 
restoration of which suit has been brought 
in the District Court here. The judge notes 
that when attacked these vessels were at 
anchor, within a mile and a half of the main- 
land, and therefore clearly within the mari- 
time jurisdiction of Mexico, and entitled to 
all the rights due to them from neutral na- 
tions. The United States were neutrals in 
the Mexican war, having, indeed, recognised 
the Juarez Government. But the opposing 
Government had been recognised by the 
other great maritime Powers, and the United 
States were bound in good faith to do no act 
having the semblance of interfering in favor 
of one or the other of the parties claiming 
the Government and waging a civil war for 
the ascendency. 

The judge argues that the grounds of sus- 
picion against the vessels, for not showing 
their flags in reply to a gun from the Castle 
of San Juan de Ulloa, were insufficient for 
the action of the American commander, be- 
cause it was the act. of one party toward its 
public enemy, and cannot be construed into 
an insult to neutrals in the harbor. He 
argues, too, from the testimony, that the 
Americans knew perfectly well what vessels 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



591 



these were, and had been on the look-out for 
them. 

The proclamation of the Juarez Govern- 
ment declaring them pirates, Judge McCaleb 
dismisses from consideration as a justifica- 
tion of the attack. The declaration of one 
belligerant against another, or the aiders of 
the other, would not make the latter pirates 
and expose them to be captured by neutrals. 

He further objects that the Juarez decree 
made it the duty of our officers to ascertain 
the true character of these vessels. The 
manner of performing that duty was im- 
prudent and irregular, and was the cause 
of the conflict. The proper way to ap- 
proach them would have been to go in 
open day, with flags displayed, and make 
the inquiry in the form usual among public 
vessels. Captain Turner, as the court avers, 
chose the night-time, displayed no flag, ap- 
proached the vessels in a manner to give 
them cause to believe that they were to be 
assaulted by an enemy from the city, and 
thus became responsible for having unneces- 
sarily produced the collision which followed. 

Ifis judgment is, that the capture was 
illegal, and that the ships, with their tackle, 
apparel, and furniture, shall be restored, but 
without costs. The claim for indemnity, 
which would include all considerations of 
costs and damages, has been withdrawn from 
the courts, and will probably go before Con- 
gress, unless it -should be made the subject 
of official reclamation to the Government aud 
become an international affair. 

Discharge of the Crews of the Slaters 
Wildfire and William. — At Key West, 
Florida, this day, the crews of the slavers 
Wildfire and William were brought up before 
Judge .Marvin, the United States Judge, on 
habeas corpus, and discharged. Nothing, 
the judge determines, is in the law of 1820 
to hold them. The Americans are still in 
prison, with the exception of the mate, 
Hut chins in, who is out on bail. The cap- 
tain of the Mohawk gave them a passage 
over to Havana. 

Discharge of the Mate and Crew of 
the Brig Falmouth. — This day, in New 
York, U. S. Commissioner Betts decided on 
discharging the officers and crew of the 
brig Falmouth, arrested in Massachusetts 
for being engaged in the slave-trade. 

Loss of the Bark E. A. Kinsman. — This 
Jay. the bark E. A. Kinsman, Captain Down, 
was sunk. The crew saved themselves in 
their boats. The following is the report : — 

Bark E. A. Kinsman, Down, from New 
Fork for Havana, with a cargo of cement, 
bricks, guano, &c, experienced heavy wea- 
ther until crossing the Gulf, June 11, when 
it was found she was leaking badly, which 
increased until June 25, when she went 



down, in latitude 26° SB', being about one 
hundred miles e.n.e. of the Hole in the Wall. 
The captain, with a part of the crew, pro- 
ceeded in one of the boats to Nassau, and 
Mr. Arnold, chief officer, with the rest, 
arrived at Stirrup Key on the 27th. 

The E. A. Kinsman was two hundred and 
sixty-nine tons burden, built at Portland, 
Me., in 1857, and rated A -\. 

The New Orleans Negro Seducing Music- 
Teacher. — Thomas J. Martin, the negro 
music-teacher who was arrested at New Or- 
leans on Saturday for threats against a lady 
whose daughter he had seduced, was this 
day arraigned before Recorder Emerson, 
and. on the charge of abusing and threaten- 
ing the lady whose daughter he had seduced, 
was sent before the First District Court, and, 
in default of bail, committed to prison. 

The New Orleans "Crescent,'' speaking 
of this affair, says: — 

Miss Fanny Thayer is the name of the 
3 r oung woman whom Martin won and took 
away from her mother, Mrs. Ann Severs, 
who is a retired actress. Their intimacy 
has existed for nearly three years. He has 
been supporting her since taking her from 
her mother. She dotes upon him, and would 
probably follow him to the end of the earth. 
She has a child five months old. He, now 
that he is arrested, denies the paternity, and 
makes strong counter-accusations against 
the mother of the fair one. Among the 
other victims of this artful scoundrel, we 

hear of Miss Kate P , who is mother to 

one of his children. Also Maria B , a 

seamstress, who lived with a respectable 
lady on Bacchus Street. We have also 
heard of some extraordinary doing-' of his 
at a fashionable watering-place in Virginia. 
It would appear that Martin lias generally 
practised his infernal arts in the families of 
widow ladies, where there were no husbands 
or brothers to detect him and bring him to 
punishment. In one instance, however, he 
ruined a young lady who had a father to 
protect her; but the father, dreading a 
public exposure, contented himself with 
merely warning the scoundrel away from his 
house. Martin has taught music in this city 
upward of twenty years, and is widely 
known. 

Close of Congress. — The first session 
of the Thirty-Sixth Congress finally ad- 
journed on this day. at twelve o'clock, noon. 
All the appropriation bills, including the 
postal, were passed, and signed by the Pre- 
sident ; but the important measure known 
as the Post-Route bill failed, not having been 
got through the House of Representaives 
in time. The renewal of contracts for the 
California mail-service, both ocean and 
overland, is thus unauthorized. In prac- 
tical legislation, the results of the session 



592 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[JVNE, 



extend very little beyond the ordinary and 
necessary bills. The Homestead measure 
failed by reason of the President's veto. 



TUESDAY, JUKE 26. 

Unknown Schooner Sunk. — This day, 
the hark Elf, Kcrlin, Philadelphia from Tlio 
Janeiro, lat. 37° 40', Ion. 75°, iu fourteen 
fathoms of water, passed a sunken schooner. 
Her lower masts (painted white) were out of 
the water, and topmasts gone. 

Evidences of a Wreck, supposed to be 

tiif, Saratoga. — This day, the bark Eagle, 
Captain Baker, picked up a sign-board with 
"Saratoga" on it; had been but a short 
time in the water. 

June 21, latitude 30°, longitude 72°, passed 
a dead body. June 28, latitude 37° 10', 
longitude 74°, passed a metallic boat about 
thirty feet long, painted black; had been 
stove. 

Trial and Acquittal of Mr. Stephen G. 
Dillave. a Celebrated New York Poli- 
tician, for Forgery. — In the Pittsburg 
Court of Quarter Sessions, this day, the 
case of Stephen G. Dillaye, who was in- 
dicted with Sylvester G. Langdon for the 
uttering and passing of two forged certifi- 
cates of deposit on the American Exchange 
Panic of New York, on the Citizens' Bank 
of Pittsburg, but whose trial was postponed 
on account of sickness at the last term, was 
taken up. It was opened by Mr. Miller, the 
District Attorney, who commenced by read- 
in-- the deposition of R. S. Oakley, cashier 
of the American Exchange Bank of New 
York, tin- same that was produced during 
the trial of Langdon, which declared that 
the certificates were of a pattern used by 
that ban": several years since, but which for 
a long time have been out of use : that there 
never was a teller in that bank named Tay- 
lor, and that the imitation of his own signa- 
ture is almost perfect. 

Mr. Jones, cashier of the Citizens' Bank 
of this city, was then placed on the stand, 
and testified that Dillaye, together witli 
Langdon and Kelsey, were brought- to the 
bank and introduced to him by Bangley, 
afterward cashier of the McKeesport Bank, 
who said they had tAvo certificates of de- 
posit on the American Exchange Bank of 
New York, which the}' wished to get cashed 
for the purpose of buying Monongahela 
Valley Bank stock. One of the certificates 
was for $15,000 and the other for $12,500. 

Having no suspicion of fraud, he cashed 
them, handing the money to Langdon, who, 
in turn, gave it to Mr. Dillaye, saying that 
if he would keep the certificates two or three 
days they would probably want New York 
exchange, and would then buy Ihem back. 



Instead of waiting, as Langdon had pro- 
posed, he sent them to New York, and several 
days afterward was greatly surprised on re- 
ceiving a letter from the bank the certifi- 
cates purported to be issued from, informing 
him that they were forgeries and that there 
were no deposits to the credit of any person 
named Langdon. Mr. Jones immediately 
procured a horse and started for McKees- 
port, where he saw Dillaye and the officers 
of the McKeesport Bank, who, upon his 
stating the case, very promptly and properly 
returned him all of the money, which it ap- 
peared they had invested in stock of that 
bank immediately after their arrival there. 

The foregoing arc the leading facts in this 
case. The defence of Mr. Dillaye consisted 
of evidence with regard to character; and 
as far as it went the vindication of his inno- 
cence was triumphant. Two gentlemen were 
brought from ISew York, one of whom had 
known the defendant for eighteen years, and 
declared his character for integrity during 
that time to have been good. D. Huey, of 
.McKeesport, while at New York soliciting 
subscriptions to the McKeesport Bank, had 
occasion to inquire into Dillaye's character, 
and found it uniformly highly spoken of. 
The charge of the court was extremely favor- 
able, inasmuch that the counsel lor defence, 
who with the Commonwealth's officer had 
raised the usual argument, observed, after 
Judge McClure had concluded, that '• silence 
was eloquence that time." The jury re- 
turned a verdict of acquittal. 

Convicted of being a Comt.ion Scold. — 
In the Baltimore (Md.) County Court at 
Towsontown, Anna Clifford was this day 
convicted of being a common scold. She 
was sentenced to pay a fine of one dollar 
and costs, and to be imprisoned in Baltimore 
City jail for one week, and before her re- 
lease from custody to give bail in the sum 
of $500 for her good behavior for the period 
of two years. 

List of Passed-Midshipmen of the Class 
of 1857. — It was this day announced that 
the following midshipmen of the date of 
1857 passed a satisfactory examination for 
promotion by the board of naval officers 
recently assembled at Annapolis, in the 
order arranged: — 

Francis B. Blake, of Pennsylvania ; Joseph 
W. Alexander, of North Carolina ; Henry 
D. Todd, of New York ; James M. Pritchett, 
of Indiana ; Edward Terry, of Connecticut ; 
Charles J. Graves, of Georgia ; Francis M. 
Bunce, of Connecticut ; Byron Wilson, of 
( Ihio : Henry B. Seeley, of N. York ; Frederick 
V. McNair, of Pennsylvania; John W. Kelly, 
of Alabama; Thomas B. Mills, of Alabama; 
Arthur R. Yates, of New York ; Clark Mer- 
chant, of Massachusetts; Henry W. Miller, 
of New Jersey. 



8G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER, 



598 



Heesciiel V. Johnson's Letter of Ac- i tion reassembled on the 18th inst. The 



eptance. — This day, Herschel V. Johnson 
nominated in place of Mr. Fitzpatrick, who 
rithdrew, hy the committee of the Douglas 
r Baltimore Democratic Convention,) sent 
he following letter to the committee, accept- 
ng the nomination: — 

Me. Chairman, Gentlemen of the Ex- 
icutive Committee of the National Demo- 
eatic Party, and Fellow-Citizens: — I 
ras taken by surprise when I received a 
elegraphic despatch in Baltimore, at three 
'clock this day, that the Hon. Benjamin 
^itzpatrick had declined the nomination 
endered him by the Democratic convention, 
nd that it was demanded of me to accept 
t. It is known to many of you that my 
Lame was freely mentioned in Baltimore in 
onnection with this nomination, and that I 
•ersistently refused to couutenance it, but 
uvariably urged that if Georgia were to be 
hus honored, it was due to another of her 
ons, distinguished for his talents and great 
mblic services. This was my earnest de- 
ire and the desire of the delegation of 
rhichl was a member. But the convention, 
n its wisdom, deemed it best to nominate 
, statesman of Alabama. It was entirely 
atisfactory. Alabama is the child of Geor- 
;ia, and the mother cordially responds to 
,ny compliment bestowed upon her daughter. 
?hese are the circumstances under which I 
iave been assigned this distinguished posit- 
ion, and which demand that disinclination 
hould yield to the voice of duty. The Na- 
ional Democratic party is in a peculiar con- 
ation. It. is assailed in the house of its 
irofessed friends, and threatened with over- 
hrow. The country is in a peculiar con- 
lition. It is on the eve of a sectional con- 
lict which may sweep down all political 
>arties .and terminate in a dissolution of the 
Jnion. It is the duty of patriots and states- 
men to unite in averting these threatened ca- 
amities. It may not be inappropriate to refer 
o the circumstances which imperil the na- 
ional Democracy. The Alabama delegation 
rent to the convention at Charleston in- 
fracted to demand the incorporation into 
he platform of the party of the proposition 
hat Congress should intervene for the pro- 
ection of slaves in the Territories, and to 
vithdraw if the demand should be refused. 
t was refused, and, I think, properly re- 
used. That delegation did retire, and with 
hem a large portion of the delegations from 
he cotton States. Why should they have 
etired ? The record shows that if the}' had 
emained at their post they had the power 
o have prevented the nomination of any 
landidate who might be obnoxious to the 
South. Thus reduced by secessions, the 
lonvention adjourned to Baltimore, and re- 
vested the States to fill the vacancies in 
heir respective delegations. The conven- 



seceding delegations were returned, some 
accredited to Richmond, and others to Bal- 
timore by the way of Richmond, and in- 
structed to make the same demand, and to 
withdraw if it should be refused. Delegates 
were appointed in Louisiana, Alabama, ami 
Georgia by the national Democrats of those 
States, to fill the vacant seats of the se- 
ceders. Those of Alabama and Louisiana 
were admitted, and the seceding delegations 
rejected, and the seceding delegates from 
Georgia were admitted to seats. They all 
took umbrage at the decisions of the con- 
vention touching the various contests for 
seats. They retired, organized, and nomi- 
nated candidates for the Presidency and 
Vice-Presidency ; and they claim to be the 
" National Democracy of the United States." 
Now, if they were actuated by "principle," 
— if it was their purpose, in good faith, to 
obtain the recognition of the principle of 
Congressional protection for slavery in the 
Territories, why not wait until a proper time 
arrived to bring that subject before the con- 
vention, and then, according to their in- 
structions, withdraw from the body? The 
reason is palpable : they were waging war 
against a distinguished man, not for the 
maintenance of principle ; they were will- 
ing to jeopard the integrity of the Demo- 
cratic party and the triumph of its cherished 
principles rather than see its will proclaimed 
in the nomination of its favorite. Admitting, 
for the sake of argument, Mr. Douglas to be 
as obnoxious as they allege he is, yet there 
never was a time when the South united 
could not have defeated his nomination. 
Why, then, should they have seceded? Why 
not remain at their post? AVhy seek to dis- 
member and destroy the party? I question 
not the patriotism of any ; but the people 
will hold them responsible, sooner or later, 
for all the ills that may flow from their 
errors. I said the demand for Congressional 
intervention was properly rejected at Charles- 
ton ; and why do I do so ? Because it was 
the agreement between the North and South 
that the slavery-agitation should be removed 
from the halls of Congress, and the people 
of the Territories be left perfectly free to 
regulate their domestic institutions in their 
own way, subject to the Constitution of the 
United States. This was the principle of 
the Compromise Measures of 1850, and 
practically applies in the Nebraska-Kansas 
act in 1854. It was adopted by both the 
great political pai'ties of the United States 
in 1852. It triumphed in the election of 
Franklin Pierce in that year, and of James 
Buchanan in 1856. It is, perhaps, the best 
ground of compromise between the North 
and the South which human ingenuity can 
devise, and by it the Democratic party at 
least, of all sections, should be willing to 
abide. It gives advantage to neither section 



38 



504 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



oyer the other, because it refers all questions 
of dispute between them, either as to Con- 
gressional or Territorial power over the sub- 
ject of slavery, to the final arbitrament of 
the Supreme Court of the United States. 
It is therefore safe for the South. Its prac- 
tical working is not without satisfactory 
results. Where the people of a Territory 
desire slave labor, and the soil and climate 
are suited to it, slavery will go. "Where 
these conditions do not exist, it will not go. 
This finds an illustration in New Mexico, 
where slavery is established, and that in 
those Territories where it is excluded. Only 
a few days ago, propositions to repeal the 
slavery-laws of New Mexico were made and 
rejected on the one hand, and the anti- 
slavery laws of Kansas on the other, was 
made and rejected, in the Senate. Suppose 
these propositions, or either of them, had 
prevailed: is it not certain the country would 
have been thrown into the highest excite- 
ment ? But by their rejection non-inter- 
vention was practically adhered to, and the 
public mind is satisfied and quiet. Let us 
maintain it firmly and faithfully. "We are 
bound to it by every consideration of in- 
terest and obligation of compact. Its 
abandonment will prove fatal to the National 
Democratic party, and ultimately to the 
Union itself. It will drive the South into 
intense sectionalism, and the North into the 
ranks of Black-Republicanism. I do not 
say every man of the North ; for I know 
that the great body of the Northern De- 
mocracy will remain true to the Constitution, 
despite the overwhelming flood of its relent- 
less cohorts. But I mean that the free-labor 
States would be controlled by Black-Re- 
publicanism, and would not be able to return 
a single member to either house of Congress 
friendly to the constitutional rights of the 
South. I trust that such a condition of 
things may never exist ; but, if it should, I 
know of no way by which the Union can be 
saved. Hence the doctrine of Congressional 
intervention, as advocated by this new-born 
sectional party, is fraught with peril to the 
country. The question is now distinctly 
presented to the people whether they will 
adhere to the doctrine of non-intervention, 
or whether they will abandon it; whether 
they will reopen the slavery-agitation by 
requiring Congress to take jurisdiction over 
it, or whether they will give repose to the 
public mind and security to the Union by 
leaving it where the Compromise leaves it, — 
to the free action of the people of the Terri- 
tories under the Constitution of the United 
States. The issue is fairly made up. It is 
intervention or non-intervention. Its de- 
cision involves the destiny of this great Re- 
public and the highest interests of the civil- 
ized world. Compared with it, the aspira- 
tions of men and the fate of political parties 
gink intc utter insignificance. Where shall 



we look for deliverance from these threat- 
ened evils ? It has been the mission of the 
Democratic party of the Union, in a thou- 
sand perils, to rescue our country from im- 
pending calamities. Its past career abounds 
with heroic passages and is illustrated with 
the most glorious achievements in the cause 
of constitutional liberty. It is the party of 
Jefferson, and Madison, and Jackson, and 
Polk, whose Auministrationsconstitutegrand 
epochs in our national history. It is the 
party of the Constitution; and I look to it 
with confidence. "Where else shall the pa- 
triot look in these times of political deflec- 
tion and sectional agitation? Let its integ- 
rity be permanently destroyed and the 
doctrine of non-intervention overthrown, 
and then the best hopes of the statesman 
may well be clouded with gloom and dark- 
ness. It is to maintain these that I consent 
to take the position now assigned me and 
welcome the consequences of personal good 
or personal ill which that position may 
bring. Nothing else could induce me to 
brave the detraction which it invites and in- 
cur the heavy responsibility which it im- 
poses. I have nothing to add but the ex- 
pression of my profound thanks for the 
honor so unexpectedly conferred upon me, 
and my cordial acknowledgments for the 
flattering terms in which I have been notified 
of my nomination. "Whatever may be honor- 
ably done I shall cheerfully do to maintain 
the integrity of the party and the triumph 
of its principles. 

The Delaware Republican State Con- 
vention met at Dover, this day, and formed 
the following electoral ticket: — 

John R. Latimer, of New Castle county, 
James Greene, of Kent county, and George 
R. Fisher, of Sussex county, — all of whom 
were elected unanimously. They passed 
resolutions reaffirming the cardinal prin- 
ciples announced in the resolutions adopted 
in mass convention at Dover on the first day 
of May, a. p. 1860. All the counties in the 
State were represented. 

Ohio Congressional Nomination. — Thi3 
day. the Republicans of the Eleventh Dis- 
trict unanimously nominated Hon. V. B. 
Horton for Congress. 

Treaties Ratified. — This day, the Senate, 
in special executive session, ratified the Nica- 
ragua, Bolivia, and Honduras treaties. 

Burglar Captured. — A Police-Officer 
Murdered by him. — Early in the morning 
of this day, the shoe-store of Josiah Sawyer, 
in Cambridgeport, Mass., was entered by 
two burglars, who were scared off, however, 
before collecting much booty. They then 
entered a periodical-store, where Officer 
Bridden fired at and wounded one of them 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



595 



in the arm, and, as they rushed out, lie again 
shot i he wounded burglar in the mouth. 
They both eluded the officer, but the 
■pounded man was soon after captured, 
after a desperate resistance, by Officer 
Eoughrey, who received six or seven pretty 
severe cuts from the burglar" s knife. The 
prisoner proved to be John Hurley, a no- 
torious ruffian and thief, who had served 
two terms in the penitentiary. Mr. Loughrey 
soon afterward died of his wounds. 

Fatal Stabbing-Case in New York. — 
The ante-mortem examination in the case 
of Thomas Raftery, who was fatally stabbed 
fit the grocery-store of William Miller, No. 
23 Laurens Street, on the 18th inst., was 
held at the New York Hospital, on the after- 
noon of this day, by Coroner O'Keef'e. The 
following is a copy of the dying statement 
of the injured man : — 

Thomas Raftery, being duly sworn, de- I 
poses and says: — "'I consider myself in a 
dangerous condition, and do not expect to 
recover. I give this as my dying declara- 
tion. On the afternoon of the 18th inst., 
about four o'clock. I was at the stable N ). 3 
Laurens Street. While in the yard, a dis- 
pute arose between myself and a man named 
'Frenchy:' the dispute was on account of 
my horse having run against him some time 
since. About five o'clock that same after- 
noon I had occasion to visit the grocery- 
store No. 23 Laurens Street. Charles Neal, 
William Pennington, and Frenchy were in 
the store when I entered : they T were ajl 
three intoxicated. I was somewhat under 
the influence of liquor myself, but I have a 
distinct recollection of all that occurred. I 
was sitting in the store, with my back to- 
ward Neal, talking with Penning* m, when 
Neal got up from his seat, procured a large 
knife, and, without having given him any 
provocation, he stabbed me three tin: 
then left, the place, and I saw nothing more 
of him. Pennington and French y were wit- 
nesses, but they did not strike or injure me 
in any way. 1 went tip-stairs short! . 
the occurrence, and remained there about 
fifteen minutes. When I was about leaving 
the house, I met AYilliam Pennington and 
his wife, and accompanied them to their 
house, from whence I was conveyed to the 
New York Hospital." 

The case was here given to the jury, who. 
after due deliberation, rendered a verdict 
of '-Wounding at the hands of Charles 
Neal, at the house No. 23 Laurens Street, 
June 18, 1860 " A warrant for the appre- 
hension of the accused was then issued by 
the coroner, and the writ was placed in the 
hands of the Eighth Precinct police for exe- 
cution. 

Probable Murder of a Wife. — In Cam- 
Jen, N. J., the morning of this day, a woman, 



named Mary Cooper, residing in Pine Street, 
between Second and Third, while lying in 
bed and asleep, was assaulted by her hus- 
band, Joseph Cooper, with a butchers knife, 
and a serious, if not fatal, wound inflicted 
therewith upon the abdomen. Cooper was 
arrested and committed to await the result, 
of the injuries inflicted. Rum, it is alleged, 
was the cause of the assault. 

Convicted of Murder. — This day, Timo- 
thy Riordon, indicted in Pittsburg, Pa., for 
killing Patrick During, was convicted of 
murder in the second degree. 

Respite and Confession of Harden. — 
This day, it was announced that Governor 
Olden, of New Jersey, had respited the exe- 
cution of Jacob S. Harden for one week and 
a day, bringing it to Friday, the Gth day of 
July. 

He confesses that the administering of the 
poison to his wife commenced on her return 
to Ramsay's, and it was given to her while 
sitting on his knee, even during the endear- 
ments of an apparently loving wife. He 
kindly invited her to partake of,an apple on 
which he had spread arsenic. She unsus- 
p>eetingly ate it, remarking that it appeared 
to have something gritty on it. He replied 
that it was "nothing." 

Statements have been made by the prisoner 
involving his criminality with others who 
shared his affections. 

His purchasing the arsenic at Easton. and 
his using that which was about the house, 
are confirmed by Harden's own words. What 
is most astonishing is the statement that in 
the perpetration of these enormities Harden 
does not seem to have had the slightest 
compunctions. He did them without for 
once thinking that he was doing any thing 
very dreadful. 

Suicide by a Widow. — In Philadelphia, 
Catharine Kurtz, aged thirty-six years, a 
widow with three children, committed sui- 
cide, on the afternoon of this day, at her 
residence, 234 Jarvis Street, by swallowing 
a large quantity of laudanum, which she 
sent one of the neighbors' children to obtain 
for her. Deceased is said to have been of 
very intemperate habits, and to this is at- 
tributed her self-destruction. Coroner Fen- 
ner held an inquest on the body, and the 
jury rendered a verdict of "Suicide by 
taking laudanum." 

Suicide of a Convict. — As the sheriff of 
Houghton county, Mich., was proceeding to 
the State prison, with four convicts, in the 
steamer Illinois, on this day, John Urban, 
one of the convicts, when a short distance 
below the Sault Ste. Marie. Mich., jumped 
overboard and was drowned. 



S96 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



Lamentable Suicide. — Franklin Straub, 
formerly of Northumberland county, Pa., 
and for a year past a resident of Wooster, 
Ohio, committed suicide, on the afternoon 
of this day, by cutting his throat with a dirk- 
knife. He was unmarried, about twenty-five 
years of age, and a bricklayer by trade. 
Cause of the suicide, rum. 

Shocking Case of Suicide. — A man, 
named Conrad Straussle, in the employ of 
Mr. Rensselaer Rote, of Claverack, Columbia 
county, N.Y., committed suicide, on this day, 
by shooting himself. He lay on the ground, 
put the muzzle of a gun to his mouth, and 
pulled the trigger with his toe. The report 
was heard by Mr. Rote, who instantly went 
to the spot, when he found the unfortunate 
man gasping in the last agonies of death. 
The gun was kept in the granary. Straussle 
Lad asked Mr. Rote for the loan of it several 
times, but had always been refused. De- 
ceased was a single man, about twenty-three 
years of age. 

Drownings in New York. — This day, 
Thomas Oliver, a lad about twelve years of 
age, residing at No. 8 Pike Street, East 
River, was accidentally drowned at the foot 
of Delancey Street. 

A young man, named Henry Wilbour, was 
drowned while bathing at the foot of Sixty- 
Pourth Street, East River. He was seized 
with cramps, and sank before assistance 
could be rendered. 

Drowning in Baltimore. — This day, be- 
tween eight and nine o'clock in the morning, 
John Joseph Francioly, a youth about tit- 
teen years of age, in the employ of Messrs. 
S. S. Stevens & Co., furniture-manufac- 
turers, Low Street, near Front, fell into the 
basin at the head of Frederick Street dock, 
and was drowned, notwithstanding many 
persons were near. 

Dreadful Explosion of the Propeller 
Kenosha on Lake Michigan. — Loss of 
Seven Lives. — This day, the propeller Ke- 
nosha, of the Collingwood & Chicago line, 
exploded her boiler when off Sheboygan, 
killing Custis Benton, the clerk, and Michael 
Carey, the first engineer; Ralph Shepard, 
second engineer ; Margaret Sharp, chamber- 
maid ; David Mahan, deck-hand ; Daniel 
Carey, fireman ; and another deck-hand, 
name unknown. Robert Cragen, the second 
mate, is dangerously injured. 

Shot by Foolishly Presenting Fire- 
Arms. — In Philadelphia, this day, a serious 
shooting-affair took place in Shippen Street, 
near Seventh. Two lads, Henry Wood and 
John Meany, were playing in the street, 
the latter of whom had a pistol, supposed to 
be unloaded. He snapped it several times 



at "Wood in sport, when it was discharged, 
and several slugs entered his back and 
shoulder, producing a severe if "not fatal 
wound. Meany was taken into custody, and 
Wood was removed to the hospital. Tiie 
shooting was clearly accidental, as the wea- 
pon had been snapped often before, and 
there was every reason to believe it was 
unloaded. 

Woman Burned to Death. — Frederika 
Nicztroth, a native of Germany, was burned 
to death, on this day-, by her clothes catch- 
ing fire while cooking dinner, at her resi- 
dence, in New Orleans, La. 

Crushed to Death while Fishing. — 
Michael Brophy, a young man about nine- 
teen years old, residing in Brooklyn, N.Y., 
was crushed to death, on the afteinoon of 
this day, while fishing off a barge at the foot 
of Hubert Street. Deceased, it appeared, 
was sitting on the barge with his legs hang- 
ing over the side, when the vessel came in 
violent collision with the pier, crushing 
deceased in a shocking manner. The body 
of the unfortunate youth was conveyed to 
the Fifth Precinct Station-House, where 
Coroner O'Keefe held an inquest. 

The Comet.— This day, G. P. Bond, the 
astronomer, made the following communi- 
cation to the public : — 

Cambridge Observatory, June 26, 1860. 
The comet was observed at Cambridge on 
the 21st, 22d, 24th, and 25th. From the 
places on the 21st, 24th, and 25th, Mr. 
Safford and Mr. Tuttle have computed ele- 
ments, which have not yet been sufficiently 
testeil : but there is no doubt that the comet 
is approaching the earth, though, owing to 
the strong moonlight, its low position, and 
its increasing distance from the sun, it is 
doubtful whether it will become very con- 
spicuous to the naked eye. However, when 
the moon is out of the way the opportunity 
will be much better than it is now. In the 
large telescope it presents an appearance 
curiously like that of the great comet of 
1858, on a reduced scale. The tail branches 
off in two streams from the nucleus. But 
now the right-hand one is the brighter, in- 
stead of the left. The same dark hollow is 
visible in the axis in the rear of the nucleus, 
and there are similar disturbances and jets 
of luminous, matter in its neighborhood, all 
on a reduced scale of intensity. I am 
making drawings, &c, for comparison with 
that of 1858. G. P. Bond. 



WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27. 

Democratic National Committee. — It 
was, this day, announced that the following 



18C0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



597 



were the Breckinridge find Lane National 
Democratic Committee : — - 

Isaac J. Stevens, Oregon; Geoi'ge W. 
Hughes, Maryland; John W. Stephenson, 
Kentucky; William Flinn, James G. Berrett, 
Walter Lenox, and George W. Riggs, Wash- 
ington, D.C. ; Jefferson Davis, Mississippi; 
Thomas B. Florence, Pennsylvania ; J. R. 
Thomson, New Jersey ; Augustus Schell, 
New York ; A. B. Meek, Alabama ; J. D. 
Bright, Indiana ; Robert Johnson, Arkansas. 

The Vermont Republican State Con- 
vention met at Rutland, this day, and nomi- 
nated Hon. Erastus Fairbanks, of St. Johns- 
bury, for Governor ; John B. Page, of Rut- 
land, for Treasurer; William Henry, of Bel- 
lows Falls, and H. G. Root, of Bennington, 
for Electors; and H. H. Baxter, of Rutland, 
J. G. Smith, of St. Alban's, George C. Shep- 
herd, of Montpelier, R. W. Clark, of Brattle- 
boro', and A. J. Rowell, of Troy, the State 
Committee. The convention was very largely 
attended. 

Congressional Nominations. — This day, 
the Republican Congressional Convention 
for the Third District of Illinois met at 
Bloomington and nominated Owen Lovejoy, 
by acclamation, for re-election. 

In Michigan, this day, Bradley S. Granger 
was nominated by the Republicans of the 
First District for Congress. The Repub- 
licans of the Fourth Congressional District 
have nominated E. H. Thompson, of Gene- 
see county, for Congress. 

ExrLosioN of Percussion-Powder. — The 
afternoon of this day, an explosion of deto- 
nating powder took place in a shed attached 
to the percussion-cap-manufactory of Dr. J. 
Goldmarck, near Gowanus Creek, Brooklyn, 
N.Y. The shed was torn to atoms, and Otto 
Liest, the workman in charge, was thrown a 
distance of twenty-five feet into Gowanus 
Creek, whence he swam ashore, with slight 
injuries. 

Scientific Expedition to Greenland. — 
The tine schooner Nautilus, Captain Charles 
E. Ranlett, sailed, at five o'clock in the morn- 
ing of this day, from Boston for Greenland, 
with a scientific expedition under the leader- 
ship of Professor G. A. Chadbourne, of Wil- 
liams College. It was contemplated to be 
absent about three and one-half months. 
The expedition was fitted out under the 
auspices of the Lyceum of Natural History 
in Williams College. It is composed of the 
following young gentlemen as members of 
that society, viz., Messrs. Alcott, Amory, 
Chapin, Hicks, Hopkins, Nicholl, Fay, 
Smith, Tyng, and Morse, and Messrs. In- 
galls, Amory, Fay, Gregory, Neal, Butler, 
Poore, and Evans as passengers. Great 
interest was taken by the citizens of this 



place in the departure of the expedition, and 
some hundreds assembled on the wharf at 
an early hour to witness the sailing of the 
Nautilus. A few minutes before five o'clock, 
a few short remarks of farewell were made 
by Rev. 0. J. Fernald, and replied to by 
Professor Chadbourne; after which prayer 
for a prosperous voyage and safe return was 
offered by Rev. Mr. Fernald. Immediately 
at the close, the fine vessel was loosed from 
her moorings and sailed away amidst the 
cheers of the multitude. 

Heroic Action op a News-Bot. — This 
day, as the Ocean Queen, on an excursion 
from Brooklyn, N.Y., to Bsiyside, was ap- 
proaching the latter place, a lad, one of the 
deck-hands, was in the act of ihrowing a 
line ashore, when he unfortunately fell over- 
board. There was no attempt made to save 
him. He had sunk twice, and was going 
down the third time, when, as his fate 
seemed inevitable, he was rescued by a 
news-boy, named Dennis Galvin, one of the 
inmates of the News-Boys' Lodging-House, 
in Fulton Street, who happened to be on 
board plying his vocation when the accident 
occurred. Without a thought of his own 
danger, he threw off his coat and shoes and 
nobly jumped into the water, and was suc- 
cessful in the rescue. The passengers, in 
admiration, made up a collection of five dol- 
lars and twenty cents for the brave news- 
boy. The boy saved is the only support of 
his widowed mother. 

Revolting Case of Depravity. — The 
" St. Louis Republican" of this date con- 
tains the following account of a dreadful 
case of depravity : — 

A writ of habeas corpus has been sued out 
before Judge Clover for the discharge of one 
Mary E. Franklin from the House of Refuge, 
where she was sent some days ago. This 
girl is only about nine years of age, and the 
circumstances which induced her commit- 
ment show one of the most revolting cases 
of depravity ever revealed in this city. 
Some two years since her parents resided 
on the southwest corner of Myrtle and Sixth 
Streets, in a house where, according to the 
statement of the child, she was constantly 
exposed to the most demoralizing influences. 
Within the last year she was discovered to 
be affected with a loathsome disease, con- 
tracted by contact, as she alleges, with a 
man named Turner. For this she says she 
was treated by a physician and restored to 
health. 

Some time last winter, a gentleman occu- 
pying a room on Locust Street, adjoining 
one occupied by a man whose name is with- 
held for the present, overheard language 
from which he perceived that this man and 
another had the girl in their room, indulging 
their fiendish lusts. The gentleman went 



598 



VINCENT'S S E M I- ANNUAL 



[June, 



cut and called in Officer Burgess, who took 
Mary in charge and conveyed her to her 
home, not presuming that any parent could 
be base enough to permit so gross an out- 
rage upon a daughter. It was afterward 
ascertained, however, that the child regu- 
larly cohabited with one of the men referred 
to above, and that by permission of her 
parents, who received a stated consideration 
in money for so doing. 

The case was inquired into and reported 
to the Mayor, who promptly committed the 
girl to the House of Refuge, on Saturday 
last. The law having been so changed as 
to render it almost impossible, if not en- 
tirely so, for the Mayor to make out a legal 
commitment, makes it quite jDrobable that 
the girl will be discharged by habeas corpus, 
on account of informality in the commit- 
ment. 

Horrible Affair. — Attempted Rare, 
Murder, and Suicide. — This day, Samuel 
Dayton, a resident of Clinton, N.Y., left 
that place in a wagon, in company with Mrs. 
Pexton, his wife's sister, for the purpose of 
taking her to her friends in a neighboring 
village. While passing through a piece of 
woods in the town of Augusta, five miles 
from Clinton, he induced her to get out of 
the wagon with him, on pretence that it 
needed fixing. After leaving the wagon, he 
attempted to violate her person, but she got 
away from him, when he followed her and 
beat her with a heavy club, leaving her for 
dead. lie then went back home with the 
wagon and told his father that he had killed 
his sister-in-law in the woods and taken 
laudanum to kill himself. The laudanum, 
however, proved to be simple paregoric, and 
he soon recovered from its effects. On 
searching for Mrs. Fexton, it was found she 
had recovered sufficiently to reach the near- 
est farm-house; but her wounds are sup- 
posed to be mortal. Dayton has been guilty 
of several crimes, though his father's family 
is highly respectable. He pretends to be 
insane; but none of the neighbors believe in 
the plea. 

Kidnapping a Negro. — In Washington, 
Fayette county, Ohio, the morning of this 
day, a negro, named John Marshall, was 
kidnapped by three men who arrived by the 
midnight-train from Cincinnati. They regis- 
tered their names as J. Gr. Andrews, James 
Francis, and George Hope. They took their 
man about six o'clock in the morning, and 
started, it was supposed, for Cincinnati, with- 
out taking him before the authorities. De- 
l ity-Sheriff Johnson and Constable Black- 
more were sent in pursuit. Marshall had 
lived in that village for the last five years, 
and was supposed to be free. His story was 
that lie was born a slave, but emancipated 
when a boy, and removed to Brown county, 



where he had resided until going there. He 
was about twenty-eight years of age. 

The officers at Hillsborough found that the 
kidnappers had crossed the river with Mar- 
shall three or four hours before. The of- 
ficers arrested the driver of the carriage and 
brought him back to Washington. 

Died of ins Wounds. — Young Brown, 
who was severely wounded in a fight with 
Lucien Fletcher, at Amherst C.H., Ya., died 
on this day night. Fletcher, who was also 
badly injured, is recovering. 

Suicide of a Merchant.— In Indianapolis, 
Indiana, this day, Henry S. Kellogg, hard- 
ware-merchant, and for many years a resi- 
dent of that city, committed suicide by 
drowning himself. Financial difficulties were 
supposed to have been the cause. 

Singular Suicide. — On this day morning, 
a young man, named William Hopkins, re- 
siding near Glen Cove, N.Y., committed 
suicide under the following singular circum- 
stances : — 

He procured a razor and pail and went 
into a shed adjoining the kitchen, where he 
deliberately got down on his knees, leaned 
his head over the pail, and drew the razor 
across his throat, inflicting a cut about three 
inches in length. When discovered, he was 
quite dead and the pail half full of blood. 

Six Persons Drowned in New York. — 
This day, the coroners of New York held 
inquests on six dead bodies, found floating 
in the harbor of that city, viz. : — 

Coroner Gamble held an inquest upon the 
body of Henry Wilbour, a native of Germany, 
aged twenty-eight years, who was accident- 
ally drowned at the foot of Sixty-Fourth 
Street, North River, on Tuesday evening, 
while bathing. No one was present when 
the accident occurred; but it is supposed de- 
ceased was seized with a cramp, as he was 
an excellent swimmer. Verdict, "Supposed 
drowning." 

The same coroner also held an inquest 

upon the body of Bennett, a hand on 

board the schooner Mayflower, who was ac- 
cidentally drowned at the foot of Twenty- 
First Street. North River, on Friday night, 
while attempting to go on board the vessel 
while intoxicated. Verdict in accordance 
with the above facts. 

The body of an unknown woman, about 
fifty years of age, was found floating in the 
water at the foot of Twenty-Third Street, 
North River. Deceased was dressed in a 
dark calico dress and light-colored apron. 
Coroner Gamble held an inquest upon the 
body. 

The body of Charles B. Cromwell, who 
was drowned by the upsetting of a sail-boat 
on the 19th inst., near Glen Cove, was re- 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



590 



covered within a short distance of the spot 
■where the accident occurred. The corpse 
was brought to the residence of deceased's 
father. No. 67 Madison Avenue, in New 
York, "where Coroner O'Keefe held an in- 
quest. Verdict, "Accidental drowning."' 
Deceased was twenty-seven years of age, 
and was a native of New York. 

An unknown man found drowned at Pier 
41, East River, proved to be about forty 
years of age, five feet eight inches in height. 
and stout built. The body was so much de- 
composed as to render recognition almost 
impossible. Coroner O'Keefe held the in- 
quest. 

The body of an unknown woman, about 
forty years of age, was found drowned at 
the foot of Duane Street. The police of the 
Fifth Precinct identified deceased as a resi- 
dent of Thomas Street, but were unable to 
give her name. Coroner. O'Keefe held an in- 
quest upon the body, when the jury ren- 
dered a verdict of "Found drowned." De- 
ceased was a very intemperate woman, and 
when last seen alive she was intoxicated. 

Boy Drowned. — In Philadelphia, this 
day afternoon, about six o'clock, Thomas 
"White, fifteen years old, of East Boston, 
fell overboard from the bark Anna, and was 
drowned. The body was recovered at the 
second wharf above Market Street. 

Accident from the Fallino of a Der- 
EICK. — In New Bedford, Mass., this day, 
Calvin Staples, a highly-esteemed citizen, 
and another man, were instantly killed by 
the falling of a derrick. Several others 
were injured. 

Stephen A. Douglas's Letter of Accept- 
ance. — This day, Stephen A. Douglas sent 
the following letter to the committee, ac- 
cepting the nomination of the Democratic 
Convention at Baltimore:— 

Washington, June 27, 1800. 

Gentlemen: — In accordance with the 
verbal assurance which I gave you when 
you placed in my hands the authentic 
evidence of my nomination for the Presi- 
dency by the National Convention of the 
Democratic party, I now send you my 
formal acceptance. 

Upon a careful examination of the plat- 
form of principles adopted at Charleston, 
and reaffirmed at Baltimore, with an ad- 
ditional resolution, which is in perfect har- 
mony with the others, I find it to be a, faith- 
ful embodiment of the time-honored prin- 
ciples of the Democratic party, as the same 
were proclaimed and understood by all par- 
ties in the Presidential contests of 18-18, '52, 
and '56. 

Upon looking into the proceedings of the 
convention, also, I find that the nomination 



"was made with great unanimity, in the 
presence and with the concurrence of more 
than two-thirds of the whole number of dele- 
gates, and in exact accordance with the long- 
established usages of the party. My inflexi- 
ble purpose not to be a candidate nor accept 
the nomination in any contingency except 
as the regular nominee of the National 
Democratic party, and in that case only 
upon condition that the usages as well as 
the principles of the party should be strictly 
adhered to, had been proclaimed for a long 
time and become well known to the country. 

These conditions having all been complied 
with by the free and voluntary action of the 
Democratic masses and faithful representa- 
tives, without any agency, interference, or 
procurement on my part, I feel bound in 
honor and duty to accept the nomination. 

In taking this step, I am not unmindful 
of the responsibilities it imposes; but, with 
a firm reliance on Divine Providence, I have 
faith that the people will comprehend the 
true nature of the issues involved, and 
eventually maintain the right. The peace 
of the country and safety of the Union have 
been put in jeopardy by attempts to inter- 
fere with and control the domestic affairs of 
the people in the Territories through the 
agency of the Federal Government. 

If the power and duty of Federal inter- 
ference be conceded, two hostile sectional 
parties must be the inevitable result, — the 
one inflaming the passions and ambitions 
of the North, and the other of the South, — 
each struggling to use the Federal power 
and authority for the aggrandizement of its 
own section, at the expense of the equal 
rights of the other, and in derogation of 
those fundamental principles of self-govern- 
ment which were firmly established in this 
country by the American Revolution as the 
basis of our entire republican system. Dur- 
ing the memorable period of our political 
history, when the advocates of Federal in- 
tervention upon the subject of slavery in 
the Territories had wellnigh "precipitated 
the country into revolution," — the Northern 
interventionists demanding the Wilmot Pro- 
viso for the prohibition of slavery, and the 
Southern interventionists (then few in num- 
ber and without a single representative in 
either House of Congress) insisting upon 
Congressional legislation for the protection 
of slavery, in opposition to the wishes of the 
people in either case, — it will be remem- 
bered that it required all the wisdom, 
power, and influence of a Clay and a Web- 
ster and a Cass, supported by the conser- 
vative and patriotic men of the Whig and 
Democratic parties of that day, to devise 
and carry out a line of policy which would 
restore peace to the country and stability to 
the Union. The essential, living principle 
of that policy, as applied in the legislation 
of 1850, was, and now is, non-intervention 



600 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



by Congress with slavery in the Terri- 
tories. 

The fair application of this just and 
equitable principle restored harmony and 
fraternity to our distracted country. 

If we now depart from that wise and just 
policy, which produced those happy results, 
and permit the country to be again dis- 
tracted, if not precipitated into a revolution 
by a sectional contest between pro-slavery 
and anti-slavery interventionists, where shall 
we look for another Clay, another Webster, 
or another Cass, to pilot the ship of State 
over the breakers into a haven of peace and 
safety ? 

The Federal Union must be preserved. 
The Constitution must be maintained invio- 
late in all its parts. Every right guaranteed 
by the Constitution must be protected by 
law in all cases where legislation is neces- 
sary to its enforcement. The judicial au- 
thority, as provided in the Constitution, 
must be sustained, and its decisions im- 
plicitly obeyed and faithfully executed. 
The laws must be administered, and the con- 
stituted authorities upheld, and all unlawful 
resistances suppressed. These things must 
all be done with firmness, impartiality, and 
fidelity, if we expect to enjoy and transmit 
unimpaired to our posterity that blessed in- 
1 - i ,i uce which we have received in trust 
from the patriots and sages of the Revo- 
lution. 

With sincere thanks for the kind and 
agreeable manner in which you have made 
known to me the action of the convention, 

I have the honor to be, 

Very respectfully, 
Your friend ami fellow-citizen, 

S. A. Dougl is. ■ 
To Hoti. William li. I.: dlow, of New York: 

II. P, Dick, of North Carolina, and others 

of the Committee. 



THURSDAY, JUNE 2S. 

DisTitrssiNi; Accident. — A laboring-man 
named Hartley Toole, employed at the Du- 
quesne depot, Pennsylvania Central Kail- 
road, this day, had both his leg's frightfully 
mangled. He. with some others, was moving 
some freight-cars laden with iron, which, in 
consequence of a slight inclination in the 
track, went faster than they were intended 
to go. The injured man caught hold of the 
brake attached to one of them and attempted 
to put it down; but in doing so lie was 
twisted under the trucks and the wheels 
passed over his limbs. He was taken to Dr. 
Walter's office for surgical aid, and his in- 
juries dressed: but, in having one of his 
limbs amputated, he died. 

Killed by the Cars while Lying Drunk 
ON the Track. — Near Wilmington, Del., this 



day, Coroner Boys held an inquest on the 
body of a white woman, named Elizabeth 
Ann Morris. It appears that she had been 
living in the family of William Hawthorn, 
in AVhite Clay Creek Hundred, and on 
Wednesday morning she started to go to 
Wilmington. On arriving at Newport, she 
procured a bottle of liquor, of which she 
drank freely, am! started on her journey, 
following the railroad. On coming to the 
bridge near the farm of George M. Bramble, 
she lay down on the track, and the through 
freight-train ran over her, killing her in- 
stantly, the engineer not discovering her in 
time to prevent the accident. The jury ren- 
dered a. verdict in accordance with the facts. 
The unfortunate woman was about thirty- 
nine years of age. 

A Woman Burned to Death in her Yard. 
— In Philadelphia, this day, an inquest was 
held on the body of Margaret Hughes, who 
died at the hospital from the effects of 
I airn-, which was resumed in the evening, 
at. No. :'>L!(J Trout Street, the former resi- 
dence of the deceased. Suspicions were en- 
tertained that the match or cigar which set 
fire to her dress had been wilfully thrown 
upon her. as she lay upon a settee in the 
yard. It was testified that there was not 
any tire in the yard where she lay. but that 
a. burned match was found under the settee. 
Several witnesses were examined; but the 
investigation did not elicit any circumstances 
showing how or by whom the tire was com- 
municated; and a verdict to that effect was 
rendered. 

Boilek-Extloston. — In Lee, Mass., the 
morning of this day, one of the boilers at 
l'lattner & Smith's large new paper-mill, in 
Lee, exploded at six o'clock, tearing the 
boiler-house, in pieces and doing great dam- 
age. No person was injured., as it happened 
just before the hands were to commence 
work. 

Eoy Drowned. — In Philadelphia, this day, 
a boy, named James Cunningham, twelve 
years of age, was drowned while bathing in 
the Schuylkill, at Arch Street wharf. The 
body was recovered and taken to his late 
residence, Cuthbert Street, above Twentieth. 
A verdict of "Accidental drowning'' was ren- 
dered. 

The Michigan Democratic State Con- 
vention met this day, and made the follow- 
ing nominations: — 

For Governor, John S. Barry, of St. 
Joseph ; for Lieutenant-Governor, William 
N. Fenton, of Genesee; for Treasurer, Elon 
Farnsworth, of Wayne; for Auditor-Gene- 
ral. William Penoyer, of Ottawa. 

The convention put quite a slight, upon 
General Cass. Thcv tabled a motion to 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



001 



invite him to attend the convention, and a 
subsequent motion to recall it was voted 
down decidedly, as was also a resolution en- 
dorsing the National Administration. 

A resolution endorsing the Douglas and 
Johnson ticket was enthusiastically carried. 

The Maine Democratic State Conven- 
tion met this day, and nominated E. K. 
Smart for Governor, by seven hundred and 
fourteen votes against eleven scattering. 
William P. Harris, of Bedford, and H. 
Strickland, of Bangor, were appointed 
Presidential electors. Both were strong 
Douglas men. and the convention was quite 
unanimous for Mr. Douglas. 

Ohio Congressional Nomination. — This 
clay, the Democrats of the Third Congres- 
sional District nominated Rev. William M. 
Daley for Congress. Resolutions endorsing 
fixe nomination of Douglas were adopted. 

Presidential Appointments Confirmed 
by the Senate. — This day, the Senate, dur- 
ing its executive session, confirmed the fol- 
lowing appointments by the President: — 

Judge Kane, Chief-Justice of Utah Ter- 
ritory. 

Isaac H. Wright, Superintendent of the 
United States Armory, Springfield, Mass. 

Gen. Joseph E. Johnson, Quartermaster- 
General of the Army, in place of Gen. 
Thomas S. Jesup, deceased. 

The Senate took up the treaty with Mexico. 
recently negotiated by United States Minis- 
ter McLane, but, after some discussion, fur- 
ther consideration was postponed till next 
December. 

Two Indian treaties were ratified. 

An unsuccessful attempt was made to order 
the printing of the eleventh volume of the 
Pacific Railroad report. Adjourned sine die. 

Loss of the Schooner W. A. Hemill. — 
This day, the schooner War-Eagle, at Port- 
laud, from St. Martin's, in hit. 34° 20', long. 
66° 45'. fell in with the wreck of schooner W. 
A. Hemili. off Great Egg Harbor, both masts 
gone and full of water, the hold full of lum- 
ber, and had been stripped of every thing 
that could be taken from her; appeared to 
have been in that situation a long time, 
being covered with barnacles and fish swarm- 
ing around her. 

The Case of Gardner Furness.— In New 
York, this day, in the case of the complaint of 
John Hannan against Mr. Gardner Furness, 
an examination having taken place before 
Justice Welsh, the complaint was dismissed. 
The facts showed that the matter was the 
result of a misunderstanding, without any 
criminal intent whatever. 

Burning of the Nashville Plough-Fac- 



tory. — The extensive plough-factory of 
Sharp & Hamilton, on the Franklin turnpike, 
near Nashville, Tenn., took fire this day, and 
was entirely consumed, with a heavy stock 
of ploughs and a large quantity of valuable 
lumber. It is understood that the tire was 
communicated from a forge used for heating 
ploughshares. The building and machinery 
were owned by A. W. Putnam. Esq., and 
were insured with Messrs. H. K. & P. P. . 
Peck, agents of the Bluff City Insurance 
Company, of Memphis, and with M. Givan, 
of Philadelphia. Mr. Putnam estimates his 
loss at about $17,000. Messrs. Sharp & 
Hamilton were not insured. Their loss is 
put down at $15,000. 

Arrival of the Great Eastern. — This 
day, the steamship Great Eastern arrived off 
Sandy Hook, at half-past ten o'clock a.m. 

On the 17th instant, at half-past ten a.m., 
she left the Needles. With the exception of 
two days, she experienced fine weather in 
crossing the Atlantic. The whole passage 
was steamed by her. ranging from two 
hundred and sixty-four to three hundred 
and thirty-three miles per twenty-four hours. 
The engines were not stopped until she was 
off George's Shoal, for soundings. She came 
in a route southeast direct to the light-ship. 
She was received, on reaching the light-ship, 
by Capt. Cosgrove, witli a salute and the 
dipping of colors. 

The following table will show her daily 
speed : — 



17th 
18th 
19th 


.,,. 285 
295 


23d 

24th 

25th 

26th 

27th 


302 

299 

325 


20th 
21st 


270 

304 


333 

264. 


22d 


280 





The highest speed attained was fourteen 
and a half knots. The ship's bottom was 
very foul. 

Execution of Nathaniel Harten for 
the Murder of Melissa Morris, a Gip.l 
only Fifteen Years Old. — This day. in 
Ylomidsvillc, Marshall county, Va.. Na- 
thaniel Harten was executed for the murder 
of Miss Melissa Morris. 

At a very early hour in the morning, the 
people began to flock in from all parts of the 
country, on foot, by rail, by river, and in 
every variety of vehicle, until three or four 
thousand people pressed about the jail and 
the place of execution. The Wheeling 
"Intelligencer" gives the following account 
of the affair : — 

As a general thing, people are apt to forget 
the enormity of a crime in contemplating 
the awful punishment of the perpetrator;, 
but in the present case it was not so. The mur- 
der of Miss Morris by Harten was as daring 
and desperate a deed as it was wicked Mid 



602 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



malicious, and there -were no signs of sympathy 
being felt for the perpetrator. On the 23d of 
July last, according to the evidence, Harten 
paw Miss Morris passing by his blacksmith- 
shop, and immediately started in the same 
direction, and was very soon afterward seen 
running toward her at a considerable speed. 
On the evening of the 23d, Harten dis- 
appeared. Search was instituted for the 
girl, who had not been seen since Harten 
was observed following her. and on the 27th, 
four days afterward, her lifeless body was 
found in a deep ravine, not far from thi 
where the neighbors lost sight of her. Marks 
of a fearful stru - plainly visible 

about the place, and a beaten track was per- 
ceptible where the unfortunate girl had been 
dragged down a steep embankment into a 
secluded part of the ravine. Her skull was 
beaten and fractured into a shapeless mass, 
and a od-covered rock was lying 

near, a silent witness of how the dreadful 
deed was done. Suspicion at once attached 
to Harten, and lie was pursued and arrested 
at the house of a relative in Tyler county. 
Various rumors were afloat as to the 
. which acl uated (he deed, though no 
evide; duced upon the trial to this 

end. - that VIor] 

the knowledge of a nameless, inhuman crime, 
into the commission of which Harten's brutal 
sensuality had led him, and that ho killed her. 
fearing revelation of the secret, (tile 
that Miss Morris, who is only about fifteen 
\ i f age, had received some attentions 

from Harten, and ha 1 spurned them re- 
l satedly, giving him to understand that his 
: ras n it agreeable. Be that as ii 

may. I I fair and impartial trial, and 

circumstances wore I going to 

show his guilt beyond a shadow of reason- 
able doubt in the minds of a jury of his 
countrymen. It was shown that Harten had 
threatened her with evil: and about thi 
where the ghastly corpse was found, tracks 
wore discovered made by a worn-out shoe, 
which allowed the great toe to impress the 
ground. Harten was known to have worn 
such a shoe on the day of the murder. 
There were many other less prominent cir- 
tances tending to show his guilt; hut. 
as our readers are already familiar with the 
case, we deem it unnecessary to repeat them. 
For several weeks, efforts have been made, 
by prayer and persuasion, to induce the con- 
demned to confess the murder and hope for 
mercy and forgiveness in God; but, either 
from ignorance or stubbornness, all entreaties 
seemed to make little or no impression upon 
him. Fearing that he might make an 
attempt upon his life, or another desperate 
effort to escape, Sheriff Reed set a watch 
upon the prisoner on Thursday night ; and. 
Btrange as it may seem, he rolled into his 
bed it the usual hour, without uttering a 
Word, and slept soundly all night, aid was 



still enjoying a sweet slumber after daylight, 
when the eager and curious country-folks 
were crowding into the village from all 
directions to see him executed. He ate n 
very hearty breakfast, and seemed to be in 
as good spirits as usual since his confine- 
ment. 

The prisoner was a man apparently about 
twenty-eight years of age. with dark hair 
and eyes, slightly built, and looked like a 
slow-motioned sluggard, but one whom we 
should not like to meet in the woods under 
any circumstances whatever. His eyes were 
small, dark, restless, hut dull, and looked as 
if they might have once belonged to some 
sort of a snake. When questioned upon the 
subject of the murder, he neither denied nor 
confessed his guilt, hut answered evasively, 
or turned away with a moody reserve, as 
much as to say that he did not like to be 
talked to. Early yesterday morning here- 
quested the sheriff not to admit anybody 
into his cell, as it annoyed him excessively. 
He also requested, a day or two ago. that his 
execution might take place at ten o'clock in 
the day, which is a much earlier hour than 
i ho sheriff had all along designed. 

About ten o'clock, a wagon was driven 
ii]i lo the jail-door, and Captain Israel's 
ny of volunteers marched up and 
dispersed the crowd. The prisoner was 
then brought forth in his shroud, and 
assisted into the wagon by Jailer Smith, of 
this city. Sheriff Reed, and others, and 
immediately the immense mass of people 
made a grand, unanimous rush for the 
place of execution, so as to secure eligible 
When the wagon containing the pri- 
soner arrived, the crowd was gaiD scattered 
to make room, and. after a short delay, 
Harten ascended the scaffold, slowly but. 
firmly, accompanied by Rev. Mr. Richmond 
and otlo r clergymen. When the condemned 
man beheld the scaffold, the little blood in 
his face disappeared, his eyes seemed to 
sink suddenly deeper into his head, and he 
seemed almost instantly to lose one-third of 
his flesh. This lasted but a short time; 
and, becoming seated upon the scaffold, 
lie jumed the dull, morose appearance 
which has characterized him ever since the 
first day of his arrest. Rev. Mr. Richmond 
then offered up a prayer in behalf of the 
condemned man. in which he intimated that 
he (Harten) tad experienced a change of 
heart and hoped for Divine forgiveness. 
The rope was adjusted about, his neck, the 
cap drawn over his eyes, and, as Sheriff 
Reed stooped to pull the trigger of the trap, 
nearly all eyes were turned away. A dull 
sound was heard, and, looking again, we 
beheld Nathaniel Harten. swinging in the 
agonies of death, suspended between heaven 
and earth. He drew himself up two or 
three times in violent struggles, but was 
soon motionless and lifeless. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



603 



After hanging exactly thirty minutes, the 
body was lowered into a walnut coffin, placed 
in a wagon, and conveyed slowly back to the 
jail, followed by a large number of people. 
:affold was then torn down and com- 
mitted to the flames, and a number of men 
and boys put pieces of it in their pockets. 
f Among the many persons who pressed 
prominently upon the line of soldiers sur- 
rounding the scaffold, before the drop fell, 
e father of the murdered girl, Morris, 
who was very much intoxicated, and so 
clamorously eager for the awful scene that 
it was with difficulty he was restrained by 
his neighbors. 

None of the members of Hart en's family 
manifested any interest in his fate. We 
learned that a messenger was sent to his 
I to know if he wished to take charge 

of the corpse. The father replied that he 
would have nothing to do with it, stating 
that his son ought to have been hanged long 
ago for causing the violent death of his 
sister. 

As we were about leaving the ground, we 
.earned from the most reliable authority 
that Harten, some days ago. made a con- 
; □ to his jailer, which corresponds very 

nearly with .lie evidence elicited upon his 
trial. The fact of this confession was pur- 
posely kept quiet, for no other rea on, that. 
we can guess, than with a view to its publi- 
cation hereafter in pamphlet form. He con- 
fessed to the jailer and others that he com- 
mit iedi lie murder nearly as already described, 
and that his motive was the nameless 
which the girl possessed, the revelation of 
^ . : :.. iugh1 upon him I 

horreuce and contempt of the community. He 
also confessed that he would have murdered 
a Mrs. Ooiield, for a similar reason, had he 
not been prevented by an accident. We 
were also told that he admitted a p 

; in the death of his sister, to which 
allusion is reported to have been made by 
his father when solicited to take charge of 
the body. 

Acquittal of Diedrich Dauman for 
Manslaughter. — In New York, this day, 
Diedrich Dauman was tried for the man- 
slaughter of Diedrich Gerken. Mr. Charles 
S. Spencer appeared for the accused. The 
defendant was a bar-keeper in the grocery at 
the corner of Hector and Washington Streets. 
The deceased came into the store on the night 
of the occurrence, and, after being there 
some time, a quarrel ensued between the 
parties, which ended by the deceased being 
struck over the head with a club in the 
hands of the prisoner, from the effects of 
which blow he died a few days after. 

The defendant offered evidence to show 
that the deceased commenced to fight in the 
store, and that he attempted to hit the accused, 
who struck him in self-defence. It was also 



shown that the deceased was thrown out by 
the proprietor of the store, and in being 
thrown out struck his head on the side- 
walk. 

After the summing up by the respective 
counsel, and an impartial charge from the 
court, the jury retired, and, after about two 
hours' absence, returned a verdict of '"Not 
guilty." 

Trial of William Dunnigan for the 
Murder of John Kevan. — In New York, 
this day, William Dunnigan was tried for 
the murder of John Kevan. 

It appeared from the opening statement of 
the counsel that the prisoner kept a grog- 
shop at the corner of Carlisle and West 
Streets. On the 23d of March last, a party 
of 'longshoremen came into the shop and 
commenced a boxing-match. The match re- 
sulted in a general meltie, in the course of 
which the prisoner, it was charged, stabbed 
the deceased. 

The defence set up that the offence was 
commit ted in defence, and that the crime, if 
any, was justifiable homicide. 

Charles McDermott, for the defence, testi- 
fied that he was present on the night of the 
occurrence; saw the boxing-match and the 
melee which followed. Dunnigan requested 
the men to desist, and they did; subse- 
quently a quarrel ensued, and the prisoner 
wanted the disputants to leave, which they 
refused to do; he went to put them out, and 
he was knocked down; a regular scuffle 
then took place, and Dunnigan was kno 

ls1 the bar; the parry fought again, and 
Dunnigan was knocked down agNiin ; Dunni- 
gan was afraid of being murdered ; witness 
then saw a man staggdr against the counter, 
and saw he was stabbed. 

Cross-examined. — Saw the man who was 
stabbed strike Dunnigan; there was a gene- 
ral muss, and every one was "pegging" at 
the other. 

John Farren testified that he knew Dunni- 
gan about three and a half years ; he used 
to work for witness ; the witness gave the 
prisoner a good character. 

Other witnesses were examined as to cha- 
racter, ami the testimony then closed. 

The counsel consented to submit the case 
under charge of the court. 

After an impartial charge from the court, 
the jury retired. They were absent about 
three hours, and then, being unable to agree, 
were discharged by the court. 

Wife-Murderer Convicted. — On this 
day. Patrick Egan, indicted for the murder 
of his wife, who died on the 10th, from a 
brutal beating, was convicted in the First 
District Court of New Orleans, La., of 
murder, without qualification. 

Suicide of a Wealthy Citizen through 



604 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



Grief. — John Hughes, a wealthy citizen of 
Gloucester county, Va., worth $100,000, and 
one of the most honorable and estimable 
men in that county, committed suicide on 
this day. It appears that about two weeks 
previous to the commission of the deed he 
lost his younger son, which had a powerful 
influence on his mind, and he frequently re- 
marked to those around him that he did not 
care to live. In exemplification of this state- 
ment, he took laudanum; but the d<>se didnoi 
fulfil'his purpose, and on the day mentioned 
he repaired to one of the out-houses on his 
farm, where he sat down, and, as is supposed, 
deliberately cut his throat with a razor. His 

tbouts was discovered too late to pre- 
vent the act: he was found just as he was 

j- his last breath. 

Conviction of W. E. Gaw fob Throwing 
Vitriol in his Wife's Face. — In New York, 
this day, William E. Gaw was tried for 
tl r. . w ii g vitriol in the face of Maria E. Gaw, 
his wife, and pleaded guilty. He stated that 
his wife had deserted him and refused to 
live with him. He did not know what was 
in the bottle, as he bought it from a pedlar 
to cure his corns. In a moment of i 
mem he threw the stuff in his wile's face. 
Mrs. Gaw- appeared before the Court, and 
Btated that she left her husband because he 
ill-treated her. and because she subs* quently 
ascertained that he was already married at 
the time of her marriage with him. 

In passing sentence, the judge remarked 
that the idea of the revenge taken by the 
prisoner was atrocious: this practice of 
avoring to injure the sight, or deprive a 
person of a member, ought to be severely 
condemned. The laws to punish this offence 
io lie made more severe. The practice 
of throwing chemical substances had ap- 
peared before, in this citj-. He did not 
intend to shorten the term of imprisonment 
fixed by the law. He would sentence the 
accused to imprisonment for one year in the 
penitentiary, and to pay a tine of SJ">0, and 
to be committed till paid. 

The prisoner was quite surprised at this 
sentence, which is the extreme penalty for 
the offence. 



FRIDAY, JUNE 29. 

Horrible Murder of a Woman and Two 
Children. — Arrest of the Murderer. — 
In Cedar Creek, near Batavia, Iowa, this 
day. some fishermen found the bodies of a 
woman and two children, who had evidently 
been brutally murdered. 

A correspondent of the Burlington "Hawks- 
eye," iu giving a description of the affair, 
says : — 

Late on Saturday evening- our citizens 
were startled by the report that a strange 



family had been murdered near Batavia, in 
this county. — that the bodies of a mother, 
son. and daughter had been found in Cedar 
Creek, in the afternoon, by fishermen, half a 
mile north of Batavia. Our Sheriff Etoblb 
and others started immediately for that 
region, where they learned that a man and a 
boy, with two yoke of oxen with closely- 
covered wagon, had passed along the 
near where the bodies were found late on 
Friday evening. His singular, strange, ex- 
cited manner attracted the notice of those 
win. happened to see him, and suspicion at 
once marked him as the murderer. Sheriff 
Robb, David L. Huffstutter, and others 
promptly followed after him, and found that 
he laid crossed the Fes .Moines above Port- 
land, thence to Lebanon, thence four miles 
from Upton, Scotland county, Mo., where 
b him on the prairie on Sunday 
evening, and returned to this place with the 
li four o'clock P.M. to-day. 

John Kephart is the name of the hoary- 
headed villain. lie formerly lived near 
Trenton, in Henry county, and is well known 
in Washington county, where he has lived 
since he left Trenton, ten or twelve years 
ago. 

1 gather an imperfect history of the acts 
of this old villain from the little boj v, ho was 
found in his company. William Willis, car- 
penter, the boy's father, formerly lived in 
Muscatine. Iowa. The hoy remembers that 
John Kephart came to Muscatii bo move 
the fat lily south. On the journey they 
stopped two months in Cass county. Mo., at 
a Widow Snyder's, where Kephart helped to 
husk corn. < hie morning, soon after break- 
fast, his father, who had eaten breakfast 
well, became suddenly sick and died in less 
than an hour. The boy's mother, the mur- 
dered woman, .lane Willis, told him that 
Kephart gave his father strychnine in his 

After the death of Willi-, it ■ ems, they 

went to the ••Cherokee country." where 
Kephart kept a grocery and sold whiskey to 
the Indians. This summer they moved near 
Fort Des Moines. After living there 

Or months, they started tor Kl 
City. On last Thursday they sti pped near 
the bridge at Fddyville, and camped out. 
Mrs. Willis cooked supper, after which, Ci m- 
plaining of being sick, she lay down in the 
wagon and went to sleep. In the night 
time the boy awoke and saw that she 
had a deep gash in her head. The three 
children all got out of the wagon, and Kep- 
hart chased Joseph T., aged twelve, and 
Maria Jane, aged seven, about half an hour, 
under and around the wagon, with the axe 
in hand, until they too were killed. He 
then placed them by the side of the mother, < 
and pounded their heads with the wagon- 
hammer. 

He le"t Eddyville soon after the murder- 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



005 



ous deeds were finished, and travelled over 
thirty miles to the place where he, no doubt', 
hoped to hide the unfortunate victims from 
human eyes. A gray-headed old man, over 
sixty years old, travelling day and night 
with an ox-team thirty miles, with the dead 
bodies of a mother and two children in the 
wagon, to find a place of concealment! — the 
living boy, James Harvey Willis, by his 
side ; and then, when the place was found, he 
stripped his victims, put their garments into 
the wagon, took the mother first, and then 
the children, and hid them under the water, 
placing a log upon them to keep them down. 

The boy James says that he has a brother, 
Sylvester Willis, living in Louisa county. 
On Friday, after leaving Eddyville, he looked 
again for his wagon-hammer, and found it 
Sticking in the boy's head. The clothes of 
the victims were all found in his wagon. 
Kephart and the woman had quarrelled 
about some money, lie charged her with 
Stealing his money. She claimed that the 
money in dispute was given to her by her 
son. The money was found by the officers 
hidden in a keg of soap-grease in the wagon. 

There is intense excitement in Jefferson 
county; but the law will be left to take its 
course. Kephart is entirely safe until he is 
regularly convicted and hung by law. 

The '• Hawkseye," in giving a further ac- 
count of the affair, and what it supposes to 
be the theory of the murder, says : — 

Kephart was a professed preacher, was 
rather good-looking, had good address, was 
plausible and gracious in conversation, was 
a zealous exhorter, positive and prompt in 
manner, and talked much about, duty and 
honesty with apparent sincerity. Kephart's 
ruling passions were avarice and lust: all 
his ends and aims were to gratify these. An 
alien and outcast from his own family, for 
years he has been on the hunt for house- 
keepers, and when he would find one to live 
with him, would then hunt industriously for 
another, under pretence to keep her com- 
pany. He. perhaps, under guise of a minis- 
ter of her church, formed the acquaintance of 
Mrs. Willis and family, who upon his repre- 
sentations moved to Missouri, where Kep- 
hart rented a farm, they keeping house for 
him. Here his object would be to get. rid of 
Willis. In this he succeeded. Willis is gone. 
Kephart represents that Willis left his family 
destitute, — took all they had: he then pro- 
fesses great friendship for the unfortunate 
woman and children : he will support them. 

Mrs. Willis owned in Iowa one hundred 
and sixty acres of land, and Kephart's ava- 
rice coveted that. She gave him a power of 
attorney to sell ; to influence her to sign this, 
he no doubt let her have the $100 in gold 
found hidden in the soap-grease: he could 
borrow or steal this back at any time. The 
laud he deeds at once to his son "for and in 
consideration of the sum of two thousand 



dollars to him in hand paid," (the title is 
impel feet, but he knew it not.) Remember, 
he dared not hold property in his own name, 
because he had a living wife who might, 
claim an interest. He now had the woman 
in his power. He had her land, but she had 
the gold. He wanted that too. The woman 
had, no doubt, ere this, wished to get loose 
from his meshes, and was determined to 
keep the gold hidden. 

The gold is not found. If he had found 
the gold he would have no doubt left her to 
go to her friends, but he dared not take her 
to them ; for there she would have had pro- 
tection, and then perhaps gold and land 
would have been all lost. At Eddyville he 
formed the murderous purpose. If she is 
dead he can find the gold. James he would 
not kill, for he knew where the gold was 
hidden. He seemed to have got the idea of 
the place, the Des Moines River, the manner 
of killing, and the way to conceal, from the 
Ottumwa murder. After the deed is con- 
summated, he drives into the river; but 
where he forded the water was shallow, and 
he crosses at another ford. This is like the 
first. Then he seems to think of Cedar 
Creek ; he knew the road and the place well ; 
but after the murder is committed he has no 
wisdom, and seems given up for destruction, 
and is now on his way to the gallows and 
grave. 

Execution for. Murder. — Henry Prill, 
recently convicted in Somerset county, Pa., 
for the murder of Eli Wcimer, with whose 
wife he had formed a criminal intimacy, was 
hung at Somerset, this day. 

Execution of a Murderer in Kansas. — • 
Marcus Gredler, convicted of the murder of 
Jacob Roeder, near Bear Creek, Kansas, was 
hung at Denver City, pursuant to his sen- 
tence, this day. 

A Husband-Poisoner. — This day, a Prus- 
sian, named Charles Fenner, was found 
dead in his bed, at Port Huron, Mich. Sus- 
picion being excited, and examination being 
made, it proved that the woman who was 
with him and passing as his wife was a Mrs. 
Leroy. A forged conveyance of all his pro- 
perty was exhibited by the woman, and also 
a fraudulent marriage-certificate, signed by 
a Baptist minister in Detroit, who never had 
an existence. She was immediately arr 
and committed for the murder. Papers 
which were found under the carpet in her 
room furnish ground for the suspicion that 
her last husband was disposed of in the 
same manner. Previous to this she gave 
out that she was in pursuit of a husband 
that she said had eloped from her. 

Dreadful Storm in Boston. — Two Men 
Killed by Lightning. — A dreadful storm 



606 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



passed over Boston this day, accompanied 
by lightning, which killed two inhabitants 
of that, vicinity. 

At Brighton, near the Cambridge crossing 
of the Boston & Worcester Railroad, the 
lightning struck the house of J. B. Goodenow, 
who keeps a stall for the sale of provisions, 
&c, at No. 9 Gerrish Market. The family 
of Mr. Goodenow were just sitting down to 
supper, (Mrs. Goodenow having stepped into 
another room for a moment,) when the house 
was struck. The fluid tore off some of the 
clapboards, and immediately descended into 
the room occupied by the family. Mr. Good- 
enow was in the act of drawing up to the 
table, when he, with his son, about, eight 
years old, named Dustan, a man named F. 
Lawrence, in the employ of Mr. Goodenow, 
and a lady named White, who was standing 
in the entry-way, were all struck down. 

When aid arrived, they were all found in 
an insensible condition upon the floor, am! 
attempts were made to revive them by the 
free use of water and other appliances. In 
the case of Mr. Goodenow all the efforts 
were ineffectual, as he was probably killed 
instantaneously. The fluid, doubtless, struck 
him full upon the breast, as the flesh was 
burned there. The sou had also marks of 
the fluid upon the breast and wrists. lie 
was, however, not seriously injured, and 
soon came to, as did the young man ami Mrs. 
White; but they were in a feverish condition 
for the entire night. Mrs. Goodenow 7 , in the 
next room, says that she felt the shock quite 
plainly. The fluid seemed to her to play 
about the wires of her crinoline, which she 
was in the act of taking oft'. Mr. Goodenow 
was aboul forty-five years of age. He has 
many friends, both in this city and at home, 
who will sorrow for his sudden departure. 
It is a curious fact that none of the articles 
upon the supper-table were disturbed, nor 
was any injury of consequence done to the 
house. The theory is that the electric fluid, 
in entering and passing out of the room, fol- 
lowed the current of air. 

At Roxbury, although the storm was the 
most severe for years, not much damage ap- 
pears to have been done, and the lightning 
did not strike in the vicinity. Police-Officer 
Folsom was in the lock-up during the height 
of the shower, and while turning off the gas 
received a severe shock of electricity, which 
completely paralyzed his arm for some mo- 
ments, but did no other damage. A few 
blinds were blown off from houses in the 
higher parts of Roxbury, and some shade- 
trees were partially dismantled. 

At West Dedham, a young man named 
Abner Baker was struck by the lightning- 
and instantly killed. He was nineteen years 
of age, and was a son of Timothy Baker, 
firm of Howes & Baker, flour-dealers, 154 
Commercial Street, Boston. He went, into 
the pasture at about six o'clock, after cows, 



and, not returning after the shower had 
abated, it was supposed that he had gone to 
the depot to meet his father, as was his custom. 
On Mr. Baker's arrival, search was made for 
him, and at about half-past seven o'clock 
his body was found in a field. He is sup- 
posed to have been struck at a little past six. 
lie was struck in the mouth, his face being 
much disfigured, and the fluid then passed 
downward, melting his watch-chain, tearing 
his pants, and bursting one of his boots. 
His body was found in an open space, with 
no trees or other high objects near. 

Terrific Stokm on the Hudson. — This 
day, in the afternoon, one of the most violent 
storms that ever visited the Hudson was wit- 
nessed at several of the towns along the 
river. 

Unroofing of the Brooklyn (X.Y.) 
Academy of Music. — Several Pi!rs ins 
[njured. — A little after five o'clock, the 
afternoon of this day, the rafters which had 
been elevated on the Academy of Music, pre- 
paratory to putting on the roof, were blown 
down by a sudden gust of wind, with a crash 
re embling a heavy discharge of artillery, 
resulting in serious if not fatal accidents to 
several of the workmen. One of the original 
founders and largest stockholders was pre- 
sent at the time, and was severely hurt by 
the falling of the timbers. 

The Academy is situated in Montague 
Street, opposite the Post-Office. It is a large 
building intended for operatic and other en- 
tertainments. The walls are finished, and 
the timber for the roof had just been erected. 
About forty workmen were employed in dif- 
ferent portions of the structure. About four 
were engaged on the party-wall dividing the 
auditorium from the green-room, which is 
eighty-five feet high, when the storm came 
up so suddenly that they were unable, even 
if aware of the danger, to seek safety in 
flight. Others were engaged on the roof, 
and the remainder in the cellar. 

The rafters, having not been as yet per- 
fectly secured in their positions, gave way 
to the force of the wind, and, one falling 
upon the other, the whole fell with a tre- 
mendous crash, some of the men going with 
the mass. Bricks, timbers, and mortar, all 
came down, and a dense cloud of dust arose, 
which for a short time obscured the entire 
structure from sight. 

The attention of the people in the neigh- 
borhood being attracted by the long-con- 
tinued rumbling sound, they hastened to the 
spot; and in a few moments hundreds were 
gathered together, their countenances ex- 
pressing the utmost anxiety as to the fate of 
those employed about the place. Several 
gentlemen rushed in at. the imminent risk of 
their lives, and brought, out Luther B. AVy- 
man, Esq., who was conducted to the office 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



607 



of Dr, Ayres, a few feet distant. Mr. Wyman 
was inspecting the building at the time, 
having taken a great interest in it from the 
start. The next man brought out was Mr. 
John C. Simpson, master-rigger, who was 
taken to the drug-store of Dr. Smith, on the 
corner of Court Street and Montague Place, 
where his wounds were properly dressed, 
and he was subsequently removed to the 
Surgical Institute, in Washington Street. 
The injured man resides in New York. He 
sustained a compound fracture of the skull, 
and it is feared was internally injured. The 
next victim discovered was Mr. Clevell, 
stone-mason, residing at No. 59 Carll Street, 
who had sustained a dislocation of one of 
his ankles and was bruised about the body. 
He was also carried into Dr. Ayres' s office. 

John Kennedy, a laborer, residing in 
Warren Street, was injured on the head by 
some falling bricks. Two of the men en- 
gaged on the party-wall were seriously, and 
perhaps fatally, injured. A rafter fell over 
ami crushed them. Their fellow-laborers 
at once proceeded to extricate them, and 
finally succeeded. The names of the two 
unfortunate persons are Mr. Jeremiah Mor- 
ris, a mason, and Charles Barstow, (boy,) 
mason's apprentice. Both have sustained 
severe injuries. In consequence of the high 
position in which they were at the time of 
the disaster, all means of ascending having 
been swept away, a long time elapsed before 
they could be reached. The Chief Engineer 
of the Fire-Department, who- was present, 
immediately ordered out Lafayette Hook and 
Ladder, No. 1. The members obeyed the 
order with alacrifj r , and very soon elevated 
ladders at the rear of the building, by which 
means they ascended to the top and brought 
down the injured men. They were attended 
to by Dr. Hull, and then conveyed to the 
City Hospital. 

The names of those injured, and their resi- 
dences, are as follows: — 

Luther B. Wyman, Esq., one of the most 
active and energetic men in forwarding the 
Academy of Music enterprise, sustained 
severe injuries. When discovered, he was 
lying with a heavy truss upon one of his 
legs, and entirely helpless. Drill-Sergeant 
Allen, of the police-force, procured a lever, 
and with considerable difficulty raised the 
truss and dragged him out. He must have 
suffered intensely, as there were several tons' 
Weight resting upon him. 

John C. Simpson, master-rigger, resides 
in New York. He sustained a compound 
fracture of the skull, and was otherwise se- 
verely bruised. He was taken to the Sur- 
gical Institute in Washington Street, where 
he lies in a precarious condition. 

A German named Clevell, residing at No. 
59 Carll Street, employed as a mason, was 
found some distance from Mr. Simpson, buried 
under some timbers. He also was extricated 



as speedily as possible. His injuries are 
severe. 

Jeremiah Morris was, as supposed, fatally 
injured. He was engaged on the wall, and 
was crushed under a heavy piece of timber. 
Two fellow-workmen dug away some bricks 
beneath him, being unable to lift the timber, 
and brought him out. He was held by them 
until brought down by the firemen. He was 
taken to the hospital. His family' reside in 
Portland Avenue. 

Charles Barstow, mason's apprentice, was 
also on the wall, and was injured by a beam 
which fell upon him. His back and one 
knee are badly bruised; but it is supposed 
that his injuries are not necessarily of a fatal 
nature. He resides in Hampden Street. 

John Kennedy, a laborer, residing in War- 
ren Street, was injured about the head, but 
was able to walk about. 

It is a remarkable circumstance that no 
person Avas killed outright. About twenty- 
five men were employed on the building at 
a height of eighty-five feet from the ground. 
The extreme western girder fell first, and 
seven other girders followed in succession, 
leaving but two remaining. Seventeen men 
came down with the debris; and of these only 
two were seriously, and perhaps fatally, hurt. 
Several sustained but slight injuries; and 
the others escaped bruises of any kind. 
Those remaining on the wall descended in 
safety, except the two unfortunate men who 
were caught on the partition-wall of the 
green-room. 

A singular circumstance connected with 
the accident is in relation to a horsL- which 
was employed on the ground-floor in turning 
a drum-windlass for hoisting timbers to the 
roof. The falling timbers and bricks com- 
pletely crushed the windlass, and actually 
cut the halter and stripped the harness from 
the horse's back, yet, strange as it may ap- 
pear, without injuring the old animal in the 
least. He stood perfectly unconcerned until 
taken out some time afterward. 

The damage done to the building is esti- 
mated at from $10,000 to $15,000. 

Accidents on the Great Eastern. — One 
Man Killed. — One Man Drowned. — In 
New York, this day, about ten o'clock at 
night, Thomas Leavitt fell down the wheel- 
house of the Great Eastern, and fractured his 
skull. The unfortunate man died soon after. 
About an hour later, a deck-hand on board 
the mammoth steamer fell overboard and was 
drowned. His body has not been recovered. 

Accident on the Hudson River. Rail- 
road. — This day evening, an unknown man 
was killed on the Hudson River Railroad, at 
Burnham's, by being run over. 

Fatal Railroad-Accident. — Peter Run- 
nels, an employee of the New Jersey Railroad 



COS 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



Company, was struck by the locomotive of 
the Philadelphia morning train, tins day, 
at the East Newark (N.J.) station, whioh broke 
his leg, arm, and neck and caused instant 
death. 

Melancholy Occurrence. — In New York, 
this day. Coroner Horton held an inquest on 
the body of a little girl about four years old, 
the daughter of Mr. John C. Stockwell, re- 
siding at No. 57 Powers Street, E.D., who 
came to her death by falling into a cistern. 
She was discovered shortly after the accident, 
but life was extinct. 

Fatal Occurrence. — In New York, a child 
about four years old, named Michael Canack, 
whose parents live at No. G7 North Sixth 
Street, E.U., died, this day, from drinking 
boiling-hot tea. The mother of the child 
left it alone in the room for a short time, and 
the little fellow got hold of the teapot and 
drank out of the spout. 

Deaths from Intemperance. — This day, 
Coroner O'Keefe held an inquest, at the First 
Precinct Station-House, upon the body of 
Timothy Desmond, of New York, aged forty 
years, who died from intemperance. Coroner 
Jackman held an inquest, at No. 112 West 
Thirty-Third Street, upon the body of David 
D. Bailey, a native of this State, aged fifty 
years, who died under similar circumstances. 

Embankment-Casualty. — In New York, 
this day, Coroner O'Keefe held an inquest, 
at Bellevue Hospital, upon the body of Selina 
Bowman, who died from t lie effects of inju- 
ries accidentally received by falling from an 
embankment at the corner of Sixty-Fourth 
Street and Fourth Avenue, about four weeks 
ago. 

Falling from a Scaffold. — In Phila- 
delphia, Thomas McLaughlin, a laborer, who 
fell from a scaffold at Twelfth and Spruce 
Streets, on this day, died at the Pennsylvania 
Hospital. 

Distressing Accident at New Haven. 
— About half-past five o'clock this day, a 
party of twelve persons (five ladies and seven 
gentlemen) were sailing in a small pleasure- 
boat in the bay at New Haven, when a gust 
of wind capsized the boat and precipitated 
them all into the water. The party were all 
rescued except Mrs. Charlotte Sperry, the 
wife of Henry B. Sperry, of New Haven. 
Mrs. Sperry remained in the water but a 
short time; but when she was taken to the 
shore life was extinct- 




son Avenue, who was drowned while bathing 
near the village of Clemensville. Verdict, 
"Accidental death." 

Deaf and Dumb Boy Dr owned. — In 
Philadelphia, this day afternoon, a deaf 
and dumb boy, named John Worrell, aged 
twelve years, son of Charles Worrell, was 
drowned in the large bathing-tub at Smith's 
Island. At the time of the sad accident 
there was a large number of boys in bath- 
ing, and the deceased was attempting to 
climb up to a sliding-board, when his hold 
gave way and he fell back into the water. 
He was seen to go under the water; but his 
companions did not pay any attention to the 
circumstance, until a boy remarked that 
John was drowned. A boy, named Dougherty, 
then dived for him, and brought him up, and, 
after taking him to the shore, long and con- 
tinued efforts were made to restore him to 
life, the fact of his being under the water 
but a short, time giving strong hopes of suc- 
cess. The efforts of those who were present 
at the time, as well as those of two physi- 
cians sent for, proved unavailing. The de- 
ceased was well known to most persons in 
the habit of visiting the vicinity of the Ex- 
change. After the holding of an inquest, 
the body was taken to the residence of his 
parents, Dock Street and Exchange Place. 

Death of Madame Kossuth. — Madame 
Emilie Zulavsky Kossuth died this morning, 
at her residence, in Brooklyn, aged forty- 
three years. Madame Zulavsky was a sister 
of Louis Kossuth, and had been in this 
country since the memorable visit of the 
distinguished Hungarian exile. 

Loss of the Schooner President. — This 
day, the schooner President, of Brookhaven, 
Guider, from St. Augustine for New York, 
with copper, hides, iron, &c, experienced a 
gale, kit. 32° 17', which twisted off the rud- 
der-head and blew the jib to pieces. The 
schooner labored heavily, started starboard 
main chain-bolts, split deck -beams, and 
started stern-frame, causing her to leak 
badly. Next day she was abandoned, with 
three feet of water in the hold, and the crew 
went on board the J. C. Patterson, from 
Jacksonville for Boston. 

Capsizing of the Schooner Pauline. — 
Schooner Pauline, during a squall about 
three o'clock this day afternoon, was cap- 
sized opposite the Long Beach boarding- 
house, about two miles from the beach. The 
surf-boat was immediately launched, and 
the crew, consisting of captain, three men, 
and boy, were taken from the cross-trees of 
the foremast. The schooner was in ballast, 
bound from New York to Virginia for a load 
of wood. She is 'one hundred and fifty-six* 
tons burden, owned by Charles Clark, of 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



cao 



Jersey City, and valued at $5200. The cap- 
tain saved three hundred dollars in money. 
Efforts will be made to save the vessel. 

Capture of the Brig Thomas Achorn, 

OX SUPPOSITION OF BEING A SLAVER. — This 

day, the brig Thomas Achorn was captured 
off Kabenda, the particulars of which are 
set forth in the following letter of Com- 
modore Le Eoy to the United States Dis- 
trict Attorney : — 

United States Steamer Mystic, ^| 
Kabenda, s.w. Coast of Africa, V 
June 29, 1860. j 

To the Hon. James J. Roosevelt, United 
States District Attorney, &c, New York. 
Sir : — The American brig Thomas Achorn, 
of and from New York, arrived in this port 
on the afternoon of the 27th inst.; and on 
visiting and searching her I found so much 
to suspect of the illegality of the voyage 
she was upon that I have deemed it my 
duty to send her to the United States, in 
charge of Sailing-Master Green, of the ship, 
^cc. with drders to deliver her over to the 
proper authorities at New York. The person 
representing himself as captain, I feel satis- 
fied, did not hold that position, but the per- 
son who was represented as and professed 
to be the first officer, I am induced to be- 
lieve, was the bona fide captain. My reasons 
for detaining the Thomas Achorn were 
based upon the character of the cargo, 
which, for the greater part, was evidently in- 
tended to be used as food for slaves. A box, 
marked on the manifest to be hardware. 
on opening, proved to be a copper, &c. for eat- 
ing; and a barrel marked merchandise con- 
tained di- infecting fluids, &c. The so-styled 
captain constantly contradicted himself, ren- 
dering it a difficult matter to obtain any in- 
formation of a reliable sort. Upon being 
asked if lie had a supercargo, he repre- 
sented a foreigner who was on board as till- 
ing that position, or as the person who 
did his business, trading, &c. &c, for him. 
Also, soon after, he stated that he had no 
supercargo, but that he himself had charge 
cargo; and, on questioning him as to 
the cargo, he professed to be entirely igno- 
rant of what he had in the vessel, or where 
it was stowed. The foreigner, represented 
as the one attending to the business of the 
vessel during the trading, &c, disclaimed 
any connection with the vessel or cargo, 
professing to be merely a passenger. There 
were on board the Thomas Achorn three 
foreigners, represented as passengers, with 
two foreigners who, I was informed, were 
their servants, — rather rough and unlikely- 
looking persons to fill that position. Neither 
the three passengers' nor the two servants' 
3 found on any paper shown us 
belonging to the vessel ; and the so-styled 
captain said their names were not upon his 



S9 



papers. Mr. Green boarded the Thomas 
Achorn before she anchored, ami examined 
her. After anchoring, I boarded her, in 
company with Lieutenant Haxton, first lieu- 
tenant of this vessel, and upon opening the 
box of hardware discovered the contents 
were as before represented. The so-styled 
captain and first officer seemed very anxious 
to ascertain if the Falmouth, (a vessel, I be- 
lieve, of the same rig, &c.,) sent home not 
long since from Porto Prayo by the Ports- 
mouth, had been seen about the Congo. I 
informed him I had not seen her, but did 
not, for reasons apparent to yourself, volun- 
teer any information of her capture. The 
passengers were to be landed at this place, 
and thence cross the country to Ponte de 
Lenhoo, on the Congo, where the brig was 
to follow. My reasons for believing the 
first officer was in reality the captain were 
from the fact that he seemed to be the di- 
recting person, while the other seemed to 
know little or do little, and from his con- 
stantly putting himself first in words and 
acts, rendered it the more apparent he was 
assuming the position of second, while by 
right he was the first in the vessel. Through- 
out the whole proceedings connected with 
the seizure and detention of the Thomas 
Achorn, there has been no pretext on the 
part of either officers or passengers to de- 
fend the character of the vessel, and the ob- 
ject of her present visit on this coast. On my 
interception of her voyage, I seized the fol- 
lowing sums of money that I found on 
searching again on the 20th inst., concealed 
in a belt, in the trunk of another, in a bunk, 
and in the trunk of another. All the papers 
found, having any relation to the Thomas 
Achorn, have been intrusted to Mr. Green, 
the officer in charge, to be handed to you. 
The captain and mate stating that they had 
come into this port solely to land their pass- 
engers, and that the vessel was bound to 
the Congo, I permitted them to land. The 
money found in the trunk of Mr. Loler, 
the reputed supercargo, to the amount of 
twenty-five sovereigns and twelve half-sove- 
reigns, was handed him for the support of 
himself and party. The balance, as per list 
appended, I had counted in the presence of 
the captain and mate, and placed in a bag, 
and their united seal, with my own, affixed 
to it, taking from the captain and mate a 
certificate of the amount found and so dis- 
posed of, four hundred and thirty-eight 
sovereigns, and one hundred and seventy- 
six half-sovereigns, in a bill taken from a 
passenger styled " Seiior Juan ;" ten sove- 
reigns found in a belt in a trunk of Seiior 
Gavan ; forty-three sovereigns and twenty 
cents were found concealed in a bunk. The 
amount above mentioned I have taken on 
board this vessel for its better preservation, 
and will be forwarded to the United States 
by the first of our national vessels returning 



610 



VINCENT'S SEMI- A N N U A L 



[JUNE, 



home. The case of the Thomas Achorn 
seems so plain a one, from the character of 
the cargo, the different circumstances con- 
nected with her, and the conduct of her 
officers and men, that I conceive there will 
be but little trouble in obtaining her con- 
demnation; but, should my expectations not 
be realized, I most earnestly hope the court 
■will find the cause of suspicion sufficiently 
strong to relieve me from all claims for 
damages, &c, — that terror of all our naval 
officers who strive for a conscientious dis- 
charge of their duties on this station. 

William C. Le Roy, 
Lieut. Comm., &c, U. S. Steamer Mystic. 

Copy from manifest of the American brig 
Thomas Achorn, detained and sent by the 
steamer Mystic to New York, under suspi- 
cion of being engaged in the slave-trade : — 
One hundred thousand feet of lumber, thirty 
barrels of navy bread, sixteen tierces of 
rice, one box of tinware, one cask of 
oranges, one box of oranges, two boxes of 
oranges, twenty barrels of cornmeal, fifteen 
barrels of beans, four barrels of rum, une 
box of hardware, one boat. 

Wm. C. Le Roy, 
Lieutenant Commanding, &c. 

The United States District-Attorney has 
taken the necessary steps for libelling the 
brig. 

Depabtff.e of the Japanese Ambassa- 
dors. — This day, the Japanese Ambassadors 
left the Metropolitan Hotel, New York, 
where they had been stopping during their 
stay in that city, and went on board the 
Harriet Lane, Captain John Fauuce, which 
vessel conveyed them to the Niagara, which 
was fitted up to convey them to their homes. 
The treaty-box was placed on a palanquin, 
guarded by the secretary of the embassy. 
Whilst in New York, immense quantities of 
presents, consisting of articles of manufac- 
ture of the various eminent New York manu- 
factories, were presented to them. Among 
the more noticeable may be mentioned sets 
of glass, from Haughwout's. valued at 
$1000; a set of Howe's standard scales; a 
Herring's patent fire and burglar proof 
safe ; a Lillie's chilled-iron safe : and a 
model of the steamship Adriatic, presented 
by Mr. E. K. Collins. 

Just before leaving, the First Ambassador 
invited the brothers Leland to his room, and 
begged them to receive the good wishes of 
the embassy for the United States, the Press 
of New York, and the Metropolitan Hotel. 
He then took off his tunic, and threw it 
about Mr. Warren Leland, this ceremony 
being the highest compliment he could pay 
that gentleman. From four others of their 
guests, the Lelands have received swords, 
buits of clothes, and Japanese trinkets. 



Before taking them on board the Niagara, 
the Harriet Lane steamed arcund the city 
of New York, to give them a view of that 
vast, metropolis from the water. They 
passed the Great Eastern on their way. 
But they appeared to notice neither the city 
nor the large vessel, — as they looked all the 
time straight before them. Upon arriving 
at the Niagara, they were received with the 
Ambassador-salute, and with the marines 
drawn up on the quarter-deck, when Captain 
McKean received the Japanese at the hands 
.0' Captain Dupont, who stated that he here 
considered his special mission ended, and 
transferred the custody of the embassy to 
the officers of the larger steamer. In answer 
to this, Captain McKean shook hands with 
the princes and officers and welcomed them 
to his vessel. A number of valuable pre- 
sents were sent to the Tycoon, in charge of 
Lieut. Henry A. Wise. Mr. Wise ranks as 
master of ordnance, and will instruct the 
Japanese in gunnery. 

The Officers who attempted to Arrest 
Sanborn Indicted. — This day, the grand 
jury of Middlesex county returned bills of 
indictment against Silas Carleton and three 
other United States Deputy Marshals, for 
attempting to arrest F. B. Sanborn on the 
requisition of the Brown Raid Senate Com- 
mittee. No time was assigned for their 
trial. 

Me. E. L. De Forest, of New Haven, 
Supposed to be Dead, Comes to Life and 
Demands his Bank-Dividends. — This day, 
letters were received by the cashier of the 
New Haven (Conn. ) Bank, and Messrs. Wins- 
low, Lainier & Co., New York, from Mr. E. 
L. De Forest, who it was supposed was 
long since dead, dated Australia, demanding 
ids bank-dividends. A New York paper, 
speaking of the affair, says: — 

From letters recently received, it would 
appear that Mr. Erastus L. De Forest, who 
so mysteriously disappeared from this city 
on the 17th of January, 1857, is still alive, 
and is residing at Melbourne, Australia. 

This gentleman had finished a collegiate 
education at Yale College, New Haven. Conn., 
and prior to attaining his majority came 
into the possession of an ample fortune. He 
came from New Haven to this city a few days 
before his disappearance, and took rooms at 
the Metropolitan Hotel. It was his inten- 
tion, and so expressed to his friends in this 
city, to visit Havana, and with that object 
he was making preparations. On the 17th 
of January, he drew a check for $2000 at t ho 
American Exchange Bank, and then visited 
Brooklyn, but was not heard of afterward. 
On the 20th of January, Mr. Curtis, of 57 
Maiden Lane, received an anonymous note, 
post-marked Brookljn, stating that Mr. De 
Forest had been knocked down h\ thut ( 4ty, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



Gil 



robbed, and his body thrown into the East 
Rivet'. The police of both cities were dili- 
gently employed in endeavoring to ferret 
out the mystery, but without success. His 
father ottered heavy rewards fur the body, 
but, not finding it, or any clew, mourned him 
as dead. 

The New Haven " Palladium" of this 
date, speaking of the affair, says; — 

A letter this morning received from Mel- 
bourne, Australia, dated April 17, 1860, 
and which we publish below, .shows that the 
writer, Mr. E. L. De Forest, who was missed 
from the Metropolitan Hotel, New York, 
since January 17, 1857, and supposed to 
have been murdered, is still alive ! Our 
readers are doubtless all familiar with the 
facts connected with his absence. He was 
traced from the hotel toward Brooklyn, 
where he said he was going, and was never 
heard of afterward. The most thorough 
search was made for him by the police of 
the two cities, and large rewards were of- 
fered for any information concerning his 
fate. His father .spent much time in the 
melancholy search, but without getting the 
slightest clew beyond the facts here stated. 

What made the matter the more myste- 
rious was the fact that he left his trunks, 
ining valuable properly, at the hotel, 
and several thousand dollars of bank-stock 
in New Haven, and other property in other 

tees. His father has long mourned him 
as <lrad, and the public mind became fully 
satisfied that he was murdered. But now, 
without any previous intimation, a letter 
comes from Australia, by way of London 
and Boston, penned by the missing man 
himself, asking for his bank-dividends, 
which he appears to suppose have not been 
paid in three years, although they have 
been regularly drawn by his father, as ad- 
ministrator, as they fell due. We give the 
letter verbatim, with the exception of the 
number of shares owned by him in the bank, 
whose officers prefer that we should not 
state the exact figures in that regard. The 
letter is as follows : — 

Melbourne, Australia, April 17, I860. 
r of New Haven Bank: 

Sir : — I am owner of shares in the 

capital stock of your bank. For some time 
past I have not drawn the dividends on them. 

I have recently given to Messrs. Mailler 
& Quereau, of the firm of Mailler, Lord & 
Quereau, Wall Street, New York, a power 
of attorney, to enable them to receive on my 
account. Will you oblige by sending to me 
directly through the mail a statement of the 
amount of dividends so paid to them by you, 
■ — also the price of the stock at latest sales ? 
E. L. De Forest. 

We have very carefully compared the 
manuscript of the letter with the other 



manuscripts of Mr. De Forest, and find the 
resemblance most striking. The only marked 
difference is in the small d. In his other 
manuscripts the top of the d is thrown to the 
left in a curve, but in the last letter it is the 
ordinary d. similar to this one which we have 
printed. But all the other words and letters 
have the same appearance in all the manu- 
scripts. Even the loop on the back of each 
small /is the same in all. 

The following is a copy of the letter re- 
ceived by Messrs. Winslow, Lainier & Co., 
bankers, of New York : — 

Melbourne, Australia, April 17, I860. 

Messrs. Winslow, Lainier & Co. : — I am 
the owner of twenty shares in the Cleveland, 
Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad. The divi- 
dends on this stock were formerly paid by 
you, and I suppose are so still. The last 
one drawn by me was that of January, 1857. 

I have recently given to Messrs. Mailler 
& Quereau, of the firm of Mailler, Lord & 
Quereau, Wall Street, New York, a power 
of attorney, to enable either of them to 
receive dividends due to me. 

Will you oblige by sending to me directly, 

through the mail, a statement of the amount 

of the dividends as paid to them by you, — 

also the present market-value of the stock ? 

E. L. De Forest. 

Unaccompanied by any explanation as to 
the reasons for his sudden departure from 
this city, and in the absence of any corre- 
spondence with his relatives or friends in 
relation thereto, these letters exhibit a very 
singular state of facts, and, were it not for 
the close resemblance between the hand- 
writing of these and his former manu- 
scripts, would present a suspicion that they 
might be forged. 

Inquiries are to be prosecuted at once to 
ascertain the truth of the matter and clear 
up the mystery which now surrounds it. 



SATURDAY, JUNE 30. 

Horrible Murder in New York. — Two 
Respectable Citizens Murdered. — E 
of the Murderer. — In New York, the night 
of this day, Mr. John Walton, of the firm of. 
Lang & Walton, owners of the distillery in 
Eighteenth Street just east of the First 
Avenue, and Mr. John W. Matthews, a well- 
known railroad-contractor, were murdered 
in the following sudden and horrible man- 
ner:— 

On the night of this day. after having 
transacted their business, Mr. Walton and 
Mr. Richard H. Pascall, his cousin, left the 
distillery in Eighteenth Street, about half- 
past eleven o'clock, and walked up the north 
side of Eighteenth Street to Third Avenue. 
At this corner they both observed a man 
leaning against a tree, but paid little atten- 



- 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Juke, 



• i him, and walked directly past him. 
They had proceeded but fire or six feet, 

• unknown man darted up behind 
Mr. Walton and discharged a pistol at hia 
: with which the pistol was 
ed entered Mr. Walton's head j .- 

and, with a radible 

i, and without a word, the injiu 

: ivement. The murderer in- 
ly ran across Eighteenth Street, and 
bird Avenue toward Irving 
.Mr. Pascal! immediately raised an 
and started in | 

ined in the el i rating 

" Murder !" and calling for I Fore- 

': the pursuit was John \V. Matthews, 

a well-known railroad-contractor. He was 

i :d by another person and .Mr. 1' 
I in body of pursuers being hut .•: 

■ ce behind them. When the living 
Hi the co 
and [rving Place, he turned i 

Mr. .Matt to him, 

— he I the others, — the 

rer drew his pistol and tired at Mat- 

■ 

iid. simply exclaiming, 

'■ I'm a dead man !" he sank un 

• ivement. The pursuing par,; 
up t<> the dying man ; and. in th( 
: Ler, all 

• ■!' tin 1 murderer was I 

who had joined the 
of w luun was sufficiently ai 
Mr. Matthews as he tvore 1 

•.lively 

n off the ; ae could tell the 

direction taken i, v the man who tired tin 1 

lifted 

.' the corner "f Sixteenth 3 

'■in lie died in then 
■ hing there. 1 1; hers -till cn- 
ow the perpetrator of this 
order, but without avail. 
Meantime, .Mr. Walton 1 n 

■ at the corner oi I 
t and Third Avenue. He still breathed, 
as wholly unconscious, and never gave 
to an intell 

II' -pital. where 
attention was paid to him, but without 
avail, as the unfortunate man died at balf- 
ight o'clock the next morn 
The New York "Tribune 

- ory of the Ca86 : — 
I ,<ugh the name of the murderei 
■ ely kmuvn, yet the cir 
connected with .Mr. Walton's di 
i* to leave little 
■re tii- instigat >rs, if not the actual 
i irs, of the deed. 

'. Mr. Walton man 
. lady, named Ellen M. Russell, who 
I that time the keeper of a boarding- 
iu this city. Lately the Supreme 



! Court have been engaged in trying a suit for 
ition from bed and hoard brought by 
in against his wile. The ground 
on which this application was based was 
cruel and inhuman treatment, which ren- 
dered it unsafe for him to live with her. 
The last hearing of this case took place on 
the 4th of June last, at which time de 
was reserved. Facetious I i :' this 

trial appeared in nearly all the newspapers 
at thai e of which, were found upon 

rson of Mr. Walton. 
At the time the marriage between Mr. 
Walton and the Widow Russell took | 

presented to him that she had pre- 
viously been twice married, and that both 
Iter former husbands were dead. Her first 
husband was a Colonel .Jefferds, by whom 
she had two children, both of whom are now 
alive, thee 2 twenty-two years of 

teen. Her next 
alliance was with Captain Russell, by whom 
Bhe had one boy, named Frank Russell, now 
3 6 further I 

that she had adopted her Bister's child, a 

daughter, lour months old, and that the 
infant was then residing in the country. 

i d from Mr. \\ alton the bo- 
she had an intermediate husband between 
.Mr. Jefferds and Mr. 

children by him. 

Mr. Walton had not been married a 

tain the true 

■ of the woman to whom he was 

united. So far from her two husbands being 

ned that one at lea - 

still living, a divorce having been obtained. 

her mav- 
ii. and thai Q< 
. < >hio ; and, further, that it, 
loubtful if a h gal Bepara- 
tion iiad e\ i id by them. ! I 

: i : on I 
of the child four months • M being the 

i ille- 
gitimat ;. the resull of a criminal 

connection with a fan named Yclvcrtoii. 

ti to till these grievances, his 

. ( lharles and Edwin 

Jefferds, all of whom were members of his 

and occupying the house No. 258 

in to abuse 

'y. He alleged that the 

roper females to the house 

at all hours of the day and eight, and that 

M - Walton associated with .a most de- 

■ 

i - i ] r marriage with 
him, kept what purported to l 
store, in a low neighborhood of the city, 
but what was alleged to have been a b 
of an i character. 

Mr. \ length, after months of 

lived upon a sepai 
jordingly rented a house iu Twenty- 



1800.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 






Third Street for Mrs. Walton and her boy 
Frank Russell. She lived there but a short 
time, however, preferring to board in the 
family of Dr. Slade, in Twenty-- 
Sire, -I, between Sixth and Seventh Ay 
Mr. Walton paying her board-b Us. Shortly 
after leaving the house in Twenty-Third 
Street, she upturned one evening on some 
pretext, and began smashing up the furni- 
ture. For this she was arrested, she then 
desired to be immediately conducted by the 
officer to the City Hotel, where she could 

ii interview witli Mr. Isaac V. Fowler, 
he being an old friend of hers and a fre- 
quent visitor before her last mat 
During the intimacy existing i 
and Mr. Fowler, at cue time one of her sons, 
Charles Jefferds, held a clerkship in the 
post-office. Mr. Walton now comm 

proceedings for a separation. This 
was particularly distasteful to Mrs. R 
and her two Bons, as her husband was 
wealthy, and in the event of his application 
proving successful they would Lose .ill claim 
ih. They accordingly thought to 
intimidate him, tiding all kinds of per- mal 
. ami frequently threatening his life. 
On one occasion, one of the boys showed 
him a pistol which he said had been 

5sly to shoot him with. At another 
lime, .Mr. Walton was suddenly taken sick, 
and always expressed the belief thai he had 
been poisoned, lie was afraid to walk the 

16 ai night, ami never da 
venture into the i of either i 

or her sons. He frequently remarked to his 
friends that he was Fully convinced that he 
I meet a violent death at their hands. 
About three months Bince he summoned a 

■ ami made his will, saying that he 

in fear of his life eery moment, and 

thought it absolutely necessary. After the 

document was drawn up, h I him- 

in his mind, and 

said that he then fell less dread of his wile 

and step-sons. 

Having given this statement of Mr. Wal- 

domestic re now subjoin the 

statement of the tragi ited to our 

reporter by the gentleman who was with him 
ai tie- time. 

i' or aiCH u::> ur.xr.Y PASCAJ.L. 
1 am a cousin of tic ; his mother 

and my mother were sisters; he and I 
roomed together over his store, Nos. 93 and 
$5 West Twenty-Fifth Street; 1 have been 
employed by Mr. Walton as an assistant in 

re ; he was one id' the firm of I. 
'Walton, distillers; their distillery is • 
in Eighteenth Street, near First Avenu 

a the habit of going from the store to 
the distillery every Thursday and Saturday 

evening, to take charge of the receipts for 

lays; the other partners did the same 
on other days of the week; since the de- 



' ceased separated from his wife he has con- 
tinually expressed a fear that his life • 
be taken by her or her sons ; for this r 
he requested me to come to the distillery 
every Thursday and Saturday evening 
the purpose of accompanying him I 

. and I always did so; on Saturday 
night last we left the distillery together .: 
twenty-five minutes past eleven o'clock, I 
walked up Eighteenth Street, on the 
side, till we got to Third Avenue; thi 
saw a man leaning against a tree, but 
no attention to him : we were the 

; get something to eat : we 

some five or six feet, when I heard a 

| pistobshot (dose to my ears, and insta 

saw Mr. Walton fall to the ; ; he did 

not say a word, but uttered a very low . 
I was partially stunned by the r< 

so close to my head, hut inst 
turned around, and saw the man who had 

Leaning against the tree run 
Eighteenth Street; he was dressed in Lig I 
es, and had on a straw hat : he con- 
tinued running, and crossed Third Ave- 
nue, going toward Irving Place; I imme- 
diately raised an alarm, and started in pur- 
suit of the man; several pet aed : :i 
the chase, and we followed him through 
Eighteenth Street to Irving Place; 

i n ahead of me leadin 
pursuit ; when at the corner of Irving I 
the murderer turned and fired at thi 

t to him, who instantly 

. ement ; when 1 came up to the I . 

man 1 stopped, as did several others ; i 

ic murderer continued hi- 
we lost all trace of him : the murdered 
whom I afterward ascertained to be John 
.Matthews, was conveyed to a drug-store at 
the corner of Sixteenth Street and Third 
Avenue; he died before reaching I 
ontinued in pur 

rer, bill 1 returned to where Mr. Wil- 
ton had fallen : I found that he had 
taken into the drug-Store at the corner if 
Eighteenth Street; lie was still alive, but. 
entirely unconscious ; 1 spoke to him-' ! 
times, hut got no reply, he not seeming to 
understand me: he was afterward con ; 

to Bellevue Hospital, hut did not live but a 

Mine; tin officer then came to me 
requested me to goto the Eighteenth 
Station-House, as a witness of the affai 
IT before the coroner; I complied, 
remained there over night ; Mr. Walton con- 
1 his wife a very bad woman, both is 
.Is and ten pei ; 3he had repeatedly 
threatened to take his life; at one time she 
told him that she had two sons who ' 
kill him, hut, if they failed, she had an 
one growing up; my own life has been 
threatened by Mrs. Walton and both : r 
boys, Edwin and Charles Jefferds, on ac- 
of the Lnteres I 1 took in Mr. Walton's 
! domestic affairs ; I have been in fear of my 



611 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



life, and dare not go out alone after dark : I 
expect my turn will come next ; Mr. Walton 
made a will between two and three months 
since, but neither his wife nor her boys 
knew any thing of it. 

Deatii of a Sailor. — This day, at sea, 
Thomas W. Clark fell from the topsail-yard 
of the ship Alboni, Capt. Andrew Barnaby, 
and was lost overboard, while on her voyage 
to New York. Young Clark was the son of 
Mr. Isaac Clark, of St. George's, Del. 

Painful Suicide. — In Philadelphia, Frede- 
rika Speilman, aged fifty-eight years, com- 
mitted suicide, on the morning of this day, 
at her residence, Twenty-Fourth Street, 
above South, by hanging herself to the rail- 
ing at the head of the stairway with a piece 
of clothes-line. She resided with her hus- 
band, and they are said to have lived hap- 
pily together. No cause could be assigned 
for the deed, which was committed soon 
after her husband breakfasted with her and 
retired. The coroner held an inquest on 
the body, and a verdict of "Suicide by 
hanging" was rendered. 

Missing Man Found. — The body of Mr. 
John Ilogan, formerly a much-respected 
citizen of Leeds, Greene county, N.Y., was 
found in the woods near Jefferson village, 
Ulster county, this day, far advanced in de- 
composition. In the pockets were found a 
quantity of money, pa] ins, and other ar- 
ticles. The cause of his death is unknown. 
He had been missing for some time. 

Laborer Drowned. — In Philadelphia, this 

day, the coroner held an inquest on the body 
of David Russell, who was drowned in the 
Schuylkill, near the Arsenal. Deceased, 
who was a laborer, was working near the 
Schuylkill, and went in to bathe with a 
fellow-workman. He got beyond his depth, 
and was carried out of reach by the current. 
A verdict of "Accidentally drowned" was 
1 endered. 

Drowning of a Young Lady. — In New 
York, this day, Miss Maney, sixteen years 
old, residing in West Thirteenth Street, left- 
home with an excursion-party on the steam- 
boat Only Son and a barge; and when about 
half a mile from the Bay House, situated on 
the east side of Newark Bay, she attempted 
to step from one boat to the other, and, fall- 
ing between the two, was drowned before as- 
sistance could be rendered. The boats at 
the time were aground. 

Burning-Fluid Accident. — In New York, 
this day, an inquest was held by Coroner < ram- 
ble upon the body of Catharine Peter, a child, 
residing at No. 2*10 West Thirty-Ninth Street, 
who died from the effects of injuries acci- 



dentally received by the upsetting of a 
lighted burning-fluid lamp upon her person. 

Death from Burns. — In New York, this 
day, Sarah Dunne, an Irish girl, eighteen 
years of age, died, at Bellevue Hospital, 
from burns received on the '2oth instant by 
the explosion of a fluid lainp. Coroner 
Gamble held an inquest upon the body. 

Accident. — In Philadelphia, this day, 
Wesley Yauhorn, aged thirteen years, was 
drowned in the dam at the Tacony Print- 
Works, Twenty-Third Ward. The body was 
recovered soon after, and an inquest held 
upon it, at the residence of the lad's pa- 
rents, Church Street, near Oxford. A ver- 
dict of "Accidentally drowned'' was ren- 
dered. 

Crushed to Death. — In New York, this 
day, George W. Knowlton, a boy about eight 
years of age, whose family reside at No. 183 
Fast Thirty-Sixth Street, while playing in a 
lumber-yard adjoining his father's house, 
was fatally injured by the falling upon him 
of a pile of timber which he was attempting 
to climb. His legs were terribly crushed, 
and, after lingering in great agony, he died. 

Pin Over by the Cars. — In New York, 
Eugene Kelly, a son of Hon. .lames Kelly, 
Receiver of Taxes, was run over by one of 
the cars of the Third Avenue line, this da}', 
and was so severely injured that he died 
shortly afterward. Deceased was thirteen 
years of age. 

The Mozart Hall Democratic General 
Committee, this day, recommend a joint 
electoral ticket for the State of New York, 
and, in case that course is not adopted, the 
support of the Douglas ticket. 

Death of a Miser. — Died, in Milford, 
Mass., this day, Mr. Gershom Twichell, 
after an illness of only two days. lie was 
the last member of a peculiar and, in some 
respects, a remarkable family. Though a 
man of considerable wealth, owning one of 
the finest and most valuable farms in Mil- 
ford, he persisted in living in a state of the 
most abject poverty. On the announcement, 
of his death, says a writer in the Boston 
"Journal," the overseers of the poor took 
immediate steps to secure his estate for his 
legitimate heirs. They found in his hovel a 
large amount of silver, deposited in a pine 
box, nicely adjusted in layers of dollars, 
halves, quarters, and smaller coins. They 
also found a bag in which there was a heavy 
amount of gold. The specie was taken to 
the Milford Bank for safe-keeping. Nearly 
the last words uttered by the expiring miser 
were to request a neighbor who stood by him 
to leave the room, for fear he would steal the 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



C15 



money. His wife abandoned him many years 
ago, and recently, for a stipulated sum, gave 
bonds that she -would make no claim upon 
any property he possessed. 

Fire in Bangor, Me. — This day, a fire oc- 
curred in that city, destroying the sail-loft of 
Pearson & Conner, with about $2000 worth 
of stock, also a dwelling, fwned by W. H. H. 
Pitcher, together with a double house, owned 
by Matthew Lincoln and W. G. ralmcr. Total 
loss by the fire, $12,000 to $15,000. 

Fires in Neat York. — Destruction of a 
Steam Planing and Saw Mill and Stores. 
— In New York, the evening of this day, at 
seven o'clock, a fire, of accidental origin, 
broke out in the steam planing and saw mill 
of George Tuguot and Jacob J. Van Pelt, No. 
286 Eighteenth Street, near Avenue A, and 
thence extended to the buildings on the ad- 
joining lot, No. 288, the front being occu- 
pied by Mr. Van Pelt as an office, carriage- 
house, stables, &c, and the rear by Thomas 
Burroughs, stair-case manufacturer. Owing 
to the large quantity of inflammable material 
about the premises, the flames spread with 
great rapidity, and in a little time the mill 
and adjoining buildings were entirely de- 
stroyed. 

The fire also communicated to several huge 
piles of lumber in the neighboring yards, 
but, through the exertions of the firemen, it 
was speedily extinguished. In addition to 
the damage by fire and water to the lumber, 
further loss was involved by the carelessness 
of the firemen with their hooks. The loss 
of Mr. Van Pelt, on buildings and stock of 
lumber, will not fall short of $13,000. In- 
sured for $4000 on buildings, and $2000 on 
stock, in the Citizens' and Wall-Street In- 
surance Companies. Loss of Mr. Tugnot, 
$10,000: insured for $8000 in city com- 
panies. Loss of Mr. Burroughs, 62-300: 
insured. 

It is supposed that the fire was caused by 
the friction of a journal near the planing- 
apparatus. Mr. Robert Sherwood, who had 
charge of the premises, had just paid oft' the 
hands, and was about leaving the mill when 
the fire was discovered. So rapid was the 
progress of the fire that he had not time to 
save his coat. 

In the same city, at night, about eight 
. o'clock, a fire broke out in the five-story 
brick building No. 49 Broadway, occupied 
on the first floor by C. Watson, dealer in 
hats and hatters' goods, on the second and 
third floors by Frank & Son, cap-manufac- 
turers, and fourth and fifth floors by Mr. 
Gorge, dealer in furs. The fire originated 
on the third floor, and thence extended 
rapidly to the upper stories, the main body 
of the fire being beyond the control of the 
firemen. After several hours of incessant 
labor, the firemen succeeded in mastering 



the flames, — not, however, until the three 
upper stories were destroyed. The : 
of the rear and side-walls demolished the 
second floor. The loss on stock of Mr- 
Watson, by water, will probably amount to 
about $10,000: he is fully insured. Loss 
of Frank & Son, $8000: insured. Loss of 
Mr. Gorge, $2500: insured. Julius Frank- 
enstein, paper-dealer, occupying a portion 
of the upper floor, sustained $500 loss. 
Loss on building, $6000. The stock of hat- 
ters' goods in No. 51, owned by Martin 
Bates, Jr., & Co., sustained considerable 
damage by water. The origin of the fire 
was unknown. 

In the same city, at half-past nine o'clock 
the same night, a fire occurred on the second 
floor of the building No. 67 Liberty Street, 
occupied by Charles R. Duxbury, commis- 
sion-merchant, and T. M. Titus & Co., deal- 
ers in Yankee notions ; but among whose 
stock it originated has not yet been decided. 
The stock of Titus & Co. was damaged by 
fire and water to the amount of $6000: in- 
sured. Bernard McMartin, glove-importer, 
occupied the front portion of the same floor 
and the upper floors. His loss was about 
$2000. The stock of liquors and. wines in 
the basement, occupied by Macy & Jenkins, 
was damaged to the amount of $500 by 
water : insured. The building, owned by J. 
Lewis, Jr., was damaged to the amount of 
$500. 

A Gallant Boy. — J. Tolman, a lad of 
thirteen years of age, and an elderly lady, 
Mrs. Sanders, while attempting to get from 
a dory into a. larger boat, on tins day, at 
Marston's Mills, Mass., were thrown into 
deep water. The brave boy caught the old 
lady's dress and kept her afloat for several 
minutes, until assistance arrived, and they 
were rescued from their dangerous situa- 
tion. 

DEPAr.TUTiE of the Japanese. — The after- 
noon of this day, the U.S. steam-frigate 
Niagara steamed out of New York Harbor 
with the Japanese Embassy. 

Female Heroism Rewarded. — This day, 
the merchants of Cincinnati, Ohio, presented 
to Miss Rachel Medkirk, a teacher in the 
public schools of that city, whose coolness 
and courage in securing and guarding the 
school-room door during the terrible tornado 
of the 1st inst. were the means of prevent- 
ing accident or injury to the children under 
her charge, a splendid gold hunting-watch 
and chain, worth $125, with a suitable in- 
scription. Miss Medkirk was also presented 
with the freedom of all the railroads con- 
necting at Cincinnati. 

Stricken from the Roll. — Judge Hamp- 
ton, of the District Court of Pittsburg, Pa., 



010 



VINCENT'S SEMI- A N N U A L 



[June, 



on this day morning caused the name of 
James; E. Brown to be stricken from the roll 
of attorneys practising in that court, because 
he had obtained his admission to practice as 
an attorney in that court by false and frau- 
dulent representations. 

Value of Real and Personal Estate in 
the City of New York. — This day, the 
Board of Supervisors of New York received 
the following report from the Tax Commis- 
sioners in relation to the relative value of 
real and personal estate in the city and 
county of New York, as assessed in 1859 
and I860:— 





1859. 


I860. 


Increase. 


Decrease. 


Wds. 


Real Est. 


Real Est. 


Real Est. 


Real Est. 


1 


.-' .; 102,202 


3 l !5.512 





476,750 


' 


. 22,011 .7 '.i 


•j\.: y ; I 





280 i 00 


3.... 


. 


26.9 - 


402.400 





1 4.... 


. 9.8S5,l 70 


9,905,770 







5.... 


. 16,022.700 


17,2i 


' 





• '..... 


. 11.810.750 


12,766.250 


! 





1 .... 


. 13,087,067 


13,018,799 





68,21 8 


8.... 


. 17,052,872 


18.296,972 


1.244.1(h) 





:-.... 


. 14,981,200 


15,512.100 







l".-.. 


. 8,547.500 


8.665,800 


118.300 





11.... 


. 8,775,700 


8,917,220 


14 L.520 





12.... 


. ] (,043.725 


11,857,184 







13.... 


7.000 


H 1 | 


1 13. 00 





1 ..... 


. 11,555,500 


12.424.71)0 


869.200 





15.... 


. 26.540,100 


28,3 







16.... 




17,7 


255,200 





17.... 


1 


17,45 


1 





is.... 


. 35.614.400 


37,52 







19.... 


. 12,621 894 


3 1,472 


4.208,578 





2 .... 


. 16,156,850 


10 ..,- 1 


423,700 





■\.... 


' 


29.710,650 







22.... 


.13,26 25 


14.77.". ill 


1,514.315 





Total 


- 


398,533,619 
1859. 


20,307,107 

1 


825,018 




Personal. 


' 




Resid 


■nt $158,339,730 103.575.875 


5.236,145 


Non-i 


ssident 14,031,402 
;il 172,971,192 ] 


15,121,162 


489,700 


Tot 


78,697,037 


5 : ;2o.s4:, 


Total 


real and 








per 


!onal $5 


22,022,722 


i 


! 








825 018 













Net increase 25,207,934 

KF.CA.riTcr.Anox. 

Total value of 1860 |577,230,656.97 

Total valuation of 1859 £,.">2."21.722.oo 



Increase over 1859 25,207,934.97 

Total valuation in county £577,230,656.97 

Total valuation in lamp district 561.494,926.97 

Total valuation south of Fifty-Seventh si .. 

Seducer Sentenced. — Herman Michels, 

recently convicted of seduction in the Crimi- 
nal Court of Pittsburg. Pa., was, on this 
day, sentenced to one year's imprisonment 
iu the penitentiary. 

A Tornado, this day, swept through 
Clark county, Ohio, unroofing ten or fifteen 
s, and destroying several. No lives 
were lost. 

Am American Sloop-of-War Threaten- 
ing to Bombard Messina. — This day, ac- 



cording to a correspondent of the New York 
". Herald," Lieut. Hunter threatened to bom- 
bard Messina. He says: — 

Touching that harbor-fortress at Messina, 
— a second San Juan de Ulloa, in all except 
a less height and perhaps not quite so 
guns. — there is an adventure of your madcap 
(late) Lieut. Hunter, — "Alvarado" Hunter, 
ili- was in commaiM of a sloop-of-war. an 1 
cruising at Messina. An American mer- 
chantman had seme difficulty about getting 
a clearance, the captain declaring he had 
paid all dues and submitted to every right- 
ful regulation; but Bomba's custom I 
demanded some $600 more fees under the 
name of harbor-dues, &c. The captain re- 
mort trated, the consul remonstrated, and 
finally Hunter was appealed to. He ex- 
amined the case, decided that it was right, 
and sent word to the authorities that if the 
ship was not cleared in two hours he would 
bombard the city. There were at least four 
hundred ponderous cannon grinning at him 
from the mole, — a force, of course, sufficient 
to have blown him out of the water; but 
they cleared the ship. No doubt he would 
have bombarded the place. 



EVENTS OCCURRING IN JUNE, THE 
EXACT DATE OF WHICH COULD 
NOT BE ASCERTAINED. 

Murdered for not Delivering a Letter. 
— In California, at the City of Six, in S 

y, C. C. Jenkins was killed by James 
Newman, because he would not deliver a 
!<■ from him to a certain female. The 
murderer fled, and officers are in pursuit. 

Murders in Texas. — Reward for the 
Murderers. — Mr. M. A. Delvach rind Chas. 
S. Henry were, while camping ottt at night, 
near Austin, Texas, murdered. The brothers 
of the deceased have offered $3000 for the 
detection of their murderers. Gov. Houston 
adds $1000, and the citizens of Houstonhave 
pledged $2-500, making $0500 in all. 

A Sox Kills his Father. — Mr. Jones, 
about fifty years of age, living two miles 
below Richland, Holmes county, Miss., was 
killed at his residence by his son. a young 
man about twenty-five years old. If appears 
that the father was greatly addicted to drink- 
Mid on a Tuesday, when either infu- 
riated or partly insane from the effects of 
liquor, he threatened violence to several 
members of his family. Seizing a shot-gun, 
he was in the act of shooting his son, when 
the latter, to preserve his own life, shot the 
father with a similar weapon, killing him 
instantly. 

Fatal Result of a Street-Fioiit. — On a 
Tuesday, Messrs. Robert C. Browne and 
Warren Andrews had a fight in the- streets 



18G0.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



CI 7 



of Charleston, S.C., with revolvers, in which 
both were wounded, but not seriously. An 
unlucky colored man, who was passing at 
the time, received a ball in his heart, and 
died instantly. 

Acquittal of Murder in California. — 
Philip Smith, charged with killing Tom Rice, 
at Michigan Liar, was acquitted. He was 
tried in Sacramento county. The jury failed 
to agree. He obtained a change of venue to 
Amador county, where his trial, on a Mon- 
day, resulted as above. 

California Sergeant-at-Arms Murdered. 
— In California, John McGlenchy, late Ser- 
geant-at-Arms of the Assembly, was killed 
in a quarrel over a game of cards in Ne- 
vada. 

A Man of Nerve. — A murderer named 
Johnson was hung at Dubuque, Iowa, who 
ran lightly up the steps mounting to the 
scaffold, removed his shirt-collar, adjusted 
the uoose to his own satisfaction, proclaimed 
his innocence, and died without a struggle. 

Freeman, the Wife-Poisoner. — At the 
Court of Oyer and Terminer held at Pough- 
kecpsie, N.Y., the case of Ishniael Freeman, 
the wife-poisoner, was taken up, but was 
postponed until the next term, the Legis- 
lature at its last session having passed a 
new law in relation to capital punishment, 
and at the same time having repealed many 
of the provisions of the old law. It was a 
question of doubt with the court whether it 
would have any power to sentence the 
prisoner in case he should be convicted, the 
only statute which prescribed the manner 
in which the sentence of death should be 
executed having been repealed. The de- 
cision of the Supreme Court, will be ob- 
tained before the next term, when the 
prisoner, if found guilty, will be sentenced 
according to that decision. 

Attempted Wife-Murder. — A man named 
Mosier, residing in Erie county, Pa., near 
the Crawford county line, made a brutal and 
determined attempt to butcher his wife. 
About, a year since he married a young 
woman in Bloomfield township, Crawford 
county: but, some difficulty arising between 
the parties, his wife left him and returned 
to her father's house. On a Thursday morn- 
ing he visited her and asked her to return 
home. She refused, whereupon he left the 
house, and, procuring an old meat-axe, 
returned to where his wife was sitting, and 
struck her repeatedly on the neck and head, 
inflicting wounds of a highly-dangerous if 
not fatal character. The brute was arrested 
soon afterward, and is now in jail. The 
woman, at last accounts, was very low; but 



hopes are entertained that she will recover 
of her injuries. 

Suicide for Love. — Kcsiah Camber, a 
girl of seventeen, living with her widowed 
mother in Cincinnati, Ohio, committed sui- 
cide by taking laudanum, because her mother 
had refused to permit her to go out for a 
walk with a young man who was paying his 
addresses to her. 

Suicide of an Insane Max. — A patriotic 
insane man, named Charles Berry, hanged 
himself in Dakota county, Minn., by tying 
an American Hag about his neck. 

Suicide from Poverty. — The Chicago 
"Journal" states that an ex-policeman of 
that city, named Albert Wagner, a native of 
Hungary, put an end to his existence by 
swallowing arsenic. Wagner, it appears, 
A\-as in very reduced circumstances and had 
a large family depending on his exertions, 
and, finding no employment, committed sui- 
cide as above stated. 

Attempted Suicide of a Wife. — An un- 
happy young married woman, in Hartford, 
took strychnine to kill herself. As she be- 
gan to straighten out, lobelia was freely 
administered, and through its influence her 
life was saved. 

Suicide from Slander. — The Wrath of 
Grief.— The death of Mrs. Ruth F. Frye, 
at Winnegance, Maine, by suicide, was no- 
ticed in the papers generally. It now ap- 
pears, by a communication signed by her 
father and carried by her husband to the 
"Daily Bath Times," that she became de- 
ranged under the pressure of calumny and 
falsehood. The afflicted father thus speaks 
of her wicked maligners: — 

Could they look into that pale, marble face, 
could they view the result of their own 
damnable work, without a shudder ? She 
now reigns with her Saviour in glory. But 
where arc they? Ah! let, them beware! 
There is a place in the realms of Pluto re- 
served for them by a just God, where shrieks 
and wailings arise on every side : where 
fiery furnaces roar and tremble, 3-awning 
open for the reception of their victims ; 
where the exultant yell of a thousand fiends 
echoes and re-echoes around the vast cavern ; 
where scaly serpents, with quivering tongues 
and fiery eyes, coil their slimy folds ; 
where the Furies, whose hair of snakes 
twists and wreathes around, sit, tearing the 
palpitating fibres of their victims with red- 
hot iron tongues, to whom the relief of death 
is never given. Let them beware of this ! 

Suicide of a Mother. — Singular Con- 
duct of her Sons. — Some Germans, taking 
breakfast in their house at Philadelphia. 



C18 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



had their attention attracted by a noise in 
the entry. Going thither, they found their 
mother hanging by the neck to the rail of 
the staircase, committing suicide. Instead 
of cutting her down at once, and thus surely 
saving her life, all the three set off at 
policeman. When they returned with one, 
of course the old lady was dead. 

Death or the American Consul and 

NEARLY ALL OF THE AMERICAN RESIDENTS OF 

Ac .11 lc i. — Advices fromAcapulco, Mexico, 
give information of the death of Major Mc- 
Micken, United States consul at Acapulco, 
ami nearly the whole of the American resi- 
. by yellow fever. Major McMicken 
was formerly of Pottsville, Pa. He sowed 
in the Mexican campaign, and was an active 
i if the battles. He was 

in good health when seen at his post last 
March : but the climate of Acapulco is very 
oppressive, far surpassing Panama in swel- 
tering heat, and consequently mx>re fatal to 
: a Northern clima I ',. 

Singular Death of a Child from Acci- 
dent. — A little girl, named ('lemon.-, re- 
siding near Greensburg, Pa., met her death 
in a singular manner. She had a saucer in 
her hand, when she tripped and fell, and a 
piece of the saucer severed the jugular vein. 
She bled to death in a few minutes. 

Killed by a Locust. — Charles Dyers, a 
tg in Wetzel county, Va.. while 
ing a locust in his hat. was stung in 
the head, and died from the effects. 

Killed by the Caving in of a Bank. — 

John Hughes, an Irishman, was killed near 
3, Scott Valley, Siskiyou county, 

aia, by the caving in of a hank which 
he was sluicing. 

Death of a Child from Hydrophobia. — 
An intelligent child of the Rev. .Mr. Plum- 
ley, at Metuchin, N.J., was bitten slightly 
by a dog, and died of hydrophobia, in 
dreadful agony, a few days after. 

Father Kills ins Child BY Accident. — 

en Gannon, while endeavoring to strike 

with a stone, in Broome county, N.Y., 

• chil 1. a boy four years old, causing 

his death an hour after. 

Stac.e-Accidexton the California Over- 
land Route. — Passenger Killed. — On the 
California Overland Route, the stage left 
Mountain Station with seven passengers be- 
sides the driver, and Mr. Stout, roadmaster 
in the employ of the Overland Company, 
who was acting as conductor. On leaving 
the station, the driver cracked his -whip, and 
I horses immediately started on a run ; and 
when they arrived at the brow of the moun- 



tain the brakes were applied, but were 
found to be useless. In his effort's to stop 
the horses, the driver drove from the main 
road, and they came in collision with a tree, 
literally smashing the coach in pieces, kill- 
ing one man by the name of Mackey, a 
drover, from Cassville, Mo., onhis way from 
California, and injuring every other person 
in the stage to a greater or less extent. Mr. 
Stout was severely cut on the face, his nose 
completely flattened. He also com- 
plained of internal injuries. Several of the 
injured remained tor rest until the next stage. 

New Yorker Drowned in the Ohio 
River. — Edward L. Brooks, a young man 
hailing from Connecticut, was drowned in 
the Ohio River, near Steubenville, on a 
Saturday, lie was travelling from Wells- 
bt rg, no the steamboat Convoy, and when 
within three miles of Steubenville fell over- 
board and was drowned. The deceased was 
connected with a hardware-store in New 
York, and is said to have been an estimable 
young man. 

Killed by Blasting Rocks. — Lafayette 
Croil and his two sons were killed, on a 
Saturday, by a premature explosion, while 
blasting rocks, in Knox county, .Missouri. 

Deceased. — Captain John Vandegrift had 
a paralytic attack while passing from Dun- 
lap's Hotel, in Delaware City, Del., to the 
house of Samuel Ford, on a Thursday night, 
and lay "ii the street until the next morning, 
v hcu he was discovered and the best medical 
attention given him. He expired on Friday 
evening. He was about fifty years of age. 

Deaths in Philadelphia. — There were 
5414 deaths in Philadelphia from January 
1 to July 1, 1SC0. Of this number 2925 
were children. 

Death ok Mrs. Margaret Kennedy. — ■ 
Mrs. Margaret Kennedy, one of the " pio- 
Vlonroe county, N.Y., died 
in V. isl Webster, aged ninety-seven. Mrs. 
K. came there in the year 1805, when Ro- 
chester and the surrounding country was a 
wilderness. Her husband, Mr. Robert Ken- 
nedy, refused to purchase a farm where 
Rochester is now located, because he con- 
! the land poor. 

Death of Mrs. Frances Erovillettf. — 
1 'I'd at Vincennes, Mrs. Frances BrouiUette, 
nee Cornoyer, who was born at that place 
November 15, 177o, nearly four years before 
its capture from the British by Gen. G. 
Rogers Clark. Her father, Pierre Cornoyer, 
was a merchant and Indian-trader, and. in 
order to exchange his furs and peltries for 
merchandise, frequently made long and 
hazardous journeys to Detroit. His de- 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



61 



sci i lants have proof of his devotion to the 
American cause, in numerous receipts signed 
by General Clark, for corn, beef, &c. fur- 

I him, and for which they have to this 
day received no pay from the Government. 
At the early age of fifteen years the deceased 
was married to Judge Vanderburgh, who 
had served as lieutenant and captain through- 
out the whole of the Revolutionary War; 
his willow she was in receipt of a 
pension from the United States Government 
for the last twenty years of her life. She 
was the mother of eleven children, three of 
-u om only survive her. She died on the 

square of lots on which she was born. 

Death of Miss L. L. K. Spaulding and 
Mr.. McMokine. — A letter from the Rev. 
Jacob Rambo, of the Cape Palmos (Africa) 
Protestant Episcopal Mission, announces the 
dea:li of Miss L. L. K. Spaulding, a member 
of that mission; also of Mr. McMorine, 
another of the missionaries, near Bassa 
Cove. The climate is deleterious at best to 
the white man, and doubly so to delicate 
in this country, many of whom 
have already sacrificed their lives after but 
a short } exdod of service in the land to which 
I one for the purpose of aiding the 

Spread of civilization and Christianity. 

Death of John Meader. — John Header, 
a venerable and highly-esteemed minister of 
the society of Friends, died at Providence, 
in the sixty-fourth year of his age. Friend 
Meailer was a native of Sandwich, N.H., 
where he spent the early portiou of his life. 
He afterward resided for a season in Maine, 
and for the last quarter of a century has 
been one of the most honored and respected 
citizens of Providence, R.I. His death re- 
moves another of the upright Quakers of the 
olden time, whose firm devotion to the prin- 
ciples of George Fox affords landmarks to 
determine the position the society once oc- 
cupied in contrast with the conforming ten- 
dency s prevalent at the present day. 

Sudden Death of the Oldest Resident 
or Poughkeepsie, N.Y. — Mr. Elias Whitney, 
the oldest resident of Poughkeepsie, Dutch- 
es- county, N.Y., died very suddenly, at his 
residence in that city. He was in his 
ninety-first year, had been married seventy 
year-, and had lived nearly forty years in 
Poughkeepsie. Mr. Whitney has hail ten 
children, forty-seven grandchildren, eighty- 
seven great-grandchildren, and six great- 
great-grandchildren, lie was one of the 
most respected citizens of Poughkeepsie, and 
was honore I. by all who knew him, for his 
honesty, justice, and truth. 

A Philosopher Studying the Phenomena 
or his own Death. — A Tennessee paper says, 
" M. Ritzius, whose decease we mentioned 



a fortnight since, continued to make sc 
entitic observations upon his own case a 
most to the moment that his heart 
beat. His last words were, 'The strugg 
of death is hard; but it is of the highe: 
interest to note this wrestle between lite an 
death. Now the legs are dead. Now tl 
muscles of the bowels cease their function 
The last struggle must be heavy; but, i\ 
all that, it is highly interesting.' " 

Death of Lewis Palmer. — Lewis Palme 
an architect of talent, died in Lewisburi 
Pa. He built the court-house and collej. 
edifice at Lewisburg. 

Bitten by a Rattlesnake. — A son c 
T. Hanna, living near Mercer, was )>im 
by a rattlesnake. Whiskey was immediate! 
and liberally administered, indigo was aj 
plied to the wounded hand, and the ar 
tightly bandaged. A physician came i 
rattling haste and gave alkali of ammoni 
This treatment had the desired effect, ai: 
the child is slowly recovering. 

Little Girl Saved from Death by 
Si io.m'ai, Operation. — A little girl of M 
L. Thompson, of Kiantonc, Chautauqi 
county, N.Y., five years old, swallowed 
gravel-stone of the size of a large bean, 
lodged in one of the branches of the broi 
chial trunk. After a few days of irritatk 
there, it would be thrown or coughed r 
into the larynx and strangle her till si 
became black in the face ; then, as the te: 
sion of the muscles relaxed, it would fa 
back to the former place. She was tak< 
to Buffalo, ami Dr. White made an incish 
in the windpipe and removed the obstacl 
The child was put under the influence < 
chloroform and laid on a table. A cut wi 
made below the larynx, near the breas 
bone, and the blood sponged dry. As tl 
air entered the hole, violent coughing e 
sued, which threw up the stone. She w: 
turned on her face, an instrument was i 
troduced into the passage and the stot 
taken out. It was a joyful release fro 
impending death. 

A Man Shot, while Helping his Swee 

HEART THROUGH A AVlNDOW, IN MISTAKE F< 

a Burglar. — The following affair occurn 
in Sarina, Michigan. A maid-servant, wl 
was in the employ of Charles P. Simpso 
Esq., wished to proceed to that gentlemai: 
house, from the residence of Mr. J. W. Eat 
where she had been acting as nurse to 
sick person. She was afraid to go hor 
alone, as it was late in the evening, at 
she was fearful of a half-crazy fellow, nam 
Johnson, who had been pestering many 
the girls with his familiar attentions. B 
about this time there happened to coi 
along our heroine's beau, who gallant 



20 



•VINCENT'S S E M I - A N N U A L 



[JuNB, 



ffered his services as an escort, which "were 
s promptly accepted as proffered. The 
veiling being pleasant, and the path a 
harming one, our couple — as lovers are apt 
) do — dallied by the way, doubtless saying 
lany sweet things which the lateness of the 
our and the calmness of the night combined 
sused to well up from their hearts. 

Arriving at the house at last, they knocked 
t the several doors ; but, receiving no an- 
>\-<»r. the girl suggested that she should get 
ito the house by means of a window. The 
indow was raised by Clark, and he was 
listing the girl through the opening, when 
le proceedings at this stage were brought 
> a summary conclusion by a shot fired 
•om the interior, the ball striking Clark on 
le left breast, glancing along one of the 
bs, and lodging in the muscles of the an- 
irior portion of the shoulder. Clark im- 
ediately cried out that he was shot, — that 
is arm was broken. People from the 
eighborhood immediately collected, and. 
fter a short time, the circumstances which 
id to the unfortunate occurrence were ex- 
lained. 

It appeared that Mr. Simpson and his 
.dy had not expected the girl that evening, 
nd had retired early. They had been 
deep for some time, — how long they then 
id not know, — when Mr. S. heard - 
oise, as of the window falling. The bed- 
)om in which they slept was to the east of 
le room into which the girl was attempt- 
ig to get: and he at once got up. partially 
pened the door leading to the other rooi l, 
ad. being convinced that burglars were 
:tempting to enter the house, or actually had 
itered, — for it was so dark that he could 
:e nothing, — he fired a random shot from 

revolver which he had seized, and with 
le effect already stated. 

The affair caused a good deal of excite- 
ient, though the wound is not fatal. 

Release of an American from Prison in 
^ong-Kong. — Some three years since, an 
meriean, Mr. Ely Boggs, was convicted in 
hina of piracy, or rather — as direct mur- 
er was not proved — of consorting with 
irates, and for the crime was sentenced 
) imprisonment for life. After being in 
rison for upward of two years, he has, 
irougli the intercession of Mr. Ward, Gen. 
ieenan, United States Consul, Mr. Gray, 
ritish Consular Chaplain at Canton, I. Scott, 
sq., Governor of the jail, and many other 
rominent residents of Hong-Kong, been 
ardoned by Sir H. Robinson, the Governor 
f the Colony. He is now on his way to this 
ountry, and expects to be here in December. 

The trial and conviction of Mr. Boggs 
reated, at the time, considerable interest, 
ot only from the fact that he was an Anie- 
ican, but on account of his extreme youth, 
-he not being at the time nineteen years 



of age. His conduct- while in prison has 
been such as to meet the approval and com- 
mendation of all who came in contact with 
him, and finally to secure his pardon and 
restoration to the world. 

Speaking of this case, the New York 
" Courier" says :— 

We have seen some letters from him to 
his brother, and a friend, in this city, which 
at least indicate that the writer does not re- 
tain at present the characteristics which wo 
would look for in a person convicted of the 
crime for which during the past four years 
he has occupied a felon's cell. He states in 
one his satisfaction at being assured that 
his family and friends are still unwilling to 
condemn him unheard, and promises, when 
he meets them, in rehearsing his story, to 
communicate many extenuating cireurn- 
Btances. It is sincerely to be hoped that 
this may be so, — that, whatever may have 
been his faults, they m ribed more 

to his waywardness of youth than to any 
natural depravity of character, and 
future of honor to himself, his friends, and 
the community is yet in store for him. 

Elopement for an Affinity, and Suicide. 
— Daniel Turnbull, who lives near Three 
Rivers. Michigan, embraced the doctrine of 

Spiritualism, left his family, and went to 
Mishawaka, Indiana, to seek his "affinity," 
as he was directed by the spirits; but her he 
never found. So a few days since he took 
laudanum and died. 

Elopement of a Louisville Belle with 
HEB Music-Teacher. — A beautiful and ac- 
complished young lady, one of the reigning 
belles of Louisville. Ky., a member there of 
the beau monde, and the only daughter and 
heiress of a druggist worth at least half a 
million, eloped with her music-teacher, a 
middle-aged German, and. alter going 
through the necessary formula of the hy- 
meneal connection, at Cincinnati, departed 
en route for Europe. The parents of the 
romantic bride are, of course, much morti- 
fied and grieved at the match. 

Supposed Elopement of a Married Gen- 
tleman in Auburn, N.Y., with a Beautiful 
Widow. — The Auburn "Advertiser" says : — 

A report is in circulation in private cir- 
cles respecting the elopement of a gentle- 
man hitherto highly respected in this city, 
and recently engaged in a lucrative and re- 
spectable business. The gentleman left 
with the intention, as he informed his wife 
and friends, of going to New York. Re- 
peated inquiries have been made in New 
York, but nothing has been heard from him 
since his departure. A widow lady of con- 
siderable beauty and attractions, with whom 
he was on intimate terms, disappeared at 
the same time, and has yet to be heard 



j ; - • '•] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



021 



from. It is suspected that the pair have 
eloped to pans unknown. The friends of 
the parties await further developments in 
suspense. The gentleman leaves an inte- 
resting and amiable wife in this city. 

Elopement of the Wife of a Sick Hus- 
band. — Brutal Treatment of the Hus- 
band by the Paramour. — In Corinth, Miss., 
a man was taken ill. As he could not at- 
tend to his business, he employed a neighbor 
to take charge of it. This the latter faith- 
fully did for seven days. Then, finding 
that the invalid was not progressing toward 
good health, and that he was really weak, 
he attempted to make him sign some paper, 
the contents of which were not unfolded 
to the sick man, but which probably was 
intended to be of benefit to the assistant. 
The invalid was not so feeble as to sign in 
the dark, and he therefore refused to give 
his name. Thereupon the neighbor, care- 
fully putting all witnesses out of the room, 
beat the miserable man severely, and then 
ran off with his wife and six of his negroes, 
being the entire family and stock of the un- 
; nate victim. Failing to overtake the 

fugitives, the villagers seized the son of the 
runaway man and whipped him for the sins 
of the father. 

Seduction and Lynching. — S. W. Parks, 
of Oscaloosa, Iowa, seduced Miss Elizabeth 
Campbell, and on being arrested the justice 
discharged him, because, he said, the crime 
was barred by the statute of limitations. 
Parks was then lynched by the populace. 

A Missing Wife. — The young and beauti- 
ful wife of a citizen of Lockport, N.Y., who 
had been visiting relatives in Illinois during 
the past winter, while on her way home was 
met at the railroad-depot by a man, who 
tendered his services and promised to escort 
her to Lockport, pretending that his desti- 
nation was New York. It has since come to 
light that he was a notorious Western gam- 
bler and speculator in New Orleans ; and 
there is every probability that the woman 
has been enticed away to some Southern 
city. 

Ladt Outraged and Robbed. — A Mrs. 
Swan, formerly of Hartford, was outraged 
ami robbed by a man in disguise, while on 
a visit in Huntsville, Texas. He made an 
attempt to stab her, but the dagger struck 
the steel basque of her corsets, and her life 
was saved. 

Divorce Caused by Drunkenness. — A 
divorce-case is on trial at Dubuque, — Susan 
Helen Allen vs. William Allen, — on the 
grounds of habitual drunkenness. The par- 
tie< are young, and from the better class of 
society. TLey ran away from Boston to be 



married in 1857. She is a teacher in the 
public schools at Dubuque: he has done 
nothing but drink. The defence set up is 
thai he was a drunkard when she ' married 
him, and she knew it. 

Lame Leading the Blind. — Miss Mary 
Foster, a blind girl, of Bennett's Corner, 
Madison county, New York, eloped with Mr. 
Perkins, a cripple. 

Singular Marriage, and Separation in 
Nine Days. — The Indianapolis (Indiana) 
"Sentinel'' says: — 

A little incident or accident in fashionable 
life has leaked out in the last few days, 
that has caused no little stir in a certain 
circle. A young, pretty, and merry girl, a 
year or so ago, when just budding into wo- 
manhood, captivated with her cherry lips 
and winsome ways a young gentleman of 
reputed wealth and great respectability. 
The parties both stood A No. 1 on the 
register of our Hoosier almanacs, and theii 
flirtation, or courtship, as it was termed, ac- 
cording to the eyes through which it was 
viewed, was one of the standing topics in 
their circle. It was a courtship honest and 
sincere on one side, and a flirtation on tlu 
other. The young lady delighted iu the 
attentions of her darling admirer, and in: 
moonlight walk was too long, no t§te-&-tet< 
was too close ; but love him she coulc 
not. He drooped and pined, while the rose! 
blushed on her cheeks, and her voice rang 
out the same clear, merry laugh that hac 
distinguished it before she got a beau. Sht 
frequently told him she could not love hin: 
and would not be his, but that his society 
was agreeable to her. How often he was 
rejected rumor says not ; but one evening 
just before the water was let out of th< 
canal, she gave another positive refusal, anc 
he left the house, vowing that he would not 
live. He was watched, — followed to tin 
canal, when he plunged from the bank, in o 
place, unfortunately, where the water was 
two feet deep and the slime in the botton 
four. He was drawn out a "damp, uncom- 
fortable body," and a dirty one too. Tin 
young lady cried, as she would a year be 
fore had her doll been broken, — was sorrj 
that Augustus had spoiled his coat, it fittec 
him so nicely, and she was sure Captaii 
Prosser could not cut another like it. 

At this stage of the affair, the father oi 
the lady, a prudent business-man, inter 
fered. The suitor of his daughter was rich 
— a quality he liked. He needed money ii 
his business, and must have it. To be brief 
it was arranged that Augustus should marr; 
his adored Eveline, or rather Eveline shouh 
marry him, and for the possession of tin 
treasure he was to put four thousand dollar 
to the old man's business-house. A draf 
was given for two thousand dollars, the firs 



622 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Junk, 



instalment of the purchase -money, the 
knot was tied, and the happy couple started 
on a marriage-tour. They were gone just 
nine days, — nine days, the groom says, of 
unalloyed pleasure. As soon as they arrived 
at home, the old man demanded a draft for 
the balance of the money ; but, secure, as 
he thought-, in the love of his charming 
young wife, he peremptorily refused. That 
night the wife returned to the home of her 
father, and there remains, refusing to see 
her lord of nine days. Another compromise 
was effected. Augustus was paid eight 
hundred dollars, and the graceless s 
having had the romance of his love worn 
off, boasts that one hundred and thirty- 
three dollars and thirty-three and one-third 
cents per night is cheap enough for sleep- 
ing with a pretty woman. And thus the 
case stands now. 

White Wives among the Indians. — 

The Chatfield (Minn.) "Democrat" says 
that two white woman are living at the 
Agencies, near that place, with Indian hus- 
bands. One of them, Mrs. Renville, came 
from Illinois about eighteen months ago, 
and. a Tier a vigorous courtship, won the 
consent other dusky m ite, and married him 
that she might elevate the race. She is now 
ag the Indian girls to bake and sew. 
and to do household labor generally, and 
her husband is said to be quite proud of 
her. The other, Mrs. Oberday, became 
enamored of one of the braves, at Washing- 
ton, whei - e he had gone with others of his 
tribe to complete a treaty, and she followed 
him to his home on the prairie. 

Knocking Down a Lady. — A father in or 
near Vinton, Iowa, wished to send his child, 
three years old, to school. The teacher, a 
young lady, would not receive it, consider- 
ing the immaturity of its powers an obstacle 
to its progress in even the rudiments of an 
English education. The father declared the 
child should go, and sent a young man to 
compel the teacher to take it into her fold. 
Finding that she was fixed in her decision, 
the young man knocked her down, and then, 
with two companions, broke in pieces the 
furniture of the school-room, and threw the 
books from the windows. He was arrested, 
but at once turned State's evidence against 
his accomplices: their trial consumed an 
entire night, and in the morning they were 
acquitted. The local paper which furnishes 
these facts very truly says that --the oc- 
currence partook of a rowdyish character." 

An Octoroon in Cleveland. — The "Cleve- 
land Plaindealer" says a Mississippi planter 
has purchased, for seven thousand dollars, 
an elegant brick mansion in that city, as a 
residence for his daughter, an octoroon just 
sixteen years old. She was expected there 



shortly, accompanied by her governess and 
one or two free servants. A daughter of i he 
Rev. J. C. White has been employed as a 
general instructor of the young lady. Though 
born a slave, the octoroon is now free, and 
the planter will spare no pains or expense 
to give her a thorough education. Her in- 
come while she resides here is to be three 
thousand dollars a year. The preparations 
for her advent are said to have created con- 
siderable excitement in the immediate neigh- 
borhood of the house she is to occupy. 

Robbery of Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Ex- 
press. — Politeness of the Robbers. — 
The "San Francisco Herald"' gives the sub- 
joined account of the robbery committed, by 
four highwaymen, on Wells, Fargo & Co.'s 
Express, near Chico, in Butte county, Cal. 
The sum obtained was fifteen thousand d il- 
lars. The robbers executed the business in 
the genteelest manner possible with the 
nature of the transaction: — 

The outrage was committed at about nine 
o'clock in the evening. The night was dark, 
and as the stage was emerging from a wood 
and about to descend into a creek, the bed 
of winch was dry, some person ahead of the 
coach called on the driver, in a loud voice, 
to stop. The driver supposed that a team 
or some other obstruction was in the way, 
and suddenly reined in his horses. On look- 
ing round, somewhat to his asti aishment, 
he discovered two men with double-barrelled 
guns levelled at the passengers on the box- 
seat, and another with a similar weapon 
covering the four or five persons inside. 

The captain of the gang, with a cocl 1 
revolver in his hand, stepped up to the driver 
and informed him, in a cool and clear voice, 
that he must have the money in the treasure- 
box, and then, turning to Mr. Bowen, the 
express-messenger, said, "Charley, it will 
be of no use .to resist. Nobody shall be 
harmed if you don't make any fuss. And, 
in the mean time," pursued the highway- 
man, "gentlemen will be kind enough to 
hold up their hands." It is not necessary 
for us to say that the passengers obej i L, 
the driver dropped the reins, and each man's 
lingers pointed instantly to heaven. '-Now, 
then, Charley," said the robber, " I must 
have your pistol, to prevent accidents ;" and 
he proceeded to disarm the expressman, 
notwithstanding the outraged man's remon- 
strances. 

As the robber took the pistol, with a naive 
affectation of surprise and an ominous shake 
of the head, he said, "Why, Charley, the 
pistol is actually cocked. Don't be foolish, 
Charley." Thereupon Charley immediately 
subsided, with the remark that it was very 
hard that he should be treated in such a 
manner. "Not at all, Charley," answered 
the robber: "I am not robbing you: you 
cannot help youseif; but your company 



I860] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



623 



advertise that they have a capital-stock of 
$500,000, and $15,000 to divide among the 
boys would not be missed, Charley, you 
know." By way of mollifying Charley's 
feelings, the highwayman politely assured 
him, upon his honor "as a gentleman,"' that 
he was not a murderer, and did not desire to 
take a dollar from any person then present. 

At this time, Mr. MeDuffie suggested that 
there existed no absolute necessity for the 
strange gentleman's friends on the road to 
persist in holding their guns in so very 
direct a line with his head, as he had known 
men under such circumstances suffer from 
nervous excitement ; and, although lie could 
not doubt their peaceful assurances, or the 
honesty of their intentions, if the triggers 
chanced to be very finely set, an explosion 
might take place unconsciously. Thereupon 
the robber bowed politely, and expressed 
his desire to make the interview as pleasant 
a one as possible, and directed his men to 
elevate their fowling-pieces, but still to keep 
the enemy "well covered." After this he 
unhitched the horses, fastened them se- 
curely to a fence near 'by, declining, in 
affectionate language, the assistance of the 
driver, and drew from the stage the box of 
treasure. 

He was about to split open the box with 
an axe, when he remarked to "Charley" 
that it would be a pity to spoil the furniture, 
and asked for the key. Observing some 
hesitation and grumbling on the part of the 
messenger, he brought forward a bundle of 
cord, and expressed the opinion that it 
would be necessary for him to tie " Charley," 
as he was talking a great deal too much. 
" What would you give to know me, (his face 
was masked,) Charley?" he asked. "Two 
and a half," was the sullen reply. "Ah, 
your liberality will be the death of you," 
replied the highwayman, who then very 
coolly opened the treasure-box, filled the 
pockets of his comrades with the contents, 
placed "Charley's" pistol in the bed of the 
coach, fastened the horses again to the 
stage, expressed the delight lie experienced 
in meeting with gentlemen who were so un- 
exceptionable in their deportment, and bade 
a graceful adieu. The robbers then left for 
the woods. During the whole proceedings 
not an oath was heard, and the captain of 
the gang did his utmost, says our informant, 
to soothe the affright of the passengers. 

Noble Benefactions. — John Rose, of 
New York, died, leaving by will $300,000, 
to purchase a farm, on which to place such 
destitute children of New York as might be 
placed under the guardianship of the Rose 
Benevolent Association. One of the con- 
ditions of the bequest was that a like sum 
should be raised by others. Charles Cook, 
of Havana, Schuyler county, N.Y., offers to 
contribute the other $300,000, provided the 



farm and institution shall be located at that 
place. 

A Liberal Bequest. — Dr. Ferdinand S. 
Wilsey, of South Bergen, N.J., recently 
died, and left a property in Chicago, 111., 
valued at $25, 000, to the American Sweden- 
borg Publishing and Printing Society of 
New York, as a perpetual fund ; the interest 
to be devoted to the printing and gratuitous 
distribution of the theological writings of 
Emanuel Swedenborg. 

Will of Theodoee Pabicek. — The will of 
the late Theodore Parker was presented for 
probate in Boston. The instrument is dated 
May 25, 18-">7, and it names for executors 
John It. Mauley and Frederick W. O. May, 
of Boston, and Franklin B. Sanborn, of 
Concord. By the will, he gives to the Com- 
monwealth of Massachusetts "the two fire- 
arms formerly the property of my honored 
grandfather, Captain John Parker, late of 
Lexington, to wit: the large musket, or 
king's arm, which was by him captured 
from the British on the morning of the l'Jth 
of April, 1775. in the battle of Lexington, 
and which is the first fire-arm taken from 
the enemy in the War for Independence ; 
and also the smaller musket which was used 
by him in that battle, while lighting in 'the 
sacred cause of God and his country :' and I 
desire that these relics of Uie Revolution 
may be placed in the Senate-Chamber of this 
Commonwealth, and there kept in perpetuam 
rt i mi moriam." To his "much-valued friend, 
Wendell Phillips," he gives his "folio copy 
of the English State Trials, in eleven v o ' 
with many portraits interleaved." To his 
"much-valued friend. Charles Sumner," lie 
gives his "copy of the Parliamentary His- 
tory of England, in thirty-six volumes." 
To other friends he makes bequests of par- 
ticular works from his library, as mementos 
and of special significance, and then the 
remainder of his very extensive and valu- 
able collection he gives to the city of Boston, 
"to be put into the Public Library of the 
city, for the use and benefit of such as have 
access thereto, and be read on such terms 
as the directors of the said library shall 
think just; and I desire that, so far as con- 
sistent with public utility, the sai 
kept in alcoves, or on shelves by themselves; 
and I desire that the said books shall in no 
case be sold, or given aw r ay, or exchanged 
for other books." In case the city declines 
to accept them, then they are to be offered 
to the library of Harvard College ; and Mrs. 
Parker's consent is necessary to any disposal 
of them in any event, and she may entirely 
change their direction if she choose. All 
the remainder of his property is left entirely 
to his wife. 

A Jubc; Tried fob Robbing the Tbea- 



624 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



suet. — Judge Watson, of Howard comity, 
Mo., was .sentenced to the penitentiary for 
three years, for robbing the treasury of the 
county of five thousand dollars. He took 
an appeal to the Supreme Court, gave bonds 
in eight thousand dollars, and then left the 
State. He is said to be possessed of pro- 
perty to the amount of fifty thousand dol- 
lars. 

Held to Bail on the Charge of Stealing 
Three Thousand Dollars. — In Memphis, 
Teun., John Hollingsworth was arrested on 
a charge of stealing three thousand dollars 
from a .Mrs. Buckner, of Natchez, Miss., in 
January last. The accused was taken before 
Esquire Hill for examination, when it ap- 
peared in evidence that Mrs. Buckner had 
obtained the above sum from one of the 
Natchez banks, and had taken her seat in 
a carriage with the design of reaching a 
steamer on the levee, when a young man 
came to her, remarking that there was a 
slight mistake in the amount, and requesting 1 
ssion of it for a moment. Supposing 
him to be a clerk in the bank, Mrs. Buckner 
cm;, plied with the request, and from that 
moment to the present has seen neither the 
young man nor her money. It is said that 
Hollingsworth made admissions to several 
parties afterward which induced the belief 
that he knew something of the affair; and, 
information reaching Captain Garrett, he 
1 the young man's arrest. Judge Hill, 
after a patient hearing of the evidence in 
the case, remanded the accused to jail in 
default of one thousand dollars' bail, to 
await the action of the Natchez authorities, 
who have been advised of the arrest. 

Acquittal of Miss Abby A. Goddard, 
the Confidence-Woman. — A Boston paper 

says: — 

Miss Al by A. Goddard, who figured so 
extensively in sundry operations in Boston, 
Boxbury, and Troy, 1ms Been acquitted of 
crimes that the law designates as "false 
r ces, and the public call " confidence- 

games." Miss Goddard is undoubtedly a 
holy of great talent. She has written a 
number of books, and lias usually contrived 
to get up a sensation wherever her lot has 
been cast. In Boston, last summer, the 
newspapers seemed to keep one reporter 
especially detailed to watch Miss Goddard: 
and she certainly appears to have exercised 
a power of mental fascination in obtaining 
money from even the most careful, prudent, 
close men, that has seldom been equalled. 
Among others, an elderly man, named 
Robert G. Fox, residing in Troy, charged 
her with obtaining from him several hundred 
dollars in the year 1857, by representing 
that she had sums deposited in various 
banks, and individuals owed her different 
amounts, all of which was untrue. She was 



indicted some time ago, and taken on to 
Troy from Boston on a requisition. Tuesday 
morning, Miss Goddard was tried, and, the in- 
dictment proving to have been very poorly 
drawn up, she was honorably acquitted. 
Mr. Fox, the complainant, made rather a 
poor figure on the stand. It seemed he 
placed the utmost reliance in every state- 
ment of Miss Goddard, and even gave her 
blank checks to fill up as she chose. An- 
other charge, of forgery, was not pressed; 
and Miss Goddard is now tasting the sweets 
of liberty. She is a plain-looking, middle- 
aged woman, wears " specs," and is exceed- 
ingly strong-minded. She took notes during 
the trial, and at its close, about noon, im- 
pressed upon the reporters of the local 
papers to be particular in stating that she 
was "honorably acquitted." 

Auburn (N.Y.) Prison-Earnings. — The 
following are the figures for the month of 
June: — 

Contract earnings, $7400; miscellaneous 
earnings. $364.62; total, $7830.62; total 
expenditures for ordinary support. $5698.58; 
earnings over expenditures, $2132.04. 

Sentence of a "Wealthy Man for Steal- 
ing. — In Washington county, Va., William 
"Woodson, who is worth $100,000, was con- 
victed of hog-stealing, and sentenced to one 
year in the penitentiary. 

Marine Losses for June. — -There were 
but 10 American vessels reported as lost or 
missing in June. They comprise 1 steamer, 
(U.S.,) 2 ships, 1 bark, 1 brig, and 5 schoon- 
ers. Of these, 4 were wrecked, 1 sunk by 
collision, 1 foundered, 2 abandoned, 1 cap- 
sized, and 1 missing. The value of the ves- 
sels is estimated at $225,000, exclusive of 
cargoes. The following is a comparative 
statement, of the losses reported during the 
last six months. 



» 2 a w 
E "3* 3* w" 



2 m r "3 



January 8 5 6 11 30 ,- 

February 1 5 6 8 17 1 3^ 

March 3 7 12 5 14 1 4-! 720,000 

April 3 6 4 16 29 475,000 

May 7 4 1 15 1 28 525.000 

June 12 115 10 235,000 

Total 5 32 34 25 7S 3 177 $2,958,000 

Plunder of the Wrecked American 
Ship Intrepid by Malays. — Advices from 
Singapore say that the Shandon returned to 
that port, from the wreck of the American 
ship Intrepid, in Casper Straits, having 
succeeded in saving cargo to the value of 
about lour thousand dollars, — all that her 
small stowage-capacity would allow her to 
carry. When the Shandon arrived at the 
wreck, it was surrounded by some hundreds 



JO.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



625 



of Malay prahas, the crews of -which -were 
plundering the cargo. Soon after the Shan- 
don's arrival, two Dutch gun-boats came 
from Billiton and kept the Malays in order, 
but not before they had carried off a great 
quantity of the goods. They at first carried 
their plunder to Billiton ; but, as it was taken 
possession of by the Dutch authorities, they 
betook themselves to other places with what 
they succeeded in subsequently obtaining. 
The Shandon saved a number of porcelain 
vases and other objects ; but it was found 
that what remained of the silk and crape 
goods was completely damaged. There was 
a large quantity of Chinese fireworks on 
board, and the gunpowder from these had 
mixed with the water in the hold, damaging 
the rest of the goods, and rendering it im- 
possible for divers to go down. 

Salvage of the Abandoned Snip R. M. 
Mills. — In England, the case of ship R. M. 
Mills, of Augusta, found abandoned at sea, 
has been adjusted in the Admiralty Court. 
The appraised value of the ship was £2450 ; 
the value of the cargo, consisting of iron, 
was estimated at £2500, and there was a 
portion of it the value of which was not 
ascertained. The court awarded to the 
salvors — the officers and crew of the Ameri- 
can ship Scioto — the moiety of the whole 
value, to cover every thing, and their costs, 
and expressed an opinion that it was one 
of the most meritorious services that ever 
came under its consideration. 

Missing Vessel. — Supposed to re Lost. 
— The schooner E. II. Miller, of Providence, 
R.I., owned by Rufus Greene & Co., sailed 
from Quillimane, December 2, 1859, for Zan- 
zibar, and, up to April 24, no tidings of her 
had been received. Two arrivals at Zanzi- 
bar from sundry ports on the east and west 
coasts of Madagascar brought no report of 
the missing schooner. She was a superior 
vessel of her class, built at New Haven, 
Conn., in 1855, and one hundred and seventy 
tons register. The following persons coin- 
posed her crew: — William II. Aldrich, of 
Pawtucket, R.I., master; C. Augustus Car- 
penter, of Providence, supercargo ; Francis 
Miller, mate; Alexander Pinkham, second 
mate ; William Sunket, (colored, ) cook and 
steward: William B. Cameron, seaman, — all 
f Providence ; and William Dowell, Ernest 
Horton, and William Burke, seamen, resi- 
dence unknown. Vessel, cargo, and freight 
insured at five offices in Boston. 

Loss of a Boat's Crew by a Whale. — A 
letter received, this month, from Captain 
Chapman, of ship Josephine, of New Bed- 
ford, reports her at Montganui, January 29, 
with sixty barrels sperm oil, ninety-six bar- 
rels whale oil, and seven hundred and fifty 
pounds of bone, taken since leaving Western 



Islands. Also reports the loss of Mr. Ste- 
vens, the mate, and all his boat's crew, by 
being taken down by a right whale off the 
coast of New Holland, on the 30th of De- 
cember, 1859, in latitude 42° S., longitude 
130° E. The particulars are as follows : — 
About half-past six a.m., lowered three 
boats for right whales. Mr. Stevens struck. 
The whale ran around with him until about 
half-past nine a.m. The boat, being then 
about one point off the lee bow, distant two 
miles, suddenly disappeared. I was standing 
along with the ship at the time, having pre- 
viously taken up the other two boats; stood 
on the spot where the boat was last seen ; 
had all the best men in the ship on the look- 
out, but could see nothing; cruised about 
there all day. At six p.m., fell in with the 
boat, bottom up, not stove or injured in any 
way; think the line must have been fouled 
and the boat taken down. The names of 
those lost were Sind Stevens, of Southamp- 
ton, N.Y., first officer; William M. Moor- 
head, boat-stecrer ; Wilson B. Hand}', of 
Sandwich, Mass.; John Hauglin, of Albany, 
N. Y. ; and a Portuguese shipped at the West- 
ern Islands. Captain Chapman had shipped 
the oil and bone by the Lagoda, and Has 
bound North. 

Old Ironsides. — Orders have been re- 
ceived at the Portsmouth (N.II.) Navy- Yard 
to prepare the frigate Constitution for sea. 
She has been detailed for the service of the 
Naval School at Annapolis, as a practice- 
ship 

Interesting Archaeological Discoveries 
at Newark, Ohio. — Ancient Works traced 
back to the Hebrews. — Old Theories 
Revived.— Mr. David Wyrick, of this city, 
says the Newark (Ohio) "Commercial," who 
has recently been pushing his investigations 
respecting our ancient works with more 
thoroughness than heretofore, and has made 
new surveys, traced new lines, and made 
many new discoveries, found, in one of the 
little circles or sink-holes connected with the 
larger works, a very curious and interesting 
relic. Mr. Squier, in his "Antiquities of 
New York," says that these sink-holes, 
which are uniformly connected with our an- 
cient works, usually contain human bones ; 
and Mr. Wyrick went out on the Cherry 
Valley plateau in order to learn, by a care- 
ful examination, whether the same thing 
was true of these sink-holes in Ohio. He 
found no bones; but he was satisfied that 
the excavation was filled by material other 
than that which was taken from it, and he 
found besides a beautiful granite ball, highly 
polished, and of reddish color, and also a 
very curious, tapering stone, five or six 
inches long, the four sides nearly alike, and 
on each, in neat Hebrew characters, brief 
inscriptions, which seem to be charactem- 



40 



62G 



VINCENT'S S E M I - A N N U A L 



[June, 



tic of the old Hebrews, and give new vitality 
to the old theory that these works are in 
some way connected with the lost tribes. 
The inscriptions have been examined care- 
fully by our best Hebrew scholars, and 
translated as follows : — 

Bdr leue — The Word of the Lord. 

Kdsh Kdahim — The Holy of Holies. 

Thufih hue — The Law of the Lord. 

Mlk Ariz— The King of the Earth. 
Our readers will remember that some weeks 
ago Ave described a stone whistle taken from 
a large burial-mound. The stone here re- 
ferred to seems to be of the same general 
character. It is neatly polished, and the 
Hebrew characters are very distinctly en- 
graved, neat and orderly. It is a treasure 
of no ordinary interest, and may, possibly, 
unravel the mystery which has so long hung 
over these interesting remains. Can it be 
possible that these works are of Hebrew 
origin ? If so, what has become of the lost 
races ? 

Archaeological Discoveries in Western 
Mounds. — Large Skeletons. — A corre- 
spondent of the Winona (Minnesota) "Re- 
publican" writes that Mr. A. L. Jenks, of 
that place, who is prospecting in one of 
those mounds which are so common in that 
country, recently discovered, at the depth 
of five or six feet, the remains of seven or 
eight people of very large size. One thigh- 
bone measured three feet in length. The 
under-jaw was one inch wider than that 
of any other man in this city. He also 
found clam-shells, pieces of ivory or bone 
rings, pieces of kettles made of earth and 
coarse sand. There were, at the neck of one 
of these skeletons, teeth two inches in length 
by one-half to three-fourths of an inch in 
diameter, with holes drilled into the sides, 
and the end polished, with a crease around 
it. Also an arrow, five inches long by one 
and a half wide, stuck through the back, 
near the backbone ; and one about eight 
inches long stuck into the left breast. Also 
the blade of a copper hatchet, one and a 
half inch wide at the edge, and two inches 
long. This hatchet was found stuck in the 
skull of the same skeleton. The mound is 
some two hundred feet above the surface of 
the Mississippi, and is composed of clay, 
immediately above the remains, two feet 
thick: then comes a layer of black loam; 
then another layer of clay, six inches thick, 
all so closely packed that it was with diffi- 
culty that it could be penetrated. There 
are some four or five different layers of 
earth above the remains. There is no such 
clay found elsewhere in the vicinity. 

Remains of a Tree Eight Hundred Feet 
High, in AVestern Utah. — Captain J. C. 
Stevens, of Marysville, California, Avrites to 
the Marysville "Democrat," giving the fol- 



lowing description of the remains of a tree 
eight hundred feet high, in Western Utah. 
He says : — 

Our party of thirty-five men encamped at 
the lower end of what we termed the Little 
Canon, in Western Utah, about three miles 
from Avhich we found this famous petrifac- 
tion, and which is truly a great curiosity, 
and a wonder of the age sufficient to arouse 
the incredulity of those who passed through 
the "High Rock Canon" in 1841). At a 
short distance from this monster of a former 
age, it seemed to us to be a well-defined 
line of drift-wood deposited along the line 
of high-water-mark of some ancient river, 
whose bed is now some mountain-ridge ; 
but on closer inspection we unanimously 
pronounced it one tree, as we found it dis- 
tinctly marked from the upturned roots to 
its forks, and its two well-defined forks to 
what was, when standing, an altitude of six 
hundred and sixty-six feet, or two hundred 
and twenty-two such steps as a Western 
frontier-man takes when stepping off his 
distance to shoot at a target, or any man 
would take in pacing off a turnip-patch. 

At about four hundred feet from the roots, 
the tree is divided into two parts, or forks, 
about equal in size; and at five hundred and 
twenty feet from the root I took off a speci- 
men from one of these forks, having on its 
surface at the time the outer and inner bark 
of the tree, and which specimen is now in 
the office of Dr. Thompson, on D Street, 
between Third and Fourth. From the curves 
of the lines of growth, we estimated the dia- 
meter of the branch from which it was taken 
to be from eight to twelve feet, and this, bear 
in mind, at a distance of five hundred and 
twenty feet from the root of the tree, and 
only half the tree at that. This estimate 
may be too high or it may be too low ; but 
in the height, of the tree we cannot be far at 
fault, in saying that it measured, when 
standing, some seven hundred or eight hun- 
dred feet in height. 

A Passenger-Case. — A case affecting 
railroad-passengers has just been decided 
in the Supreme Court of Massachusetts. A 
passenger was properly put out of the cars 
on the Boston & Worcester road for re- 
fusing to pay his fare. He immediately got 
on the same train and offered to pay, but 
was again put out. The jury, on the trial, 
found that the first ejectment was justifia- 
ble, but the second was not, and gave dam- 
ages. But the Supreme Court set aside the 
verdict, and decided that the party had no 
right to re-enter the cars on the same train 
from which he had been lawfully ejected, 
and the conductor was justifiable in again 
expelling him after his re-entry. 

Important Verdict against the Troy 
(N.Y.) University. — In the Supreme Court, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER. 



027 



held in Troy, Judge Hogeboom presiding, 
the case of the Troy University vs. B. H. 
Lord was tried, and a verdict in favor of 
the defendant was rendered. Mr. Lord, a 
farmer, living in Nassau, Rensselaer county, 
was a subscriber for a scholarship in the 
said university, agreeing to pay for the 
same $100, — upon certain conditions, how- 
ever. It was proposed to endow this uni- 
versity with $200,000. It was agreed by the 
stockholders in Troy and Rensselaer county 
to raise $100,000, provided there should be 
raised in cash a second $100,000 outside of 
Rensselaer county by the 1st of December, 
1855. On the part of the defendant it was 
claimed that at that time the trustee-' found 
themselves short, on the second $100,000, 
$54,000, and so, in order to hold the first 
$100,000, and to retain their charter, which 
they had obtained from the Regents of the 
State on the same condition-' as above, they 
receiveil in notes the sum of $54,000. (The 
validity of these notes is also disputed.) 
Mr. Lord refused to pay his subscription, 
on the ground that the trustees had not 
complied with the conditions of the contract. 
Messrs. Millard & Beach, of Troy, appeared 
for the university, and Messrs. Colvin & 
McClelland, of this city, appeared for the 
defendant. The trial lasted between one 
and two days, and the jury rendered a ver- 
dict for the defendant. 

Taking the Railroad-Tax Hard. — The 
Brownsville (Pa.) "Times" says: — 

The people of Washington county seem 
determined to offer at. least a passive re- 
sistance, to the collection of a railroad-tax. 
A few days ago, we noticed the case of a 
man who had his horse levied upon by the 
collector; but, inasmuch as no bid , 
the animal could be found, he was returned 
to him again, — the tax-gatherer not even 
making his expenses by the operation. This 
week we have to announce the seizure and 
sale of the Hon. W. Montgomery's library 
for railroad-tax. The gentleman is one of 
the most steadfast opponents of the impost 
in the county, and permitted his books to 
go to sale that he might bring the matter to 
a legal test in a higher court. What the re- 
sult will be remains to be seen. 

Hatters' Disease. — The " Hatters' Dis- 
ease" is now prevailing among the hatters 
of Orange, New York, not less than a hun- 
dred cases of it having occurred in the 
year. It is in reality mercurial poison, and 
is confined chiefly to those engaged in the 
finishing of soft hats by the press, called 
"carroting." It is suppose! that the mer- 
cury contained in the felt is volatilized when 
the hat is ironed, and the vapor, being in- 
haled by the workmen, produces the usual 
symptoms of poisoning by mercury, such 
as salivation and muscular tremors. The ! 



physicians state that the disease yields rea- 
dily to proper treatment. 

A Lizard in a Man's Stomach. — Singu- 
lar Circumstance. — A live lizard, seven 
inches long and two and a half in circum- 
ference, was passed from the bowels of Air. 
Abner C. Verrill, son of Mr. Cyrus J. Vcr- 
rill, of West Auburn, Me. The circum- 
stances attending this expulsion are detailed 
by Mr. Verrill ; and his high character for 
veracity and probity removes all doubts of 
its reality, however impossible it may ap- 
pear. Mr. Verrill is about twenty-three 
years of age, and for the past six or seven 
years he has been in declining health, al- 
though previously lie had been healthy and 
robust. During all this time he has been 
subject to fainting-spclls, sharp pains and 
weakness in the region of the stomach and 
bowels, and costiveness and stoppages, and 
notwithstanding he has at times had an in- 
ordinate appetite, yet. his weight had fallen 
oft' from one hundred and fifty pounds, 
when he was sixteen or seventeen years of 
age, to one hundred and thirty pounds at 
the present time. The lizard is of the com- 
mon dark-colored and spotted species, but 
when it was first expelled it was much 
lighter colored. It is probable that the rep- 
tile was drunk from a brook which runs 
near a meadow where Mr. Verrill has been 
accustomed to work. 

Prohibiting Cattle from Massachu- 
setts Entering Connecticut. — The Cattle 
Commissioners of Connecticut have caused 
notices to be posted in every Connecticut 
town on the Massachusetts line, east of the 
Connecticut River, forbidding the driving or 
bringing into the State from Massachusetts 
any cattle, sick or well, on penalty of five 
hundred dollars fine and six months' impri- 
sonment. Petitions arc in circulation in 
Colebrook, Norfolk, and other towns on the 
line, west of the river, for a similar prohi- 
bition. Indeed, there is more excitement 
there than in the eastern part of the State, 
as Litchfield county is exclusively a grazing 
and stock-raising county. To show the 
feeling there, a single fact will suffice. Mr. 
Abiel Pease, of Warehouse Point, drove a 
pair of cattle (healthy, but one of the ani- 
mals having a slight cough) over the river 
to find pasturage; and, before suiting his 
wishes, he kept on west till he reached 
Colebrook,' where the people seized the cattle 
and compelled their immediate return to 
East Windsor. 

Cattle-Disease in Connecticut. — The 
President of the Connecticut State Agricul- 
tural Society announces that the cattle-dis- 
temper, which is so fatal in Massachusetts, 
has made its way into Connecticut. Cattle 
have died of it in Stafford, Tolland county. 



C2S 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



Cattle-Embargo in Vermont. — The se- 
lectmen of Bellow's Falls, on account of the 
cattle-disease, have put up posters forbid- 
ding the driving or carrying of cattle across 
the State line in that town till the 1st of 
October next. 

Novel Application of Galvanism. — 
Judge Fuller, of Coldwater, Michigan, gal- 
vanized a couple of Norway spruce-trees, 
apparently dead, into life and vigor, by 
means of a battery of zinc and iron, placed 
near the roots. The branches are swelling- 
out, and new leaves are forming where they 
were formerly falling off. 

Aid to the Sufferers. — Public meetings 
are being held in Chicago, 111., and other 
Western cities, for the relief of the sufferers 
by the fearful tornadoes in Illinois and 
Iowa. 

Attempt to Abduct John Brown, Jr. — 
An armed party of about twelve obtained 
uce, by stratagem, to the dwelling of 
John Brown, Jr., in Dorset, Ashtabula 
county, Ohio, and made an attempt to carry 
him off. Brown and his friends resisted, 
and succeeded in beating off their assail- 
ants. 

M vrble Columns for the Capitol-Ex- 
tension. — Mr. John F. Connolly, of Balti- 

. Aid., was awarded a contract, by the 
Secretary of War, to furnish one hundred 
monolithic marble columns for the Capitol- 
extension at Washington, B.C., each mea- 
suring twenty-five feet three inches in 
length, three feet eight inches in diameter 
at the base, and three feet at the top. The 
contractor has begun the work at the Bea- 
ver-Bam Quarry, near Cockeysville, Balti- 
more county, and anticipates no difficulty in 
filling the order. The marble is very white, 
of fine texture, possessing great strength 
and hardness. The columns, some of which 
have been got out, weigh about twenty-three 

e ich, and will be taken in the rough to 

ington, to be finished. These are the 
) ■■ monoliths ever quarried in the United 
I -. ami are said to be of unequalled pu- 

; texture. 

New Colony of Reformers. — The San 
! isco '• Times'' publishes an account of 

I voyage of a number of reformers, or 
Free Lovers, from San Francisco, in search 
of a place to colonize in the State of Hon- 
duras. They purchased a schooner ami en- 
I a crew. The colonists proceeded to 
] Lger Island, their general rendezvous, in 
the Gulf of Fonseca. Thence they made 
excursions to the islands in the neighbor- 
hood, for the purpose of finding a place of 
Si 'lenient; but, they did not suit themselves 
except on the mainland, at a point on the 



Como River about sixty miles in the in- 
terior. They had boasted that their diet 
would preserve them from sickness; but, be- 
fore the vessel left on her return, nearly ail 
had been sick, and there was very great 
danger of the few who remained being ex- 
terminated by the fever of the country. 

Struck by Lightning with a Clear Skt. 
— At Danvers, Mass., while there was a clear, 
bright sky overhead, a flag-staff was struck 
i by lightning and completely shivered. The 
cloud from which the lightning was supposed 
to have come did not reach the portion of 
the sky above the town until nearly two 
hours afterward. 

Brutal "Whipping of a Nec.p.o Girl. — A 
Texas paper says that a man named Lank- 
ford, in Coryell county, recently whipped a 
negro slave girl "from sunrise till twelve 
o'clock." He suspected her of stealing 
money, but afterward found the treasure 
where he had laid it and then, with his 
natural incontinence of memory, had forgot- 
ten the occurrence. The man who furnished 
the information said that "she was the most 
inhumanly whipped creature he ever saw, 
neither horse nor ox excepted." 

Importation of French Girls to Wopk 
in Lowell Factories. — Forty French girls, 
direct from Canada, arrived at Lowell, Mass. 
Only one out of the number can speak Eng- 
lish. They are to be employed in the Law- 
rence Mills. 

Texas Boundary. — Difference between 
Texas and the United States. — The Austin 
" Gazette" says : — 

The Boundary Commission was at Fort 
Cobb at last accounts. The United States 
commissioner insists on running the line from' 
the point affixed by Captain Marcy. The 
Texas commissioner protests against this 
action, on the ground that the line was now 
ex parte. Trouble has also arisen in re- 
ference to what fork of Red River con- 
stitutes the boundary. Texas claims the 
North Fork, while the United States claims 
Prairie-Dog River, known as the boundary.] 

Convention of Abolitionists. — At a con- 
vention of Abolitionists, held in Boston, Ger- 
rit Smith was nominated as their candidate 
for the Presidency. The platform of the 
party is the total abolition of slavery from 
the Union. The convention will reassemble 
at North Elba, New York, the residence of 
the surviving relatives of the late John 
Brown, on the 4th of July. 

Large Immigration to Kansas. — The 
agent of a large colony of Swedes has con- 
cluded a satisfactory arrangement in John- 
son county, Kansas Territory, near Olatho, 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER, 



629 



by which there will be forty thousand 
Swedes settled there in the course of a few 
months. 

Another Victim. — The Pittsburg (Pa.) 
"Gazette"' states that Charles Higby, late 
postmaster at New Brighton, Beaver county, 
Pa., has become crazy from the effects of 
Spiritualism. He embraced the delusion 
some years ago, and became gradually more 
infatuated, until a few days back, when his 
mind gave way, and his friends have been 
compelled to send him to the asylum. 

Coal-Bank on Fire. — A coal-bank, be- 
longing to Alfred Patterson, near the resi- 
dence of Gen. Beeson, in North Union, Fay- 
ette county, Pa., is at the present time on 
fire, and has been for about six weeks. It 
caught from a lire kindled by some young 
men, which, they failed fully to extinguish 
when leaving the bank. Catching a prop, 
it communicated with the coal, and spread, 
till it now covers a large space. All at- 
tempts to extinguish the fire have thus far 
proved abortive; and the result may be 
similar to that where a hill of coal has been 
burning for years, and continues to burn, 
without any probability of being extin- 
guished till it is burned out. 

Citizenship and Passport-Security. — 
General Cass, in reply to a question ad- 
dressed to the Department of State, says: — 

As a passport is substantially a certificate 
of citizenship, it cannot be issued to any 
person born abroad who has not been fully 
naturalized according to the laws of the 
United States. 

Returned after a Captivity of Thir- 
teen Years. — Mr. George Brubaker, a citi- 
zen of Lancaster county, Pa., readied St. 
Joseph, Mo., on his way home. He was 
captured by a band of Comanches, while on 
his way to California, in 1847, thirteen years 
ago, and had just escaped from them. After 
becoming acquainted with the language and 
habits of the Indians, he was made a modi- 
cine-man, and in that capacity did a great 
deal of good among them, preaching to 
them, and has succeeded in converting over 
two hundred to the Christian religion. It 
was only after the most solemn promise that 
he would return that they allowed him to 
depart ; and he will go back as soon as he 
has seen his family, who have mourned him 
for years as dead. So says a St. Louis paper. 

A Great Fishing-Season. — The New Bed- 
ford (Mass.) "Mercury" says that the fisher- 
men are quite lucky this season. Besides 
many great hauls of herring and other 
•'small fry," the schooner Daniel McPliee 
has brought into Gloucester forty-fiv? thou- 
sand pounds of halibut, from the Western 



Bank, which were sold for $1135 ; and the 
schooner Cyrisca brought to the same port 
over forty thousand pounds. 

Speculating with Another Man's Mo- 
ney. — Some years since, Warwick Martin, 
a Louisiana planter, placed $00,000 in the 
hands of a brother-in-law, named Brooks, 
of Beloit, Wisconsin, for investment in lands, 
and subsequently received back the principal, 
under the pretence, by Brooks, that the in- 
vestments were failures, and that Martin 
might consider himself lucky in getting out 
so well. Martin, having found that Brooks 
made and pocketed two or three hundrel 
thousand by the operation, brought suit in 
the U.S. Court and got a verdict for the full 
amount, 

Convicted of an Unnatural Offence. — 
An Englishman, named John Haskell, who 
recently perpetrated disgusting outrages 
upon three little boys, at Louisville, Ky., 
has been convicted, and sentenced to ihe 
penitentiary for ten years. There is yet 
another indictment for a similar outrage, 
upon which he will be tried. 

Opening of the Memphis & Ohio Rail- 
road. — The Memphis & Ohio Railroad has 
been opened to Paris, Tenn. The Cincinnati 
"Gazette" says: — ■ 

This road forms the basis of a network of 
roads traversing Tennessee in various direc- 
tions. At Humboldt, eighty-two miles from 
Memphis, it is crossed by the Mobile & Ohio 
Railroad. This road is but a link in the 
great chain extending northward. It is to 
be continued from Paris to the State line, 
eighty-one miles farther, by the Memphis, 
ClarksviUe & Louisville Railroad. Thirteen 
miles of this, from ClarksviUe to the State 
line, will be run in connection with the 
Edgefield & Kentucky road ; and upon the 
remaining sixty-eight miles two parties are 
now engaged in laying rails, two more are 
to be put on in the fall, and the officers of 
the road confidently count upon completing 
it during the present year. A branch of the 
Louisville & Nashville Railroad, running 
from Bowling Green to the State line, a dis- 
tance of fifty miles, and which is to be com- 
pleted by November, and the Louisville & 
Nashville road from Bowling Green, will 
form a perfect railroad-connection between 
Memphis and Louisville. Time from Mem- 
phis to New York by this route will be 
about forty-eight hours. 

Establishment of a College for Colored 
Men in Ohio. — The people of Ohio have es- 
tablished a college for colored men near 
Xenia, with grounds and ample buildings. 
The institution is under the control, mainly, 
of the Methodist Church, — having, however, 
representatives in its Board of Trustees from 



030 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[Juke, 



six denominations of Evangelical Christians. 
The establishment was gotten up originally 
as a "watering-place," or summer-retreat, 
at an expense of more than $50,000; but, 
proving a failure, it was bought for $15,000 
and erected into a college for negroes, hav- 
ing now a faculty of iive teachers and one 
hundred pupils, males and females, about 
forty of whom are emancipated slaves. The 
Hoard of Trustees embraces some very able 
and distinguished men of the .'State, ex-Gov. 
Chase being of the number. 

They have received an educated black 
woman into the Hoard of Instruction, and 
foitr blacks as Trustees. From two to three 
hundred students can be accommodated on 
the college-premises. The Trustees want 
about $5000 to complete the payments for 
the property. A wealthy gentleman < 
ton, Lee Claflin, Esq., lias given $10,000, 
which has been set apart as the beginning 
of an endowment. 

Corporeal Punishment. — In New Or- 
leans, a district judge has ruled that 
schoolmasters have no right to inflict cor- 
poreal punishment on their scholars. 

Disputed Custody of Infants.- — At the 

session of the general term of the Su] 
Court of New York, held at Poughkeepsie, 
a decision was rendered by Judge Brown by 
which the proceedings and order of the 
County Judge of Kings (Judge 

Morris.) in the matter of the Brooklyn In- 
dustrial School Association against Thomas 
Kearney, were reversed, with costs. Some 
two years since, a widower, named Lafflin, 
died, leaving two in taut children, both girls. 
He had had several interviews during his 
illness with some ladies attached i<> the In- 
dustrial School association, and shortly be- 
fore his death signed a paper by which the 
dy of the children was given to them 
after his death. They were taken away and 
well cared for. Kearney, who is the grand- 
father of the infants, on the mother's side, 
churned their custody, and they were brought 
before Judge Morris on a writ of habeas cor- 
pus. A number of witnesses were examined 
as to the state of mind Lafflin was in when 
he signed or put his mark to the paper, it 
being contended, on the part of Kearney, 
that advantage had been taken of his debili- 
tated condition to induce him to give his as- 
sent. Witnesses on the other side were 
brought to show that, he was perfectly well 
aware of what lie was doing, having pre- 
viously promised that the association should 
have the children if he died, as no one would 
be left to take care of them when he was 
gone. The grandfather was shown to be a 
man in good circumstances, and willing to 
take care of them; and the judge, after 
hearing argument, decided that he was their 
proper custodian. The children were there- 



upon given into his charge. .The decision 
having been appealed from, the order of the 
< lounty Judge was reversed. The association 
is a Protestant institution, and the parents 
and friends of the children were Catholics. 
To this fact maj possibly be attributed the 
cause of litigation. 

Arhest ton a Murder Committed Seven* 
Years Ago. — The New Orleans "Lee" de- 
the circumstances attend- 
■ arresl of Vaellor Yallot, in that city, 
for a murder committed in 1853. Among 
the many wealthy families engaged in rear- 
ing and dealing in cattle in the Attakapas 
1 strict, Lafayette parish, those of Yallot 
and Ditrez held a prominent place and for 
time had been extremely hostile to 
-i her. On the 17th of July, 1853, 
ae Litrez, a young man of twenty, 
having found in one of the Vallots, a bo"j i' 
;. a successful rival for the hand of a 
young pped him in the face. Yal- 

Leor, who was rive years older than his 
brother, hearing of the insult that had been 
ottered him, on meeting his insulter in a 
use, at once knocked him down 
with a cane. The blow proved instan- 
taneously fatal, whereupon the involuntary 
assassin — for he had not intended to kill his 
victim — tied to Cuba. lie was soon followed 
by hi- young wife, am! procured a 
respectable office under the Government. 

In 1859, he returned to the United State--. 
but from the time he landed he seems to 
have labored under a continual apprehension, 
(in arriving in New Orleans, he did not ven- 
ture to stop at any respectable hotel, but 
look up his abode, having changed his 
name, at a low drinking-saloon, kept by a 
Gascon named Jean Marie, where he was 
visited by his friends. Soon after, he went 
to a farm near Brookhaven, Mississippi, 
where he obtained board tor himself and 
wife, lie frequently, however, made visits 
to New Orleans, and was foolish enough to 
gamble in the house of Jean Marie and to 
make him a confidant of his crime. They 
have had a dispute, his confidant gave in- 
formation to the police, and the young man 
was arrested at Brookhaven and brought 
to New- Orleans, where he was placed in 
prison. 

A Free Negro taken from Ohio to Ken- 
ti cry ox Suspicion of reing a Slave, and 
when Proved Free Sold for his Jail- 
I'i.i -. — Considerable excitement was raised 
at Cincinnati ami the neighboring city of 
Newport, in Kentucky, in relation to the 
taking of a free negro boy, named Wagoner, 
from Ohio to Kentucky, charging him with 
being a slave, and when proved to be free 
selling him for his jail-fees. The Cincinnati 
"Enquirer," a Democratic paper, contains 
the following- account of the affair: — 



1800.] 



UNITED STATIS REGISTER. 



031 



The case is a hard one, — indeed, is so un- 
just as to shock every sense of right. A 
colored boy, under the charge that he was 
a slave and had escaped from his owner, is 
taken to Kentucky and imprisoned until his 
owner calls for and takes him away. No 
owner can be found for him; none calls to 
claim him, even at the end of months of 
imprisonment. Every presumption was in 
favor of his innocence. Indeed, he is proved 
to have been born free. Instead of being 
released, however, as he should have been, 
and returned to Ohio, he is still longer de- 
tained in prison until he pays the cost of his 
keeping for the previous months. He had no 
means when he was taken to prison on the 
charge of being a runaway slave, and while 
in confinement he had no opportunity of 
earning what would pay his board in jail, or 
even court and jail fees. In fine, he was 
worse off, pecuniarily, at the end of six 
months, than he was at the commencement. 
He had not been imprisoned and kept in 
confinement for any violation of the laws of 
Kentucky, — not even for vagrancy. He was 
taken into the State against his will, and 
imprisoned on suspicion that he w r as the 
slave of some person or persons in Virginia. 
The laws of Kentucky, instead of making 
the party who had the boy imprisoned pay 
all the expenses attending the imprison- 
ment, as right and justice would plainly 
dictate, require the innocent party not 
only to undergo the imprisonment, but to 
pay the costs of his unjust incarceration; 
and, if he fails to pay, he is sold into per- 
petual slavery. Can any case be harder 
than that? 

The Cincinnati "Gazette" states that the 



sale of the boy was hurried on, that the 
sheriff did not make a correct statement in 
connection with it, and that the Mayor, 
Hawkins by name, before whom a writ of 
habeas-corpus was made returnable, would 
not allow the freedom of the boy to be 
proved, — would not allow any evidence to 
be put in, although three respectable people 
could have shown that he had lived in free- 
dom in Ohio for at least eight years. 

The Cincinnati '"Commercial," speaking 
of the affair, says: — 

By a decision of the Kentucky courts, 
Charles Wagoner is to be sold into slavery 
this morning, in our neighboring city of 
Newport. We have already published the 
details of this case. The father of the boy 
lias visited the jail and identified him as his 
son. He has made affidavit in due form, 
stating that he and his wife removed from 
Virginia, to Ohio in 1831, both being free at 
that time, and had resided in this State ever 
since, that the boy in Newport jail is his 
son James, now nineteen years old : that he 
was in Cincinnati in July, 1859, and saw 
James, who was then working for Joseph 
Thomas, who called him Charlie; also that 
James was born in Ohio, and was never out 
of the State till within a year. Mr. Joseph 
Thomas has also made affidavit that the boy 
in Newport jail was his servant in this city. 
and he called him Charlie : and that while- 
in his employ an old man came to sec him, 
who Charlie said was his father. Mrs. J. F. 
Whiteman sends a statement, not sworn to, 
that she has known James Wagoner for eight 
years, and knows him and the family to be 
free. 



632 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL 



[June, 



WEDNESDAY, MAY 16. 

Republican National Convention. — This 
day, the Republican National Convention 
assembled at Chicago, Illinois. Delegates 
were in attendance from all the free States, 
as also from Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, 
Kentucky, Missouri, Texas,* the Territories 
of Kansas and Nebraska, and the District 
of Columbia. 

On motion of Gov. Morgan, of New York, 
Mr. David Wilmot, of Pennsylvania, was 
chosen temporary chairman, committees on 
permanent organization, credentials, &c. 
were appointed, and the convention was 
permanently organized by the selection of 
George Ashmun, of Mass., as president, 
and a vice-president and secretary from 
each State and Territory represented. A 
committee was appointed to draw up a plat- 
form, and the convention adjourned. 

Upon reassembling, on the 17th, an inef- 
fectual effort was made to require a vote 
equal to a majority of full delegations from 
all the States, to nominate candidates for 
President and Vice-President, which would 
have been equivalent to a two-thirds rule ; 
and the convention decided, by a vote of 331 
in 130, that (inly a majority of those Voting 
should be required. The convention then 
proceeded to pass the following 

Platform. 
Resolved, That we, the delegated repre- 
sentatives of the Republican electors of the 
United Slates, in convention assembled, in 
discharge of the duty we owe to our consti- 
tuents and our country, unite in the follow- 
ing declarations: — 

1. That the history of the nation during 
the last four years has fully established the 
propriety and necessity of the organization 
and perpetuation of the Republican party, 
and that the causes which called it into ex- 
istence are permanent in their nature, and 
now, more than ever before, demand its 
peaceful and constitutional triumph. 

2. That the maintenance of the princi- 
ples promulgated in the Declaration of In- 
dependence, and embodied in the Federal 
Constitution. — " That all men are created 
equal, that they arc endowed by their Crea- 
tor with certain unalienable rights, that 
among these arc life, liberty, and the pur- 
suit of happiness, that to secure these 

rights governments are instituted among 
men, deriving their just powers from the 
consent of the governed." — is essential to the 
preservation of our Republican institutions, 
and that the Federal Constitution, the rights 
of the States, and the union of the States 
must and shall be preserved. 

3. That to the union of the States this 
nation owes its unprecedented increase in 

* The delegation from Texas La* since been proved 
fraudulent. 



population, its surprising development of 
material resources, its rapid augmentation 
of wealth, its happiness at home, and its 
honor abroad ; ami we hold in abhorrence 
all schemes for disunion, come from what- 
ever source they may, and we congratulate 
the country that no Republican member 
of Congress has uttered or countenanced 
the threats of disunion, so often made by 
Democratic members, without rebuke, and 
with applause from their political associ- 
ates; and we denounce those threats of dis- 
union in case of a popular overthrow of 
their ascendency, as denying the vital prin- 
ciples of a free government, and as an 
avowal of contemplated treason, which it is 
the imperative duty of an indignant people 
sternly to rebuke and forever silence. 

4. That the maintenance inviolate of the 
rights of the States, and especially the right 
of each State to order and control its own 
domestic institutions, according to its own 
judgments exclusively, is essential to that 
balance of powers on which t lie perfection 
and endurance of our political fabric de- 
pend ; and we denounce the lawless invasion 
by armed force of the soil of any State or 
Territory, no matter under what pretext, as 
among tlie gravest of crimes. 

5. That i lie present Democratic Adminis- 
tration has far exceeded our worst appre- 
hensions, in its measureless subserviency to 
the exactions of a sectional interest, as espe- 
cially evinced in its desperate exertions to 
force the infamous Lecompton Constitution 
upon the protesting people of Kansas ; in 
construing the personal relation between 
master and servant to involve an unquali- 
fied property in persons; in its attempted 
enforcement, everywhere, on land and sea, 
through the intervention of Congress and 
of the Federal courts, of the extreme pre- 
tensions of a purely local interest ; and in 
its general and unvarying abuse of the 
power intrusted to it by a confiding people. 

G. That the people justly view with alarm 
the reckless extravagance which pervades 
every department of the Federal Govern- 
ment; that a return to rigid economy and 
accountability is indispensable to arrest the 
systematic plunder of the public treasury 
by favored partisans; while the recent 
startling developments of frauds and cor- 
ruptions at the Federal metropolis show 
that an entire change of administration is 
imperai ively demanded. 

7. That the new dogma that the Consti- 
tution, of its own force, carries slavery into 
any or all of the Territories of the United 
States, is a dangerous political heresy, at 
variance with the explicit provisions of that 
instrument itself, with contemporaneous ex- 
position, and with legislative and judicial 
precedent, is revolutionary in its tendency, 
and subversive of the peace and harmony 
of the country. 



I860.] 



UNITED STATES REGISTER, 



633 



8. That the normal condition of all the 
territory of the United States is that of free- 
dom ; that as our republican fathers, when 
they abolished slavery in all our national 
territory, ordained "that no person should 
be deprived of life, liberty, or property 
without due process of law," it becomes our 
duty, by legislation, whenever such legis- 
lation is necessary, to maintain this provision 
of the Constitution against all attempts to 
violate it ; and we deny the authority of Con- 
gress, of a Territorial Legislature, or of any 
individuals to give legal existence to slavery 
in any territory of the United States. 

9. That we brand the recent reopening 
of the African slave-trade, under the cover 
of our national flag, aided by perversion of 
judicial power, as a crime against humanity 
and a burning shame to our country and 
age; and we call upon Congress to take 
prompt and efficient measures tor the total 
and final suppression of that execrable 
traffic. 

10. That in the recent vetoes, Iry their 
Federal Governors, of the acts of the Legis- 
latures of Kansas and Nebraska, prohibiting 
slavery in those Territories, we find a prac- 
tical illustration of the boasted Democratic 
principle of Non-intervention and Popular 
Sovereignly embodied in the Kansas-Ne- 
braska bill, and a demonstration of the 
deception and fraud involved therein. 

11. That Kansas should, of right, be im- 
mediately admitted as a State, under the 
Constitution recently formed and adopted by 
her people and accepted by the House of 
Representatives. 

12. That while providing revenue for the 
support of the General Government by duties 
upon imports, sound policy requires such an 
adjustment of these imposts as to encourage 
the development of the industrial interests 
of the whole country; and we commend 
that policy of national exchanges which 
secures to the working-men liberal wages, 
to agriculture remunerating prices, to me- 
chanics and manufacturers an adequate re- 
ward for their skill, labor, and enterprise, 
and to the nation commercial prosperity and 
independence. 

13. That we protest against any sale or 
alienation to others of the public lands held 
by actual settlers, and against any view of 
the Homestead policy which regards the 
settlers as paupers or suppliants for public 
bounty; and we demand the passage by 
Congi'ess of the complete and satisfactory 
Homestead measure which has already 
passed the House. 

14. That the Republican party is opposed 
to any change in our naturalization-laws or 
any State legislation by which the rights of 
citizenship hitherto accorded to emigrants 
from foreign lands shall be abridged or im- 
paired ; and in favor of giving a full and 
efficient protection to the right of all classes 



I of citizens, whether native or naturalized, 
both at home and abroad. 

15. That appropriations by Congress for 
river and harbor improvements of a national 
character, required for the accommodation 
and security of an existing commerce, are 
authorized by the Constitution, and justified 
by the obligations of Government to protect 
the lives and property of its citizens. 

16. That a railroad to the Pacific Ocean 
is imperatively demanded by the interests 
of the whole country; that the Federal 
Government ought to render immediate and 
efficient aid in its construction; and that, 
as a preliminary thereto, a daily overland 
mail should be promptly established. 

17. Finally, having thus set forth our 
distinctive principles and views, we invite 
the co-operation of all citizens, however 
differing on other questions, who sub- 
stantially agree with us in their affirmance 
and support, 

Adjourned. 

Upon reassembling on the 18th, the 
naming of candidates for the Presidency 
being in order, William H. Evarts, of New 
York, named William II. Seward. Mr. Judd, 
of Illinois, named Abraham Lincoln. Mr. 
Dudley, of New Jersey, nominated William 
L. Dayton. Governor Reeder, of Pennsyl- 
vania, nominated Simon Cameron. Mr. 
Carter, of Ohio, nominated Salmon P. Chase. 
Francis P. Blair, of Maryland, nominated 
Edward Bates. 

Indiana seconded the nomination of Abra- 
ham Lincoln. Mr. Austin Blair, of Michigan, 
seconded the nomination of Mr. Seward; so 
also did Carl Schurz, of Wisconsin, Mr. 
Worth, of Minnesota, and Mr. Wilder, of 
Kansas. 

Mr. Corwin, of Ohio, nominated Judge 
McLean. 

Mr. Delano, of Ohio, seconded the nomi- 
nation of Mr. Lincoln, as did also one of the 
delegates from Iowa. 

The balloting then proceeded, with the 
following result : — 



Wade 


1st bnllot. 

IT::. 1 , 

102" 

3 
50* 


2a ballot. 

184i 
181" 

2 

35 

8 

42i 
10" 

2 


3d ballot. 
180 
231J 


Bates 


48" 


29 




12 




Read 


1 
49 


24; V 


Dayton 


14 




1 






10 






1 




C. M.Clay.... 




1 



The whole number of votes cast upon the 
third ballot was 466. 

Necessary to a choice, 234. 

Before the result was announced, Mr. 



VINCENT'S SEMI-ANNUAL REGISTER. 



[J int., 18G0. 



r, of Ohio, Baid, "I arise, Mr. Chair- 
to announce the change of foiu 

.mi Mr. Chase to Mr. Lincoln. 91 
gave Mr. Lincoln a majority. 
. McCrillis announced that .Maine gave 
ill vote to Mr. Lincoln. 
. Andrew, of Massachusetts, changed 
>te of i ha i State, giving 18 to Mr. Lin- 
rad '- 1 to Mr. Seward. Missouri, [owa, 
bcI Lcut, Kent I Minnesota also 

;ed their votes, giving Abraham l.in- 
tes, who was thereupon declared 
Dominated. 

Mr. William II. Evai I 
nded by Mr. Andrew, of 
tts, the nomination was then 

a of Mr. I 

tion now took a il five 

' . to msultatii □ 

ti\ e o'clock • mbled 

led to bal 
the foUi It : — 

I, 

!. M. ('lav !■ 

tanks 





1st ballot. 2d ballot. 

Hickman 58 L3 

Hamlin 194 ! 7 

Read 1 

11. Y\. Davis 

Dayton 3 

Houston G 

Massachusetts withdrew the name of Mr. 
Hanks, and oasl 26 votes for Mr. Hamlin. 

Pennsylvania withdrew the name of Go> 
vernor Lleeder, and cast 54 notes for Mr 
Hamlin. 
On motion of Mr. Blakey, of Kentucky, 

i dnation was made unanimous. 
The convention then adopted the following, 
i by Mr. J. R. Biddings, of Ohio: — 

Tint we deeply sympathize with 
men who have been driven some from 
their native States, and others from tho 
o.j tion, and are n »w ex- 
iled from their homos on ac< ounl of their 
opinions : ami we hold the Democratic party 
sible tor two gross violations of that 
.tion which dt clai es 
be entitled 
to all the pi nd immunities of citi- 

-• 
The i timed sine die. 



INDEX. 



AFFRAYS— ph-.e 

], gislative, Albany,N.Y 199 

ork i 

Broi ating, in California 179 

Brown tnd Miller, at Harrodsbnrg, Ky., 

< - 266,336,338 

. arid the brothers 

Clement, in 132 

Harris and Col. W. H.Peek.al 

bb 

Col. Lander and Mr. Magraw, at Wash- 

172 

aven- 

tion 502 

] Den 5 al Balti- 
more 550 

Ed 72 

177 

Hickman and Edmundson nil 

Mj - 

Mar} land judge and mem 

Li _ ilature 176 

Mar land Legislature 

ture I s '. 1 

In M ture 38 

c and Van 

Dyl • ' 120 

!le;ii!i and C. S. 1>. J 

. I 4 71 

r\ and Randall 

E 

bauon, Tcnn 372 

.>■■ I Henry College... 1.. I 
A\ hit* ley and Toi iware, 



Y.m Wyck ami II adn i 

Wm. 1'. Roy and Daniel ■' 

at Vicksburg, Miss 18 

in ire 

Balti re rowdy shol 63 

ifornia, James Conniff stabl ed 

Bristol, Trim.. G. W. Raine killed 

i. S.C 

Elm Pai . XA 

Memphis, Trim 83 

r >D I 

I 

1 tub 12 

Jeffers lity, Mo I-'- 1 

Falls Cil . 21 i 

i oo., Va 221 

Mississi] pi 63 

Nt-« Fori 37, 204, 253, 254 

Powell co., Ky 21:; 

!' ,i:i 567 

Portsmouth, 7a., thi 454 

i j " 

Louisville, Kv 197 

.- : 93 

Ulster co., X.V 116 

Will, cut] i board a U.S. vessel... 135 

l i ourt <•; New Fork ;>:>:> 

Nashville 70 

New Fork House of Represi ntatives.... 115 



AFFRAYS — 

moniewoo, Wis 

Opelomas, La 

Philadelphia 

Assault upon Mr. Purser, in New York 
Farrell, James, of New York, killed in 

a fight 

Dedricke >n, Henry, died from wounds... 

Foster, J ph, of Bordentown, - 

Hall. Peter, beati a i" death in X. STork 

Manley, N I 

Mclndon, Andrew, shot in S.C 

Meagher, Jan-', shootsa marine in Phila. 

Philadelphian shut 

Roberts, Zachariah, killed in a fight in 

Grayson co., Va 

Three men stabbed in South B 

1 

Riot in Denver City 

Obi rlin, Ohio 

in New York 

Three men killed fighting on a railroad... 
i s — 

Between Gov. Bliss and Dr. Stone 

Messrs. Blasco, Jr., and Laborde 

Bouligny and Lallande, al New Orleans 

Bryan and Neale 

-! Canonge and Victor Gerodias, at 

OrL ans 

I 

Com. Moore ami Capt Lamar 

Plume and Stone, al 

L. i. Neims ami Dr. Wm. 1!. Holmes, 

Savannah, Ga 

With knives in Richmond, Va 

Challenge of Mr. Pryor to .Mr. Potter, 
27D. 284, 
Walker, Hon. Robert J., to Attorney- 
General Black 

ARSON— 

Confession of an incendiary 

Croft, Win., sentenced tor, in Phila 

Death of an incendiary 

ire, Uriah, arrested for, in Williams- 
1 urg, N.Y 

Smith, Joseph, of Lewisburg, Arkansas, 
arrested tor 

Wendt, I tenry, arrested lor, in Williams- 
burg, N.Y 

Young incendiary in New York 

BIGAMY— 

Bigamist in Ma i -. sentence of 

New York City 

Charge of. 

Lee, Thos., of New York, charged with 

Thomas, 1!. W., of Napoleon, Arkansas, 

charged with 

BEQUESTS— 

Burd, Mrs. Eliza Howard 

Will of Dr. Beck 

Wilsey, Dr. F. S., of Bergen, N.J 

635 






C3G 



INDEX. 



BEQUESTS— page 

To Bowdoin College 237 

Brewer, Charles, of Pittsburg, Pa 353 

Mrs. John Chambers, of Phila 3d,;; 

Mr. Craig, of Ark 352 

Dale, Mrs. Mary 156 

Fanshaw, Daniel, of New York 247 

Fletcher, Ezra W.. 353 

Parke, Hannah, of Phila 237 

Rose, John, of New York 226 

Mullanphy, to St. Louis 505 

Parker, Theodore 023 

Park, Stiles 352 

Of a millionnaire :.... 393 

Willmerding, Win. C, of New York 393 

BODIES FOUND— 

In New York, 313, 318, 325, 320, 363, 375, 

3S9, 424, 427, 436, 4 4 5. 450, 455. 458, 464, 

497, 509. 529, 530, 542, 543, 568, 585 

Body recognised 311 

found drowned at Mobile, Ala, 62, 315 

found drowned at Philadelphia, 161, 

170, 43(i, 449, 543 

found drowned at Scranton, Pa.... 110 

at Pittsburg 562 

Unknown man drowned at Wilmington, 

Del 394,530 

Skeletons found 195, 200, 349, 468 

CASUALTIES— 

Accident on site of Pemberton Mills 369 

in Sandusky, Ohio 533 

in a tunnel 79 

at the store of S. B. Althause 

A- Co., New York 454 

Adams. W. D., of La., killed by falling 

from a window 76 

Aeronaut (A. N. Conner) killed 395 

Alexander. Richard, killed at Atwater 

Station. Ohio 540 

Ashton, Win., of Phila., killed by a fall. 546 

Alexander, Mrs., of Ind., burned to death 355 

Another victim to Lawrence catastrophe 54 

Babes burned to death in Minnesota 339 

Baggage-master killed, at Hamilton, 0. 155 
Barth, Elizabeth, of Philadelphia, died 

from intemperance 121 

Battis, James, died from exposure, at 

Philadelphia IS 

Barnes, Wilson, of Mount Holly, N. J., 

shut 404 

Barrett. Harriet, of Philadelphia, killed 

on railroad 486 

Beale, Wm., killed on C. & A. 11.11... \..T. 497 
Bean, Miss Lizzie, of Lowell, Mass., 

sudden death of. 210 

Beautiful girl frozen to death 124 

Beecher, Rebecca, of Phila., sudden 

death of 342 

Beecher, Mrs. Henry Ward 90 

Beggar found dead in Philadelphia 25 

Bentley, B. G., of Columbia co., N.Y., 

killed by cars 446 

Bennet, Mrs. Elizabeth, found dead in 

Philadelphia 101 

Berger, Julia, of N.Y., burned to death.. ISO 
Bigelow, Miss, of Valley Flats, N.Y., 

burned to death 3S 

Blynn, Mrs. Michael, of Phila., death of 521 

Bitten by a mad dog 339 

Bitten by a rattlesnake 619 



CASUALTIES— page 

Body of a woman found in a well 275 

Bonnafon, Glaucus II., of Pittsburg, Pa., 

arm blown oil'. 125 

Bower. John, killed by railroad-cars inl'a. 464 
Bowman. Selina, of N.Y., killed by an 

embankment , 60S 

Boy fell in a well in New York 405 

killed by a horse in Ohio 255 

in Hudson, Mich 136 

on railroad, near BufFalo,N.Y. 173 

poisoned in New York 303 

accidentally kills his mother 5 

Brcanhan, Cornelius, killed by a falling 

wall, New York 509 

Broadway building 404 

Brophy, Michael, of Brooklyn, N.Y., 

crushed to death 596 

Brown, Sarah, burned to death in N.Y. 210 

Bryant, G.S., killed on Florida Railroad 413 
Burling, Stephen, killed on New Haven 

railroad 273 

Bunses, Wm., of N.Y., killed by a fall.. 377 

Burning of five children, Davenport,N.Y. ~2 

Burned to death, near Cincinnati 164 

Buttner, Henry A., of Wilmington, Del. 295 

California mail-coach accident 018 

Caution to skaters 74 

Carried over Niagara Falls 378 

Catholic orphan-asylum unroofed 114 

Cassiday, Rebecca, killed on Reading 

Railroad, Pa 383 

Cartella, Florian, dreadful death of 39 

Carter. C, killed at Boston 118 

Central Railroad, N.Y 363 

Children burned to death B0 

Child burned to death in N.Y 614 

burned to death 524 

burned to death, Neshamie, N.J. 26 

binned to death, near Milwaukee 334 
burned to death in Rochester, N.Y. S2 

devoured by rats, N.Y 118 

fell from a window 524 

four .years old, hung itself 455 

frightened to death 455 

killed in a cistern in N.Y i 

killed in Philadelphia IS 

killed by cars in N.Y 222 

killed in NewYork, from drinking 

boiling tea 608 

killed in New York, by falling 

from a window 353 

suffocated • 7 

scalded to death 524 

poisoned in Lexington (Kentucky) 

Orphan-Asylum 351 

choked to death 502 

Collision on Hudson River Railroad 01 

Colored boy killed by the cars, in Kent 

co., Del 445 

Cooper, Washington, of N.Y. , killed 363 

Cregan, James, killed by a fall, in N.Y. 5o0 
Croil, Lafayette, and two sons, killed 

while blasting, in Missouri 61S 

Curious case of poisoning 150 

Cunningham, John, of N.Y., stabbed 410 

Cunningham, John, of N.Y., inquest on 413 

Danced"to death at Taberg, N.Y 104 

Danton, C, killed by falling wall, at 

Boston US 

Danger of meddling with fire-arms 24S 

Death of a lost child in Albion, N.Y.... 355 



INDEX. 



037 



CASUALTIES— page 

Death from the bite of a cat 113 

from chloroform 372 

from burning-fluid, in N.Y 451 

of a child, in Philadelphia, from 

eating arsenic 551 

from exposure and want,in Phila. 9 

from joy 238 

from suffocation, Swedesboro, N.J. 8 
of a child l'n>m drinking whiskey 221 
in a station-house, in Philada.... 40 
of a child from hydrophobia 61 S 



ni prison. 



063 



from a hog-bite, iu St. Louis 19 

from gluttony 471 

from gluttony, in Jersey City 479 

from alleged violence, at Mana- 

yunk, Pa 435 

from laudanum, in New York 506 

from snow-storms on the plains... 386 

from camphene, in New York 553 

of a newly-married couple, near 

Westport, Kentucky 4S0 

of a girl, in IowaJ'rom hydrophobia 148 
Desmond, Timothy, of, from in- 
temperance 608 

Desmond, Edmund, killed on railroad, 

at Fordhain, N.Y 445 

Died from injuries received in prison.... 325 

in a cell, in New York 315 

in the midst of marriage prepara- 
tions 355 

of his wounds 598 

while correcting a pupil, in Alle- 
ghany county, Pa 249 

from bad vaccine matter, in West- 
port, Mass 156 

in prison 230 

Destructive flood in W. Pennsylvania... 43 
Distressing death of a wealthy planter.. 76 

Distressing calamity in York, Pa 261 

Dougherty, Charlotte, of Phila., sudden 

death of 586 

Doyle, Patrick, of N.Y., killed by a fall 431 

Double catastrophe 40 

Donohue, Tim, killed at Bowling Green, 

Kentucky 5/8 

Dreadful exposure of a young woman, 

at Philadelphia 11 

Dreadful death on a prairie 5 

scene, — stage caught in burn- 
ing woods, in New Jersey.... 228 

calamity in New York 7 

accident in a coal-mine 161 

accident on a picnic 373 

Dunne, Sarah, death from burns, in N.Y. 614 
Dumb girl burned to death, in Stur- 

bridge, Mass 326 

Dunan, Dr. II. II., of Georgetown, Pa., 

killed 574 

Duffv, Robert, killed by a falling bank, 

at New York 529 

Eaten by rats, in Bellevue Hospital, N.Y. 346 
English', T. J., of Selma, Ala., distress- 
ing death of. 105 

Explosion of a boiler, in Lee, Mass 600 

of a boiler, in Middleborough, 

Mass.... 472 

of a boiler, in New bury port, 

Mass 546 

in Ray, Mich 73 

in Scranton, Pa 533 



CASUALTIES— page 

Explosion in Washington :-o., Ya 514 

of a steamboat-boiler, at Eas- 

ton, Pa 168 

of a locomotive 566 

of a steam-boiler, in Brook- 
lyn, N.Y 419 

of powder-mill, near Orange, 

New York S4 

in Atlantic Foundry, Brook- 
lyn, N.Y 179, 1S6 

of fireworks, in Williams- 
burg, N.Y 512, 535 

of fire-damp, near Wilkes- 

barre, Pa 464 

Fall of a scaffold, in St. Louis 431 

of a wire-bridge, at Claresville, 

Tennessee 396 

of a building, in New York 446 

of a bridge, near Philadelphia 42 

Family poisoned, in Troy, N.Y..- 283 

Family desolation 129 

Farreli, Mary Ann, of N.Y., killed by a 

fall 386 

Father kills his child by accident, in 

New York 618 

Fatal accident at Jamaica, L.I 104 

effects of foul air, in Baltimore.... 521 

result from use of chloroform 151 

accident in New York 307 

accident in Middletown, Conn 268 

explosion at Atwater Station, Ohio 540 

leap, at Philadelphia 513 

accidents, in California 470 

accident from fire-arms, at Cam- 
den, Alabama 509 

jump from a ferry-boat, in N.Y... 443 
railroad-accident,at Blairsville.Pa. 79 
railroad-accident, on Fort Wayne 

& Chicago Railroad 96 

accident on Pennsylvania R.R.... 199 

pleasure-excursion 530 

Fell dead in the street, in Boston 427 

Fell from aloft on brig A. Hopkins, at 

New York 307 

Fell sixty feet 471 

Five men killed in a Pennsylvania coal- 
mine 264 

Five men thrown from a scaffold 533 

Fick, John, fell from mast-head 127 

Four children burned to death in Clarion 

county, Pennsylvania ISO 

Forbes, 'Catharine, killed in New York.. 455 

Four men killed in a tunnel 69 

Florence, Mr. and Mrs. W. J., narrow 

escape of 77 

Flesh, Susannah, of Philadelphia, killed 

on Trenton Railroad 464 

Fractured her skull while drunk 264 

Freeman, Miss, of Haverstraw, New 

York, killed by a crazy woman 407 

Frightened to death, in Cumberland 

county, Pennsylvania 471 

Frightful scene 97 

Frightful accident in Williamsburg, N.Y. 99 

Frightened to death 524 

Frozen to death while intoxicated, at 

Pittsburg, Pennsylvania 13 

Frozen to death while intoxicated, at 

Calais, Maine 6 

Fuller, Henrietta, of South Belchertown, 
Ma;iachusetts, shocking death of 449 



638 



INDEX. 



CASUALTIES— page 

Gallagher, John, lulled at Sandy Hook 325 
Garber, Francis, thrown from a window, 

in New York 400 

Gantt, Mr., of Bedford county, Miss., 

died from taking poison by mistake... IIS 
Garwood, John, of Philadelphia, killed. 398 

Gottschalk. sudden death of, at N.Y 44 

Gillman, Francis, fatal accident to 92 

Girl burned to death 12S 

Girl burned to death while at prayer, in 

Cincinnati .' 120 

Girl burned to death, in Providence, 

Rhode Island 12S 

Girl burned to death in presence of her 

lover 13 

Girl burned to dca;h in Troy, N.Y 4U0 

Gored by a bull 339 

Grade, Levi, killed by a horse, near 

Philadelphia 226 

Graham, Mrs. Hanford, of California, 

burned to death 324 

Greenfield, R., accident to, in Connecticut 35'J 
Harris, P., of Port Miller, New York, 

killed by lightning 383 

Healey, James, crushed to death at ^ea. 53 

Heart-rending accident 354 

Heritage, Miss, of Mobile, burned to 

death 145 

Heisinger, Christian, of Clearspring, 

Maryland, killed 574 

Hellerman, Jacob, killed at Nicetown, 

Pennsylvania. 431 

Heritage, Mrs. Harriet, of New York, 

burned to death 503 

Hier, Conrad, killed by an embankment 

in New York 530 

Hinton. R. E., of Maysville, Ky.. killed 574 
Hobs, Mrs., of Orange, New J< . 

burned to death 345 

Hollo way, Thomas, injured on Long 

Island Railroad 5 Q P> 

Horrible accident in New Orleans 242 

Horton, Mr., burned to death in Bii tol, 

Rhode Island '. 393 

Howard, Dr. A. G., of Grantville, S.C., 

killed by a falling tree 141 

Hudson River railroad-accident; verdict 

of coroner's jury 74 

Hundred and fifty lives lost, in Iowa 

and Illinois 489 

Higby, Dr. C. II., death from insanity... 479 
Hoffman, John, of Baltimore, smothered 

in awell 521 

Hoffman, Joseph, of New York, killed 

by a fall 346 

Hudson River railroad-accident 297 

Hughes, John, killed by a caving bank, 

in California 61S 

Hughes. Margaret, burned to death 

in Philadelphia 600 

Jones. Edward, of New York, killed 394 

Jahraus, Frederick, of Philadelphia, 

killed by a fall 513 

Kelly. Eugene, killed by ears, in N.Y... 614 
Kennedy, James, killed on Pennsylvania 

Railroad 20 

Kenney, John J., sudden death of, in 

New York 49 

Killed by carelessly handling a gun 246 

Killed by the cars, while drunk, near 

"Wilmington, Delaware ,.. 600 



CASUALTIES— page 

Killed byafall, in New York 263 

by falling down-stairs 450 

by a locust, in Wetzel co., Va 613 

on the New Haven Railroad 292 

by being thrown from a wagon 

in New York 433 

nearly, while sleep-walking 355 

while tied to a cow 480 

Kleber, J., killed by a fall, at Philadel- 
phia 520 

Knott, Mrs., of Washington, D.C., 

burned to death 129 

Knowlton. Geo. AW, crushed to death, 

in New York 614 

Kirk, John, killed at South Bergen, 

New Jersey 29 

Land, Mary Ann. of Wilmington, Dela- 
ware, sudden death of 294 

Larrimore, Mrs. D. W., of Georgia, 

burned to death 355 

Lady burned to death in Bellefonte 216 

Lee, Hugh, of Peach Bottom, Pennsyl- 
vania, killed while hunting 1S4 

Leary, Robert, killed by blasting, in 

New Jersey 215 

Lehman, James, of Philadelphia, killed 317 

Little girl frozen to death 145 

Lore, John, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, 

killed in a foul well 146 

Loud, John, killed at Staten Island 337 

Lightning, boys killed by, in Ottawa, 

Illinois 443 

man killed by, in Kent co., 

Delaware 446 

Martin, Mrs., of Monroe, 

\\'i consin, killed by 5S5 

George, Rev. N. K.. of Maine, 

killed by 551 

death by.. 299 

Miss Mary Lookout, of Ga., 

killed by 445 

two men and a boy struck 

by 295 

churches struck by 381, 556 

Little girl falls into a cistern 139 

Loss of Hie in Naples, Maine 253 

Loss from breaking up of ice. at Pitts- 
burg 44 

Lovett. John, accidentally killed in New 

York 48 

Lynch, Michael, of New York, killed 

'by a fall 346 

Major, John, burned to death in Phila- 
delphia 543 

Man devoured by rats 13 

Man killed on Hudson River Rail- 
road 607 

Martin, Stephen, killed on Florida Rail- 
road 413 

McAlister, .Miss Ann, burned to death 

in Virginia 2S 

MeCannrPemberton Mills victim 215 

McDonald, Francis, killed at New York 408 
McDonnell, Michael, killed on railroad, 

in Philadelphia 430, 449 

Mclndon, Andrew, killed in Charleston, 

South Carolina 228 

McKenzie, Alexander, killed on Black- 
well's Island 396 

McKiustrv, Mr., of Newark, New Jersey, 
fell dead 546 



INDEX. 



639 



CASUALTIES— PA « E 

McLaughlin, T., of Philadelphia, fell 

from a scaffold and was killed 608 

McMenony, Rev. Patrick, burned to 

death in New York 573 

MeMullen, Hon. Fayette, narrow escape 

of 314 

Melancholy catastrophe in Waynesburg, 

Pennsylvania 128 

Merseler, Mrs., of N.J., killed on railroad 2 16 

Miller, Benj., killed in California 195 

Miller, John, of New York, falls from a 

window 459 

Mitchell, C. L., of New York, killed.... 421 

Morgan, James, burned to death 355 

Murtha, Mrs. E. F., burned to death at 

New Y-rk 191 

Murphy, John, of New York, killed 378 

Murray, Mary, of New York, burned to 

death .' 543 

Naff, Franklin, of Baltimore, died of 

wounds 296 

Negro whipped to death in Danville, Ya. 383 
Negro burned to death at Carliuville. 111. 5:: I 

Negro killed 36 

Neiztroth. Frederika, burned to death in 

New Orleans 596 

Noble, G. D., of New York, killed by 

opiates 372 

Nolan, Mrs., of Washington, N. Jersey, 

killed 464 

Old man killed in Port Chester. N.Y.... 445 
O'Reilly, Luke, died from a sprain at 

New York 512 

Pemberton Mills calamity 30 

Pendleton, M. C, of Darlington, S.C., 

instantly killed 19 

Pearson, Henry T., of Newburyport, 

Mass., killed in a gymnasium 266 

Percussion-powder, explosion of. 597 

Peyser, Mrs., of New York, poisoned... 359 
Philips, John, killed by falling from a 

cart in New York 459 

Poisoning-cases, 26. 74, 84, 93, 105, 106, 146, 

177, 211. 225. 219, 262, 287, 351,3 . 

399, 410, 41S. 425, 431,449, 480, 504, 506, 

57.' v . 

Presentiment in a dream 242 

Pope, Mrs. L., of Louisyille, death from 

chloroform 229 

Quackeuburgh, Daniel, killed by rail- 
road-ear ....381, 386 

Railroad-accident 287 

Belleville, 111 524 

Marietta road 136 

New Jersey 49 

New Haven, Conn 440 

New York & Erie 316 

Paterson, N. J 316 

Philadelphia 68 

New York 53 

St Louis 321 

Ohio and Mississippi 

Railroad 45 

Remarkable chapter of accidents at 

Akron, Ohio 103 

Renner, Win., of Altoona, Pa., killed... 148 

Ridgely, Miss, accident to 275 

Rislev, Sophia, of New Y'ork, burned to 

death 410 

Ritchie, William, killed on New Jersey 

Central Railroad 17' 



CASUALTIES— paob 

Robinson, Eliza, mysterious death of, 

at Toledo, Ohio....' 3S9 

Rodney, Edward S., accidentally shot... 553 
Rooncy, Peter, of New Y'ork, killed on 

a railroad 543 

Rogers, Mr., of Wilmington, Del., killed 

by cars 173 

Root. A., of the N. Y". Central Railroad, 

killed by a bridge 130 

Rose, A., killed on steamer Albatross.... 
Rose, Mr. Win., burned to death in i.'in- 

cinnati 145 

Roswell, Miss, inquest on 377 

Runnels, Peter, killed on N. J. Railroad, 607 
Rourke, Lawrence, killed on railroad at 

New Haven, Conn 445 

Rutledge, Joseph, of Talladega, Ala., 

killed by his son 165 

Scalded to death in New York 449, 509 

Serrnan, Joshua, killed on Delaware 

Railroad 261 

Shot by his brother ,. 123 

Schott, J., of Phila., fatal result to, at 

New York 454 

Shot by playing with fire-arms i 

Shav, Patrick, of N. York, found dead 311 
Shinns, Aaron, of Phila., killed by a fall 121 
Silvernail, Henrietta, (a child, 1 

in New York 213 

Shorthall, John, killed by a fall in New 

York 463 

Slaves burned at the stake 245 

child purchased S7 

murders by, 71, 126, 146, 221, 245, 
25S, 321, 3! . 10, 471 

Singular accident with ammonia 443 

and death 241 

cause of death in Lowell. Mass. 35 1 
death of a child in Erie, Pa.... 125 
death of an engineer on Hudson 

Liver Railroad 369 

death of a child near Greens- 
burg. Pa 618 

death of a child in Providence, 

R.I 385 

death by use of whiskey 123 

Sippen, Harrison, killed on Norristown 

Railroad. Phila 514 

Smith. Samuel, of Phila.. killed 279 

Six children burned to death in Orion, 

Wis 253 

Spencer, Thos., of Franklin, Pa., thrown 

from a mule 227 

Stanly, John, of California, killed 542 

Staples, Calvin, of New Bedford, Mass., 

killed 599 

Stevenson, E. B., of Belfast, Me., dropped 

dead 455 

St. Charles Hotel, New Orleans, casualty 182 

Strange occurrence at a funeral 36 

Straub, Casper, killed at Newark, N.J., 36 
Sweeny. Mrs., of Brandywine, Del., sud- 
den death of. 135 

Sudden death of father and son in Med- 

way, Ma-s 299 

Sudden deaths in New Y'ork 268 

Tatman, Purnal, of Milford, Del., death 

of. 195 

Taylor, Jas., killed on railroad at New- 
ark, N.J 23 

Taylor, Jas., of Phila., accident to 163 



640 



INDEX. 



CASUALTIES— page 

Taylor, Martha, of Phila., burned to 

death 397 

Ten persons burned to death in tene- 
ment-house 21S 

Terrible affair in Illinois 76 

accident in Davis eo., Iowa 74 

calamity near Amboy, 111 339 

Thirteen men killed in Cincinnati 158 

Three sudden deaths in one house.. 337 

Tobias, George, died in Jersey City 325 

Toole, Bartley, killed on Penn'a Central 

Railroad..". 000 

Tours, Will. L., beaten to death 104 

Tragedy in earnest in Wilmington, N.C. 337 
Two children burned alive in Lafayette, 

Ind 355 

burned to death in Wil- 
liamsburg, N.Y 292 

killed at East Newark. N.J. 529 
Two men injured in Wolfborough, N.ll. 189 

Two men killed near Philadelphia 230 

Verdict of the Pemberton Mills calamity 80 
Vogel, Jofin, killed by falling from a 

ladder, in New York 514 

Wagner, Frederick, of Philadelphia, fatal 

leap of 410 

Walden, Patrick, of New York, death of 373 
Waldron, Lewis, burned to death in 

Bristol, Rhode Island 39S 

Wells, James, of Sussex county, New 

Jersey, killed 151 

Wende, C.of New York - , feli from a roof ISO 
West, R. L., of Maryland, killed by 

lightning 282 

White, Frederick, crushed to death 200 

Whiskey duel 345 

Whole family poisoned in Illinois 177 

Williams, Dr.. of Salem, Massachusetts, 

singular death of 514 

Wilson, Carrington, burned to death in 

New York 94 

Wilson, Samuel, of Parkesburg, Penn- 
sylvania, killed on railroad 400 

Winn, Miles, of New Haven, Connecti- 
cut, died from drinking wine 28 

Wisdom, Sain., of Philadelphia, crushed 

to death 13 

Woman badly burned in Philadelphia... 138 

Woman eaten by rats (i 

Woman killed on Philadelphia & Balti- 
more Railroad 02 

Woman roasted to death, in Pittsburg, 

Pennsylvania 132 

Woodman, S., of Dayton, Ohio, death 

from hydrophobia 28 

Wyette, Miss, the actress, accident to... 270 
Wyman, Newell, of Winchendon, Massa- 
chusetts, death of 355 

Yardley, James, of Philadelphia, killed 

at afire 105 

Young lady burned to death, in Ala 110 

Young man burned to death near Wood- 
bury, Tennessee 216 

CHURCH MATTERS— 

American Tract Society 402 

Church burned 311 

at Alton, Illinois 177 

at Colden, Erie co., Pa.. 79 

at Minneapolis 311 

in Mobile 315 



CHURCH MATTERS— 

Church burned in North Reading, Mass. 

in Waltham, Mass 

struck by lightning 

struck by lightning, in Bloom- 
field, New Jersey 

sold at auction in New Y T ork 

Church refused to Wendell Phillips 

Death while at the "Mourners' Bench'' 

Degraded priest 

Departure of missionaries 

Fast-day in Boston 

Fall of a church at Norwich, Conn 

Fall of the walls of a Catholic church 
in Cincinnati 

Four churches burned 

Girl baptized in her grave- clothes 

Hebrew Orphan-Asylum, Charleston, 
South Carolina 

Injury to a church in West Brookfield, 
Ohio 

Infirmity of Southern bishops 

Letter from the Pope 

Minister arrested for opening leiters 

Minister expelled for immorality in Bos- 
ton ." 

Methodist Episcopal General Confer- 
ence 301, 360, 371, 382, 386, 441, 

Mormon habits 

Mormons going to Utah 

.Mormon conference 

Philadelphia M. E. Conference 

Pomroy, Be.v. Dr., of Boston, expulsion 
of.... 

Purchase of a slave child by a congre- 
gation in New Y'ork 

Poof of St. Paul's Church 

Second- Ad vent meeting 

Sermon to thieves and prostitutes 

Singular ease, young woman cured by 
prayer 

Singular proceeding in a church 

So-icty of the Daughters of God 

Joseph Smith, Jr., head of the Mormons 

Spiritualism 

Taking the veil 

Talbot, Bishop J. C, consecration of.... 

Trinity Church burned in Philadelphia. 

Walker, Rev. Dr., of Harvard Univer- 
sity, donation to 



r.'.-c.s 
363 
451 
3S1 

556 
110 
152 
12S 
439 
108 
200 
437 

15S 
311 
251 

25 

126 

75 

105 

322 



500 
153 

3S1 
479 

22.) 

3S1 

87 
153 

27H 
270 

96 

74 

24 

43 

029 

193 

L09 

576 



COUNTERFEITING— 

Arrest in Toledo, Michigan 53 

Bagby, W. K., discharge of 223 

Ball, Joseph L., of. Ohio old 

Bigelow, conviction of 323 

Bocarde, Joseph, delivered up 43 

Curtis, John W., convicted 2u6 

Counterfeiters arrested 24 

Ward, J. and W., arrest of 522 



DEATH OF NOTED MEN AND WOMEN- 
Alexander, Rev. Joseph Addison, of 

Trenton. New Jersey, death of 

Allen, Hon. Phineas, of Pittsfield, 

Massachusetts, death of 

Allen, Hon. S. C, of East Boston, death 

of 

Allston, Gen. John A., of South Carolina, 

death of 

American consul of Acapulco, death 

ef 



70 
3S6 



109 

61b 



INDEX. 



C41 



DEATH OF NOTED MEN AND WOMEN— 

PAGE 

Avery, George D., a Virginia pioneer, 
death of 4G9 

Bayard, Dr. R. B., of Cincinnati, sudden 
death of 169 

Babcock, Wm., a Revolutionary soldier 
of Warren co., New York, death of... 223 

Baldwin, Enoch, of Dorchester, Massa- 
chusetts, death of 578 

Bangs, Benjamin, of Boston, death of... 543 

Barber, Zachariah, of Ogdensburg, New 
York, Revolutionary soldier, death of 226 

Barker, Judge Joseph, of Newport, Ohio, 
death of 19 

Barker, Rev. Dr. John, of Pittsburg 
Conference, death of 470 

Bates, Martin, of Boston, death of 404 

Bartlett, Enoch, of Roxbur3 r , Massa- 
chusetts, death of 5S5 

Beach, George, of Hartford, Connecti- 
cut, death of 470 

Beardsley, Hon. Samuel, of Utica, New 
York, death of 380 

Beatie, Capt. Wm., of Virginia, Revo- 
lutionary soldier, death of 260 

Bell, Hon.' J. C, of California, death of. 295 

Benham, Com. Timothy G., of Staten 
Island, death of 543 

Bigelow, Hon. Abijah, death of 263 

Binns, John, of Philadelphia, death of.. 540 

Bissell, Gov., of Illinois, death of 192 

Blanc, Archbishop, of New Orleans, 
death of 552 

Blanche, Gen. J. B., burial of S 

Blood, Hon. Cyrus, of Forest co., Pa., 
death of 40 

Bogg, ex-Gov., of Missouri, death of.... 183 

Bokee, Hon. David A., of New York, 
death of 200 

Boker, J. Gr., of New York, death of.... 162 

Botts, Alexander L., of Brooklyn, New 
York, death of 410 

Branuon, Catharine, a centenarian, of 
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, death of 352 

Brewer, Mr. Charles, of Pittsburg, death 
of 233 

Brouillette, Mrs. Frances, of Vincennes, 
death of 618 

Browne, Peter A., of Philadelphia, death 
of 20 

Burd, Mrs. Eliza Howard, of Phila- 
delphia, death of 267 

Burroughs, Hon. Silas M., of Medina, 
New York, death of 503 

Butler, Gen. R. C, of Florida., death of 39 

Byrd, Col. Francis, of Baltimore, death 
of 371 

Eucklin, Rev. S. F., of Marlborough, 
Massachusetts, death of 444 

Burton, William E., the comedian, 
death of. 114 

Caldwell, Howard H., of Newberry, 
South Carolina, death of 141 

Campbell, Col. C. M.,of Memphis, Tenn., 
death of 464 

Carvalho, Mr. David Nunes, of Balti- 
more, death of 97 

Centenarian, death of 77 

Centenarian, Flora Armstrong, of Dutch- 
ess co.. New York, 
death of. 437 



DEATH OF NOTED MEN AND WOMEN— 

PAGE 

Centenarian, Mrs. Catharine Douglass, 

death of 74 

Mrs. Maria Post, death of, 

near Paterson, N.J 450 

Rachel Stewart, of Mary- 
land, death of. 43 

Mrs. Betsey Jones, of Madi- 
son co., N.Y., death of... 387 
Mrs. McCabe, of Cincin- 
nati, death of. 132 

Mary Naff, of Philadel- 
phia, death of. 371 

Thomas Wilmarth, of Cin- 
cinnati, death of. 124 

death of, in Wythe co., Va. 147 
Chandler, Rev. Geo., death-bed scene of S7 
Chandler, Rev. George, of Philadelphia, 

death of. 112 

Chapman, Augustus, Ogdensburg, New 

York, death of 398 

Charles, Edmund, of Hoboken, New 

Jersey, death of 127 

Clarke, Hon. Augustin B. L., death of... 191 

Clark, James, of Boston, death of Ill) 

Collins, John, of New York, death of... 37S 
Coleman, Col. Daniel, of Danville, Va., 

death of 470 

Cummiskey, Eugene, of Philadelphia, 

death of 514 

Comstock, Rev. 0. C, death of 35 

Cooley, Rev. E. F., of Trenton, New 

Jersey, death of 319 

Coon, Michael, of Philadelphia, Revo- 
lutionary soldier, death of 194, 222 

Damrell, Hon. Wm. S., of Boston, 

Massachusetts, death of 415 

Dana, James, of Utica, N.Y., death of... 41 
Daniel, Hon. Judge Peter V., of Vir- 
ginia, death of 464 

Davies, Solomon B., of Baltimore, death 

of 585 

Dunham, Daniel, of New York, Revo- 
lutionary soldier, death of 250 

Death of an aged couple, in St. Clair co., 

Iowa 18 

Death of Indian princess 150 

Dimmick, Dr. L. F., of Newburyport, 

Massachusetts, death of 413 

Espy, Prof. James P., death of CO 

Espy, Prof., funeral of 70 

Enston, Wm., of Charleston, S.C., a 

millionnaire, death of 205 

Flanders, Charles, of Plainfield, N.H., 

death of 294 

Fitzgerald, Major E. II., U.S.A., death of 20 

Floyd, Col. Rush, of Va., death of Ill 

Follen, Mrs. Eliza Lee, authoress, death 

of 63 

Foster, Wm. B., of Philadelphia, death 

of 164 

Fowle, Wm., of Alexandria, Va., death of 25 
Fraser, Major Donald, U.S.A., death of. 169 

French consul at Mobile, death of 268 

French, V. B., of Boston, death of 278 

Frost, John, the historian, death of. 11 

Gaines, Major A. W., U.S.A., death of... 120 
Galbraith, Hon. John, of Pennsylvania, 

death of 540 

Gardner, Edwin S., of Nashville, Tenn., 

death of 548 



41 



t)42 



INDEX. 



DEATH OF NOTED MEN AND WOMEN— 

PAGE 

Geer, Samuel, of Fredonia, N.Y., a Re- 
volutionary soldier, death of 249 

Geisiuger, Com. David, death of 194 

Gilpin, Henry D., of Phila., death of 70 

Goll, Pierre Frederick, one of Napo- 
leon's body-guards, death of 419 

Goodrich, Prof. Chauncey Allen, of Yale 

College, death of 131 

Goodrich. Samuel Griswold. death of 3!S7, 401 
Gordon, T. L., of Philadelphia, death of 46 
Granger, Mrs. Mindwell, of Canandai- 

gua, N.Y.. death of 299 

Greene, John, the actor, death of 431 

Griffin, George, of N.Y., death of 377 

Greenwood, Holmes, last survivor of 

Jersey prison-ships, death of 271 

Hallet, Col. W'm. 11., of Mobile, death of 503 
Haun, Hon. Henry P., of Cal., death of 511 
Harker, Hon. Joseph, of Mullica Hill, 

N.J., death of. 65 

Hewson. John, of Phila., Revolutionary 

soldier, death of. 5 

Hill, Simon, soldier of 1812, death of... 306 
Hitchcock, Luke, of Vernon, N.Y., 

death of 348 

Hubbard, David E., of Glastonbury, 

Conn .'.. 121 

Hufty, Joseph, of Phila., death of. 404 

Ingersoll, Hon. Charles A.,of NewHaven, 

Conn., death of 86 

Ingham, Samuel I)., of Trenton, N.J., 

death of 503 

Jackson, Gen. ('. M., of Ga., death of... 137 
Jesup, Gen. Thos. S., of U.S.A., death of 516 

Jesup, Gen., funeral of. 525 

Johnson, Lawrence, of Phila., death of.. 333 

Johnson, Lawrence, funeral of 345 

Johnson, Hon. Win. fast, death of. 294 

Jones, Hon. Joel, of Phila., death of.... 85 
Kane, Dr. Joseph, of Phila., death of.... 162 
Kennedy. Mrs. Margaret, of Monroe co., 

New York, death of. 618 

Kossuth, Madame, death of, in N.Y 608 

Keyser, Elhanan W., of Phila 115 

Kemble, Rev. David T., of Ipswich, 

Mass., death of 81 

Kraitser. Dr. Charles, of Morrisania, 

N.Y., death of. 40S 

Largest man in Baltimore, death of 354 

Lawrence, Hon.W. C. A.,ofPa., death of 319 

Levin, Lewis C, of Phila., death of 183 

Livingston, John W., of N.Y., death of 279 
Lord, Fred. W., Rep. delegate from Suf- 
folk co., N.Y., to Chicago, death of... 443 
Lyon, N. W., of Easton, Conn., Revolu- 
tionary soldier, death of. 306 

Mallary, Hon. Francis, of Va., death of 213 
Mandeville, Joshua, of Waterford, N.Y., 

death of 371 

Mann, Hon. C.A.. of Utiea, N.Y.,death of 49 
Mayhew, Wm. E., of Baltimore, death of 275 
Martindale, Rev. Stephen, of N.Y., 

death of 437 

Maclay, Rev. Archibald.of N.Y., death of 363 
MeCormick, James, Revolutionary sol- 
dier, death of. 58 

McDermut, James, of Richmond co., 
Ohio, Revolutionary soldier, death of. 77 

McDermott, Rev. John, death of 44 

McDonnel, Peter, of Troy, N,Y., devith of 96 



DEATH OF NOTED MEN AND WOMEN— 

PAGE 

Mclntyre, Alexander, soldier of 1812, 

death of 60 

Meader, John, of Providence, death of.. 619 

Mercer's, Singleton, sister, death of 306 

Monroe, Col. James, of Frankfort, K\\, 

death of. "... 314 

Miles, Catholic Bishop of Tennessee, 

death of 135 

Moore, Hon. Eli, death of 63 

Murphy, Thomas, of the " Baltimore 

American," death of. 410 

Muirhead, Col. John, of Lebanon, Tenn., 

death of 279 

Nelson, Hon. John, of Baltimore, 

death of CO 

Ncvill, Yelvaten, of N.C., Revolution- 
ary soldier, death of. 35] 

Newman, Bishop John M., of Philadel- 
phia, death of. 19,25,26 

O'Bannon, Dr. J. D., of Prattsville, Ala., 

death of 465 

Page, Major Francis Nelson, of U.S.A., 

death of. 214 

Paine, Mrs. J. T., of Winslow, Maine, 

death of 312 

Palmer, Lewis, of Lewisburg, Pa., death 

of 619 

Parker, Rev. Theodore, death of 394 

Parker, Lieut. John P., of U.S.N., 

death of 510 

Pinker, Hon. Thomas, of Farmington, 

Maine, death of. 85 

Patterson, Samuel D., of Pa., death of.. 1 13 

Paulding, James K., death of. 258 

Phelps, Jr.. Hon. Ansel, of Springfield, 

.Mass., death of 486 

Piekman, Clark Gayton, of Boston, 

Mass., death of 398 

Pierson, Job, of Troy, N.Y., death of.... 273 
Pinnev, Hon. Benjamin, of Tolland i 

Conn., death of. 514 

Pinto, Manuel, of Cal., oldest man in 

the United States, death of. 251 

Plympton, Col. Joseph, of the army, 

death of 507 

Powers, Charles, of Davenport, Iowa, 

death of 81 

Preble, Mrs. Margaret, of Kentucky, 

death of. 364 

Preston, Hon. Win. C, of S.C., death of 435 
Proudfit, Rev. Dr., of Union College, 

N.Y., death of. .".. 104 

Quigley, Daniel, of Mobile, death of. 172 

Rambo, Rev. Jacob, African missionarv, 

death of .".. 619 

Raine, John B., of Paris, Ky., death of 275 

Reid, Rev. Horace II., death of. 190 

Renshaw, Rev. Charles, of Richmond, 

Mass., death of. 25 

Ritzius, M., of Tennessee, death of 619 

Robinson, ex-Gov., remains of. 375 

Rouiaine.Ralph.of BigPond, Bergen CO., 

N.J., soldier of 1812, death of. 299 

Ryder, Rev. Dr. James, of Philadelphia, 

death of 39 

Sackett, Mr. Adnah, of Providence, 

R.I., death of. 147 

Sanborn, Mrs. Ann, of Charleston, Me., 

death of 223 

Sawyer, Capt. H. B., U.S.N., death of.. 109 



INDEX. 



043 



DEATH OF NOTED MEN AND WOMEN— 

PAGE 

Sclilosser, Mr. John W., of York, Pa... 

death of 147 

Seott, Andrew, of Phila., death of. 52 

Scott, Oh., of Charlestown. Va.. death of. 199 
Shaft'. Frederick, a Revolutionary soldier, 

death of 469 

Schenck, Hon. Ferdinand S., of Soiner- 

• t co., N.J., death of 415 

Schoolcraft, John L., of Albany, N.Y., 

death of 509 

Schwartz, Hon. John, of Berks co., Pa., 

death of 552 

Sergeant, Hon.Thouias, of Philadelphia, 

death of 375 

Shannon, John R., of Beaver, Pennsyl- 
vania, death of US 

Snyder, John Ludwig, Revolutionary 

soldier, death of. 66 

Soldier of Napoleon 66 

Spaulding, Miss L. L. K., African mis- 
sionary, death of 619 

Slim-on, John J., of Providence, R.I., 

death of 50 

Stitnpson, Joseph, of Elliot, Me., death 

of 470 

Stockton, Judge L. D., of Iowa, death of 514 
Strait. Rev. John, of Ohio,Revolutionary 

soldier, death of. 20 

Swan. Judge Gustavus, of Columbus, 

Ohio, death of. 92 

Tazewell, Hon. Littleton Waller, of Va., 

death of 3S0 

Taylor, John E., American consul, 

death of 64 

Taylor, Najah, of New York, death of... 208 

Tefft, T. A., of R.I. , death of 52 

Thornton, Dr. T. C, of Madison College, 

death of 203 

Tobey, II. L., of Utiea, death of 306 

Toulmin, J. B., of Mobile, death of 249 

Townsend, Isaac, of N.Y., death of.. .251, 261 
Tunis, Capt. Benjamin, soldier of 1812, 

death of 53 

Turner, Judge Edward, of Natchez, 

death of 354 

Twi'-hell, Gershom, of Milford, Mass., 

a wealthy miser, death of. 614 

Vandegrift, Capt. John, of Delaware 

City, death of. 618 

Vaughan, John Daniel, a Revolutionary 

soldier, death of. 469 

AY. iien ian, Capt. Robert, an old ship- 
master, deatli of. 342 

Ward. Mr. Nahum, of Marietta, Ohio, 

death of. 267 

Ward, Rev. Elijah, of Ohio, death of.... 44 
Wallace, Rev. Cranmore, of Charleston, 

S.C., death of. 81 

Webb, Hon. E. R., of Miss., death of... 44 
Washburn, Rev. Cephas, of Little Rock, 

Ark., death of. 190 

Weeden, Mrs. P., last survivor of Wyo- 
ming Massacre, death of. 226 

Whitehead, Hon. Asa, of N.J., death of 448 
Whitney, Elias, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., 

death of 619 

Whitney, Mr. Stephen, the millionnaire, 

of New York, death of. 112 

Wilkinson, Simon, of Boston, death of.. 120 
Wisw&il, Joseph, of Mobile, death of.... 315 



DEATH OF NOTED MEN AND WOMEN— 

PAGE 

William-;, Mrs. Abigail E., of Conn., 

death of 164 

Williams, Dr. B. Brown, death of. 471 

Williams, Rev. Arthur, of S.C., death of 404 
Wilson, Hon. Edgar C, of Va., death of 324 

Wood, James, of Phila., death of 256 

Wood, Joseph, ex-Mayor of Trenton, 

N.J., death of. '. 386 

Wood, George, of N.Y., death of 190 

Woodruff. John 0., of N.O., death of.... 350 

Wright, Major Ben, death of 73 

"Young Brown's" wife, death of 160 

Yardley, Dr. T. H., sudden death of..... 12 

DEFALCATION— 

of cashier of Muscatine, branch of 105 

clerk of Pacific Steamship Company 417 

Button, J. W., of Iowa 105 

Fowler, Isaac V., of N.Y.... 408, 497, 54S 

Hoffman. Frederick, of N.Y 417 

Hunt. T. Corwin 358 

Iowa State Bank 105 

Kenyon, D. C. sentence of 115, 338 

Lane (Fulton Bank) 120, 131, 165 

Peck, B. D.. of Maine 11, 12, 477 

Robinson, Edwin, of Richmond, Ya. 549 

Treasurer of Milwaukee 238 

Defaulter, return of a supposed 265 

Fraudulent conveyances 152 

DIVORCE— 

and remarriage 475 

Burch, Isaac, of 111., case 300, 481, 548 

Cases in Boston 253, 577 

Case (Johnson) in New York 511 

Case, Dubuque 621 

Forrest, case 193 

Massachusetts, casein 475 

Kansas, case in 248 

Menken, Adah Isaacs, case of. 269 

Hasty marriage dissolved 475 

DROWNED— 

Anderson, Abraham A 336 

Beeler, James, of Cal 195 

Brooks, Edward L., of New York 618 

Cambridge, George, of Phila 421 

Clark, Thos., of Phila 514 

Cook, Robert B., New York 262 

Cornelius, Capt. J., son of, of Wilming- 
ton, Del 200 

Cromwell, Chas. T., near New York 551 

Cunningham, Master James 600 

Devlin, Patrick, of New York 431 

Dewees, Jesse, Roxborough, Mass 363 

Dorrell, R., Odessa, Del 458 

Dubois, Win. W 185 

Near Rhinebeck, N.Y 46 

Eldred, Mr., Auburn, N.Y 350 

Falster, R. C, of New York 512 

Fcnton, J. Buck, Baltimore 574 

Fletcher, Benj. G., of Kittery Pt., Me... 554 

Forty-nine children, near Harden, 111.... 112 

Francioly, John Joseph, Baltimore 596 

Frenchman, New York 221 

Five persons found, New York 327 

Gage. Edward F., Memphis, Tenn 529 

Gardiner, Win., Phila 421 

Guindon, Monsieur, Vermont 554 

Hawkhurst, Frederick 518 



644 



INDEX. 



DROWNED— pare 

Healey, Bartholomew, of Phila 421 

Hogan, John, of Leeds, New York 614 

llulse, Jeffrey, New York 255 

Jones, James F., Smyrna, Del 451 

Jones, Thos. H., (colored,) New York... 585 

King, Miss, Piedmont, Va 427 

Kimball, II. H., Memphis 529 

Kirwin, Wm., New York 554 

Larkins, John, New York 286 

Lawler, Wm., New York 319 

Lathrop, Master R. D., New York 608 

Leggett, Master, New York 585 

Man and woman, New York 307 

Money, Miss, New York 614 

Martin, James, New York 393 

McCafferty, Joseph, Phila 543 

McDonough, James, Utica, N.Y 554 

McLunnan, John, at Phila 585 

Means, Wm., of Phila 415 

Morrison, P 540 

Neal, Patrick, Phila 464 

Oliver, Thos 596 

Orr, John, New York 363 

Orr. John, New York, inquest on body.. 370 

O'Neale, John and Wm 12S 

Osborne. A. A., of Boston 261 

Rey, John, of Wilmington, l>cl 426 

Pthodes, Lewis, of New York 421 

Roberts, C. L., found, New York 585 

Rogan, John, of Phila 509 

Russell, David, of Phila 614 

Seott, Penman, at sea 102 

Seven men 543 

Singular case of. 149 

Smith, Andrew and Peter, New York... 497 

Singular, of a little girl 410 

Six persons 598 

Son of Commodore Bell 150 

Sperry, Charlotte, of New Haven 608 

Stilwi'll. Harrison, near New York. 309, 405 
Three children rescued from, Johnstown, 

Pa 543 

Two brothers 128 

Twenty-five persons, near Camden, N.C. 373 

Ulp, John, of Phila 372 

Van Horn, Wesley, near Phila 614 

Walter, Virginia and Helen, Chester 

co., Pa 410 

Welsh, John, Phila 524 

White, J. B„ of Cal 195 

White, Master Thos., Phila 599 

Whitney, C. E., Boston 261 

Wimsey, Joseph EL, Phila 575 

Wilbour, Henry, New York 596 

Worrell, Master John, Phila 608 

Woman, Phila Ill 

Wyland, Charles, Phila 428 

EARTHQUAKE— 

At the South 323 

In California 185 

Singular circumstance 51 

ELOPEMENT— 

Of a widow 157 

Barnes, Miss, of Camden. N.Y 472 

Blind girl, with a cripple 621 

Blinker, M. J., of Butler, Pa 472 

Brochaw, J. W., of Springfield, Ohio.... 457 

Brennan, Mrs 234 

Burd, J. R., Navarre 442 



ELOPEMENT— 

Cameron, Mrs. John, of Rhode Island... 

Clark, Charles . 

Cox, Mr. Geo., from Wilmington. Del... 

Cundy, Wm. EL, Boston 

Cuppernell, Mrs., of Adams co., Wis.... 

Dimming, Mrs. Frances, of Conn 

Double 

Fclker, Mrs., of South Carolina 

From Auburn 

Frustrated, in Boston 

From Toledo, 0., of a young lady 

From the Spingler Institute, New York... 

Gardiner, Mrs., of Boston 

Garrison, Dr. L. B.. of Wisconsin 

Hanekell, .Mrs., of Poughkeepsie 

Hippie, of Butler, Pal.'. 

In high life 

Howland, Mrs., of Lisbon, N.H 

Howland, Silas, of Lisbon, N.H 

Jordan, Mary, of New York 

Ministers wife 

From Rochester, N.Y 

Wife from a sick husband 

With her music-teacher 

With a negro 157, 239, 327. 520, 

Kaufholtz, Charles 

Kennedy, S. G., of Memphis, Tenn 

Keves, J., of Sag Harbor 

Leroy, of Lafayette, Ind 

Martin. Margaret, of Sag Harbor 

"Monroe, Rev. George Nugent 

Moore, John, of Cayuga co., N.Y 

Myers, Mrs., of St. Louis 

Myers, .Mis^. of Lafayette, Ind 

Needham, of Poughkeepsie 

Nelson. James, of Milford, N.J 

Northmp, Mrs. Maria, of Flat Rock, 

Michigan 

Owens, James, of Vincennes, End 

Phipps, Miss, from Tennessee 

Pierpont, J. E., of New Britain, Conn... 

Root. Mrs., of Springfield, Ohio 39S, 

St. Louis 

Sears, Mrs., of Camden, N.Y 

Smith, Mrs., of Indiana 

Smith, S. A., of Cincinnati 

Smith, T., of Romeo, Mich 

Stewart, James, of Rhode Island 

Snowden, Francis W., of Phila 

Treel, Miss, of De Kalb co., Mo 

Vail, Mrs. Henry, of Milford, N.J 

Varnev. A., Salisbury, Mass 

Ward,* Otis S., of Enfield, Mass 

Watkins, Miss, of Wilmington, Del 

Weaver, Aaron, of South Carolina 

White woman with a slave 

Williams, Dr. J. B., Dc Kalb co., Mo.... 
With a pickpocket 



TAGE 

327 
565 
437 
164 

472 

84 

229 



620 
142 
357 
422 
164 
472 
323 
472 

51 
427 
427 
547 
.",'.18 
222 
621 
620 
554 

52 
173 
157 
472 
157 
132 
157 
414 
472 
32S 
293 



75 
142 
422 

si 
472 
414 
472 
142 
547 

75 
327 

64 
157 
298 
472 
367 
437 
322 
554 
157 
387 



EMBEZZLEMENT— 

Flynn, A., ex-Postmaster 28 

. Hawkins, II. B., arrest of. 66 

Miller, ex-Postmaster of Phila., suit 

against 271 

Smith, Raphael E., arrest of 415 

Terrell, of Boston, arrest of. 283 

FAILURE— ' 

Allen, Neal & Co., bankers of Boston, 

Mass., suspension of. 300 

Of Bank of Central New York 274 



INDEX. 



645 



FAILURE— page 

of Benchley & Co., California 78 

in Boston 41 

in California 548 

of Diamond (Ohio) Furnace Company.. 94 

Insurance Co. dissolved. Albany, N.Y. 324 

Little, E. B. & Co., of N.Y 191 

Lawrence Bank, Tenn. (suspension) 300 

in New Orleans 263 

Rhode Island Exchange Bank 100 

in shoe-trade 230 

Treadwell, Perry & Norton, Albany, 362 

FIRES— 

Fire in Albany, N.Y 35,311 

in Algiers, Louisiana 326 

in Ashland, Mass 451 

in Auburn, New York 181 

in Austin, Texas 43 

in Baltimore 11, 120 

in Bangor, Maine 615 

in Bement, Pratt co., Ill 114 

at Black River, "Wis 192 

in Boston, — loss of six locomotives 118, 

160, 175 

Boston, (near) 229, 465 

in Bradford, Conn 115 

in Bristol, R.I 398 

in Brooklyn, L.I 212, 229, 306, 362 

in Burlington, Iowa 73 

in California 58 

in California, — town destroyed 6S 

in Cambridgeport, Vt... 541 

in Carbondale, Pa 109 

in Carlinville, 111., — jail burned.... 531 

in Charleston, S,C. ." 6::, 137 

in Chelsea, Mass 320 

in Chicago, 111 306, 362, 411 

in churches 79, 177, 311, 315, 363, 

451, 576 

in Cincinnati 5, 43, 96, 120, 145, 

266, 532, 546, 578 

in ClarkBville, Mo 205 

in Clarksville, Tenn 255 

in Cleveland, Ohio 51 

in Clinton, Wis 54 

in Crescent City, Cal 151 

in Cleveland Institute 268 

Compassville, Pa.' (near) 203 

in Columbus, Miss 335 

coal-bank, on 629 

in Danville, Ky 125 

in Danville, Pa 251 

in Dayton, Ohio 442 

in Dnvenport, Delaware co., N.Y... 65 

in Delaware co., Pa 337 

in Detroit, Mich 497 

destructive, at Delavan's, Wis 58 

in Dismal Swamp 292, 351 

in Duncannon Nail-Works 28 

in East Boston 546 

in Efizabeth City, N.C 106 

destructive, in Eufaula, Ga 175 

in Felchvillc, Vt 192 

in Female College, Spartanburg, 

South Carolina 293 

fighting against, in the woods 217 

in Fishkill Mountains, N.Y 404 

in Franklin, N.H 109 

in Gardiner, Maine 326 

in Girard, Pa 140 

in Glasgow, Mo 136 



FIRES — p\ns 

Fire in Grand Rapids, Mich 54, 295 

in Greenport, N.Y 256 

in Hannibal, Mo 163, 397 

in Harrisburg, Pa 193 

in Hartford, Conn 93 

in Havana. Ill 186 

in Hestonville, Pa 189 

in Hernando (Miss.) Female Col- 
lege (> 

in Hickman, Ky 12 

in Hyannis, Mass., — woods on 398 

Hyde Park, Pa. (near) ,^0 

in Houston, Texas 45, 102, 176 

in Hobokeu, N.Y 242 

in Independence, Mo 222 

Independence Centre, Ohio (near)... 326 

in Jacksonport, Ark 220 

in Jamaica, L.I 195 

in Jerseyville, 111 6 

in Jonestown, Pa 193 

in Kenosha, Wis 229, 320 

in Kentucky Military Institute.... 228 

in La Salle, 111 13 

in Lawrence, Mass 368 

in Leavenworth, Kansas... 25, 428, 586 

Lewisburg (Ark.) destroyed by 299 

in Lexington, Mo 393 

lightning, town-hall struck by 273 

in Ligonier, Ind 57S 

in Lowell, Mass 541 

in Maiden, Mass 424 

in Manchester, Ohio 263 

in Marietta, Ohio 52 

in Memphis. Tenn 67, 270, 524 

in Mexico, N.Y 1(19 

in Meriden, Conn 497 

in Middletown, Conn 78 

in Milwaukee, Wis 194 

Morristown, N.J. (near)... 345 

in Mobile .' 180 

in Mount Clemens, Mich 213 

at Monson, Me 451 

in the mountains 351 

in Naples, Maine 253 

in Naples, 111 178 

in Nashville 276, 601 

in Navy Yard, Florida 216 

in Nebraska City 399 

in New Bedford, Mass 113 

New Jersey pines on fire 351 

in Nevada, Cal 452 

in New Orleans 1S2, 220, 342, 389, 

527, 586 

in New York 19, 47, 60, 63, 70, 7.:, 

76, 83, 97, 158, 190, 196, 218, 220, 
262, 298, 305, 316, 331, 332, 386, 
5S6, 615 

in Newport, R.I 299 

in Niles, Mich 200 

in North Attleboro, Mass 418, 452 

n North Haven, Conn 437 

in Northampton, Mass 72 

in Orange, N.J 345 

.n Oxford (Ohio) Female College.. 47 

in Oswego, N.Y 199, 282, 389 

in Owego, N.Y 527 

in Owensborough. N.Y 195 

in Painted Post, N.Y 383 

in Pekin, 111 205 

n Philadelphia 46, 94, 105, 112, 

138, 103, 265, 291, 3S3, 502, 576,586 



646 



INDEX. 



FIRES PAGE 

Fire in Presque Isle, Maine 404 

in Railway, N.J 405 

in Ravenna. Ohio 19 

in Richmond, Va 12S, 567 

in Rochester, N.Y 342 

in Rockford, 111 186 

in Sacramento 163 

in San Antonio. Texas 448 

in Sheboygan, "Wis 314 

in Simpson's Park, Carson Valley. 4-'51 

in South Boston, Mass 378 

in Southold, L.I 451 

in Springfield, Mass 427 

in St. John's, Mieh 298 

in St. Joseph's, Mich 138, 460 

in St. Louis 138, 143 

in St. Paul's, Minnesota 1S6 

in Sturbridge, Mass 326 

in Tam-town, N.Y 115 

in Tuskegee, Ala 23 

in Ulster co., N.Y 460 

in Vincennes, Ind 2!i2 

in Warren, Ohio 345 

in Wellsyille, N.Y 274 

in Weston, Mo .125 

in West Troy, N.Y 131), 291 

in Williamsburg, N.Y 384 

in Whitehall. Yt 287 

in Windsor Locks. Conn 208 

in Wilmington, Del 72, I'll 

in woods, stage burned 175 

in woods, in Mass 383 

at Yellow Springs, Ohio 199 

FORGERY- 

Bagby, Wm. K.. discharge of. 223 

Boyington. S. C .' L86, L93 

Brainard, Selden, in New York 522 

Cross, Col. J. 1! 141, 486 

On Boston bank 12 

Of deeds in New York 455 

Dillaye, Stephen G., acquitted of 592 

Dugan, Bartley, of New York 20s 

Edrick, Wm. S 455 

Female, by :;::; 

Goddard, Miss Abby 374 

Hawkins, Homer B., given up by his 

bail 82 

Hines, Dr 350 

Howe, Ol'-ver, absconding of. 21 

Hyde, Win. A., arrested for 455 

Keyl, Edwin, charged with 222 

Kimball, Benj., convicted of 139 

California land-claim 436 

County land-warrants 412 

Langdon, Sylvester G., convicted of..... 424 

Lawrence, Jos. C, indicted 522 

Lawyer convicted of. 139 

Lawsun, Thomas, arrested 369 

Peterman, George F.. sentenced 84 

Sheppard, Isaac F., acquitted o r . 215 

Shipman. Hamilton W., arrestsd 381 

Singular 477 

Stone, Charles, of New Hampshire 311 

Thompson, Charles D., arrested 381 

Vincent, Honeywell, arrested 455 

Wolf, M. A., St. Louis, pardoned 172 

INDIAN MATTERS— 

Armed force for Pyramid Lake 465, 500 

Battle between Indians 45S, 572 



INDIAN MATTERS— fags 

Battle in Minnesota 401 

at Carson Valley 402 

with Indians (54, 1(51 

Butchery of two hundred Indians 135 

Captured by Indians 259 

Capture of a lady in Arizona by Indians 1S7 

Defeated by Col". Hays 458 

Depredations on the overland route 499 

Expedition against 455 

Execution of.T 121' 

Fight with 60, 265 

Fight in California 4 13 

Fight with the- 577 

Hostile 190 

Hostilities in New Mexico 455 

Killed , 425 

Routed at Pyramid Lake 485 

Thirteen years' captivity among 629 

Skeleton "f, over seven feet high 75 

Stealing sheep 210 

Secretary Floyd on. outrages 141 

Sheppard, J. W., murdered by 546 

Stolen by 455 

Murders in Arizona 458 

Murders in Texas 283 

Murder by, at Simpson's Park, Carson's 

Valley.'. 431 

Murder by, on the plains 387 

Murders in New .Mexico 512 

Nine meu murdered by 382 

Murders by '. 436, 485 

Massacre in Texas 168 

Outrage in Texas 256, 479 

Outrages in California 38 

Poisoned by hogs 244 

Outrages 562 

Plundered by 556 

Volunteers against the 465 

White wives among the 622 

JUDICIAL MATTERS— 

Affecting scene in court 2S2 

Alleghany county (Pa.) bond case 119 

Breach of promise case in Middlesex, 

Mass 474 

Carstang vs. Shaw, divorce case, 165, 233, 

283, 317 

Contempt of court 307 

Colored meu on the jury in Massachu- 
setts ." 322 

Conviction under the fugitive-slave act 

in Illinois 11, 195, 241 

of an Ottawa rescuer 195 

Damage against the city of Brooklyn, 

N.Y .* 399 

for bleach of promise 76 

for mistakes in telegraphing... 152 

Delaware bridge case 549 

Expelled from the grand jury for abo- 
lition sentiments 146 

Female mob in Indiana, verdict against 237 

Gardner Furniss, ease of. 601 

Glover rescue case 158 

Grand juror in trouble 78 

Interesting judicial decision in I'hila... 248 

Judicial decision in favor of Boston 575 

Lottery case. Supreme Court decision of 44 

Maryland Court of Appeals 307 

Pittsburg bond case 212, 215, 465 

Right of colored people to ride in cars... 238 
San Francisco, decision in favor of. 589 



INDEX. 



647 



JUDICIAL MATTERS— page 

fruit for the destruction of an Abolition 

paper 14(3 

Supreme Court of Illinois adjourned.... 465 

Trial of Stephens and Hazlett 79, 80 

United States Supreme Court, adjourn- 
ment of. 372 

Verdict against a man's estate for killing 

himself. 287 

the Troy University G26 

New York fur sixty-two 
thousand dollars 237 

LYNCHING— 

In Iowa 20 

In Maryland 146 

In South Carolina 49 

Johnson, John 500 

Murderer of the Kineaid family, of 

Texas 400 

Pennsyltuck, Mr 143 

Power, James 76 

Preached against liquor-sellers 294 

Smelzer, Charles 29 

Trouble in Kentucky 213 

Two men in Arkansas 142 

Watkins, .Mr. W. W., of Pike's Peak.... 143 

Young, Moses, of Nebraska 1S5 

MISCELLANEOUS— 

Accusing a rival of murder 473 

African traveller (Dr. Vogel) killed 146 

Aged horse 1S3 

Aid to Illinois sufferers 628 

Alinaden quicksilver-mines 152 

American antiquities 025, 626 

American citizen arrested in Germany... L'3S 

American Colonization Society 46 

American released from prison in China 620 

American sentenced in Bogota 467 

American troops attacking Mexicans.... I'.M 

returned 200 

American troops crossing into Mexico... 187 

American troops fired at 268 

An earl in court 113 

Archaeological discoveries in the West 625, 

626 

Arkansas coal-mines 153 

Anns for Alabama 446 

Arms for the South 236 

Army matters 194 

Attempted escape of convicts 435 

Attempt to abduct John Brown, Jr 628 

Attempt to escape 54 

Auburn prison-earnings 024 

Babe in a carpet-bag ten weoks 247 

Bandit killed 194 

Barnum solvent 208 

Bear playing with a child 237 

Benton, Thomas II., monument to 542 

Betting with minors 478 

Blondin crossing Niagara on a tight- rope 550 

Blooming in the grave 357 

Board of Medical officers 362 

Bold villain, career of. 67 

Booth, S. M., attempted escape of. 415 

Born with whiskers 149 

Brave boy 578 

•Brave woman SI 

Breach of promise, five thousand dollars 

damage 46 

Sridge finished in Iowa 64 



MISCELLANEOUS— paoe 

Broderick's grave 241 

Brooklyn ferry, sale of. 457 

Brown, J. II., liberality of. 352 

Brown, John, one thousand dollars to 

widow of. 06 

Bullet in a man's heart 539 

Burglars using chloroform 407 

Burning of a balloon 401 

Bust of Cicero 75 

California silver-mines 153 

silver 162 

war-bonds 3 1 S 

Camel experiment 153 

Can a man steal his own letter? 59 

Cannon-ical miracle 78 

Captured Africans 441 

Capturing a tannery in Luzerne county, 

Pa 169 

Carstang, Shaw, breach of promise case 105, 
233, 2S3, 317 

Cataleptic fit 448 

Cattle disease in Connecticut 627 

disease in Massachusetts 248, 488 

disease in New Jersey 405 

embargo in Connecticut ii27 

embargo in Vermont 02S 

Champion's belt 461 

Championship of lightweights 310, 315 

Chase, Dr. Robert T 153 

Cincinnati whiskey 156 

Clay anniversary 282 

Coal-vein discovered in California 173 

College for colored men in Ohio 029 

College-rebellion at Gambier, Ohio 80 

Collins, T. P., of Crocket, sued for 

slander 35S 

Colony of reformers 62S 

Colored emigrants ; to Hayti 43 

Colored minister of Norwich, Connecti- 
cut, death of a 471 

Comet 596 

Comet, second of 1800 434 

Commerce between California and Japan 00 
Commercial integrity in Philadelphia... 310 

Common scold convicted 592 

Convention of iron-masters 109 

Convention of soldiers of the War of 

1812 126 

Convict shot in Maryland penitentiary.. 430 

Corporeal punishment 630 

Cortinas's lieutenant killed 193 

Cotton-trade with Europe 372 

Cowhided by a woman 350 

Cox, Taylor, shot by the sheriff in Gal- 
veston 546 

Crimes in Jersey City 362 

Curious case of identity, Norwalk Bank 

affair 99 

Damage against a liquor-dealer in Ohio 78 

Dangerous leap 38 

Daring escape of a girl from prison 156 

Daughter of Stephens, the poisoner, 

death of 118 

Day. Horace H., retirement of 500 

Death from shame... 413 

Death of a stranger in Philadelphia 503 

Death of Whalebone, trotting-horse 110 

Deaths for six months in Philadelphia.. 618 
De Forest, E. L., of New Haven, not 

dead 610 

Deplorable 76 



648 



INDEX. 



MISCELLANEOUS— page 

Deserters killed in Utah 3S3 

Desperado, death of a 450 

Destruction of the Long Wharf, Boston 451 
Died at sixteen, leaving three children... 475 

Direct Southern trade with Europe 382, 

412, 447 

Disappearance of a lake 152 

Discovery of a cave in Virginia 152 

Disputed custody of infants 630 

Distressing incident 239 

Distressing wedding 75 

Disturbances on Texas frontier 264 

Dow, Hon. Neal, of Maine, escape of.... 11 

Drought in New Hampshire 398 

Dying from pneumonia 249 

Eclipse of the sun, scientific expedition 549 
Editor of Philadelphia Sunday Tran- 
script, pardon of 156 

Eight giant men 155 

Election of president of Harvard College 64 
Ellis, Charles, presidentof Harvard Bank 27 

Emancipation of slaves 28, 42, 351 

Erring girl 1<»5 

Escape of a noted convict 349 

Escape of prisoners from Altoona (Penn- 
sylvania) jail 548 

Escape of prisoners at Norristown, Pa... 298 

Escape from California State prison 555 

Evans, C, arrested for sending threaten- 
ing letters at Dover, Delaware 292 

Excitement in Enterprise, Mississippi... 248 
Exodus of pupils from Bethlehem, Pa... 76 

Expelled for familiarity with slaves 239 

Expelled for not making known his 

opinions 76 

Expelled from Tennessee 79 

Experiments with turbine wheels 236 

Expulsion of free negroes 154 

Extension of Morse patent 282 

Extensive levy by sheriff of Albany co., 

New York 524 

Extraordinary escape of a lunatic 104 

Fair shake, Mormon missionaries and 

women 477 

Faithful slave 44 

Fast skating at Rochester, New York... 237 

Fatal epidemic 77 

Fearful leap on Blackwell's Island 396 

Felton, Cornelius C, elected president 

of Harvard College 156 

Female regulators, woman tarred and 

feathered 2S6 

Fight between Frenchmen and Chinese 

in California 162 

Finding water 350 

Fined for kissing 157 

First pony express to San Francisco 283, 287 

Fish in Minnesota, vast quantities 150 

Fishing-season 629 

Five thousand volumes of Shakspeare... 153 

Flour, first of 1S60, in Georgia 420 

Foreclosure of mortgages in Iowa 353 

Fort Gorges 349 

Fortunate escape 75 

Foundling 274 

Four boys at a birth in Newbern, N.J... 150 

Franklin, statue of 46 

Fraudulent marriage 589 

Free lovers mobbed in New York 239 

Free negroes, appeal of the 74 

Free negro sold 630 



MISCELLANEOUS— p«ta 

French girls in Lowell mills 625 

Freshets in Ohio 285 

in the Potomac 283 

in the Susquehanna, loss of 

lumber 398 

in the Western rivers 278 

loss by 349 

Fugitive slave casein Philadelphia 216 

arrest of 378 

case in Troy, N.Y 334 

escape of 381 

Gallant boy, J. Tolman 615 

Gallant woman, Mrs. Steel, of Virginia. 92 

Galvanism, novel application of 628 

Geographical and Statistical Society 366 

Gilbert, Mrs. Elihu, of New York, dis- 
appearance of 191 

Girl rescued from prostitution 481 

Giss, Joseph, of Newark, New Jersey, 

missing 222 

Glover rescue case 262 

Goddard, Miss A. A., the confidence- 
woman, acquitted 624 

Gold-deposits at Philadelphia mint 153 

Gold in Arizona 511 

Great mortality in Smyth Co., Va 471 

Great sleigh-ride 35 

Greenland, expedition to 597 

Griffith, John, of Jersey City, died from 

shame 413 

Gross carelessness of a druggist 372 

Habeas corpus to obtain a. wile 324 

Handsome presents 75 

Harper's Ferry, another victim 171 

Hatter.-' disease 627 

Heavy lift 161 

Heenan, J. C, departure of, for England 20 

Heenan arrested 269 

Heenan, letter from 376 

Heenan and Sayers 302, 424 

Ueenan's proposition for the belt -Ill 

Heenan challenges Morrissey 436 

Heroic boy 147 

Heroic conduct 5S5 

Heroic girl 529 

Heroic newsboy' 597 

Hickman, G., sentenced to chain-gang 
in Memphis, for Abolition sentiments. 247 

Hog-cholera 150 

Homespun in demand 24S 

Horse-race in Louisville 550, 565 

Hot weather and its effects 529 

Hotel, first American, in Japan 54 

Hotel, largest in the country 107 

Howe. George AV., of Chester, Mass., 

missing 299 

Hubbard, Rev. Wm. C, of Clyde, N.Y., 

arrest of 322 

Hunter, Lieut., threatens to bombard 

Messina 616 

Huntington, Prof., resignation of 58 

Husband's revenge 356 

Hydrophobia from the milk of a cow... 148 

Immense iron contract 153 

Immigration to Kansas 628 

Imprisoned for circulating Helper's 

book in South Carolina 261 

Imprisonment of an innocent man 155 

Indignant mother 312 

Infant en a railroad-track 266 

Insanity from vanity 349 



INDEX. 



649 



MISCELLANEOUS— page 

Iron-manufacturers' convention 203 

Japanese Embassy 97 

Japanese Embassy in California 216 

in San Francisco 233, 252 
appropriations for, 

by Senate 261 

arrival of 386,401 

reception of 405 

at Washington, 406, 412, 
414, 416, 420, 433, 438, 
442, 446, 452, 504 
ratification of treaty 437 
in Philadelphia, 515, 516, 
519, 526, 541 

in New York 544 

departure of..... 115, 610 
member of, witness- 
ing a surgical 

operation 52S 

Japanese presents 421 

Jail attacked by a mob, in Waverly,Tenn. 103 

Kemble, Fanny, farewell of. 172 

Kidnapper sentenced 353 

Kidnapping, in Cincinnati, arrested for 304 

Kidnapped colored boys, return of. 381 

Knights of the Golden Circle 25S 

Lady horsewhips a man in N.Y 178 

Lafitte's (the pirate) men, death of 

one of 470 

Large lump of silver 75 

Legal holiday 64 

Libel suit, one cent damage 156 

Life and death of a miser 247 

Life Insurance Convention 440 

Lightning from a clear sky 62S 

in Philadelphia, — narrow es- 
cape from 551 

and hoop-skirts 575 

Linsey-woolsey at a ball 38 

Life-long sufferer 148 

Liquor-dealers warned to abandon their 

business 312 

Lizard in a man's stomach 627 

Love rules the country 248 

Lost children in New York 230 

Lumber for the Holy Land 350 

Lynn strike 477 

Madison co., Ky., difficulties 272 

Mammoth cave in California 420 

Mammoth elk 157 

Man comes to life at his own funeral.... 163 

Marble columns for the Capitol 628 

Marriage forbidden by a ghost 476 

Marriage, singular, and separation, in 

Indiana 621 

Marriage, sad end of a romantic 439 

Married and died the same day 131 

Nearly marries his own daughter 148 

Marriage, singular 356 

Married, white girl to a negro 70, 322 

Marry, girl travels 1000 miles to 475 

girl travels 3000 miles to 475 

Married life, fond of. 474 

Marry ing-mania 164 

Married to the wrong man 23 

Matteson, Mr., President of Central 

Bank, N.Y 260 

Manufactures of Philadelphia 75 

Manufacturing statistics 350 

Massachusetts shoemakers' strike 139 

McDonough estate, new claimant for.... 241 



MISCELLANEOUS— pare 

Meeting of negroes, in New York 511 

of Norfolk merchants 190 

of bank-presidents, in Phila- 
delphia 456, 565 

manufacturers of Connecticut... 50 

Medical candidates 375 

Medical convention at TVashington 233 

Medical National Association 369 

Medkirk, Miss Rachel, of Cincinnati — ■ 

a heroine 615 

Meminger, Col., hotel-bill of, at Rich- 
mond, Va 155 

Meteor 54 

remarkable SO 

splendid 60 

Meteoric shower in Ohio 360 

Miraculous escape 312 

Miser, female 173 

Missing wife, from Lockport, N.Y 621 

Mistaken identity, remarkable case of... 431 

Mitchell, T., miraculous escape of. 312 

Mortality in Texas 471 

Money found in a log 351 

Monument to Daniel Boone 236 

toVirginians at Roxborough, 

Pa 452 

Moore, Lieut., acquitted 112 

Nailers' strike 377 

Nearly killed by a boa-constrictor 148 

Negro excitement in Richmond, Va 275 

Negro and white man tied together, in 

Alabama 316 

Negro freeing his brethren 78 

Negro rides fifty miles on his head 293 

Nearly lost, — drifted away on the ice... 148 

New York Board of Education 236 

State Colonization Society... 75 
policeman sued for damages. 442 
value of real and personal 

estate 615 

New-year's gift 5 

New town 531 

Noble Irish girl 498 

Northwav, L\, disappearance of. 113 

Notable fact 456 

Octoroon, in Cleveland 622 

Pacific and Atlantic telegraph 500 

Palmer, Dr., death of 43 

Passport, security 629 

Passengers from Red River 527 

Pemberton Mill insurance 150 

Penalty for soiling liquor 353 

Perils of ballooning 161 

Philadelphia Arcade 222 

Pittsburg attorney stricken from the roll 615 

Post-office sold 152 

Poc's, Edgar A., mother 189 

Present from the Pope 350 

from Queen Victoria 369 

to Harvard Museum 236 

Prince De Joinville 455 

Prince of Wales 563 

invitation of the Presi- 
dent to 500 

letter from the Queen 

to the President 567 

Prisoner shot at Rome, N.Y 430 

Prize-fight between Bell and Donnelly.. 421 
Gribbin and Wilson 325 

prevented 489 

between boys 504 



C50 



INDEX. 



MISCELLANEOUS-, 

Prompt justice 

Prolific 

Prolific cow 

Protest against the removal of General 

Jackson's remains 

Proposed strike of horse-shoers 

Queer love-trance in Springfield, 111 

Quickest passage between California 

and New York 

Quicksilver-mines 

Race between Patchen and Ethan Allen 

on Union Course, L.I 

in horseshoe-making 

Recovery of money lent a priest 

Refused a passport to Fred Douglass.... 

Raising entire blocks of buildings 

Regents of Smithsonian Institute 

Remarkable escape of a convict 

Resignation of an old bank-president.... 
Resignation of President of Harvard 

College 

Releasing sureties in California 

Rhode Island penitentiary supplying 

France with shoes 

Rise in the Ohio River. 

Rich men of Boston 

Romance in real life 129, 

Rock Island Bridge a nuisance 

Sad case in New York 

end of a romantic marriage 

degradation of a ruined girl 

Sale of a hotel in Richmond, Va 

of a library 

large, of old coins 

of coins in New York 

of pictures at National Academy, 

N.Y ... 

Salisbury, Reuben, warned out of Prince 

George co., Va 

Samples, no right t i 

Sanborn, a Harper's-Ferry witness, re- 
fuses to appear 

Scarlet-fever in Steubenville, Ohio 

Schoolmaster ducked by his scholars.... 

tarred and feathered 

Search for remains of Sir J. Franklin... 

Self-mutilation 

Senator Mason in homespun 

Sentenced for selling free negroes 

to be hung for assisting a 

slave to escape 

Sharks, large haul of 

Shooting-match at Trenton, X.J 

Singular birth — union of twins — near 

Pittsburg 

Singular case 

of insanity 

circumstance attending a sud- 
den death 

verdict of a coroner's jury 

conduct of a girl 

Sinking of a wharf near Poughkeepsic, 

N.Y.'. 

Skates, jumping on 

Skating-match at Portsmouth, N.II 

race at Boston 

Slaves escaping from Frederick, Md 

Slave hung in Danville, Va 

travels fifty miles on his head 

rr.turn of fugitive, to Troy 

sale in New Orleans 



rACIE 

152 
475 
513 

137 

274 
149 

20 S 
152 
413 
526 
351 
426 
350 
349 
159 
296 
247 

236 

78 

2:', 7 
292 
271 
355 
195 
287 
439 
563 
58 
456 
428 
212 

92 



156 

60 

211 
82 

79 

459 

77 

II 

369 

69 
590 
193 

547 
239 
164 

422 
241 
268 

52 
152 
152 

85 
453 
41S 
293 
441 
516 



MISCELLANEOUS— page 

Slavery, free negroes returning to 11,118,265 

wants to return to 278 

white girl taken into 401 

Slavery, free negro sold into 630 

Smith. Joseph, Jr., son of the prophet.. 349 

Soldiers of 1812 236 

Somnambulist 220 

Southern relief for Lawrence sufferers... 41 

Speculating with another's money 629 

Stone from Napoleon's tomb, for Wash- I 

ington's monument 248 

Strike of shoemakers of Massachusetts... 125 

Study, too much 247 

Studying the phenomena of his own 

death. 619 

Successful banker 156 

Surgical operation in Worcester, Mass... 375 
Surgical operation, little girl's lift saved 619 

Swindling in New Orleans 255 

Swindling, singular ease of, in N.Y 488 

Telegraph in California 72 

Telegraph Co., .Missouri & Western 300 

Telegraph-line, new 1 17 

Testimonials for sat ing life 157 

Texan Rangers crossing the Kio Grande 259 

Thrilling adventure 72 

Thrilling scene 27 

Treasure trove 78 

Tree eight hundred feet high 626 

Troubles in Kansas 269 

Trotter, famous, death of a 296 

Turner, Captain, letter from 329 

Trotting on Union Course, b.l 386 

Uninvited guests expelled, at Washing- 
ton 237 

Vigilance committee in Des Arc, Ark... 76 

Violent lover and husband 82 

Virginia State armory 53 

Warning to liquor-sellers at .Minneapolis, 

Minn.. 300 

Warning to young ladies who write 

poetry 468 

Washington, statue of, Clark Mills'fl 126 

Wealthy negr 471 

Whale caught 172 

Wholesale pardoning 349 

Widows, three, claim Burton the actor.. 154 

Wife brought back 203 

Wild-cat killed in Lewis!. urg, Pa 148 

Wire bridge in California 154 

Wisconsin ice-boat 35 

Women, two, claiming to be Heenan's wife 139 
Wonderful escape from instant death.... 586 

Wonderful escape from death 354 

Won't employ Northern men 239 

Worth, Rev. Daniel, sentenced for circu- 
lating Helper's book .. 223 

MURDER— 

Acker, George, execution of 224 

Acquitted of, in New Orleans 154 

Arrival of a 289 

Attempted murder 19 

Attempt to, a lady, in Augusta, tin 478 

in California - 476 

in Brooklyn, New York 312 

a child in New York 399 

arrested for, in New York-. 444 

in Enon, Alabama 129 

in New Orleans 426 

wife, in Erie co., Pa 617 



INDEX. 



651 



MURDER— page 

At Knight's Ferry, Cal 6S 

Attempt to, members of Maryland ?;egis- 

lature 52 

by slaves , 105 

his wife 466 

alleged, at Marine Hospital 225 

at a ball in Baltimore 165 

in Baltimore 164 

Acquitted of , 2S2 

A girl by a boy 248 

Baldwin, Mage, convicted of, in Ya 46S 

Berkely, Win., of Philadelphia, convic- 
tion of 225 

Berkley, W. II., acquitted for killing 

slanderer of daughter 261 

Bews, Richard, of, near Jackson, Miss.. 83 

Big Hank, of. in California 192 

Billansky, Mrs., execution of, in St. 

Paul's, Minnesota 203 

Bloody tragedy in Pontotoc CO., Miss .. 119 
Bowen, John J., execution of, at New- 
castle, Delaware, for 101 

Brewer, Myron, of Salt Lake City 415 

Briggs, Dr. W. T., of Tennessee, at- 

ed, of 238 

Brownslow, John B., surrender of, for... 203 

Brutal, of an infant 394 

Budd, Thomas T., of Metompkin, Va... 128 
Budge, Rev. Henry, of Camden, New 

York, charged with 400 

Budge, Rev. Henry, acquittal of. 467 

Burke, Michael, of Albany, N.Y., of..... 251 
Burke, Margaret, of N.Y., charged with 26 
Buseh, George, arrested for, in Cincin- 
nati 191 

Butchery of a wife in Richmond, Va.... 519 

By a boy in Trenton, Kentucky 151 

By a brother-in-law in Arundel, Md 443 

By a sister 460 

By police-officers of New Orleans.. ..444, 512 

Cady, Julia Ann, attempted, of 20 

California Legislature, on floor of 276 

Campbell, of New Orleans, acquitted of 572 
Camel, Andrew, (mulatto,) of Allentown, 

Pa., attempt to, his wife 104 

Carroll, Edward, near Franklin, Mo 539 

Cassidy, Hugh, tried for, in Phila 58 

Costello, Will., of N.Y., sentenced for... 186 
Carrow, Dr. Henry, of Nashville, Tenn. 211 
Chambers, John L\, by a slave, Pekin, 

North Carolina 440 

Clare, Thomas 9 

Clark, dames II.. arrested for 193 

Coffee, Edward, at Winstead, Conn 25 

Cook. Catharine, of 121 

Cold-bl Led, in Lancaster, Pa 542 

Colored man shot dead 574 

Committed on charge of 283 

Condon. George, of ship Harris, of 503 

Conviction for, at Woodbury, N.J 267 

Copper. John M., of New York, of 443 

Coppic, requisition for surrender of 203 

Corkery. Patrick, of New York, of 428 

Crooms, Abraham, stabbed in Phila. 208, 211 
Crawley, Professor Henry, of Cincinnati 505 

Crazy negro, by a 366 

Cripple, in Berks co., Pa., of a 467 

Crimmins, John, of New York, execu- 
tion of, for S4, 226 

Cusick, Michael, of Phila., supposed 434 

D'Aumaile, French chemist 184 



MURDER— page 

Dauman, Diedrich, acquitted of 603 

Davenport, Mrs. David, kills her babe.. 159 

De Griffin, Col., of 454 

Dayton, Ohio 161 

Delvach, M. A., and Henry, Charles S., 

of, in Texas 616 

Deuo, Win., indicted for, in N.0 584 

Deveir, Capt., of Virginia, of 264 

Dickerson, Dr., Selma, Alabama, of 243 

Doom of a parricide 467 

Dreadful case of poisoning 106 

Double homicide in Virginia 497 

Dower, George, convicted of, on ship 

Devonshire 271 

Dreadful, in Arkansas 124 

in Jersey City 288 

in St. Louis 176 

in Warren co., Miss 444 

Droz, Auguste, of New Orleans 37 

Dubase, Dr. McNeely, of 205 

Dunn, Mrs., of Baltimore, of 42 

Dunnigan, Wm., trial of, for 603 

Eddy, Richard A., (colored,) convicted 

of, in New York 94 

Edenton, North Carolina 7S 

Egan, Patrick, convicted for, of wife.... 603 

Elyea, Jacob, execution of, for 26 

Eichele, John, of, in Philadelphia 44 

Erwin, Mr. and Mrs., of, by slaves, 

Purdy co., Tenn 321 

Escape of Sergeant Ray 298 

Exciting trial for, in Virginia 261 

Execution of negroes in Florida 371 

Father shot by his son 525 

Father murders his son, in De Soto co., 

Mississippi 399 

Fee, Wm., execution of, in Lyons, in 

New York 204 

Flynn, Michael, of New York, of 518 

Forb, Charles M., of 4IS 

Foul, at Covington 22 

Fisher, Mullanick, charged with 567 

Floyd co., Va 251 

Freeman, Mrs. T. W., of Augusta, Ga., 

attempt to 47S 

From a prize-fight ;;.;'.) 

From jealousy, at Thomasville, N.Y 87 

Freeman, the wife-murderer 617 

Gale, Alex., convicted of, at Baltimore.. 521 
Gaudolpho, Peter, of Cincinnati, sen- 
tence for... 161 

Geschwind, Emanuel, arrested for 518 

Gibbin, Wm., stabbed in Richmond, Va. 449 
Gordon, Elly H., of Abbyville, Ga., 

execution for 512 

Gorman, James, of Philadelphia, con- 
victed of 225 

Gowan, John, of, in New York 326 

Grass Valley, California 240 

Gredler, Marcus, executed for, in Kansas 605 
Greenman, Thomas, of, in New York.... 316 

Griffin, Matthew D., of 172 

Gueker, Henry, of, in Philadelphia 65 

Cuerckin, Richard, of 177 

Guthrie, Jonathan R., of 66 

Halloran, Thomas, of Albany, of 378 

Harden, Rev. J. S., conviction of 367 

Harden, J. S., pardon refused 562 

Harden, J. S., sentence for 569 

Harden, Rev. J. S., confession of 595 

Hare, John, tried for the, of Thos. Clare 94 



C52 



INDEX. 



MURDER— page 

Ilarten, Nathaniel, of Va., sentenced for 393 

Harten. Nathaniel, execution of 601 

Hart, James, of Fayette co., Ky., fur... 12 

Harvey, Miss, of, at Iowa 227 

Hays, John, tried for, of Edward Kelly 94 

Hazlett, execution of 186 

Hoffman, Thomas, sentenced for 567 

Henry, James, in Lys, N.Y., of 43 

Hercetield, Jacob, of Ala., of. 243 

Hersey, George C, of Mass., of. 366 

Hewitt, David, of Camden, N.J., con- 
victed of. 444 

Hicks (of the sloop E. A. Johnson) 201, 206, 
286, 370, 425, 479, 506 

Hoffman, Thomas, convicted of. 525 

Horrible attempt at wife- 150 

Homicide-eases, in Philadelphia 44 

Homicide, in West Philadelphia 299 

Hor, James, (a Philadelphian,) of, in 

Missouri 107 

Horrible case of, by a quack-doctor 289 

Horrible, of wife, in Philadelphia 95 

Howard, Dr., of, in Ohio S5 

Howels, Charles, of, in Illinois 1-17 

Hughes, Mathew, police-officer, sen- 
tenced for 394, 536 

Infant, of, in Dayton, Ohio 18 

In Cincinnati 163 

In Egremont, Mass .• 69 

In Indianapolis, Ind 573 

Iu Vicksburg 251 

Jackalow, by, on sloop Spray 217 

Jenkins, C. C, of California.' of. 616 

Johnson, execution of, at Dubuque,Iowa, 

for 617 

Johnson, John B, of, in .New York 516 

Johnson, R. Kill, of, at Salt Lake 415 

Johnson, of, in Philadelphia 9, 12 

Jones, Alfred, of Ala., of. 243 

Jones, Mr. George T., and family, of Va., 

poisoned 351 

Jones, Mr., of Holmes eo., Miss., by his 

son .< 616 

Jones, Richard, sentenced for, at Pitts- 
burg, Pa 151 

Kane, D., arrest for, of wife, attempted. 364 

Keitt, Dr. J. W., of 126, 146 

Kelly, Patrick, of, in West Phila 299 

Kennedy, John, of, at Peekskill, N.Y.... 338 i 
Kephart. John, by (wife and 2 children) 604 j 

Kimber, Alfred, of. 26 ; 

Kineaid family, in Texas, of. 397, 400 

Koehue, Win., of Jacksonville, Oregon.. 438 

Lamb, Mrs., of, by her husband 308 

Land, Walter, by 230 

Lane, Edward P., by, on bark Anna 370 

Lane, Lewis, attempt to, his wife 146 

Laughran, Henry, convicted of, in N.Y. 94 
Leroy, Mrs., by, at Port Huron, Mich... 605 
Lewis, Almira, by, at Rochester, N.Y.. 418, 

425 
Large, Wm., of, in Schuylkill co., Pa.... 245 

Lyle, R. J., of Nashville^ of. 41S 

Lynch, Philip, by, attempts escape 9, 39 

Lynch, Philip, execution for 204 

Lynch law, by 300 

Lyon, Wm. N., of N.y„ of 370 

Man, woman, and child, at Newark, 

N.J., of 292 

Man shot while courting 619 

Mahony, Dennis, by, in Cal 172 



MURDER— p AGB 

Masterson,John,of Newark, N..I.,of 252, 2t'0 

Mathews, John W.,ofN.Y., of 611 

Maude, Patrick, convicted of, at New- 
ark, N.J., reprieve of. 13, 39 

Manony, Dennis, by 172 

Mayo, Dominick, by, alleged 540 

McClatchy, Mr., of Kansas, of 546 

McClellen, by, of wife, in Florida 151 

McCraney, Huldah Ann, of Oneonta, 

N.Y., of 399, 573 

McDonnel, Peter, of Burlington, Vt, by 306 
McFarland, Christopher, in Phila., by ..= 213, 

225 

McGlenchy, John, of Cal., of. 617 

McHugh, Patrick, by, of wife, at Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio 107 

Mclntvre, Thomas, of, in Monroe co., 

N.Y. 466 

MeKinney. Thomas, by. (manslaughter,) 

Cal .' 151 

McLaughlin, Thos., of. 46S 

McLaughlin, Mary, acquitted of, in 

Philadelphia 40 

McLaughlin, Thomas, of, in N.Y 456 

Meecham, Henry, by (of wife) S7 

Melton, John H., of Ya.. by 335 

Merrill, Wm. J., by, in Virginia (man- 
slaughter) 463 

Miller, Jacob, of, at Denver City 525 

Mitchell, Francis, by (pardon of) 146 

Moore, Mrs., of Lowell, Mass., by her 

husband 552 

Murphy, Patrick, surrender of, for 268 

Mysterious death in Clearfield, Pa 147 

Mysterious, at Jersey City 370 

Mysterious affair in New Orleans 194 

Myers, of, in St. Louis 176 

Newton, Tsaac, of, in Farmersville, Miss. 130 

Negro, by 277 

Negro woman, by, of her children 221 

Negro, burned at the slake 245 

O'Conner, Michael, of Memphis, Tenn., of 243 
Of a woman who eloped with a negro... 520 

Of Hickman, Dr. L. D 382 

Of husband by a wife, after fifty years' 

marriage 340 

O'Neil. John, of, at Pike's Peak 227 

On oyster-boat E. A. Johnson 201, 206, 

286, 370, 425, 479, 506 

Osborne, George, convicted of. 340 

Overseer, of, by a boy, in Ala 215 

by a slave, in Ark 253 

Ownens, John, of, in Waynesborough, 

Ga 6 

Parker, John, of Phila., of. 162 

Patterson, Edward, of, in Mobile, Ala... 66 

Peck, Col., acquittal of, for 92 

Pepe, Eugene, at New Orleans 535, 552 

Person, Wm. T., of Sussex co., Va., 

fatal results to 449 

Pfromer, John D., by, in N.Y 273, 2S(J 

Pitman, Jacob, the alleged murderer, 

reward for 240 

Poisoning-ease in Oneonta, N.Y 573 

Poisoning, by, in New York 287 

in Poughkeepsie, N.Y 74 

Police-officer, by, in NewOrleans 321,425,458 

Policeman charged with, in Phila 40 

Planter, of a, by his slaves. 71 

Poulson. Mary," (col.,) charged with, in 
Chester co., Pa 94 



INDEX. 



653 



MURDER— page 

Prairie Mount, Miss., in , 245 

Preeblcs, W., of his brother 220 

Price, Albert, of, in N.Y 516 

Priest. Francis, of Troy, N.Y., by 574 

Prill, Henry, of Somerset co., Pa., by... 605 

Prisoner stabbed in Miss 206 

Pritts, Henry G., of Somerset co., Pa., 

convicted of 147, 151 

Probable, of a wife, in Camden, N.J 595 

Probable, in Willimaniic, Conn 274 

at Staten Island 318 

Pulliam, George, of Springfield, 111., by 413 

Quinibo Appo, (the Chinese,) by 478 

Rabert, Charles, acquitted of, in NY.... 521 

Raftery, Thomas, of, in New York 595 

Reybu'rn, Benjamin, (a boy,) by, of 

Westchester, Pa 104, 107 

Reed, Thomas, of Cincinnati, by (sen- 



tence) 



161 



Revolting, of a sick man, in Texas 354 

Reward for murderers 240, 300 

Reynolds, Mr., of Kentucky, of. 296 

Rhincman, acquitted of 64 

Riordan, Tim., by, at Pittsburg, Pa. 572, 595 

Rice, Win, of, in California 169 

Roach, Peter, of, at New Orleans 466 

Robbery and, in Green co., Ala 175 

Robinson, Mrs., arrestectfor, accessory to 128 
Robinson, Alexander, convicted of, 

pardon of. 68 

Roberts, Mr., of Lockport, Ky., of. 243 

Sailors charged with 179 

Sanford Evans, of. in S.C 41 

Schmidt, Frank Win., of, in St. Louis.. 176, 

191 

Schmidt, Manus, of Phila,. of 306 

School-boy, at Oxford, Maine, of 117 

Scott, Wm., (col.,) of. Dear Baltimore... 567 

Scott, A. G., of Pittsburg, Pa., of 454 

Selser, Dr., of Warrentown, Miss., of.... 454 
Seventeen persons indicted for, in New 

York 59 

Shaveland, Thomas, of, at Danville, Pa. 346 

Shay, Mortimer, sentenced for 131, 134 

Shelley, J. F., of, at Dalton, Ga 79 

Sheridan, Margaret, convicted of, (man- 
slaughter,) in N.Y 92 

Shephard, Dr., of, in Columbus, Miss... 50 

Sheridan, Edward, of 124 

Six persons, of, and eaten 250 

Sinister, John, of, by his wife, at Phila.. 421 
Smalley, Dr. H. H., of, at Houston, 

Texas 503 

Smith, Philip, of Cal., acquitted of. 617 

Smith, Wm., of, at Oglethorpe co., Ga., 

by his slaves 513 

Sprague, Jr., Euos, of Depauville, N.Y., 

convicted of. 512 

Stalerly, John, arrested for 338 

Stephens, James, execution for, in N.Y. 84 

Stephens and Hazlett, sentence for 107 

Stephens, execution for 186 

Stitt, James L., of Carlisle, Ky., at- 
tempt to 268 

St. John, Mr., of Plattsburg, N.Y., of... 353 
Supposed murderer arrested, near Nev 

Orleans 449 

Stout, Eli, of Lebanon, Ohio, falsely sus 

pectcdof. 145 

Supposed, at Bloomfield, N.J 418 

in Phila 138 



508 



102 



MURDER— pace 

Supposed, at Jersey City 52S 

Sweney, John, convicted of, at Phila.... 37 
Taylor, John L., sentenced for involun- 
tary manslaughter, Virginia 318 

Taney, John, in court, Austin, Texas... 324 
Terrell, John C, of S.C, execution for.. 287 

Terrible tragedy 87 

Terry, Judge David S., of California, 
trial of, for killing Senator Broderiek 

in a duel 

Thompson, convicted of the, of John 

Capie, in Phila 

Three brothers killed in Henry co., Va. 132 
Thompson, Robert, and wife, of, in Sugar 

Valley, Ga 124 

Tinker, Peter, kills himself and children 173 

Tried to kill his wife and himself 270 

Two brothers, of, in Chattahoochee, Ga. 425 
Two men, of, by a circus-company, at 

Montezuma, Ind >' : > 

Two men, of, in New Orleans 381 

United States Marshal, of, in Kansas... 313 

Unknown American, of. 69 

Vallot, Vaellor, arrested for, at New Or- 
leans 630 

Volker, Herman, of Newark, N.J., con- 
victed of (manslaughter) 399 

Walker, Hon. B. B., of Texas, of. 453 

Walton, John, of, at New York 611 

Warson, A. D., of, of Vicksburg, Miss... 245 
Weatherman, Mr., of, at Indianapolis... 573 

Webb, Wm., of, in California 165 

Wedding and, in Virginia 264 

AVeehawken homicide-case 454 

West, Wm., of, in Nebraska 182 

Weymouth poisoning-case, 366, 410, 431, 449, 
* 480, 504 

- Whilden, Henry, of, in Phila 85 

Whitehead, R. S., of, near Chatham, 111. 49 

Wife of, in Troy, New York 573 

Wife murders her husband in Spring- 
field, Mass 57S 

Wife-murder in Jefferson City o4 

in Jonesville, Pa 146 

in Milton, Fla 151 

in New Orleans 430 

in New York 49 

in Phila 343 

in St. Paul's 62 

Williams, Archibald, of. 296 

Wilburn, R. B., of 7f 



Will out. 



146 

Williams, T. S., of, in Utah 211 

Winchell, Daniel, of Jackson, Ohio, of, 

by his son-in-law and nephew 147 

Witz, Wm., charged with, in Baltimore 211 

Woman, her brother 242 

by a, in Chester co., Pa 41 

Woman shoots her seducer ,; 1 

Woman and two children, in Iowa 604 

Wright, Frank, of Providence, R.I., sen- 
tenced for, of his wife -■ 245 

Woodward, Mr., acquittal of, in Balti- 

.. 441 

more """. Ton 

Woods, Mr. Bashe, of, in California 1*9 

OUTRAGES- . . 

Abbott, Rev. T., beats his wife 2oJ 

Abortionist sentenced 5/8 

A mother beaten to death 5-j> 



An unnatural crime. 



629 



G54 



INDEX. 



OUTRAGES— page 
Attack on a newspaper-office in Pennsyl- 
vania 329 

Attempt to blow up house in Stockton, 

Cal ISO 

Attempt to commit a rape 292 

Attempted destruction of life on N.Y. &, 

N.II. Railroad 468 

Attempt to poison a family 562 

Attempted outrage on a young girl 440 

Attempted rape in Clinton. N.Y 598 

Attempted rape 213 

Attempted rape in Phila 41 

Attempted rape 260 

Assault with a slang-shot 267 

Assaulting a house 142 

ault from jealousy - r >;U 

Bitten by a man 25" 

Burning a man to death 32 ' 

Brutal father, Indiana CO., Pa 77 

Brutal whipping of a negro girl 628 

Conspiracy against a husband and father 35 

Desperate assault upon a lady 555 

Dinner-party poisoned 196 

Free negro kidnapped lfil 

Free negroes, attempted sale of. 332 

Caw, W. E., throws vitriol on his wife... 604 

Garroting in Memphis, Tenn 28 

Girls inveigled away by their father .".1 I 

Griffin, Catharine, shot at in New Or- 
leans 478 

Gross injustice to two ladies 150 

Heroic wife 121 

Inhuman outrage 290, 5.3 ! 

In insane-asylum 107 

In Kentucky 88 

In Palmyra, N.Y 547 

In Pittsburg, Pa 240 

Kidnapping a negro 593 

Lady knocked down in [owa "622 

Lady outraged and robbed in Texas 021 

Lefevre, Gustav, < with rape 314 

MoDermott, P., of Brooklyn, charged 

with rape 317 

Mob-violence in Chillicothe, Mo 106 

Mountain Meadow massacre 14:; 

Negroes incited to kill their overseer 146 

Officer strives to ] ....473 

Outrage on Miss Eleanor O'Reilly LI 6 

On American flag 110 

On a German woman 116 

On a girl by her father 157 

On a lady, in Albany, X.Y 

On the frontier of Texas 

On a lady in Virginia 315 

On a newspaper-office, Hartford. Conn... 436 

Prisoner killed in his cell 343 

Preacher beating his wife 239 

Planter found drugged 5_'3 

Pettengill, Hon. James 0., family poi- 
soned 72 

Riday, -Airs. F. S., of Chester co., Pa., 

outraged 319 

Rape by a boy 202 

Rape on a little girl, at Natchez 24 

Rape by Win. H. Rodney, of Geneva, 

X.Y 412 

Rape trial in Phila 56 

Rape at Cleveland, Ohio 421 

Rape in Cincinnati, Ohio 322 

Hape by an officer in New York 334 

in Richmond, Ya 450 



OUTRAGE?— PAGE 

Rawhiding young ladies in school 357 

Revolting case of depravity 597 

Sailor boarding-house runners 450 

Sane woman placed in insane-asylum... 210 
Shameful treatment of emigrant-pass- 
engers 3S1 

Singular attempt to destroy the town of 

Napoleon, Ark 160 

Starving a mother at Cleveland, Ohio 182, 

208 

Spiteful revenge 93 

Throwing vitriol over his wife 561 

Turner. Samuel, convicted of rape, par- 

don of. 63 

Unmentionable crime 135, 141 

Violation of a young girl in New York 4 17 

Violating a child in New York L38 

Whipping a Mormon 378 

Whipping a young lady 157 

Woman outraged in Cincinnati 249 

POLITICAL— 

Abolition convention 62S 

Abolition sentiments, expelled for 72 

Al ilisl 'ii d1 i !' slavery in Kansas 141 

Act 'if amnesty in Virginia ' 28 

: Alabama Legislature... 139 

Alabama State Union Convention 43S 

Alabama Democratic State Convention. 35, 

ell. 508 

Albany city nominations 251 

Albany (N.Y.) city election 275 

Anti-fugitive-slave law in Ohio 241 

Anti-slavery convention, New England. 461 

Appointments by the President 442 

Arizona Territory 1 8 1 

Arkansas Congressional convention 433 

Arkansas Democratic convention 254 

Appointment of cadets 200 

Appointments confirmed by the Senate.. 285 

Ass Pennsylvania 162 

Ass etary of State 501 

Atchison (Kansas) city election 383 

Atlanta (Ga.) city election 62 

Bill to abolish slavery in Nebraska 

vetoed 128 

Banquet to Tenn. and Ky. Legislature.. 66 

Bell, Hon. John, biography of 391 

Bell, Hon. John, letter of acceptance.... 433 
Bill for annuity to the discoverer of 

California gold-mines 241 

providing lor damages in Texas 155 

in favor of direct imports in Ala.... 126 

in favor of newspapers 221 

passed by California Legislature.... 315 
for protection of female immigrants 16S 

oned 104 

-t Northern drummers 74 

Bosto'i city election 214 

Breckinridge, lion. J. C, sketch of 571 

Bribing an alderman in New York 555 

Brown. J. B., of Fairfax. Ya.. arrest of, 

br circulating Helper's work 502 

Calhoun, Benham, confirmed 412 

California Democratic convention.. 142, 157 

California U.S. Senator 36 

California Legislature 7,206,346 

Camden city election 1S4 

Caucus of Georgia National Democrats 501 

Cherokee council 155 

Chicago (Illinois) city election 167 



INDEX. 



655 



POLITICAL— page 

Chief Justice of New Jersey 190 

Cincinnati city election 203 

Clay, Cassias M 29, 256 

Collector of Boston removed 236 

Commissioner of Patents 64 

Congressional clerk elected SI 

Congress, close of 591 

Connecticut election 204 

Legislature 364 

Democratic Convention 1(J9 

finances 250 

Republican State Conven- 
tion 62, 330 

U.S. Senator elected 395 

Conspiracy revealed in Michigan 328 

Constitutional Union party, inaugura- 
tion of 215 

Constitutional Union Convention at 

Baltimore 390 

Delaware Republican Convention. ...361, 51o, 

Delinquent sheriffs in Virginia 24S 

Desperate state of Utah 365 

Democratic caucus 135 

caucus for U.S. Senator 109 

meetingin Charleston, South 

Carolina 128 

National Committee 596 

National Convention. ...323, 325, 

330, 334, 340, 343, 368, 544, 

549, 557, 565, 569 

Disunion commission 50 

Disunion resolutions 64, 82 

Divorce-laws of Indiana 357 

Dix, John A., Postmaster of New York 437 
Doorkeeper of House of Representatives 91 

Douglas caucus 300 

letter of acceptance 599 

meeting in Wilmington, Del.... 513 

Hon. Stephen A., sketch of 570 

Dubuque (Iowa) city election 253 

Ehuira (New York) city election 257 

Everett, Hon. Edward, "sketch of 392 

Ex-councilman of Lafayette sentenced.. 350 

Exemption bill in Maryland Ill 

Expelling a speaker (New Mexico) 352 

Expulsion from N.J. Legislature 36 

Florida Democratic Convention 501 

Florida Legislature 11 

Forney, John W., elected Clerk of House 81 

Fitzpatrick, 1!., withdrawal of 5S7 

Free-negro bill of Missouri 193 

Fugitive-slave law 34S 

Georgia National Dem. Convention 504 

Governor of Maryland denies the right 

of House to question him Ill 

Great Union meeting in Philadelphia... S5 
Hamlin, Hun. Hannibal, accepts the 

nomination 461 

Hamlin, Hon. Hannibal, sketch of 3S9 

Harney, Gen., nomination of 58 

Harrisburg (Pa.) city election 285 

Hartford (Conn.) city election......... 20, 272 

Homestead-bill vetoed 178, 395, 577 

Houston, Gen. Sam 317, 420, 1 16, 156 

Hyatt, Thaddeus, summons to appear;.. 54 

refuses to answer 79 

before the Senate, for 

contempt 174 

committal of 182 

release of 511 



POLITICAL— paoe 

Illinois Congressional nominations 597 

Democratic Convention 36, 527 

Republican Convention 383, 3S8 

Inauguration of Gov. of California... 27, 41 

Gov. of Illinois 195 

Gov. of N. Hampshire.. 511 

Gov. of N. Jersey 46 

Gov. of Louisiana 54 

Gov. of Ohio 2S 

Indiana Constitutional Union Convention 283 

Congressional nominations 461, 

439, 178, 528, 568 
Democratic Convention... 12, 36, 38 

Republican Convention 36, 125 

Independent candidate for Governor 

of Missouri 536 

Iowa Congressional nominations 588 

Republican Convention 443 

U.S. Senator 46 

Ithaca (N.Y.) city election 167 

John Brown meeting, Albany, N.Y 256 

Johnson, Herschel V., nomination of 588 

letter of accept- 
ance of 593 

Johnson, Hon. Herschel V., sketch of... 570 
Johnson, Hon. Andrew, declines a mm i- 

nation 547 

Judge Bates's letter in favor of Mr. 

Lincoln 550 

Kansas Legislature 6. 40, 52 

bill, passage of 124, 27S 

Democratic Convention 220 

Republican Convention 278 

Kentucky Legislature 154, 236 

Republican Convention.. 330, 335 
and Tennessee Legislature at 

Louisville 59 

Lancaster (Pa.) city election 92 

Lane, Hon. Joseph H., sketch of 571 

Last vote for Mr. Sherman 74 

Lee, Col., U.S.A., appointment of 174 

Letter of Governor Houston 107 

Letter from Czar of Russia 590 

Loan-bill passed by Congress 567 

Lincoln, Hon. Abraham, letter of accept- 
ance 426,438 

Lincoln, Hon. Abraham, sketch of 388 

Louisiana Democratic Convention. 168, 504, 
508, 510, 515 

Louisiana Legislature 48, 50 

Maine Democratic State Convention 601 

Legislature 155, 185 

Republican Convention 510 

Union State Convention 335 

Manumission of slaves in Maryland 480 

of slaves in Georgia 76 

Marrying out of the State 247 

Marriages, births, and deaths 259 

Marshal's officers, dismissal of 376 

Massachusetts Legislature.. 11, 155, 460 528 
Massachusetts Republican Convention.. 175 

Maryland Democratic Convention 205 

Legislature 11, 177, 236 

Republican Convention 330 

U.S. Senator elected 161 

Union Convention 310 

Mayor of Chicago 120 

of Lexington, Missouri 497 

of Petersburg, Virginia 384 

of Philadelphia 222. 386 

of Utica, N.Y 447 



656 



INDEX. 



POLITICAL— page 

Meigs, Dr., expelled from Alabama 76 

Message of Governor of Massachusetts... 42 

Virginia 23 

Wisconsin 37 

Michigan Congressional nomination 520, 597 

Democratic Convention 126, 

461, 600 

municipal elections 2c>4 

Republican Convention... 365, 510 

Milwaukee city election 257 

Minnesota Democratic Convention 39 

Minister to China, despatch from 447 

Mississippi Legislature 119, 248 

Dem. State Convention 461 

Missouri (Bates) Convention 142 

Congressional nomination 44C 

Democratic Convention.. 274, 2S3, 
433 

Democratic nomination 3S3 

free-negro bill 36 

Legislature 44, 138, 140, 226 

Mozart Hall, Democratic committee 614 

National Democrats in New York 383 

National Democratic- Hall Association... 44 

Nebraska abolishes slavery 8 

Constitution Convention, elec- 
tion 236 

Legislature 155 

vote on State organization 260 

State Constitution 73 

New Haven city election 501 

New Hampshire Legislature 504. 508, 565 

Republican Convention, 10, 
328 

U.S. Senator 526 

election 187 

New Jersey Democratic Convention 221 

State Union Convention.... 126 

Opposition State Convention 173 

Legislature, organization of 29, 

185 

New London (Conn.) city election 523 

New political party 460 

New Orleans city election 501 

New York alderman sued tor damages... 428 

Legislature, meeting of. 10 

National Democratic State 

Convention 92 

Republican Convention SOS 

Union Slate Convention 310 

Nicaragua treaty 194 

North Carolina Opposition Convention.. 128 

Norfolk city election 588 

Ohio Congressional nomination 594, 601 

Democratic Convention 13 

Legislature 7, 15 1 

Republican Convention 157, 528 

Senator .' 80 

Opposed to the slave-trade 62 

Oswego city election 10 

Pennsylvania Democratic Convention, 

143,159 
Legislature, adj'mt of.. ..8, 257 
People's State Convention 

126, 127 
State Treasurer elected.... 45 

Petition for removal of a judge 165 

Philadelphia City government, cost of... 27 
People's Party nomi- 
nations 222 

election 359 



POLITICAL— paob 

Tittsburg Councils and Supreme Court of 

Pennsylvania 160, 386, 456 

Pittsburg city election 10 

Poore, Ben Perley, appointment of 101 

Portland (Me.) City Council 590 

election 257 

Portland (Oregon) city election 252 

Presidential appointments confirmed.. .. 601 

President's letter to R. J. Walker 309 

Printer to U.S. House of Representatives 162 

Provisional government for Arizona 253 

Pryor and Potter quarrel 284, 287, 293 

Rate of interest in Wisconsin 351 

Ratification of the Cass-Herrau treaty.. 250 
Realf, John Brown's Secretary of State, 

52, 75, 78 

Recommending Botts for President 283 

Reduction of Congressional mileage 108 

Rejection of California Indian bill 453 

Republican National Convention 632 

Speaker, election of. 80 

Resigned a consulship 2 17 

Resolutions against the protection of 

slavery in the Territories 447 
censuring Hon. Henry W, 
Davis, in Maryland Le- 
gislature 96 

Return of disunionist 106 

Rhode Island Republican State Conven- 
tion 12 

Slate election 261 

Road-hills vetoed in California 278 

Sachems, election of. at Tammany Hall, 

N.Y 295 

Sanborn case 257, 265, 610 

Sanderson's despatch to Buchanan 389 

Schenectady (N.Y.) city election 257 

Scene in New York City Council 588 

Scene in tho Covode Committee-room... 413 
Seceding Democratic Convention. ...345, 518 
Secretary of .Navy prohibits blockade of 

Vera Cruz " ISO 

Seymour, Horatio, of New York 505 

Slave-trade, Mississippi refuses to open 81 
Smith, G-errit, sues members of Demo- 
cratic Committee of N.Y 238 

South Carolina Democratic Convention, 

307, 465 

Southern members of Congress 187 

Split in Kansas Legislature 28 

State tax of New York 352 

Stay-law in Minnesota 81 

St. Clair Flats Bill rejected by the Presi- 
dent 80 

St. Louis city election 253, 257 

Stockton (Cal.) city election 383 

Stockton, Rev. T. 11 L68 

Taking a prisoner to vote 150 

Ten millions for Lower California 24S 

Tennessee Democratic Convention 50 

Legislature 212 

rate of interest 7S 

Texas boundary 623 

Democratic Convention 254, 311 

Legislature 107 

The men in Congress 155 

Three hundred and eighty-eight thou- 
sand dollars granted Missouri 461 

Toledo (O.) city election 253 

Treaties ratified 594 

Trenton (N.J.) city election > 285 



INDEX. 



657 



POLITICAL— page 

Union meeting, Maysville, Ky 8 

Utica, N.Y., without a Mayor 420 

Valedictory of the Governor of Cal 28 

Verdict against the city of Boston 247 

Vermont Republican State Convention.. 257 
Veto of Nebraska bill to abolish slavery 28 

Vienna Embassy 155 

Virginia Opposition Convention 126, 128 

Democratic Convention 116, 119 

• Legislature on disunion 107 

Legislature 60, ] 54 

Republican party 291 

Republican State Convention.. 365 
Visit of Kentucky and Tennessee Le- 

gislatures to Ohio Legislature 62, 69 

Vermont Republican Convention 597 

Waterbury (Conn.) city election 523 

Whipped for speaking against slavery... 209 

Wisconsin Republican State Convention 142 

Democratic State Convention 126 

Withdrawal by Maryland Legislature of 

annuity to Colonization Society 109 



RAILROAD MATTERS— 

Accident on Cleveland, Columbus & 

Cincinnati Railroad 

on Memphis & Charleston 

Railroad 

on New Haven Railroad 

on Hudson River Railroad... 
on Ohio & Mississippi Rail- 
road 

on Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & 

Chicago Railroad 

Albany and Vermont R.R., sale of. 

Alleghany Railroad bond meeting 

Atchison & St. Joseph Railroad 

Attempt to destroy an express-train 

Bequest to a railroad 

Boston & Worcester Railroad, heavy 

verdict against 

Brodhead, John, elected president of 

Camden & Atlantic Railroad 

Buy saves a railroad-train 147, 

Cars burned on South Carolina Railroad 
Changing engines while at full speed.... 

Charleston & Savannah Railroad 

Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad 

Collision on Baltimore Central Railroad 
on Mobile A Ohio Railroad.... 
Council directed to subscribe to a rail- 
road 

Damage against the Old Colony Rail- 
road Company 

Damages against New York Central Rail- 
road Company 

Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad 

Economy in railroad-speed 

First locomotive west of Missouri River 

First rail laid in Kansas 

From St. Louis to Phila. without break. 
Gap finished on the railroad from Maine 

i"i leorgia 

Grant of land to a railroad in Iowa 

La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad 

Large live-stock train 

Last rail laid between Baltimore and 

Cincinnati 

Last rail on Mississippi Central Rail- 
road 

Maine Railroad — . 



52 



51 
62 

45 

21 
262 

199 

130 

567 

75 

315 

556 
359 

73 
427 
337 
550 
485 

37 

110 

238 

541 
357 
153 
326 
212 
311 

85 
215 
523 
565 

185 



153 



RAILROAD MATTERS— pa <je 

Maryland & Delaware Railroad.... „ 152 

Memphis & Ohio Railroad 629 

Meeting at Augusta, Ga., in favor of 

railroad 11 

New railroad in Alabama 36 

New Haven Railroad Company, damage 

against 577 

New York & Harlem Railroad 334 

Pacific Railroad Convention 167 

Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Rail- 
road , 48 

Public land to Minnesota for railroads.. 159 

Railroad-bridge burned 342 

Railroad from New York to Harrisburg, 

Pa 453 

Railroad from Savannah to Charleston 

315, 323 
convention at Harrisburg, Pa.. 440 
convention in Louisville, Kv.. 

199, 203 
depot at Jersey City burned... 457 
injunction in New Jersey dis- 
solved 386 

property destroyed by fire 160 

tux in Brownsville, Pa 627 

tax law in Wisconsin 237 

Raritan & Delaware Bay Railroad. ..74, 547 
Receiver of Ohio & Mississippi Railroad 311 

Sale of a railroad 523 

of the Marietta Railroad 131 

of the right to lay a railroad 75 

of portion of Terre Haute & St. 

Louis Railroad 277 

Staten Island Railroad 4S6 

Suit against New York railroad-com- 
pany 287 

Tennessee & Alabama Railroad 477 

Train from Boston thrown off track 73 

Unparalleled wickedness 416 

Verdict of half a million against railroad- 
company 238 

Virginia appropriation for railroad 154 

Yazoo Valley Railroad 255 

York &, Cumberland Railroad 565 

ROBBERY— 

Adams' Express, of. 296, 312 

Attack by highwaymen in California.... 45 

Band of 'thieves 529 

Boy arrested for robbing the mail Ill 

Carpenter, Wm. B., P.M., arrest of. 400 

Collector's office robbed 297 

Daring robbery at Eau Claire, Wis 79 

Dennison, Oliver, sentence of. 146 

Encounter with a robber inNcwark,N.J. 530 

Extensive pocket-picking 247 

Fearful leap 131 

Furniss, Gardner 531 

Georgia bank-robbery 273 

Hollingsworth, John, arrest of. 624 

Highway-robbery in New York 299 

Highway-robbery 448 

Judge tried for robbing 623 

Maroney, Nathan, sentence of. 56S 

More, Dr., of Lorain, Ohio, conviction of 155 

Palmer, Daniel H., conviction of 206 

Policeman (ex) of Boston, trial of. 550 

Prentiss, Harvey M. B., conviction of... 155 

Recovery of stolen goods 524 

Robberies by policemen 419 

Robber captured iu Cambridge 594 



42 



658 



INDEX. 



ROBBERY— page 

Robbery at Petersburg, Va 420 

of United States mail ISO 

of eight thousand dollars' worth 

of jewelry 451 

in Milford, N.J 298 

of a young married couple 474 

of Bank of Tennessee 81 

in Brooklyn 312 

Robbing the mail, Warsaw, Mo 43 

Sheriff of Jefferson co., Miss., robbed... 520 

Shread, Jas., charged with 497 

Slave arrested for stealing ten thousand 

dollars 377 

Stealing his wife's jewelry 4S6 

Thirty thousand dollars' worth of dia- 
monds stolen 151 

Three thousand dollars stolen 624 

Wealthy man sentenced for stealing in 

Virginia 624 

Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express robbed.... 622 

Williams, James .M.. conviction of 206 

Woman robbed in Cincinnati 249 

Wrongly accused 614 

SEDUCTIONS— 

A father attempts to force his daughter 

to prostitution 533 

Death of a young uiirl from attempted 

abortion, in Cincinnati 136 

Love and guilt, Bad case 474 

Negro seduces a girl in New Orleans.... 578 

Seduction and death 365 

arraigned for 273 

Seduction and death of Misses Betsey, 

Frances, and Mary Tirrell 366, 410, 

431, 419, ISO, 504 

Seduction by a Chicago merchant 269 

and betrayal, in Cairo, 111 I7M 

of a daughter-in-law 246 

Seduced and deserted 522 

Seduction, J. I!. Howard, of Toledo, ar- 
rested for 357 

Jaubert, Dr., shot for, in New 

Orleans 157 

killing for, of a wile 443 

Seduction, in Iowa 621 

Michels, Qerman,convicted of 616 

Seduction case in New York 501 

in Roxbury, Mass 474 

Seduction under promise of marriage.... 27 1 
Seduction, Reed, E. W., convicted of. 

in Boston 190, 205 

Seduction. Simms, Thomas, of Ala., 

killed for , 273 

Seducer shot in New Orleans 19, 508 

woman shoots her 61 

Sentenced for seducing his daughter..... 173 
Terrible results of adultery in Houston, 

Texas 503 

Young girl seduced and abandoned 4S0 

SHIP MATTERS— 

American mate sentenced for life 374 

ships, capture of, by Neapoli- 
tans „ 527 

Attack of steamer on the Rio Grande... 84 
British captain arrested for kidnapping 260 

Bunker Hill regatta 548 

Canal-navigation in New York 335, 365 

Capture of two Mexican steamers by 
the Saratoga ., 169 



SHIP MATTERS— PAGB 

Clipper Dawn, shortest passago on 

record 523 

Dreadnaught, quick run of. 386 

Confiscation of American ships by 

Mexico 409 

Direct trade between Mobile and Eu- 
rope 323 

E. A. Johnson, murder on sloop.... 201, 206, 
286, 370, 425, 479, 506 
English crew rescued by American 

vessel 510 

Fastest passage from England to Aus- 
tralia 58 

First arrival of boats at St. Paul's 220 

First arrival of vessels from Japan 154 

Great Eastern, arrival of 601 

accident on 607 

Hires, Gordon, indicted for murder on 

bark Anna 196, 230, 370, 42S, 509 

Japanese corvette 381 

steamer 191 

Largest canal-boat in the United States ;;2~i 

Lake-navigation 275, 2-:.. 305, 33 ■. 

Long passage of ship Southern Rights., 

Mutiny on ship Win. F. Storcr 437, 111, 

512, 522 

bark Helicon 531 

Navy-pursers changed to paymasters.... 567 

Naval Surgeons, Board of. 158 

Old Ironsides 625 

Passed midshipmen (1857) 592 

Quick passage of Nettie Merrill 315 

Rapid passage of bark Jehu 276 

Red River, navigation of. Hi 

Regatta of Xew Jersey Yacht Club 527 

New York Yacht Club 511 

Rights of passengers 626 

Sailing of Colonization ship for Liberia 318 

Salvage awarded 625 

Steamship City of Norfolk seized 458 

E imeis Miramon and De la Habana... 590 
Ship Musconomo fired into by steamer.. 174 

Sea-Nymph, long passage of. 68 

Sloop-of-war Richmond, launch of. 64 

Dacotah 362 

Steamboats Moses Taylor and Illinois... 140 

Slaver abandoned.. 188, 393 

arrival of a 6, 222 

acquittal of a 362 

American 275 

bark Bogota, capture of 439 

capture of a 92, 103, 3S2, 390 

Charlotte E. Tay, seized as a 32S 

delivered up 209 

escape ofa 365 

brig Falmouth, crew of. 591 

rescue of Farnum, charged with 
being engaged in slave-trade.. 358, 
390, 446, 465 

horrible wreck of 103 

Jehosseo seized as a 38, 298, 523 

Isla dc Cuba, condemned 221 

Josephine, seized as a 452 

off Texas 527 

Orion 234, 252, 265 

Storm-King 386 

suspected 556 

Wanderer 541 

Wildfire 333, 345, 413, 452, 591 

Thomas Arhorn 609 

unknown, horrible affair 103 



INDEX. 



659 



SHIP MATTERS— page 

The fisheries 442 

United States sloops Wyoming and Lan- 
caster 48 

sloop Pawnee ... 52:5, 545, 576 

steamer Saginaw 54 

Dacotah 465 

Waterspout in Pensacola Harbor 523 

"Western navigation 285 

SHIPWRECKS AND CASUALTIES AT 
SEA— 

Affray of American sailors in Cuba 221 

Bark Augusta Mayhew, loss of 67 

American, loss of 501 

whaling-, loss of 361 

Belle, wreck of..... 294 

Belle, of Boston, loss of 298 

Dirigo, loss of 127 

Excelsior, of New Haven, loss of.. 140 

Friendship 293 

Glimpse, of San Francisco 187 

Gerinantown... 105 

Gleaner burned 58 

Helper, loss of 130 

John Hem-}', from Havana, loss of 318 
Kepler, from Appalaehicola, loss of 123 

E. A. Kinsman, loss of 591 

Martha, loss of. 179 

Morning Star in distress 586 

Sea-Nymph, loss of. 118 

sunk 211 

Susan, loss of 194 

Trimountain, narrow escape of..;.. 220 

Wessacumeon, ashore 45 

White Cloud, loss of 498 

Z. I)., loss of, by (ire 12 

Boat's crew drowned by a whale 625 

Brig Ann Merrill burned 52 

Ann Tyler, loss of. 121 

Caroni, loss of 194 

Elzira, missing 154 

Exall, loss of. 342 

River Belle, loss of 178 

South, Loss of 531 

Victoria, loss of 140 

Cade, Christopher, washed overboard in 

a -ale 94 

Captain of Fanny Crosby lost at sea 342 

Clark, Thomas W., a sailor, death from 

a fall at sea 614 

Colored sailor lost at sea 343 

Cross, George W., killed at sea 339 

Cruelly to seamen 297 

Davis, William, lost at sea 345 

Davidson, Cornelius, lost at sea 342 

Dead sailors 350 

Davis, David, lost at sea 345 

Disappearing at sea 295 

Ellis, George, tried for murder at sea.... 521 
Examination of officers of bark Anna.. 230, 

428 

Gedner, D., lost at sea 434 

Hall, Enoch, of bark Morning Star, 

killed at sea 5S6 

H. M. Jenkins, loss of the 362 

Marine disasters in February 154 

foi March 248 

in April 348 

for May 471 

for June 624 

Murder at sea 233 



SHIPWRECKS AND CASUALTIES AT 

SEA — page 

Mallet, Capt., shoots his first officer 94 

Moodie, John W., sentenced for life 374 

Murder on sloop Spray 209 

Mutiny of coolies on board ship Kitty 

Simpson 166 

of coolies 208 

on ship Ironsides 273 

on bark Virginia 129 

and murder on ship Staghound. 267 
and murder on whaler Don Juan 2.">2 

Murder on the brig Anna 196, 230, 370, 

' 428, 509 

on ship Cottle 94 

on ship Lowell 518 

Outrage on American vessel 38 

Packet, ferry-boat, and barge burned.... 460 

Pauline, schooner, capsized 60S 

Propeller Kenosha, explosion of 596 

Prairie State, loss of. 386 

Spaulding burned 556 

Sophia, of Phila., loss of 185 

Remains of lost vessels 418, 441 

Russel, Samuel, drowned at sea 6 

Rescue of a crew by American ship 54 

Sailors lost from ship Star 361 

lost at sea 471 

drowned in New York 552 

killed by whales.. 187, 283, 412, 471, 
625 
Smith, Capt., of Delaware, and two men, 

lost at sea 3S6 

Smith, George J., lost at sea 127 

Stephen, William, lost at sea 342 

Schooner Adelie, of Augusta, abandoned 415 

Adeliza, loss of 362 

Alva, loss of 273 

A. L. Packer, loss of 304 

Caroline Casley, loss of 276 

E. Flower, loss of 416 

D. G. Bowers, loss of 428 

E. H. Miller, missing 625 

Ellen E. Terry, loss of 35 

Eliza Mathews, Bradley, loss 

of 333 

found at sea 130 

Frank Hall, loss of 47S 

Grandilla, of Boston, loss 

of 203 

Hannah Salina, loss of 513 

H. M. Jenkins/loss of 347 

Julia Rogers, loss of 415 

Laura Gertrude abandoned.... 556 

Mary Francis, loss of 545 

Franklin Treat, loss of 130 

Hill Carter, loss of 2S5 

Jane, loss of 273 

Magnolia cut through by ice.... 11 

Maud, loss of 452 

N. Smith, loss of 110 

Pioneer, capsizing of 531 

Pleasant, loss of 399 

President, loss of 548, 608 

R. L. Fay, loss of 285 

Rob Roy, capsizing of 556 

Rosenleath, loss of 365 

Roxburv struck by lightning.. 460 

Sarah, loss of 314 

St. Mary, loss of 513 

Sea-Gull struck by lightning.. 556 
Token, loss of 536 



eco 



INDEX. 



SHIPWRECKS AND CASUALTIES AT 

SEA— page 

Schooner Traveller sunk 48 

unknown, loss of 427 

Virginia Laverty, loss of 501 

Wave, loss of 324 

W. IL Hemill, loss of. 601 

Ship abandoned at sea 180 

Albus, loss of o-H 

Ashland, loss of 81 

Charlotte, burning of -11 

Cicero, loss of 347 

De Witt .Clinton, loss of. 17:'. 

Endymion, by tire 7.". 

Easter May, loss of 159 

F. II. Fanning, loss of 02 

Fleetwing, supposed loss of 270 

on fire at sea 166 

Frederick Gebhard, Loss of 545 

Heidelburg and Silas Holmes, 

loss of 53 

Intrepid, plunder of 233, 624 

(cotton) Independence, burned at 

sea 234 

Jane Henderson, loss of 576 

Jane Welsh, loss of L28 

John .J. Boyd burned 68 

Lima, loss of I 2 

Merilla burned 36 

Neptune, loss of 3 18 

Philomene abandoned 305 

Phoenix burned 140 

R. M. .Mill- found at sea 451, 157 

1; ibert Kelley, 'lie missing 348 

I sr St< h art, loss of 3 16 

Sarah, burning of 103 

Sebastopol, loss of 12:; 

Sea-Kan: 127 

Squantum, Loss of 575 

Switzerland burned :;7"i 

Si. Patrick, missing 305 

Union, loss of 81 

Warnick struck by lightning 157 

Wabano burned 1^1 

J. A. Westervelt burned 277 

Steamer A. D. Tyler sunk 64 

:.... 212 

A. T. Lacy, loss of 332 

Arctic, loss of -[,",7 

Arkansas Traveller, loss of 203 

Eastern Queen burned 194 

Tennessee Belle burned .".:;s 

Pen Loder, explosion of 426 

Ben Lewis, loss of 578 

Belle. Loss of 178 

Commerce, loss of 185 

Calhoun, burning of 158 

Cam Howell burned 51 

Coose Belle, loss of 324 

Cherokee, burning of 158 

Challenge, loss of 14.0 

Defender, loss of 292 

Dewdrop, loss of 510 

E. A. Ogden, loss of 127 

Samuel Gatz, loss of 274 

Hickman burned 165 

Portsmouth, loss of 121 

B. T. Lass, loss of 393 

Orb, loss of -US 

John C. Calhoun, loss of 329 

Kate May burned 232 

Hungarian, loss of. 122 



SHIPWRECKS AND CASUALTIES AT 

SEA PAGE 

Steamer Northerner, loss of 13 

Portsmouth, loss of 136 

Silver Star burned 399 

Judge Porter burned 179 

S. M. Manning, explosion of... 178 
Kate McLaurin, explosion of... 458 

Peerless burned 451 

Red Wing snagged 442 

Scioto burned 486 

Wave, loss of 528 

Walker, (U.S.,) loss of 558 

Umpire, loss of 516 

Tensin, Martin, a sailor, drowned at sea 544 

Tooker, Ebenezer, lost at sea 471 

Tragedy on steamer B. L. Hodge 418 

Vessel abandoned 49S 

lost in the Georgia fishery 472 

unknown, sunk. 121. 199,345,561,592 

Waterspout, vessel struck by a 315 

Waterspout, schooner Caroline Grant 

struck by 410 

William F.' Storer mutiny-ease 437,441, 512, 

522 
Wreck on Muskeget Rocks 121 

SUICIDES— 

Suicide, attempted, in church 145 

of a forger 4 (3 

of a Polish \\ oman.. ' 

of a wife 617 

Alams, Miss Catharine, of 468 

adventurer, of an 455 

Alberton, Rev. Mr.,attempted,of 20 

Allen, Charles H., of 363 

Anderson, P. M., of 335 

Another unfortunate gone 509 

Arensfield, August, of 405 

Aschemain, Joseph, of. 363 

Barlow, Win., attempted, of'..... 145 
because her husband chewed 

tobacco 542 

Bomberger, .lohn Wm., of. sol- 
dier of 1812 2J3 

Broughton, Miss Deborah Hall, 

of 52 

Bushnell, Mr., of. 1^0 

boy, of a o. . 1 15, 136 

Brewster, Joseph, attempted, of 265 

Browne, John \\\, of. :... 359 

convict, of a supposed 378 

Campbell, Robert, of. 317 

Clements, Frank, of. 240 

C le, Susan A., of Ill 

Cusin, Etienne, of. 5S4 

Davenport, Mrs. David, of 159 

Davis. Mis. Sarah Rebecca, of 424 

Davis, James, of. 533 

Dick, Valentine, of. 444 

Didier. S., of 466 

Doolan, Helen, of 466 

Dougherty, Mary, of. 77 

Dougherty, Sen., James, of U.S. 

ship Roanoke, of. 190 

Dryden, James, of Frankfort, 

Ky., of, from grief. 407 

Eldridge, Ensign, starved him- 
self to death 468 

Emmet, James J., of. 384 

Engelberry, Mrs. Augusta, of... 362 

Fahn, Rudolph B., of 327 



INDEX. 



661 



SUICIDES— page 

Suicide, fallen girl, of a 468 

Farnell, B. F., of. 444 

for love 21 

Foster, John, of. 335 

French, Henry 466 

from inability to attend the 

Yolksfest 468 

from want of employment 336 

Frye, Ruth F., of, from slander 617 

female, of a 26 

Gaskill, Alphonse, of. 336 

Gamble, Mrs. Jane, of 271 

Gamber, Kesiah, of 617 

Garrison, Randolph, of. 468 

Gilbert, Dean, of 518 

Gilvain, John, of 539 

Girbardt, Clara, of. 459 

Goodwin, James, of 545 

Goodman, John, attempted 375 

Grimsley, Joseph, singular, of.. 353 

Haley, Mrs. Margaret, of. 20 

Hall, Lucius H., of. 453 

Hamilton, Alexander, of. 244 

Harrington, Ann Rebecca, of... 7 

Hatty, Mr. John, of. 240 

Hewlett, Christopher, of 49 

Hoboken, X.J., in 327 

Hopkins, Griffith, of. 532 

Hudson, .Mary Jane 244 

Hudson River Railroad, on 528 

Hughes, John, of Virginia, from 

grief. 603 

Iowa, in 145 

Insane man, of an 246, 617 

Kellog, Henry S., of 598 

Kelley, Sabine, attempted, of... 256 

Kenney, Hiram, of. 226 

Kurt/, Catharine, of. 595 

Latson, Mary Ann, of 262 

Leggett. Samuel W, of. 190 

Lucas, Thomas, of. 115 

Lute, Franois, of. 486 

Mackie, Benjamin B., of 61 

Matthews, Arthur, of. 539 

McDonald, Robert C, murderer 

of Virginia Stewart, of 40S 

McGinnis, Mary Ann, at- 
tempted, of. 286 

McGovern, Michael, of. 410 

McGuffie, James, of 546 

McGuire, Catharine, of 195 

McKenna, Peter, of 394 

MetzLer, Win, of. 397 

Moore, Bryant, of. 552 

mother, of a 617 

Murray, Edward, of l'hila., of 444 

mysterious, of a printer 40 

negro woman, attempted, of..... 221 

Ohio, in 209 

pauper, of a 561 

Payton, Dr. T. L., of. 50 

Peyser, Mrs. Hannah, of. 382 

Phoebe Williams, of 145 

Philadelphia, in 225 

probable 286 

Proskanier, John, attempted, of 145 

Ratigan, Margaret, of 268 

Bice, Sarah, of, from trouble ... 568 
Rierback, Nicholas, probable, of 325 

Roake, Patrick, of. 230 

Bobbins, C. L., of. 553 



SUICIDES— page 

Suicide, Roberts, Charles, of 545 

Rogers, Lewis C, of. 295 

Rother, Joseph, of. 469 

Schensky, Andrew, of 545 

Scott, Calvin, of. 463 

Scott, George W., of Toledo, of 353 

Searles, Capt. D., of 200 

Shaw, Joseph W., of. 25 

singular, at New York 598 

at Prescott, Mass 518 

Speilman, Frederika, of. 614 

Stansburg, Mr. Dan, of. 113 

Steege, John, of. 227 

Stehn, Mrs. Lilieu, of 129 

Sterling. Wm. S., of. 319 

Stone, Charles, of 311 

Straub, Franklin, of. 596 

Straussle, Conrad, of 596 

supposed, at New York 295 

Terrell, Mr, of Boston, at- 
tempted 2 S 3 

Tinker, Peter, of 173, 175 

Turnbull, Daniel, of. 620 

Urban, John, of. 595 

unknown man, of an, at Hobo- 

ken, X.J 568 

in NewYork 506 

at Phila 518, 542 

Vanduzer, Miss Delia, of. 310 

Vanderlooy, J. P, of. 532 

Van Houton, Orines, of. 532 

Vincent, , of Haynesville, 

Alabama, of 468 

Wagner, Albert, of, from po- 
verty 617 

Walsh, Matthew, of 542 

Waterman, Charles M, ex- 
Mayor of New Orleans, 

of 572 

Wheeler, Thomas, of. 314 

White, Wm, of 404 

Wiley, Mr. Edmund D, of 145 

wife, attempted, of a 413 

woman eighty-two years old, 

of a 541 

Work, Miss Martha, of. 459 

Young, Charles, attempted, of 200, 
336 

Young, G. W, of. 13 

young man, in Dalton co,Ind... 244 

Zanzerle, Dr. Joseph, of 407 

TORNADOES, HURRICANES, and STORMS. 

Bridge over Rock River blown down.... 427 

Brooklyn Academy of Music unroofed... 606 

Dreadful gale in Philadelphia 96, 102 

ice-storm in Kansas 315 

Gale in Wilmington, N.C 502 

Great storm in Ohio 124 

Hail-storm in Isle of Wight co, Va 405 

Hail-storm in Virginia 418 

Heavy blow at New Orleans 124 

gust at Washington, D.C 44S 

Hurricane, terrific 273 

in Alabama 130 

in Mississippi 232 

at New Orleans, — loss of life 126 
over New York, New Jersey, 

and Pennsylvania 99 

in Indiana 297 

Storm, severe, in the Atlantic 361 



662 



INDEX. 



TORNADOES, HURRICANES, and STORMS. 

PAGE 

Storm, severe snow 291 

in Alton, Illinois 4S6 

in Boston 605 

in Indiana 502 

Storm, in Kentucky and Ohio 498 

in Putnam co., Iowa 592 

terrific, on Hudson River 606 

Terrific gale in Ohio 131 



TORNADOES, HURRICANES, and STORMS. 

PAG 12 

Tornado through Pennsylvania 3S1, 462 

at Albany, N.Y 542 

in Ohio 270 

in Clark co., Ohio 616 

in Illinois 295, 480 

in Kansas 512 

in Tennessee 542 

iu Western States 42S 



THE END. 



W 03 



ERRATUM. 

The Secession of the Democratic Delegates at Baltimore, should be 
under date of the 1st of May, instead of the 30th of April. 












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